VehicleVerdict

2012 Dodge Caliber problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2012 Dodge Caliber is among the quieter years of the Caliber on NHTSA's books: 80 complaints (70% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (17), seat belts (13), and electrical system (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. Its NCAP crash-test rating is 3 of 5 stars overall.

80

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

3

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Caliber years?

Caliber NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted1,396 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 1,396 complaints2008: 570 complaints2009: 355 complaints2010: 246 complaints2011: 271 complaints2012: 80 complaints
Caliber NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Caliber years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Dodge Caliber problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1721%
Seat Belts1316%
Electrical System810%
Speed Control79%
Body & Structure68%
Transmission56%
Engine56%
Other56%
Suspension56%
Steering23%
Lighting23%
Fuel System23%
Brakes11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Seats11%

Does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V668000Seat BeltsSeptember 15, 2016 · 1,435,625 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN MY CAR ACCIDENT IN APRIL 2017, CAR WAS TOTALED. RECEIVED CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH AS A RESULT OF MY AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING. MY CAR WAS REG MAINTAINED AT THE DODGE DEALERSHIP ON RIVER DALE RD, OGDEN, UT CALLED IN AND SPOKE WITH A REP (SHAY) 10/09/2017 AND SHE GAVE ME A CASE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 24, 2017 · crash

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON THURSDAY WHERE I HIT A GUARD RAIL PRETTY HARD AND DEAD ON. AT THE TIME I WAS GOING 35 MPH IN THE POURING RAIN. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THIS IS VERY BOTHERSOME AS I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THIS CAR BEFORE NOT STARTING ALL THE TIME WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 25, 2014 · crash

“2012 DODGE CALIBER BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE CONTROL, CAR WILL NOT DRIVE, IT JERKS IT YOU TRY TO CHANGE GEARS. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR THESE CARS FOR YEARS, AND IT SEEMS THE COMPANY WILL NOT LOOK INTO IT, NOT ONLY 2012 MODELS BUT LATER MODELS TOO. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE JOB, AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 2, 2018

“IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM ANY POSITION. DRIVE, NEUTRAL, REVERSE OR ANY. THIS LETS VEHICLE KEY BE REMOVED WITHOUT BEING IN PARK POSITION. THE 2012 DODGE CALIBER CAN JUST ROLL AWAY. CAUGHT CAR A FEW TIMES ROLLING. NOW HAD A VERY RECENT SERIOUS CRASH. IT WAS SITTING BEHIND HOUSE AND ROLLED DOWN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 6, 2013 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 21, 2024

2012 Dodge Caliber — common questions

Is the 2012 Dodge Caliber reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 80 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Caliber year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2012 Caliber problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (17 complaints), seat belts (13 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).

Does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Dodge Caliber. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Dodge Caliber under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Caliber years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Caliber years to avoid are 2007, 2008. The cleanest record among Caliber years belongs to 2006.

How safe is the 2012 Dodge Caliber?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Dodge Caliber earned an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.