Reliable Auto DB

2012 Dodge Caliber reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2012 Dodge Caliber holds 49 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 3 per year. It is the only Caliber year on this site. NHTSA has 1 recall on file, including Pretensioner.

2012 Dodge Caliber
Photo by Elise240SX, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

49

Per year

3

Recalls

1

Years on the road

15

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (17 of 49), then Seat belts (13) and Speed control (7). Those filings include 9 that report a crash, 3 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Dodge Caliber. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (1)

Recall seat belts, pretensioner 2016-09-15 · NHTSA campaign 16V668000
Summary 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.

Complaints by component (49 total)

Air bags
17
Seat belts
13
Speed control
7
Structure
6
Electrical system
5
Engine
5
Powertrain
5
Suspension
5
Electronic stability control (ESC)
3
Exterior lighting
2
Steering
2
Fuel and propulsion system
1
Fuel system, gasoline
1
Seats
1
Service brakes
1
Wheels
1
Show 8 more Show less
Crash-flagged

9

Fire-flagged

3

Injury reports

4

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

12012420134201422015320161520174201842019320201202132022320231202412026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "Rear subframe rotted out, detached at tire arm...see many complaints online"
    Structure · filed 2026-02-26
  • "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…"
    Structure · filed 2024-04-25
  • "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."
    Suspension, Wheels, Unknown or other · filed 2023-07-15
  • "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.."
    Structure · filed 2023-06-29

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Caliber 2L, 4-cyl Manual 5-speed Front-wheel drive 24 31 27 MPG $2400
Caliber 2L, 4-cyl Automatic (variable gear ratios) Front-wheel drive 23 27 24 MPG $2700
Caliber 2.4L, 4-cyl Automatic (variable gear ratios) Front-wheel drive 22 27 24 MPG $2700

Specs and fitment

PM generation (final years), 2012–2012
Body styles Hatchback
Oil 5W-20 , 4.5 qt capacity
Tire size 205/70R15, 215/60R17, 215/55R18

Known issues for this generation

Recall 16V-668 covers certain 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber vehicles (also other Chrysler/Jeep models): the Occupant Restraint Controller may short and disable frontal air bags, seat-belt pretensioners, and side air bags. Dealers replace the OCR; confirm VIN status with NHTSA or a dealer.

Compare

See every Dodge Caliber model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Dodge Caliber reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2012 Dodge Caliber holds 49 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 3 per year. It is the only Caliber year on this site. NHTSA has 1 recall on file, including Pretensioner.

What are common problems with a 2012 Dodge Caliber?

The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (17 of 49), then Seat belts (13) and Speed control (7). Those filings include 9 that report a crash, 3 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.

Has the 2012 Dodge Caliber been recalled?

The 2012 Dodge Caliber has 1 recall on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Dodge Caliber?

Owners have filed 49 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Caliber with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2012 Dodge Caliber get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Dodge Caliber is 25 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What engine oil does a US Dodge Caliber use?

5W-20 With filter, about 4.5 qt is commonly listed for this generation—confirm in the owner manual.

What tire sizes fit a US Dodge Caliber?

Published US specs commonly list front 205/70R15, 215/60R17, 215/55R18 and rear 205/70R15, 215/60R17, 215/55R18; confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.

What NHTSA recalls affect the US Dodge Caliber?

Recall 16V-668 covers certain 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber vehicles (also other Chrysler/Jeep models): the Occupant Restraint Controller may short and disable frontal air bags, seat-belt pretensioners, and side air bags. Dealers replace the OCR; confirm VIN status with NHTSA or a dealer.