2009 Dodge Caliber
Browse our directory of 2009 Dodge Caliber vehicles. Access instant MOT history reports, tax status, and reliability insights for any registration listed below.
Registration Directory
Showing registrations 1–40 of 218 for the 2009 Dodge Caliber. Select any plate for an instant vehicle history check.
Common Problems & Reliability
The 2009 Dodge Caliber has 4 known issues. 2 of these are classified as serious faults that could be expensive to repair. 2 are moderate concerns worth inspecting before purchase.
Jatco CVT2 Automatic Transmission Overheating and Shudder
SeriousPetrol 2.0-litre Caliber models equipped with the Jatco JF011E continuously variable transmission (CVT2) are prone to fluid overheating and internal steel push-belt slip. Over extended motorway runs or under stop-start city driving, degraded NS-2 transmission fluid leads to high internal friction, triggering a high-pitched whining noise, shuddering under acceleration, and engagement of transmission limp-home mode. Many owners neglected scheduled fluid and filter replacement intervals, resulting in scored pulleys and catastrophic transmission failure.
Symptoms: High-pitched whining noise from the transmission tunnel that increases with vehicle road speed, Severe shuddering, hesitation, and engine rpm flaring without corresponding road acceleration...
Est. repair cost: £1,200–£2,400
Rear Crossmember and Suspension Arm Corrosion
SeriousThe Dodge Caliber features pressed-steel rear suspension subframes (crossmembers) and lower trailing arms with inadequate factory e-coat corrosion protection. In the UK, exposure to winter highway salt and road spray traps moisture inside the crossmember hollow sections, leading to severe rust perforation from the inside out. Structural thinning around the rear lower arm pivot mounts and coil spring seats is a common reason for failure at annual MOT inspections and poses a safety risk if an arm detaches.
Symptoms: Visible flaking rust and perforated metal across the rear subframe crossmember, Creaking, groaning, or metallic grinding sounds from the rear axle when cornering or over bumps...
Est. repair cost: £400–£1,100
Front Lower Wishbone Bush and Ball Joint Deterioration
ModerateThe Caliber's front suspension takes immense strain from the car's 1.4-tonne curb weight and stiff spring rates over British speed cushions and potholes. The rear voided compliance bushes of the lower control arms tear and debond, while the pressed-in lower ball joints develop excessive axial play. Worn arms cause front-end clunking over uneven surfaces, imprecise steering centering, and uneven wear on the inner edges of the front tyres, frequently resulting in an MOT refusal.
Symptoms: Knocking or clunking thuds from the front wheel arches when traversing speed bumps, Vague steering response with wandering or pulling to one side under hard braking...
Est. repair cost: £220–£480
2.0 CRD Turbocharger Boost Hose Split and EGR Carbon Fouling
ModerateThe 2.0 CRD diesel engine is a Volkswagen-sourced 2.0 TDI Pumpe-Düse 16-valve unit (engine code BKD/ECD). The silicone rubber intercooler boost pipes—particularly the lower elbow near the front undertray—suffer oil vapour saturation and heat cycling, leading to longitudinal splits under boost pressure. Concurrently, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and inlet manifold suffer severe carbon choking from short urban journeys, causing the variable geometry turbocharger (VNT) mechanism to stick and triggering sudden loss of power.
Symptoms: Loud whooshing or air-hissing sound from the engine bay under turbo boost above 2,000 rpm, Sudden drop in engine power into limp-home mode accompanied by a glow plug light or check engine light...
Est. repair cost: £160–£450
Buying Tips for the 2009 Dodge Caliber
- Listen carefully for front suspension clunks over speed bumps, indicating worn lower control arm bushes and ball joints.
- Avoid the Jatco CVT automatic transmission unless backed by documented fluid changes; opt for the 6-speed manual 2.0 CRD instead.
- Inspect the rear subframe crossmember and spring perches from underneath for severe internal rust perforation.
- On 2.0 CRD diesel models, accelerate hard in third gear to check for split turbocharger boost hoses and black smoke.
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