2009 Dodge Caliber Problems: 4 Known Issues
2009 model year · 680+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 680+ owner reports, the 2009 Dodge Caliber has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Jatco CVT Overheating and Premature Failure ($2,000-$4,500 repair) and Engine Overheating - Multiple Causes ($100-$800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Jatco CVT Overheating and Premature Failure with 280 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
STEERING:COLUMN
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 DODGE CALIBER VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT DOOR LOCK ROD IN THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Dodge Caliber problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 680+ owner reports, the 2009 Dodge Caliber has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Jatco CVT Overheating and Premature Failure, Engine Overheating - Multiple Causes, TIPM Electrical Module Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Dodge Caliber reliable?
The 2009 Dodge Caliber has 4 known issues documented across 680+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Jatco CVT Overheating and Premature Failure and Engine Overheating - Multiple Causes. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Caliber problems?
Repair costs for known Dodge Caliber issues range from $100 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Jatco CVT Overheating and Premature Failure, typically costs $2,000-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber Jatco CVT Overheating and Premature Failure?
The Jatco CVT has an inherent overheating design flaw, especially during extended highway driving. Owner reports of overheating shutdowns mostly fall between about 78,000 and 200,000 miles. ATF aeration compounds problems. Transmission shutdown can occur during highway driving in… Repairs typically run $2,000-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber Engine Overheating - Multiple Causes?
Calibers are prone to overheating from radiator fan failure, thermostat sticking, water pump failure, and radiator clogging. Same cooling system shared with Jeep Compass/Patriot (PM/MK platform). Fan relay failure is the most common single cause. Repairs typically run $100-$800. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber TIPM Electrical Module Failure?
The Caliber's TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) is a widely reported failure point. Symptoms include lighting circuits that stop working, random electrical activations, and stalling. Can cause both engine and CVT issues through electrical malfunction. Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2012 Dodge Caliber Rear Brake Caliper Seizure and Premature Pad Wear?
Rear brake calipers seize due to corroded slide pins, causing uneven pad wear and pulling during braking. The drum-in-hat parking brake shoes inside the rear rotors are also prone to sticking. Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.