Does the Dodge Caliber fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Dodge Caliber records 65.69 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 27.35 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+38.34, 95% interval +36.83 to +39.84). It ranks 4 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Dodge Caliber by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Dodge Caliber is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 3,566 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 3,566 | 32.06 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 803 | 7.22 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 567 | 5.10 |
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 558 | 5.02 |
| A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded | 536 | 4.82 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 11,124 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Dodge Caliber gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
35.6% of Dodge Caliber MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 4,756 miles later (3,381 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 3,381 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Dodge Caliber 2006 · Dodge Caliber 2007 · Dodge Caliber 2008 · Dodge Caliber 2009 · Dodge Caliber in Finland · Dodge Caliber in the Netherlands · Dodge Caliber by postcode area · Dodge Caliber body, chassis and structure failures · Dodge Caliber brakes failures · Dodge Caliber vehicle identification failures · Dodge Caliber lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Dodge Caliber noise, emissions and leaks failures · Dodge Caliber road wheels failures · Dodge Caliber seat belts and airbags failures · Dodge Caliber steering failures · Dodge Caliber tyres failures · Dodge Caliber visibility failures