2006 Dodge Caliber petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Dodge Caliber petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Dodge Caliber petrol than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Steering rack inner joints6.1× usual
  Dodge Caliber

  23.3% All 2006 cars

  3.8%

  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.

• Track rod ends3× usual
  Dodge Caliber

  16.3% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Sub-frame2.8× usual
  Dodge Caliber

  15.6% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Shock absorbers2× usual
  Dodge Caliber

  14.9% All 2006 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Dodge Caliber

  13.4% All 2006 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 3.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2006 Dodge Caliber petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  62% 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.

• Brakes
  34% 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.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Steering
  27% 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
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Dodge Caliber petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the 2006 Dodge Caliber petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2006 Dodge Caliber petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2006 Dodge Caliber petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?