2007 Dodge Caliber diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Dodge Caliber diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Dodge Caliber diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Steering rack inner joints5.5× usual
  Dodge Caliber

  18.3% All 2007 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  Dodge Caliber

  21.6% All 2007 cars

  10.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 2.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Dodge Caliber

  16.5% All 2007 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 3.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Sub-frame2.2× usual
  Dodge Caliber

  12.8% All 2007 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 0.4% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 2007 Dodge Caliber diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Dodge Caliber diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  62% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  43% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Steering
  22% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Dodge Caliber diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the 2007 Dodge Caliber diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2007 Dodge Caliber diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2007 Dodge Caliber diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?