MYRModel Year Report

2012 Dodge Caliber

▲ Better than typical
2012 Dodge Caliber
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:14:33.952Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge Caliber Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2006: 1 complaints 2006 2007: 884 complaints 2007 2008: 360 complaints 2008 2009: 232 complaints 2009 2010: 157 complaints 2010 2011: 165 complaints 2011 2012: 49 complaints 2012
2012: 49 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20061
2007884
2008360
2009232
2010157
2011165
201249

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 35%

35% of complaints: air bags — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

A CAR HIT US IN THE PASSENGER DOOR WE ROLLED AND SLID AND NONE OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS WENT OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20120928

SEAT BELTS 27%

27% of complaints: seat belts — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 14%

14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show 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, 20130916

SUSPENSION 10%

10% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show 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, 20230715

STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

Rear subframe rotted out, detached at tire arm...see many complaints online

NHTSA ODI report, 20260226

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20170815 — air bags, seat belts

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.

Campaign 16V668000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190909 — PE (closed 20260225)

Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Dodge Caliber — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 16V668000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ● 2011 ◆ 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 2007 ■ 2008 ◆ 2009

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.