Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV / Hatchback
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious car buyers seeking utility and versatility.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue.
Vehicle Selling Points:
Affordability, spacious interior for its class, available AWD, practical hatchback design.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with professional-level repair information, reducing reliance on dealerships and saving money.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing systems.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission service, overhaul, clutch assembly, gear selection.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission service, overhaul, fluid changes, torque converter.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) axle shafts, differential, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, springs, stabilizer bars.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, steering gear/rack.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, brake fluid, ABS system, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM).
Engine Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), sensors, actuators, fuel pump control.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, dashboard, HVAC system, trim components.
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, pre-tensioners.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Tune-ups, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, fluid flush intervals.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system diagnostics, scan tool usage, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Rebuilding Procedures:
Complete overhaul instructions for engines and transmissions.
Depth:
From basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
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NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
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NHTSA Side Driver Door Impact:
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NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Door Impact:
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NHTSA Side Barrier Driver Impact:
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NHTSA Side Barrier ฮฃฯ
ฮฝฮฟฮปฮนฮบฮฎ Rating:
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IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Acceptable
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable
Traction Control:
Optional (on some trims/configurations)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional (on some trims/configurations)
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Passenger)
Airbags Side Curtain:
Optional (Front and Rear Side-Curtain)
Seatbelt Pretensioners:
Standard
Audio System Options:
AM/FM/CD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Boston Acoustics premium audio system available on higher trims.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input jack.
Driver Assistance Features Standard:
None (basic safety features like ABS and airbags are standard).
Driver Assistance Features Optional:
Some models may have been equipped with optional rear parking sensors.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific Severe vs. Normal service.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L/1.8L:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, typically iridium).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, typically iridium).
Transmission Fluid Change Cvt:
Every 60,000 - 75,000 miles (CVT fluid is critical and requires specific fluid type).
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 miles (manual transmission fluid).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter change (2.0L/1.8L). Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter change (2.4L).
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5-Year/100,000 Mile Formula.
Cvt Fluid Type:
CVTF (Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid) - Mopar NS-2 or equivalent.
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (GL-4 specification).
Common Issue 1:
CVT transmission failures or hesitation, particularly on higher mileage vehicles. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Common Issue 2:
Front suspension noise (struts, ball joints) due to road conditions and vehicle weight.
Common Issue 3:
Rear liftgate/hatch latch issues or water leaks into the cargo area.
Common Issue 4:
Check engine lights due to various sensor failures (e.g., O2 sensors, EVAP system).
Common Issue 5:
Interior rattles and trim pieces becoming loose over time.
Dodge Brand History:
Founded in 1914, Dodge has a long history of producing trucks, muscle cars, and family vehicles. Now part of Stellantis (formerly FCA).
Caliber Introduction:
First generation introduced in 2006 for the 2007 model year, replacing the Neon as Dodge's compact car offering.
Caliber Platform:
Built on the Chrysler/Dodge JS platform (shared with Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring/200).
Caliber Generation Notes:
This generation (2007-2012) was designed to be a versatile, space-efficient vehicle with a distinct crossover-like styling, bridging the gap between a hatchback and an SUV.
Manufacturing Location:
Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, Illinois, USA.
Production Years:
2006-2012