2012 Dodge Caravan problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2012 Dodge Caravan sits mid-pack among Caravan years: 116 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 232, with no recalls and one closed investigation.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 42% of all reports (49 of 116), far ahead of engine at 19.
116
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2012 compare to other Caravan years?
What are the most common 2012 Dodge Caravan problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 49 | 42% | — flat |
| Engine | 19 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 9 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Other | 8 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 6 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION - WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFICLIGHT -- OF THE DRIVER-SIDE SWITCHBOX THAT CONTROLS THE WINDOWS, DOORLOCKS & OUTSIDE MIRRORS. FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE ARMREST MAKING ESCAPE FROM VEHICLE DIFFICULT. FDNY WAS CALLED & EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THIS HAPPENED EARLY FRIDAY MORNING/SNOWING.…”
“2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN STOPS RUNNING SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST WEEK THE VEHICLE WILL JUST CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. SO FAR THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. ON A LEAST ONE OCCASION I NOTICED THAT I BUMPED THE KEY. MAYBE AN IGNITION…”
“I PURCHASED A NEW VAN ON JULY 5, 2013. ON JULY 8, 2013, I DROVE 4 MILES, AND STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. I ACCELERATED TO APPROX. 40 MPH, WHEN SUDDENLY THE VAN SHIFTED TO THE RIGHT MOMENTARILY, UPON WHICH I REGAINED CONTROL IMMEDIATELY. SUDDENLY, THE VAN JOLTED RIGHT AGAIN, JUMPED THE CURB, CLIMBED AN…”
“2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN STOPS RUNNING SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST WEEK THE VEHICLE WILL JUST CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. SO FAR THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. ON A LEAST ONE OCCASION I NOTICED THAT I BUMPED THE KEY. MAYBE AN IGNITION…”
“FUEL PUMP CONTINUES TO STAY ON WHEN VEHICLE IS OFF WITH NO KEY IN IGNITION. THIS IS CAUSING BATTERY DRAIN AND HARD STARTS AFTER JUMPING BATTERY. CAR ALSO IS STALLING AT TIMES WHILE IN MOTION. I HAVE SEEN A RECALL FOR OTHER MALES AND MODELS OF SAME YEAR FROM MOPAR VEHICLES, SUCH AS DURANGO. IT SEEMS…”
2012 Dodge Caravan — common questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Caravan reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 116 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Caravan year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2012 Caravan problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (49 complaints), engine (19 complaints), brakes (9 complaints).
Does the 2012 Dodge Caravan have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 Dodge Caravan.
Is the 2012 Dodge Caravan under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Dodge Caravan years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Caravan years to avoid are 1996, 1993, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1994, 1991, 1999, 2005, 1995, 2000, 2008. The cleanest record among Caravan years belongs to 2019.
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.