2012 Dodge Caliber
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 49
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 49 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 884 |
| 2008 | 360 |
| 2009 | 232 |
| 2010 | 157 |
| 2011 | 165 |
| 2012 | 49 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
35% · 17 reportsShow complaint excerpts
A car hit us in the passenger door we rolled and slid and none of the side curtain air bags went off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-28
Seat belts
27% · 13 reportsVehicle speed control
14% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-16
Also filed under Engine
Structure
12% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing body and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
Rear subframe rotted out, detached at tire arm...see many complaints online
NHTSA ODI report, 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 the sub frame was rusted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-25
Suspension
10% · 5 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-07-15
Also filed under Wheels
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2017-08-15Air bags, seat belts16V668000 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.
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.
-
I
2019-09-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-02-25 Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Dodge Caliber — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V668000 · Air bags, seat belts
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Dodge Caliber reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Dodge Caliber is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Caliber?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.