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 377 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Dodge Caliber, and it carries no 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 | 51 | 14% |
| Structure | 44 | 12% |
| Suspension | 20 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 18 | 5% |
| Power train | 16 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 15 | 4% |
| Air bags | 13 | 3% |
| Steering | 12 | 3% |
| Engine | 12 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 12 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
My vehicle has created a rotten subframe that holds my engine
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in the rain, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable. The battery warning light was
NHTSA complaint: Steering
My car shuts down while driving These cars recalled July10 2008 Mine was made April18 2008 but has the same issue It could cost lives
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
Rear subframe rusted right through control rods snapped rear end of car dropped down. Upon researching they know that this is bad and unsafe even gave a 10 year extended warranty for front and rear subframe so how long w
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
I’ve only had the car since Aug. Im the second owner, it drove just fine. Then I got an oil change. Then the car began to rev down hill and struggled to make it uphill. Then my exhaust became excessively loud. Then the w
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The entire underneath of my car is rusted out. I was driving to work one day when someone pulled out in front of me and I had to hit the brakes. That resulted in the subframe and front drivers axel to break as I’m drivin
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
Rear crossmember/ subframe rusted thru and broke. Replaced front several years ago. Car has always been garaged.
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
2008 Dodge Caliber with approx. 135,000 miles on it. Rotted subframe and rusted crossbar. Vehicle started swerving as if driving on ice (in the summertime!). Took it to a reputable mechanic and he wouldn't even put it on
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
| Reliability raw | 71 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 73 | good |
| Maintenance | 81 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 60 | average |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 41 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other wagons in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 377 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and suspension is the most reported area with 51 of them (14%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 71/100 (good) 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 73/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2008 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 68/100. 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.