DecodedCars2011 Dodge Caliber
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback Canada Value Package Se, 4dr Hatchback Rush
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 173.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,941–3,104 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints124 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 10 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Dodge Caliber is a small station wagon offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,941 lb (4dr Hatchback Canada Value Package Se).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 31 highway), 11% better than the 2011 small station wagon average of 24.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Caliber — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Caliber →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback Canada Value Package Se | 173.6 in | 68.9 in | 60.2 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 2,941 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Hatchback Rush | 173.6 in | 68.9 in | 60.2 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,104 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +11% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Caliber | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +2% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Caliber | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 24 | -2% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Caliber | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | -2% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Dodge Caliber.
Similar 2011 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Dodge Caliber (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Scion xB | 24 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Toyota Matrix | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Kia Rondo | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags · Sep 15, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 1,435,625 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Steering › Column · Jun 8, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V315000 · 11,096 vehicles
- Problem
- CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
- Risk
- A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Not every 2011 Dodge Caliber is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Dodge Caliber buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 35 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Suspension — 28 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Seat Belts — 25 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge Caliber. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Caliber years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Caliber | 27 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 40 |
| 2010 Caliber | 26 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 105 |
| 2009 Caliber | 27 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 163 |
| 2008 Caliber | 26 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 212 |
| 2007 Caliber | 26 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 420 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →