2012 Dodge Caliber: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 49 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that there was a rattling noise coming from the front sub frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2024
“Due to the subframe rusting on the undercarriage of the car, the lower ball joint completely detached from the car, cause the driver side tire to fall off during operation.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2023
“Front and back subframes of car are/were rusted. The front was replaced last year and the rear needs to be done. I'm waiting for an estimate for that. Pic shows the rust taken by my mechanic 2 weeks ago..”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at 15 MPH, the stability and throttle body malfunction indicators warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Mar 2022
“Subframe on the vehicle at 90,000 was found to have SEVERE huge rotted holes in the subframe that is supporting the engine. This can allow the engine to drop out of the vehicle at any given moment and cost to repair is $1200 which is insane.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge caliber. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v668000 (seat belts, air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2020
“I recently bought this car from northtown dodge in buffalo ny in jan of 2019. As the weather got warmer my transmission overheated lite comes on. I can't drive more than 50 miles tops with out it over heating. I'm the second owner. I am financing this car and can only drive it locally. I've also read that there is a lifetime warranty for the powertrain only if your the original owner. The car only had 64000 miles on it and it has 69771. So please help me with this issue I am a disabled veteran and this car is my only means of transportation.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2019
“Was driving and lost all power when the lightening bolt light came on. Had the throttle body replaced and was fine for a few months. Now the light keeps coming on again and I've taken the car to the dealer at least 15 times and they keep relplacing different sensors and wiring. I have spent thousands of dollars for an issue that will not go away and no one can seem to figure out what the real issue is because everytime they 'fix' one thing it seems to bring up other codes.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2019
“The structure/frame in the front of our 2012 dodge caliber was so rusted that it broke while we were driving. The frame broke when we pulled off of the interstate and stopped at the end of an exit. This issue has not been addressed by a recall, b ut a bulletin has been released.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2018
“Per the x69 warranty notice I had the crossmember replaced. The dealership states that dodge does not cover the alignment that is needed due to the crossmember repair. The repair of the defect caused the need for the alignment. This seems to be a scam”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
How other years compare
Check your exact Caliber by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Caliber reliable?
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2012 Dodge Caliber. The most complained-about area is air bags (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Caliber problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,284 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:pretensioner. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.