2008 Dodge Caliber problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What is the 2008 Dodge Caliber safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Dodge Caliber crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

Q: What gas mileage does the 2008 Dodge Caliber get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Dodge Caliber at about 24 mpg combined (22 city / 27 highway).

Q: How much is a 2008 Dodge Caliber worth?

Comparable 2008 Dodge Caliber listings run roughly $2,150–$6,500, typically around $4,058 (from 290 vehicles).

2008 Dodge Caliber at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints377

Combined24 mpg

Typical price$4,058

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Dodge Caliber recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2008 Dodge Caliber.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Dodge Caliber common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 377 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension

Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Structure

Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Wheels

Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2008 Dodge Caliber safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★

Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Dodge Caliber 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Dodge Caliber MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg

City22 mpg

Highway27 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,560

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Dodge Caliber worth?

Low

$2,150

Typical price

$4,058

High

$6,500

From 290 comparable 2008 Dodge Caliber listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Dodge Caliber costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,800

Fuel only$12,800

Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.