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Chart based on 17 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2008 Dodge Caliber 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 285hp 2.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD
21000 mi
transmission was very difficult to shift into 2nd gear when cold.
Transmission is very jerky when under 35 MPH on deceleration or Acceleration
3000 mi
Transmission jerks badly whenever accelerate or decellerate under 35 MPH. Shop ran diagnostics, had me drive with "flight recorder" attached. Says data was "inconclusive".
19000 mi
Scrubbing noise from CVT. Was told "It's normal" Went for second opinion. Again same problem. Scrubbing noise while at cruising speed 5-10 mph. Was told again that it is normal. Was told CVT is just a noisy transmission. I wish I had known before I bought the Caliber.
CVT transmission replaced. Had started slipping sometimes, but would have gone longer without being repaired.
78000 mi
US $160
automatic transmission control box box needed adjusting. Car would not drive more than 10 miles per hour.
55000 mi
US $100
Left CV boot and bushing torn. Also replaced axle left side.
62000 mi
When driving slowly, a "growl" from the engine or trans is heard. Slower speed, slower growl sound. Tech said he couldn't hear it well enough over the engine sound to diagnose so nothing was done. Told to drive it until it gets worse.
67000 mi
US $100
The "growl" from the transmission that was reported earlier got worse. Tech was able to hear it. They installed a new transmission.
See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how
frequently Dodge Caliber problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.