2008 Dodge Caliber Rear Suspension Diagram

Dodge Caliber owners have reported 75 problems related to front suspension control arm (under the suspension category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Dodge Caliber based on all problems reported for the Caliber.

1 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 04/01/2021

2008 Dodge Caliber sub frame/k-frame front end crossmember completely rusted thru causing the driver side lower control arm to rip free from frame (seperating part of frame, with lower control arm) from rest of frame. This left driver with no control of affected wheel which turning it 90 degrees out from normal operating position. Left operator with no ability to steer while driving on main primary (35 mph speed limit) two lane road. Car slid to halt in middle of road. Car needed to be towed. Dodge/Chrysler apparently knew of this problem and never notified owner. Please see attached notice. Front and rear crossmember corrosion (x69 warranty extension) - 2008-2012 Dodge Caliber & Jeep compass/patriot oemdtc July 17, 2017 15 comments NHTSA id number: 10140027 manufacturer communication number: 23-007-17 rev. B summary front and rear crossmember corrosion (x69 warranty extension) the driver of this car could have been killed or seriously hurt. It is unfathomable that Dodge Chrysler was allowed to get away with not notifying potential crash victims.

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2 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 06/26/2020

Recently purchased a 2008 Dodge Caliber(ohio). On initial drive returning with vehicle I noticed a vibration coming through steering wheel. Upon inspection, was informed the tie rod ends and control arms both could use replacement, but could have been caused by the more important bad front and rear crossmembers as well as front and rear crash bars, both have severe rust development with metal deterioration which could impose a safety concern down the road. Was advise to look into replacement. Reached out to one of the local dealerships and was informed it was a bulletin, had an extended warranty, but am outside of 10 year period. Rust from crossmember is now in process of transferring to actual frame and coming through as holes in rockers now as well. Dealership offering no help after stating the enhanced safety concern. Hard to believe an 08 can deteriorate so fast. You would think with the complaints and t. S. B. As well as safety concerns, seeing still original parts that have been warrantied to replace but have not on this VIN, gets no help at all.

3 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2010 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 06/11/2019

The front lower left ball joints, control arm. I have not even had the vehicle for a whole year. I did not a warning sign. I went to get new tires and a front alignment, but I was unable to due to, the ball joints and control arm.

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4 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 05/01/2019

This car has had nothing but problems had to replace all 4 control arms, ball joints bushings springs tie rods have spent more then $2000 between parts and labor and wore out tires do to control arms and other parts never a Dodge again got fixed back had be refixed 2 weeks later after control arm rebroke.

5 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 10/01/2018

Tl- the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds a dragging noise was present coming from the under the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer wilmington auto (1780 rombach Ave, wilmington OH. ) who diagnosed that the front driver side control arm had broken due to severe rusting and corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000. Jft.

6 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2010 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 08/12/2018

My subframe rusted out affecting my steering. I had to pull off the interstate since I almost lost all control. Since my car came from a salt state the subframe is being replaced due to a warranty extension from Dodge, however the control arms need to be replaced as well. They have prematurely worn out due to thr incorrect support of the subframe. Dodge refuses to fix this as well.

7 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2011 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 08/02/2018

My daughter was driving our 2011 Caliber back from college on st rt 14. As she went to turn right onto our road,the tire on driver side buckled under. It was later determined that the front crossmember broke. The reason for this was the metal had rusted completely away from defective metal. We were never issued a notice of this potential dangerous defect. No recall was issued only an extension of the cars warranty, which again we were never notified. The damage was extensive,tires were destroyed,front crossmember was replaced, front axleand replaced,lower left control arm replaced,flange head and shaft-axle half replaced. Because this was a warranty issue and not a recall,we had to pay for most of the damage out of pocket. Which had we known about problem we would have had repaired. Upon this happening we have notified everyone we know that own this vehicle. Of the ones that have had there cars inspected all are experiencing the same metal rusting in different stages. This is a recall issue and needs to be addressed. Had my daughter been going the speed limit [70 mph] and this happened my daughter would have been seriously injured or even killed! I am now putting Dodge and you on notice of this defect, so that if just one person gets killed because of this,they have legal recourse.

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8 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 05/26/2018

I was changing the oil of my wife 2007 Dodge Caliber when I looked over and saw that the lower control arm was completely almost completely cracked through the middle portion of it. A day prior my wife mentioned that the car was driving a little weird. This could have been extremely dangerous for my wife and other motorist if it failed on the public roads.

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9 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2009 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 04/01/2018

The car is difficult to keep on the road while driving at any speed. A loss of control and loud noise felt and heard while driving over small bumps or while turning . After doing my own under vehicle inspection I noticed that the subframe where the lower control arm mounts was completely rusted through. This was my friends son's car and I recommend to him not to drive it because it was very unsafe and that he could loose complete control of the car.

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10 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2010 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 03/17/2018

Frame where lower control arm bolts on rusted through and cracked. Wheel on front driver side suddenly lost alignment while driving straight down a road in lansing. I'm lucky it didn't come completely off as I was driving at 45 mph directly after driving at slower speeds with many turns in east lansing.

11 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 11/04/2017

Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, the front driver side wheel fell off the vehicle and the vehicle crashed into a light pole. The air bags did deploy. Their was no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was told to the dealer: canandaigua Chrysler Dodge Jeep 2591 rochester rd, canandaigua, NY 14424 who diagnosis the vehicle as a failed control arm. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle can not be repaired do to the accident and the contact would be responsible for cost of repair. The failure mileage was 130,000. Hk.

12 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 11/04/2017

Control arm broke and axle snapped. The car was inspected in September. Alignment. New tires. I was unable to steer or stop. Seems the frame cannot support the weight of the car. The manufacturer is aware of this problem. This happened very unexpectedly. I had been on highway all day. Broke at home depot parking lot less than 1 hr. After exiting expressway.

13 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 11/04/2017

Control arm broke wheel disconnected car moving in parking lot unable to steer. Car hit pole 15 mph. Control arm broke from crossmember. Fca aware of rust fca recommended diagnostic from dealership. Service manager said technical issue. Would not repair unsafe vehicle because of accident. Fca cannot offer any help. Car has had suspension problem from the beginning. $2000. In repairs 2 prior months. Rear can no longer be aligned due to rust. Rear crossmember not replaced 2 month tire ware. No toe adjustment. Steel belts show inner rear tires. Blow out unexpectedly. Totally unsafe. Well maintained.

14 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 08/22/2017

I was driving my vehicle on our county road, and lost control because the car quickly and sharply veered off to the right towards the ditch. The cause is the sub frame assembly was badly corroded and the control arm assembly broke free from of the frame. We had the vehicle inspected on a recall two years ago to be checked for a corroded crossmember. We were not informed of any problem down then with the sub frame. It was very frightening, and had I been going faster I don't know if I'd be here today. It's in the repair shop now. This occurred today, August 22, 2017.

15 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 12/13/2016

I had a dangerous situation. I first noticed a vibration in the wheel at 55 mph. I then started hearing clunking sounds while steering or going over bumps. I took it in thinking that it's a ball joint, because I had the lower control arms replaced at around 75,000 mile, while they were still under warranty. . The motor cradle was completely rusted out. I had to have that replaced plus 2 lower control arms. It cost me 1458. There's already been a recall of the 2007 model. Mine was manufactured in August of 2007, and the cutoff date was July 2007. I have photos and invoices attached.

16 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 10/11/2016

Turn signals start to fail, even with the faulty bulb replaced newly replaced bulb does not work. Brought the car to the dealership and diagnosed the tipm (totally integrated power module) is faulty. Checked the internet and forums for similar issues other owners have worse issues such as headlights randomly going out, stalling at highway speeds, windshield wipers failing. . . That they are encountering due to a faulty tipm which can be a safety issue. The clockspring failure causes the airbag warning light to come on which signifies that the airbag will not work when it needs to. The cruise control system intermittently works which is also affected by the clock spring. Both lower control arms bushings (left and right) have been replaced twice due to wear. Seems excessive wear between 58k and 80k miles with mostly highway driving on smooth roads.

17 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 06/26/2016

Crossmember detached from vehicle while driving causing loss of steering due to front drivers wheel and axle becoming detached. Took out control arm,cv joints , transmission cooling lines. It left skid marks in pavement where the tire dug in. Actually ripped the tread on new tire. Come to find out this is an extended warranty through Dodge. However if your not the original owner of the vehicle you may not be notified because it is not a recall.

18 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 06/21/2016

My 2008 Dodge Caliber is garage kept and has 92,000 miles. It is well maintained and taken care of. I took it for an oil change and the service man told me that the subframe is rotted through and it is dangerous to drive. I was totally surprised and took it to tyson Dodge in shorewood illinois. They informed me that this is not covered. They told me to call Chrysler. I called them and they said that even though it's unusual for that part to rust quickly, there was a recall on that part for the 2007 Caliber and not 2008. They could not help me. Tyson Dodge also said I need a right control arm. Total to fix it-$1700. Unbelievable! saw many complaints on line!.

19 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 03/29/2016

2007 Caliber. 30,068 miles on car and lower control arms are bad and need to be replaced. Noise in front end. Mechanic said borderline failure.

20 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2009 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 03/29/2016

Upon inspection of my Dodge Caliber suspension and front undercarriage it was determined that the engine cradle had sever corrosion. The corrosion has created a safety concern regarding the stability of the engine and lower control arms. The car has 58,500 miles. The dealer and fiat Chrysler refuse to fix the issue because they stated it's out of warranty. Fiat Chrysler has issued a technical bulletin 23-012-14 for front and rear crossmember corrosion (x58 10 years unlimited) for m. Y 2007 Dodge Calibers for the same defect. My 2009 Caliber uses the same part number, same part that is being replaced in earlier vehicles for the same problem. The premature corrosion presents a safety concern for the vehicle occupants. The vehicle is becoming unstable while turning corners.

21 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 02/05/2016

Rotten subframe - my control arm separated from the frame and my tire/wheel went sideways causing me to screech to a stop, luckily I was coming to a stop anyway but it easily could have happened at a high speed and killed myself and others.

22 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 01/01/2016

Bought vehicle used at 95000 miles. 2 years later at about 120000miles both control arms were replaced. New tires installed and alignment performed. Less than two years after replacement, at about 145000miles, control arms and ball joints are bad once again and need to be replaced. Tires as well do not last more than a year and a half on this vehicle.

23 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2009 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 10/23/2015

Took my 2009 Dodge Caliber in for annual state inspection, failed because of a cracked k member (sub frame) on the left side and loose left tie rod. Shop does not do repairs. Took to another repair shop in vermont for a second look. He found that the k member corroded with holes near the mounting bolt on the k member and corrosion on the lower control arms. He ordered parts to replace the k member and lower control arms. He also replaced the outer tie rod which I had purchased after the failed inspection. Steering quicker to left than to the right before taking the car in for the failed inspection.

24 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 10/05/2015

Sub frame was so rusted it affected the steering, motor mount collapsed into the sub frame, lower control arm was almost separated from the frame. I was traveling at about 65 mph on the n. Y. Thruway when I started having problems with the steering . When I arrived home I investigated and found the car was so unsafe I couldn't drive it again until sub frame was replaced. I saved the frame that was removed from the vehicle if needed.

25 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2009 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 09/02/2015

After suspecting some front end suspension issues I took my 2009 Dodge Caliber to my regular mechanic. Upon inspection he reported that, along with control arms needing to be replaced, the subframe was unusually rusted and corroded to a point that was unsafe to drive. I investigated the matter and found that Chrysler issued an extension on the factory warranty to cover the same issue on the 2007 Calibers but when I contacted Chrysler customer service they informed my that there has been no recall or warranty extension for the 2009 Caliber. The car is at the garage and will be getting fixed tomorrow. I have taken pictures and will pursue the issue further.

26 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 09/01/2015

The cross member on the underside is badly corroded and should be replaced but is a little expensive. I have had to already replace both control arms, both ball joints and one had already been replaced by after market ball joint. The struts have had to be replaced as well. A car with these miles should not need all this front end work. I have seen this to be not just my situation. My cruise control worked when we bought this vehicle with 85,000 now does not work.

27 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 08/17/2015

The engine cradle was completely corroded and had to be replaced, along with the attached lower control arms w/ ball joints. This cost $1,800. There was a recall on the 2007 model. Mechanic said that it was so corroded that it was a miracle that it hadn't broken. The car had about 57,625 miles on it at the time.

28 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 06/30/2015

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. While driving at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle inadvertently turned the steering wheel to the left and right. The contact also stated that the failure occurred while braking. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the case frame of the engine and the control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

29 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2009 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 06/23/2015

While braking on the exit ramp from the highway I felt a pop under the front of the car. The drivers side lower control arm broke away from the cross member due to a failure of the cross member from excessive rust and corrosion.

30 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 05/01/2015

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle swerved and made a clicking sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front ball joint and the lower control arm failed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where an alignment was performed but failed to correct the failure. The contact also stated that the brake system failed. The brake emitted a metal grinding noise when the brake pedal was engaged. The dealer inspected the brake system and found corrosion on the brake lines the corrosion was removed from the brake lines however, the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,833.

31 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2008 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 04/25/2015

I have a 2008 Dodge Caliber. I wash and maintain it on a regular basis. This car has a terrible suspension since it was new, I have had to replace both front control arms because of the rear bushings and loose ball joints, one at 32,000 miles. Both rear upper control arms and rear links. It is an alignment nightmare. I took it to the local garage for an alignment after I changed some parts this morning and the back of the subframe is rotted out. The car isn't 6 years old and the body still looks great. I called Dodge and they said they have never heard of this problem and wouldn't commit to a bulletin #23-012-14 , that covered 2007.

32 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2009 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 02/02/2015

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caliber. A year ago, the lower control arms failed and were replaced by the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a week ago and a mechanic diagnosed that the front cross member was prematurely rusted extensively and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure more than three times, but provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

33 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2010 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 12/20/2014

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the rear adjustable control arms of the vehicle were welded to the vehicle and failed to adjust. As a result, the inside of the rear tires became worn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tires needed to be replaced on three occasions, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the technician stated that the adjustable control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,900.

34 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2007 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 10/11/2014

My partner and I were at firestone to have a oil change for our car done. One of the repair guys came out to tell us our tie rods on our car were lose and would need to be replaced soon. Our car has only a little over 61,000 miles on it. Tie rods on a car are usually replaced at 120,000 to 170,000 miles. We bought this car used at a Toyota dealership with only one previous owner. The carfax were provided and the previous owner babied the car. There were no previous car wrecks and we have had no car wrecks either. We are at a disbelief, as this serious of an issue on a car should not have to be replaced until it is expected. We take very good care of our car. We change the oil before it is due and regularly schedule check ups to make sure there are no major issues. Now we are taking our car in this weekend to get the tie rods done and to see if also control arms and ball joints need to be replaced. For tie rods to go out while driving is a serious issue. We could lose control of the car and hurt ourselves or someone else. This is a serious safety issue and Dodge has a responsibility to replace malfunctioning parts of the cars this is happening to. A tie rod should not go out on a car at 61,000 miles when the car is taken care of. I do not understand why a recall has not been in place and why Dodge has not come forward to be accountable for the issues. The tie rods will be costing us $400 dollars alone to replace and if ball joints and control arms need to be replaced well over $1,000 dollars for parts that are wearing out prematurely. If our mechanic had not caught the faulty parts my new wife and I might be lying in a hospital somewhere hurt or worse. As responsible owners we are having the parts replaced as soon as possible. If Dodge would have taken responsibility to have the parts replaced we wouldn't have to worry about our safety and others safety.

35 Front Suspension Control Arm problem of the 2010 Dodge Caliber

Failure Date: 09/10/2014

Per my mechanic the ball joints need replaced. Having spoken with other Caliber owners, it seems fairly unanimous that they have replaced or need to replace the ball joints on their cars not long after the manufacturer warranty expires. Further it is recommended to replace the whole lower control arm.

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Source: https://www.carproblemzoo.com/dodge/caliber/front-suspension-control-arm-problems.php