This page covers 4 recalls, 157 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Dodge Caliber.
23–26 mpg combined
9–10.2 L/100km
Small Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2010 Dodge Caliber draws complaints across a few systems, but suspension and structural deterioration stand out as the most common theme. Owners frequently describe premature and severe frame and subframe rust, often discovered well before high mileage, with the corrosion advancing to the point of structural compromise. The front subframe and underbody metal behind the rear bumper cover come up repeatedly as problem areas. Airbag warnings are the second most-reported issue, with owners describing the airbag warning light illuminating on the instrument panel, sometimes persisting after prior repair attempts. Electrical complaints are the third notable area, though they cover a range of symptoms. A handful of owners also describe abnormal rear-end vibration and noise at various speeds, along with isolated reports of unexpected engine shutoff that proved difficult to diagnose.
157
Total Complaints
12
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
Recalls 1 and 3 describe the same door latch defect. Recalls 2 and 4 describe the same airbag/pretensioner defect. So there are effectively 2 distinct issues across 4 filings.
The 2010 Dodge Caliber has 4 recalls, the most serious being two significant safety issues: a door that can unlatch on its own when the window is rolled down, and a restraint system that can fail to deploy airbags or tighten seatbelts in a crash.
The right front door may have been built with an incorrect lock rod that releases the latch when the window is lowered while driving, leaving the door free to swing open and raising the risk of a passenger being ejected. Separately, a short circuit in the occupant restraint controller can disable the front and side airbags along with the seatbelt pretensioners, meaning none of those systems may respond in a collision that would normally trigger them.
At a glance
What can fail
The Occupant Restraint Control module can short circuit, which prevents the front air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Occupant Restraint Control module at no cost to you.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In certain crashes, a wiring short in the front impact sensor can prevent the airbag and seatbelt pretensioner system from working, leaving occupants unprotected.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Occupant Restraint Controller module to restore airbag and seatbelt pretensioner function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some vehicles have an incorrect door lock rod in the right front door, which may prevent the door from locking properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the front right door lock rod at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front door may have an incorrect lock rod that can unlatch when the window is rolled down, potentially opening the door while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the right door lock rod and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
