Dodge · Caliber · 2012
2012 Dodge Caliber
1
Recall
49
Complaints
3/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Dodge Caliber has 1 recall and 49 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 3 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: air bags,seat belts (11 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2012 Dodge Caliber page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is air bags,seat belts with 11 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Dodge Caliber currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 49 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 3/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are air bags,seat belts (11), air bags (5), structure (4).
- Vehicle
- 2012 Dodge Caliber
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 49
- Safety Rating
- 3/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
15.5% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 16V668000September 15, 2016
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
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 Status
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.
Owner Complaints
49 totalSTRUCTURE
Feb 24, 2026
Rear subframe rotted out, detached at tire arm...see many complaints online
STRUCTURE
Apr 21, 2024
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. The vehicle was not repaired. A lo...
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SUSPENSION,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CRASHJul 13, 2023
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.
STRUCTURE
Jun 21, 2023
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..
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 15, 2023
Frame rotted out
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 23, 2022
I recently only had my 2012 dodge caliber for a year now and out of that year it’s been giving me problems since I had it! The car had completely shut down on me for weeks while I was in the process of burying my father in law who gave me Covid after he passed. Weeks later we end...
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ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at 15 MPH, the stability and throttle body malfunction indicators warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer ...
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STRUCTURE
Jul 24, 2021
Lately I have noticed a wobble when I drive on the highway. Saturday, 07/24/2021, I took my 2012 Dodge Caliber with only 74,753 miles on it to the mechanics for an alignment, rotation and weight balance on the car. This is not my first time at the mechanics and they had seen th...
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STRUCTURE,ENGINE
Mar 15, 2021
Subframe on the vehicle at 90,000 was found to have SEVERE huge rotted holes in the subframe that is supporting the engine. This can allow the engine to drop out of the vehicle at any given moment and cost to repair is $1200 which is insane.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
Sep 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TI...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 49 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2012 Dodge models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Dodge Caliber Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have?
The 2012 Dodge Caliber has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Dodge Caliber?
NHTSA has received 49 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Dodge Caliber.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Dodge Caliber?
The 2012 Dodge Caliber received an overall safety rating of 3 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Caliber?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Dodge Caliber are air bags,seat belts (11 reports), air bags (5 reports), structure (4 reports).
Does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2012 Dodge Caliber. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.