The Lemon Index
200720091st generation
Better than average · most complaints: suspension
Better years to buy
63 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–26 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2008 Honda Civic 1082008 Toyota Corolla 382008 Hyundai Elantra 124
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2008 Dodge Caliber
- Rust / frame corrosion123 complaintsmostly at 78,000–134,000 miles (126,000–215,000 km)
- Ball joint / control arm42 complaintsmostly at 44,000–130,000 miles (71,000–209,000 km)
- Engine stalling30 complaintsmostly at 56,000–118,000 miles (90,000–190,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 377 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Dodge Caliber (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 14,000 and 53,000 miles (23,000–85,000 km) (the middle half of the 53 complaints, of all 63 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Dodge sent dealers 51 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Dodge's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 63 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 14K to 53K miles (23K to 85K km) on the car (53 of all 63 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Had my tires rotated and the mechanic showed me how much my ball joints were wore out at only 50,000 miles. Dodge Caliber 2008 model.
2008 Dodge Caliber owner · NHTSA complaint 10418426
More owner reports
I have been told by the dealership that, the front axles and, ball joints on my car are in need of replacement. I have talked to several other Dodge Caliber owner's that have had the same problem. What do I need to do?
NHTSA complaint 10380218
Both of the tie rods on my car are completely worn at 36,000 miles. The dealer told me this is a common problem with Dodge calibers - premature failure of tie rods.
NHTSA complaint 10343391
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 51 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is…
- Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil…
- Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,300–$2,750 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
Every Dodge Caliber year. 2008 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/dodge-caliber/?y=2008" title="Dodge Caliber reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="330" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/dodge-caliber/2008/">Lemon Index</a> (2008 Dodge Caliber reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2008 Dodge Caliber reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 75; 100 is average, lower is better). The Dodge Caliber year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2010.
What are the most common 2008 Dodge Caliber problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (24%), tires (16%) and engine (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Caliber have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Dodge Caliber get?
22 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Caliber problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 14,000 and 53,000 miles (23,000–85,000 km) (the middle half of the 53 complaints, of all 63 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2008 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2008 Dodge Caliber have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2008 Dodge Caliber cost in fuel a year?
About $2,300 to $2,750 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2008 Dodge Caliber have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Dodge Caliber year is better than the 2008?
Nearby, the 2010 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works