2007 Dodge Caliber

The Jatco CVT transmission in the 2010 Caliber is one of the most unreliable transmissions ever fitted to a Chrysler product. The CVT exhibits shuddering, whining, overheating, and complete failure often between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. The steel push belt and pulleys wear prematurely, and the transmission cooler is inadequate for the unit's operating requirements.

A complete CVT replacement is the only permanent fix when failure occurs, as rebuilding these units is often unsuccessful. Adding an auxiliary transmission cooler can extend CVT life on units that have not yet failed. TSB 21-002-10 addresses CVT fluid replacement intervals (every 60,000 miles minimum with CVTF+4).

The 2010 Caliber suffers from TIPM-related electrical issues including no-start conditions, fuel pump relay failure, random warning light activation, and complete loss of electrical accessories. The wiring harness under the battery tray is also prone to corrosion from battery acid exposure, causing intermittent shorts and open circuits.

Replace the TIPM if the fuel pump relay has failed or if multiple electrical systems are malfunctioning simultaneously. Inspect the wiring harness under the battery tray for acid corrosion and repair or replace damaged wires. Clean and protect all chassis ground points with dielectric grease.

The front strut assemblies and upper strut mount bearings wear prematurely, causing clunking over bumps, popping during low-speed turns, and poor alignment stability. The lower control arm bushings also crack and separate, leading to vague steering feel and uneven tire wear. These issues typically appear between 40,000 and 70,000 miles.

Replace the front strut assemblies with complete quick-strut units that include the mount and bearing. Replace the lower control arm bushings or entire control arms if the bushings are pressed-in. Perform a full four-wheel alignment after suspension component replacement.

The 2.0L and 2.4L World engines develop oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and rear main crankshaft seal. The valve cover leak is visible on the exhaust side and creates a burning oil smell. The rear main seal leak causes oil to drip from the transmission bellhousing area, often misdiagnosed as a transmission leak.

Replace the valve cover gasket using an OEM-quality gasket. The rear main seal requires transmission removal for replacement. TSB 09-003-10 addresses the updated rear main seal installation procedure. Check the PCV valve as a clogged PCV system increases crankcase pressure and worsens seal leaks.

The front and rear wheel bearing hub assemblies fail prematurely on the Caliber, producing a growling or humming noise that increases with vehicle speed. The noise often starts on one side and progresses to the other. Premature failure is attributed to inadequate sealing that allows water and road debris to contaminate the bearing.

Replace the affected wheel bearing hub assembly. The hub assemblies are bolt-on units that do not require a press. Check for play by grasping the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and rocking it. Replace in pairs (both fronts or both rears) if one has failed, as the other is likely nearing failure.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND JEEP COMPASS PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7 THROUGH MAY 19, 2006. THE PIVOT BUSHINGS IN VEHICLES WITH OVERSIZED ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEARING POCKETS MAY BECOME DISLODGED AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BIND OR STICK.

SHOULD THE PEDAL BIND OR BECOME STUCK, IT CAN BE OVERCOME BY SMART BRAKES WHICH OVERRIDE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 135, "LIGHT VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE LENGTH OF THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS MAY PREVENT ACTUATION OF THE PARK BRAKE.

THIS COULD ALLOW UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS AND REPAIR THE PARK BRAKE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 8, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.