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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-DODGE-CALIBERNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Dodge
2012 Dodge Caliber problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 49 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2012 Dodge Caliber has 49 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is airbags at 16 complaints, typically surfacing around 54,405 miles (~$1,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Caliber?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
3 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★3/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★3/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2012 Dodge Caliber 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2012 Dodge Caliber? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
airbags — 16 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,405 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
body — 5 owner reports
· tends to show around 108,000 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
electrical — 5 owner reports
· tends to show around 61,074 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 5 owner reports
· tends to show around 28,113 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 54,405 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Caliber· powertrain
This car just droped power on the highway at 60mph to 15 MPH with no warning had to fight my way to the sholder and call a tow truck the Dodge dealer said it was something with the carbarater 700.00 dollars later and not covered the car wasn't even 3 years old this should be a…
My oils and fluid levels were fine. I have about 74,000 on my vehicle, and just had a recent oil change about 300 miles or so ago. While driving around 35 MPH on a local street, my vehicle''s check engine light and ABS light came on. The steering went out and I immediately lost…
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
"takata recall" I have a 2012 Dodge caliber and the horn has suddenly stopped working and I am unsure why. The horn is located in the airbag assembly and because of this I have not been able to get it replaced. I don't understand why a horn on a 4 year old car would suddenly…
Had a problem with your 2012 Dodge Caliber?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Caliber reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Dodge Caliber is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 Dodge Caliber?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Dodge Caliber does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Dodge Caliber?
Inspect the airbags first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 16 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 54,405 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 Dodge Caliber a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 49 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is airbags. Typical failure occurs around 54,405 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Dodge Caliber?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 16 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 54,405 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 54,405 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Caliber has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Dodge Caliber?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 49 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Dodge/Caliber.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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