The 2010 Dodge Caliber is a compact crossover built on the Chrysler PM/MK platform with CVT or manual transmission options. Known for drivetrain fragility, particularly the CVT, and premature engine failures on the 2.0L and 2.4L World Engine variants.
CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco JF011E)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or jerking during acceleration, especially from stops, Whining or grinding noise from transmission, Hesitation or delayed response when accelerating, Check engine light with P0700 or P0868 codes, Loss of power or limp mode engagement
Fix: CVT rebuild or replacement required. Jatco CVTs in these fail due to valve body issues, bearing wear, and overheating. Cooler lines also frequently leak. Remanufactured unit swap is most cost-effective. 8-12 labor hours for R&R.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,500
2.0L/2.4L World Engine Piston Ring and Bearing Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000 miles or worse), Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Knocking or rattling noise from lower end, especially when cold, Loss of power and rough idle, Metal shavings in oil or on magnetic drain plug
Fix: Piston ring land failure common on 2.0L/2.4L due to carbon buildup and material defects. Rod bearings also fail prematurely. Requires complete engine rebuild or short block replacement. 18-24 labor hours. Used engines are gamble—often have same issues.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Transmission Oil Cooler and Lines Leaking
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Red transmission fluid puddles under vehicle, Transmission overheating or slipping, Low fluid level warnings or erratic shifting, Fluid visible on cooler lines near radiator
Fix: External cooler lines corrode and crack at crimp points. Integrated cooler in radiator can also fail, causing cross-contamination (coolant in trans fluid—catastrophic). Replace lines and cooler assembly. 3-5 labor hours depending on access.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Front and Rear Engine/Transmission Mounts Collapsing
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive vibration at idle, especially in Drive, Clunking noise when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Engine visibly rocking during acceleration or braking, Harsh engagement when putting in gear
Fix: Hydraulic mounts fail early due to heat from CVT. Rear mount most problematic. Replace all three (front, rear, and torque strut) as set for lasting fix. 2-3 labor hours total.
Estimated cost: $450-800
Front Hub Bearings Premature Wear
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Humming or growling noise that increases with speed, Noise changes pitch during turns (louder on one side), ABS or traction control warning lights, Vibration through steering wheel at highway speed
Fix: Front hub bearing assemblies fail earlier than expected due to seal design. Replace as complete hub assembly with integrated ABS sensor. 1.5-2 labor hours per side.
Estimated cost: $300-500 per side
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Intermittent no-start or random stalling, Fuel pump not priming (no hum when key turned on), Wipers, windows, or horn operating on their own, Multiple warning lights illuminated randomly, Dead battery from parasitic drain
Fix: TIPM controls all electrical loads; relay and circuit failures common due to corrosion and poor solder joints. Replacement or professional repair required. Located under hood near battery. 1.5-2.5 labor hours for R&R.
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, Hesitation or stumbling under acceleration, Loss of power at highway speeds, Check engine light with lean fuel codes (P0171/P0174)
Fix: Lifetime filter integrated with fuel pump module clogs over time, especially with poor fuel quality. Requires fuel pump module replacement. Tank must be dropped. 2-3 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles with Mopar CVT+4 or NS-2 equivalent—it's NOT lifetime fluid despite what the manual says
Monitor oil level obsessively on 2.0L/2.4L engines; top off frequently and watch for smoke to catch piston issues before catastrophic failure
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually for corrosion and seepage; cheap preventive replacement saves the CVT
Replace engine mounts proactively at 60k to prevent accelerated CVT wear from excessive movement
Use Top Tier gasoline and add can of Seafoam or similar every 5k miles to minimize carbon buildup on piston ring lands
Hard pass for used purchase unless sub-$2,000 and you need a beater for 12 months—CVT and engine issues make this one of the least reliable compacts of the era.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard engine compartment mounting
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Every control module on the 2008-2012 Dodge Caliber — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Body Control Module (BCM)1.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind left side of instrument panel, above fuse box
🔧 wiTECH or Autel MaxiSys
⚠️ Controls lighting, wipers, locks, windows; VIN and configuration programming required; communicates with TIPM
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Module (HVAC)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center instrument panel, integrated with control head
🔧 Scan tool or self-calibration
⚠️ Automatic climate control models require actuator calibration after replacement; manual systems typically plug-and-play
⚠️ Mileage programming required; VIN must match vehicle; aftermarket tools can program mileage with proper authorization
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind headlight assembly or integrated with BCM (if equipped with auto-leveling)
🔧 Scan tool or self-calibration
⚠️ Only on models with automatic headlight leveling or HID; requires calibration after replacement
Park Assist Module (PAM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, left side trim panel (if equipped)
🔧 Scan tool or self-calibration
⚠️ Optional equipment; self-calibrates after installation on most units
Trailer Tow Module (TTM)0.6 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Rear cargo area, right side near hitch connector (if equipped)
⚠️ Optional equipment; plug-and-play on equipped models
Rear View Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with rear camera assembly in liftgate handle (if equipped)
🔧 Self-calibration or scan tool
⚠️ Optional equipment on later models; typically self-calibrates; camera and module often integrated unit
Radio (RADIO)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center of instrument panel, in radio slot
🔧 Radio code entry or scan tool
⚠️ May require anti-theft code entry; most models self-learn from BCM after installation
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 10V197000
2010-05-11
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 DODGE CALIBER VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT DOOR LOCK ROD IN THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR.
Consequence: AN UNLATCHED DOOR COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF AN UNBELTED FRONT SEAT PASSENGER BEING EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT RIGHT DOOR LOCK ROD AS REQUIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Wiper blades
Compact hatchback with rear wiper. Standard hook attachment used across all Caliber years.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2010 Dodge Caliber 1.8L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.