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Introduced in 2006, the Dodge Caliber SRT-4 was produced till 2009, ending with a model that's widely believed to be its worst.
The Dodge Caliber SRT-4 debuted in 2006 to replace the iconic Dodge Neon SRT-4. It was Dodge's most affordable and fuel-efficient car. It's a four-door hatchback with a body style that provides added cargo-carrying versatility.
The Caliber was unique because it offered advanced features like liftgate-mounted speakers and a hard-drive-based audio and navigation system. Furthermore, Dodge teamed up with the engineers from Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) to make it a high-performance vehicle.
Sadly, the Caliber had many flaws; its biggest was its acceleration. The car had slow 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines, and the continuously variable transmission that powered the machine didn't help.
Dodge didn't improve things after introducing Calibers with smaller engines; they were more fuel efficient but slower. Also, some owners reported issues with their vehicles, including faulty transmission systems, engine problems, bad suspension components, and water leaks.
These flaws made the 2009 Dodge Caliber one of the market's least appealing small hatchbacks or wagons. Rival models like the Mazdaspeed 3 or Subaru WRX offer faster acceleration and fewer faults.
Let's find out more about the Dodge Caliber SRT-4 issues and why it was one of the worst-performing vehicles in 2009.
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The Dodge Caliber SRT-4 had two types of transmission systems available: Manual and CVT. The Continuously Variable Transmission is an automatic transmission designed to improve a vehicle's fuel efficiency and acceleration.
The CVT is better than the manual transmission because it uses a belt and pulley system instead of physical gear. The system selects the best drive ratio to match various driving conditions. The CVT automatically adjusts the vehicle's handling when it's cruising or reaching high speeds making it easier for the driver.
However, things weren't that smooth when it came to the Caliber. The CVT was faulty, and the main issues owners experienced were flaws like jerking during acceleration, leaking transmission fluid, and a burning smell.
Although faulty transmissions have been a major issue in Dodge models, the 2009 Caliber is the most problematic in the lineup. Owners have complained about grinding noises when accelerating; some hear it from afar when cruising. The cost to fix this problem will be around $3000 to $8000, depending on the severity of the damage. The reason why it's expensive is that CVTs are more complex than regular manual or automatic transmissions.
Dodge installed drain tubes in the front and rear pan assembly of the Caliber's sunroof. They are designed to drain water and other liquids that fall onto the vehicle. When these tubes become clogged with debris, water can leak into the hatchback's interior, causing damage to the car seats, floorboards, and electrical systems.
Drain tubes are delicate, and you must be careful when fixing them. The material inside the tubes can be punctured when you're trying to unclog them, causing water to enter your vehicle. One can fix this problem at home, but you should take your car to the mechanic to check your drain tubes.
Owners have also reported that their Dodge Caliber has suspension problems caused by faulty ball joints and control arms. This issue makes the suspension bouncy, leading to uneven tire wear. Many owners have replaced their control arm ball joints and bushings at least twice, but that hardly solved the vehicle's suspension issues.
Furthermore, they said servicing their vehicle didn't help with the bouncy suspension. Driving with lousy suspension components can lead to an accident, so one has to replace those parts as soon as possible.
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When Dodge started producing the Caliber SRT-4 in 2007, the sales were good, with the company selling over 100,000 units. However, in 2009 the sales were declining and compared to its predecessor, the Dodge Neon, the Caliber was a disappointment.
The car's flaws were the main reason it didn't sell well. The situation worsened after Caliber owners complained about the bouncy suspension providing less feedback and the CVT making weird noises and removing smoke. Dodge fans began avoiding the Caliber and went for the Neon or other rival vehicles.
The Neon SRT-4 was quiet and fun to drive; its handling was top-tier, and it was the fastest compact car in its class. The Neon defeated rival vehicles like the Mazda Miata and Honda S2000. Unfortunately, the Caliber SRT-4 didn't offer the same driving features, it was slower, and its handling was below average.
The Caliber's interior was also a letdown; it lacked high-quality materials and had cheap plastic. The door panels and center console also look economical, and the seats have uncomfortably shaped front headrests. All of those features make the Caliber less comfortable on long drives.
Marcus is a car enthusiast who loves writing about them. He travels frequently and always seeks out the best driving roads to really test a car's limits. His favorite cars are anything with a manual transmission, and he's been known to spend hours just shifting through all the gears.