M MILEMARK Rankings Costs Guides

Dodge Caliber vs Ford Fusion

For 2006–2012 models, the Dodge Caliber has 44.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 112.5 for the Ford Fusion. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.

Both rates cover the same model years (2006–2012), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.

Dodge Caliber

44.5 complaints per 10,000 sold

60% fewer than the Ford Fusion

Complaints
1,806
Sold
405,713
Recall campaigns
5
Open NHTSA investigations
0

Most complaints: 2007 and 2009. Fewest: 2006. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion

    Typically around 109,000 mi

  2. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 92,459 mi

  3. Stalling and no-start

    Typically around 68,000 mi

  4. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 80,000 mi

  5. Control arms, ball joints and bushings

    Typically around 56,000 mi · repair $230–$700

Estimate costs for a specific Dodge Caliber →

Ford Fusion

112.5 complaints per 10,000 sold

2.5× the Dodge Caliber’s rate

Complaints
15,195
Sold
1,350,526
Recall campaigns
13
Open NHTSA investigations
1

Most complaints: 2008 and 2010–2012. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 75,000 mi

  2. Stalling and no-start

    Typically around 52,000 mi

  3. Electric power steering motor and module

    Typically around 91,500 mi · repair $750–$2,230

  4. Power steering pump, rack and lines

    Typically around 90,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230

  5. Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim

    Typically around 67,927 mi

Estimate costs for a specific Ford Fusion →

Common questions

Which has fewer problems, the Dodge Caliber or the Ford Fusion?

For 2006–2012 models, the Dodge Caliber has 44.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Fusion has 112.5, counting the same model years for both.

What is the most common problem on the Dodge Caliber?

The most-reported problem on the Dodge Caliber is subframe, cradle and frame corrosion, typically around 109,000 miles.

What is the most common problem on the Ford Fusion?

The most-reported problem on the Ford Fusion is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 75,000 miles.

Which Dodge Caliber and Ford Fusion years have the most complaints?

Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Dodge Caliber: 2007 and 2009; Ford Fusion: 2008 and 2010–2012.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.