IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2009 Dodge Caliber

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2009 Dodge Caliber. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Jatco CVT2 Automatic Transmission Overheating and Shudder

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Petrol 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,200–£2,400
Warning Signs:

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, Transmission temperature warning light flashing on the instrument cluster followed by restricted limp mode

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect service records for scheduled CVT fluid and cartridge filter renewals using genuine Mopar or Nissan NS-2 specification fluid
  • Test drive at 60–70mph on a dual carriageway to verify there is no whining noise or transmission drone
  • Perform multiple brisk pullaways from a complete stop to check for hesitation, shudder, or clutch slipping
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Rear Crossmember and Suspension Arm Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£1,100
Warning Signs:

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, Advisory notices or outright failure recorded on DVSA MOT history for structural corrosion within 30cm of suspension mountings

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the underside with a torch, probing the rear subframe boxing and spring perches for rust flaking or holes
  • Review previous UK MOT test certificates on the DVSA portal specifically looking for chassis corrosion advisories
  • Check rear wheel alignment and ensure the rear wheels sit vertically without unusual negative camber
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Lower Wishbone Bush and Ball Joint Deterioration

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £220–£480
Warning Signs:

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, Noticeable feathering and rapid wear along the inner shoulders of the front tyres

What to Inspect:
  • Conduct a visual inspection of the rear rubber bushes on the front lower wishbones for splitting or fluid leakage
  • Rock the front road wheels top-to-bottom and side-to-side while jacked up to detect ball joint and tie rod play
  • Listen carefully for metallic clunks during a test drive over urban traffic calming humps
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

2.0 CRD Turbocharger Boost Hose Split and EGR Carbon Fouling

ModerateEngine

The 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.

Est. Repair Cost: £160–£450
Warning Signs:

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, Excessive dense black smoke billowing from the exhaust under moderate acceleration

What to Inspect:
  • Physically examine the lower intercooler boost hoses for greasy misting, softening, or split rubber seams
  • Accelerate firmly in third gear between 1,800 and 3,500 rpm to ensure boost delivers smoothly without cut-outs
  • Check fault memory with an OBD-II scanner for boost deviation code P0299 or EGR flow faults
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 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.
Check a 2009 Dodge Caliber by Registration