Used car guide

2006 Dodge Caliber: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Dodge Calibers, from 134 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 134 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

134MOT tests in 2025
49%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 57%)
5,000typical miles a year
5.7×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Dodge Calibers than on all cars registered in 2006.

  • Steering rack inner joints5.7× usual
    Dodge Caliber
    22.4% All 2006 cars
    3.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2006 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.

By area

The share of 2006 Dodge Caliber MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    63% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    35% 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
    34% 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.

  • Brakes
    30% 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.

  • Steering
    29% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    19% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2008218Suspension 74%
2007165Suspension 54%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Dodge Calibers registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score