2009 Dodge Caliber

Introduction to the 2009 Dodge Caliber

The 2009 Dodge Caliber is a compact SUV that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The most popular engine was the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which produced 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included the 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the 182-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder with GEMA variable valve timing. Transmission options included a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Caliber was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price. However, it was also criticized for its weak engines, poor fuel economy, and lackluster handling.

Engine

2.0-liter Four-Cylinder

• Cylinder Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine coolant leaks, white smoke from exhaust, overheating
  • Solution: Replace cylinder head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loss of engine power, metal-on-metal grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4-liter Four-Cylinder

• EGR Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, increased emissions, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace EGR valve
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Synchro Gear Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Replace affected synchro gear
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, delayed engagement, shuddering
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

CVT

• Chain Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, whining or grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace chain belt and other affected components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from front suspension, reduced ride quality
  • Solution: Replace front strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, excessive body roll, bottoming out
  • Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely, slow engine cranking
  • Solution: Test and replace faulty electrical components (e.g., alternator, starter)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• BCM Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical malfunctions, such as non-functioning lights, power windows, or locks
  • Solution: Replace BCM
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles break or become loose
  • Solution: Replace door handles
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows fail to operate
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Seat Belt Buckle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat belt buckle doesn’t latch properly
  • Solution: Replace rear seat belt buckle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Dodge Caliber is known for its spacious interior and affordable price. However, it also has a history of reliability issues, particularly with its engines and transmissions. Some of the most common problems include cylinder head gasket failure, timing belt failure, synchro gear failure, torque converter failure, and CVT chain belt failure. These issues can be costly to repair, with some repairs exceeding $2,000 or more. Therefore, it is important for potential buyers to be aware of the potential risks associated with purchasing a used Dodge Caliber.