Dodge Caliber vs Nissan Altima
For 2006–2012 models, the Nissan Altima has 25.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 44.5 for the Dodge Caliber. 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
1.7× the Nissan Altima’s rate
- 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
-
Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion
Typically around 109,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 92,459 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 68,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 80,000 mi
-
Control arms, ball joints and bushings
Typically around 56,000 mi · repair $230–$700
Nissan Altima
25.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
42% fewer than the Dodge Caliber
- Complaints
- 4,680
- Sold
- 1,826,586
- Recall campaigns
- 6
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2009. Fewest: 2011. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 32,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 60,200 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 68,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 72,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Dodge Caliber or the Nissan Altima?
For 2006–2012 models, the Nissan Altima has 25.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Dodge Caliber has 44.5, 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 Nissan Altima?
The most-reported problem on the Nissan Altima is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 32,000 miles.
Which Dodge Caliber and Nissan Altima years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Dodge Caliber: 2007 and 2009; Nissan Altima: 2008–2009.
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.