CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2007 Dodge Caliber has all kinds of suspension problems at relatively low mileage: typically 40-50,000 miles.
The most commonly reported problems are with ball joints & control arms going bad. Tie rods & leaking struts are also reported failing in the same mileage range.
Unfortunately all the suspension problems means some owners only find out after they notice their tires are ruined.
We've given the 2007 Caliber our worst rating because these problems happen at such low mileage, & it involves a wide range of apparently defective parts. With most other cars, major suspension work is pretty rare under 50,000 miles.
After getting the run around by mechanic and dealer on why my tire tread damaged had occurred when my car was only 2 years old. And I had followed the tire rotation schedule and other maintenance exactly as outlined. I was informed while having a routine brake inspection. That my lower control arms needed replaced. The mechanic wanted over a thousand dollars to do the work. I couldn't afford that so we ordered the parts for $500 and my husband changed them. Then I had to have a full alignment done on my car as instructed by the mechanic that originally found the problem which cost me another $200. At the time of the tire damage 2 and a half years earlier. The dealer claimed my front suspension was tight and fine. So I'm wondering if it's normal for both lower control arms to go bad within 2 and a half years. And was there a problem before this, but I didn't know it until I had a mechanic check my brakes. Because my car was making noise when I stepped on the brake pedal.
Both of the lower control arm bushings had to be replaced at 47,000 km. this cost me $550.00. I really like driving the car but it is of poor quality. I bought a new Honda after purchasing this vehicle and it is a much better product.
I had just had my entire front end overhauled 11/11/2012, I was driving last night (luckily I was only driving slowly through a parking lot, but I was on my WAY to the freeway and had just gotten back from a 6 hour drive) and my car felt like it hit an invisible wall. There was a loud crash/drag and my car halted. I got out and my drivers side front wheel was PERPENDICULAR to my car. Photo attached. I immediately called roadside assistance and took a photo and sent it to my mechanic, he said it's a faulty part and it is being replaced now. I could have flipped my car had I been driving 70 mph or more. Even when my car is repaired, I'm going to be terrified to drive it! I can't buy a new car and I think that Dodge has distributed TOO MANY models with faulty suspension. Someone is going to be killed because of this.
At 49,000 both lower control arms are loose and need to be replaced. Will NEVER buy another Chrysler vehicle. What are they made of, gold? Because I'm not.
- Julie N.,
New Britain, CT, US
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Technician at Belle Tire after replacing both front tires and parking my car ready to drive away: "oh by the way, your control arms are bad, one's about to pop out - we'll fix it for 400 dollars..." Went to the dealer, they said ballpark about 900 dollars, (including alignment,) I bought the parts online and I am awaiting delivery, both lower control arms new with new bushings delivered 2 day ground totals 232 dollars. (about 75 bucks a piece, the rest is shipping!) My son and I will do the installation, and then I will shop for a wheel alignment. Not pleased with the situation, but it has to be resolved to maintain my new tires and their warranty. (so I'll probably let Belle Tire do the alignment.) I like the car, except for this particular weak spot which seems to be a problem with many Chrysler products and it's cousins. I used to tell people how happy I was with my purchase... now I will keep my mouth shut.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
After getting the run around by mechanic and dealer on why my tire tread damaged had occurred when my car was only 2 years old. And I had followed the tire rotation schedule and other maintenance exactly as outlined. I was informed while having a routine brake inspection. That my lower control arms needed replaced. The mechanic wanted over a thousand dollars to do the work. I couldn't afford that so we ordered the parts for $500 and my husband changed them. Then I had to have a full alignment done on my car as instructed by the mechanic that originally found the problem which cost me another $200. At the time of the tire damage 2 and a half years earlier. The dealer claimed my front suspension was tight and fine. So I'm wondering if it's normal for both lower control arms to go bad within 2 and a half years. And was there a problem before this, but I didn't know it until I had a mechanic check my brakes. Because my car was making noise when I stepped on the brake pedal.
- kimsprout1, MILLSBORO, DE, US