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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-DODGE-GRAND-CARAVANNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Dodge
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan has 583 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 6 active recall campaigns.
The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan has 583 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 312 complaints, typically surfacing around 102,002 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Dodge Grand Caravan owner complaints by model year
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Grand Caravan?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
11 fire-related complaints on the electrical system
Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average
6 recall campaigns 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
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
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 Grand Caravan VAN 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 Grand Caravan? 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
electrical — 312 owner reports
· tends to show around 102,002 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 52 owner reports
· tends to show around 96,975 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 45 owner reports
· tends to show around 78,945 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
brakes — 27 owner reports
· tends to show around 42,179 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: cruise control is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 66,238 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 6 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.8/10 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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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Grand Caravan· electrical
Rear door won't engage or open seems to be electrical, then once figured out. The vehicle wldnt run, had a new battery put in, then it acted like the fuel pump, but the fuel pump kicks in the alternator was replaced as the fuel pump a year ago. Then we bypassed the regulator and…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge grand caravan. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home after the latest failure. The contact also stated that the key fob did not cooperate with the transmitter and failed…
Our van has had electrical issues over the past 3-4 weeks. First, certain lights in the cabin would flicker intermittently. Starting last week, the dash lights would flicker on and off while driving. The car then started to lose power while idling. Then one day the car…
Had a problem with your 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan?
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.
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles
Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T33.
Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, through October 31, 2013
An overheated switch may result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vent window switch with a newer version, free of charge. The owner notification letter was issued and the remedy campaign launched on on December 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P25.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 583 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan?
The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: 11 fire-related complaints on the electrical system; Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average; 6 recall campaigns 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 Grand Caravan?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 312 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 102,002 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 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 Grand Caravan a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 583 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 102,002 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 Grand Caravan?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 312 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 102,002 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 102,002 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Grand Caravan 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 Grand Caravan?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 583 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, 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/Grand Caravan.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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