Model year guide

2009 Dodge Caliber

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Dodge Caliber is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 149 on record.

2009 Dodge Caliber — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2009 Dodge Caliber at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints232
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$4,635

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

2009 Dodge Caliber recalls 1

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm) NHTSA Campaign #08V528000 · 09/10/2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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.

2009 Dodge Caliber common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 232 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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
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.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2009 Dodge Caliber MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,680

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

What's a 2009 Dodge Caliber worth?

Low
$2,600
Typical price
$4,635
High
$6,900

From 148 comparable 2009 Dodge Caliber listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2009 Dodge Caliber costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,400
Fuel only$13,400
Per mile$0.18

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.

2009 Dodge Caliber trims & engines on record

Trims
SXT · SE · R/T
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl · 1.8L 4-cyl

2009 Dodge Caliber vehicles on record

Other Dodge Caliber model years

2009 Dodge Caliber — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Dodge Caliber have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2009 Dodge Caliber. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Caliber?

Based on 232 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, structure, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Dodge Caliber get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Caliber at about 24 mpg combined (22 city / 28 highway).

How much is a 2009 Dodge Caliber worth?

Comparable 2009 Dodge Caliber listings run roughly $2,600–$6,900, typically around $4,635 (from 148 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.