Is the 2010 Dodge Caliber a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
D5/10
This car is best for those on a tight budget needing basic transportation, but expect higher maintenance costs.
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Pros
- Affordable initial purchase price
- Spacious interior for a compact car
Cons
- Poor reliability track record
- Subpar interior quality
- Unrefined CVT transmission
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
24 mpg
Maintenance cost
$4,500/yr
Expected lifespan
150,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Transmission problems
- Front suspension concerns
- Electronic throttle control failures
Model years to avoid: 2007-2011
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Active recalls (2)
The 2010 Dodge Caliber has 2 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch (campaign 10V197000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Seat Belts — Pretensioner — 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…
- Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch — 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.…
Caliber years to avoid
- 2007-2011 — Widespread transmission and electronic control issues
5-year cost forecast
- Year 1 (~110,000 mi): $800 — Oil change, Brake pads replacement
- Year 2 (~120,000 mi): $900 — Routine maintenance, Suspension inspection
- Year 3 (~130,000 mi):
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500 — Serpentine belt replacement, Brake rotor replacement - Year 4 (~140,000 mi): $2000 — CVT repair, Air conditioning maintenance
- Year 5 (~150,000 mi): $2500 — Major transmission service, Fuel system cleaning
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.