2010 Dodge Caliber Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Dodge Caliber carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pretensioner and latch. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Subframe and crossmember corrosion.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #16V668000 · Sep 15, 2016

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #10V197000 · Nov 5, 2010

Issue: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 DODGE CALIBER VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT DOOR LOCK ROD IN THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR.

Risk: AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF AN UNBELTED FRONT SEAT PASSENGER BEING EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT RIGHT DOOR LOCK ROD AS REQUIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Dodge Caliber.

Reported to NHTSA

Subframe and crossmember corrosion

SUSPENSION

25 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2025-11

Severe rust to vehicle frame COMMON TO THIS VEHICLE, no accident. Rust has corroded frame despite normal use and normal care. Vehicle hasn't reached 75k miles yet, and the frame is failing. How is this not a recall?
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11619984
ON 10/5/2016, THE SUB FRAME ON MY CAR BROKE DUE TO IT BEING RUSTED THROUGH. THANK GOODNESS IT BROKE WHEN I WAS GOING AT A SLOW SPEED, AND NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I HAD TO BE TOWED AND IT WAS PUT ONTO A LIFT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10915492
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while making a right turn at 10 MPH, the vehicle kept turning. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot where it was observed that the passenger’s side front axle had separated
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11553074

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electronic throttle control light and power loss

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

21 NHTSA complaints · 2013-01 → 2019-11

WHILE DRIVING ON I-695 THE ETC LIGHT STARTS TO FLASH AND THE CAR BECOMES CRIPPLED. AFTER RESTARTING, THE CAR IS FINE FOR A FEW DAYS UNTIL THE LIGHT CUTS ON AND OFF OCCASIONALLY. NOW THE ETC LIGHT STAYS LIT EVEN AFTER RESTARTS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10609582
WHEN I START MY CAR, IT STARTS JUST FINE AND THEN ABOUT 1-2 MINUTES LATER THE ENGINE CHECK SIGN WILL COME ON FOLLOWED BY A RED LIGHTING BOLD ON THE DASHBOARD
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11281281
I WAS AT A LIGHT IN 3 LANE TRAFFIC WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED MY CAR BEGAN LUNGING AND SPUTTERING FINALLY LOSING POWER. THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10618465

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight failure linked to TIPM/fuse box

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2021-12

Driver's side headlight stopped working and the bulb is still good. Called the dealership and apparently this is a common problem they know that they r trying to charge 1200 dollors to fix
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11444082
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHT COVERS WERE FORMING CONDENSATIONS, WHICH THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10552443

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag/seat belt recall parts backorder

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

15 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2018-07

I HAVE TWO RECALLS ON MY CAR AND NO ONE HAS CONTACTED ME RE: REPAIRS. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY FILED COMPLAINTS , BUT TO NO AVAIL. (FCA CASE # 31526867 AMD NHTSA #10968930). THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS, BUT THE SEAT BELTS AREN'T RETRACTING LIKE THEY SHOULD
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11109863
THERE IS A RECALL ON THESE PARTS ON MY AUTOMOBILE AND THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO REPAIR. I AM WORRIED AND NERVOUS ABOUT THIS POSSIBLY FAILING IN MY CAR DUE TO ALL THE PAST INCIDENTS WITH TAKATA AIRBAGS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10924439
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10945703

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission overheating and limp mode

POWER TRAIN

11 NHTSA complaints · 2011-08 → 2018-08

TRANSMISSION FAILURE UNDER 100,00 MILES. TOOK IT TO 3 DIFFERENT TRANSMISSION SHOPS AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION (CVT) , WHICH DODGE ONLY USES FOR THE CALIBER IS BASICALLY JUNK
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11122832
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR AND THE VEHICLE DECREASED IN SPEED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10758604
THIS STANDARD TRANSMISSION 2010 DODGE CALIBER CONTINUALLY STALLS OUT WHEN THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL, SUCH AS AT INTERSECTIONS, RAILROAD CROSSINGS, TOLL BOOTHS, AND PARKING LOTS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10422716

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall with no diagnostic trouble code

ENGINE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2011-04 → 2020-12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,500
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10640750
OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE CHUGS AND SPUTTERS AT STOPS. TWICE THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT STOPLIGHTS AND HAD TO BE PUT BACK INTO PARK AND RESTARTED. DEALER RAN DIAGNOSTICS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE, AND NO CODES WERE FOUND. *TR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10393994

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

10 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2025-03

The air bag lights came on
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11584289
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10849959

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in frontal crash

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2010-04 → 2022-05

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BREAKING THE FRONT AXLE. WHEN THE CRASH OCCURRED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10461473
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2010 DODGE CALIBER FROM A LOCAL VEHICLE RENTAL COMPANY. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10327686

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: sixteen plugs roughly every 30,000 miles — check your year's manual. Pentastar 3.6L (Charger/Challenger V6, Durango V6, Journey, Grand Caravan): 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Grand Caravan/Journey (62TE): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles in family duty. Charger/Challenger/Durango with the TorqueFlite 8-speed: no published normal interval, but specialists recommend service around 60,000-100,000 miles — sooner with towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD Charger/Challenger and AWD Durango: replace rear diff fluid around 60,000 miles, sooner with towing or drag-strip duty. Limited-slip units need the friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. HEMIs pull serious airflow — a clogged filter costs measurable power before it throws a code.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles, replace on cracking or glazing. On the HEMI, a shredded belt can take the cooling drive with it mid-drive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

73 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

12

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Dodge Caliber reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.