Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 958 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Dodge Caliber, and it carries 4 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 116 | 12% |
| Structure | 94 | 10% |
| Vehicle speed control | 55 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 54 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 41 | 4% |
| Power train | 39 | 4% |
| Steering | 38 | 4% |
| Suspension | 33 | 3% |
| Air bags | 30 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 25 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Vehicle tipm shut off transmission while driving an cause a traffic jam on a busy intersection caused the transmission system to go in limp mode an no breaks. Was very dangerous lucky I had a hand break that worked cause
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that the ECU had been hacked. While driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the brakes applied without application, but I was able to move to the right lane. The vehic
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I was informed on 09/29/2025 by my Chrysler dealer that a second critical component of my 2007 Caliber frame had rusted to the point that it broke. The first critical component was reported in my complaint tracking numb
NHTSA complaint: Power train
I was at a gas station and attempted to leave the lot and the cradle and/or attached parts broke into, rendering the car undrivable.
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The contact owned a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision, which was no fault of the contact. The contact's vehicle was
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
My car is at 69739 miles and the control arms and the front and rear subframe is rotted out
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
This is a follow up to complaint #11459461 filed on 4/3/22 at 9:16:43am. I was not able to send documents at that time. Documents included relate to follow up on complaint #11591104. First pdf file: pages 1-4 Service
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while it was raining, there was water entering through the sunroof and doors into the vehicle. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact called
NHTSA complaint: Visibility
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2007 Dodge Caliber. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers ma
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND JEEP COMPASS PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7 THROUGH MAY 19, 2006. THE PIVOT BUSHINGS IN VEHICLES WITH OVERSIZED ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEARING POCKETS MAY BECOME DISLODGED AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BIND OR
Risk: SHOULD THE PEDAL BIND OR BECOME STUCK, IT CAN BE OVERCOME BY SMART BRAKES WHICH OVERRIDE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 135, "LIGHT VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE LENGTH OF THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS MAY PREVENT ACTUATION OF THE PARK BRAKE.
Risk: THIS COULD ALLOW UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS AND REPAIR THE PARK BRAKE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 8, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
| Reliability raw | 50 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 63 | average |
| Maintenance | 81 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 60 | average |
| Performance | 49 | below average |
| Efficiency | 46 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other wagons in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 958 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and suspension is the most reported area with 116 of them (12%). There are 4 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 50/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 63/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2007 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 60/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.