Total Complaints
79 filings
DODGE CALIBER · model year
2012 DODGE CALIBER
79 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
3 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2012DODGECALIBER carries 79 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 16 crashes, 3 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 3/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 3/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 CALIBER is air bags with 17 filings, followed by seat belts (13) and vehicle speed control (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 20 investigation files overlapping the 2012 CALIBER, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
79
Complaints
16
Crashes
3
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
- Front Crash 4.0 ★
- Side Crash 3.0 ★
- Rollover 4.0 ★
Crashes Reported
16 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
NHTSA NCAP overall: 3/5 — Average NCAP rating
· Front: 4/5
· Side: 3/5
· Rollover: 4/5
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 17 |
| SEAT BELTS | 13 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 7 |
| SUSPENSION | 5 |
| ENGINE | 5 |
| POWER TRAIN | 5 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 5 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 5 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 4 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 3 |
| STEERING | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 |
| SEATS | 1 |
Recalls (1)
16V66800015/09/2016
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 pret
Recent Complaints
20240425STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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 local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Mileage: 108,000
20230715CrashWHEELS
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.
20230715CrashSUSPENSION
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.
20230715CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
20230629STRUCTURE:BODY
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..
20230215SUSPENSION
Frame rotted out
20230215UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame rotted out
20221021ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I recently only had my 2012 dodge caliber for a year now and out of that year itâs 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 ended up figuring out what the issue was which was the tipm. I remember having to tap the battery with a wire for it to start and it didnât matter what the weather looked like. Well that didnât last long because it broke down on me again after Iâve replaced almost everything there was under the hood; the battery, the alternator, the fuses to the tipm and relay, the brake light switch, the ignition switch and all the fuses. Now here it is Iâm making a car payment and still paying insurance for a vehicle I havenât driven in months. I ended up researching this car and I see these cars are not reliable and I wish I would have known especially with two small children I already have! I recently read that th
20220917STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
20220917ENGINE
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.
20220324ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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 was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Mileage: 88,000
20220324FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:THROTTLEBODY/MANIFOLD
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 was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Mileage: 88,000
20210725STRUCTURE:BODY
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 the car in the Summer of 2020 and for inspection November of 2020. The mechanics then took me in to see the car after it was up on the lift which is never a good thing. There is a gaping rusted hole in the frame, I did not think to take a picture but I should have. I have been searching online and found a site listing over 70 reports of rusted frames on Dodge Caliber and all reports state this is not covered under warranty or the warranty expired. https://www.carproblemzoo.com/dodge/caliber/frame-rust-problems2.php based on the amount of issues, some even reporting wrecking with a complete loss, this should be a Safety Recall. As it is the mechanic has given me a starting estimate of $1800 but based on other
20200921AIR BAGS
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 TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
20200921SEAT BELTS
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 TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
20200629STRUCTURE:BODY
LOCAL REPAIR SHOP DOING OIL CHANGE NOTICED FRONT CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED OUT. *TR
Mileage: 92,516
20200629SUSPENSION
LOCAL REPAIR SHOP DOING OIL CHANGE NOTICED FRONT CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED OUT. *TR
Mileage: 92,516
20200516ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I RECENTLY BROUGHT A USED VEHICLE, WHEN I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE EVERYTHING RAN SMOOTHLY AND THINGS WERE WORKING JUST FINE, NO PROBLEMS. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND WHEN I GOT OUT THE VEHICLE AND TRIED TO USE THE KEYPAD TO LOCK THE DOORS, IT DIDN'T WORK AND ACTUALLY STARTED THE CAR THAN THE ALARM WENT OFF. I HAD TO START THE ENGINE AND SHUT IT BACK OFF AND MANUALLY GO AND LOCK ALL DOORS BECAUSE I ALSO NOTICED THE LOCK DOOR BUTTON ON THE DOOR DID NOT WORK BUT THE WINDOW BUTTONS DOES. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THEM AND INFORMED THEM OF THE ISSUE THAT I WAS EXPERIENCING. ABOUT 1 WEEK WENT BY AND I STARTED TO FEEL THE CAR DRAGGING WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND GAS CAP LIGHT COMING ON. AND MOST OF ALL I NOTICED HOW QUICKLY THE MILEAGE WAS MOVING VERSUS THE MILEAGE I SIGNED IT AT. I ALSO CALLED IN AND REPORTED WHAT I WAS EXPERIENCING, THEY SUGGESTED I BRING IN THE VEHICLE TO A SHOP THEY CONTRACT WITH TO SEE THE PROBLEM AND RESOLVE IT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN ON THE
20200516VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I RECENTLY BROUGHT A USED VEHICLE, WHEN I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE EVERYTHING RAN SMOOTHLY AND THINGS WERE WORKING JUST FINE, NO PROBLEMS. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND WHEN I GOT OUT THE VEHICLE AND TRIED TO USE THE KEYPAD TO LOCK THE DOORS, IT DIDN'T WORK AND ACTUALLY STARTED THE CAR THAN THE ALARM WENT OFF. I HAD TO START THE ENGINE AND SHUT IT BACK OFF AND MANUALLY GO AND LOCK ALL DOORS BECAUSE I ALSO NOTICED THE LOCK DOOR BUTTON ON THE DOOR DID NOT WORK BUT THE WINDOW BUTTONS DOES. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THEM AND INFORMED THEM OF THE ISSUE THAT I WAS EXPERIENCING. ABOUT 1 WEEK WENT BY AND I STARTED TO FEEL THE CAR DRAGGING WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND GAS CAP LIGHT COMING ON. AND MOST OF ALL I NOTICED HOW QUICKLY THE MILEAGE WAS MOVING VERSUS THE MILEAGE I SIGNED IT AT. I ALSO CALLED IN AND REPORTED WHAT I WAS EXPERIENCING, THEY SUGGESTED I BRING IN THE VEHICLE TO A SHOP THEY CONTRACT WITH TO SEE THE PROBLEM AND RESOLVE IT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN ON THE
20200516EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I RECENTLY BROUGHT A USED VEHICLE, WHEN I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE EVERYTHING RAN SMOOTHLY AND THINGS WERE WORKING JUST FINE, NO PROBLEMS. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND WHEN I GOT OUT THE VEHICLE AND TRIED TO USE THE KEYPAD TO LOCK THE DOORS, IT DIDN'T WORK AND ACTUALLY STARTED THE CAR THAN THE ALARM WENT OFF. I HAD TO START THE ENGINE AND SHUT IT BACK OFF AND MANUALLY GO AND LOCK ALL DOORS BECAUSE I ALSO NOTICED THE LOCK DOOR BUTTON ON THE DOOR DID NOT WORK BUT THE WINDOW BUTTONS DOES. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THEM AND INFORMED THEM OF THE ISSUE THAT I WAS EXPERIENCING. ABOUT 1 WEEK WENT BY AND I STARTED TO FEEL THE CAR DRAGGING WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND GAS CAP LIGHT COMING ON. AND MOST OF ALL I NOTICED HOW QUICKLY THE MILEAGE WAS MOVING VERSUS THE MILEAGE I SIGNED IT AT. I ALSO CALLED IN AND REPORTED WHAT I WAS EXPERIENCING, THEY SUGGESTED I BRING IN THE VEHICLE TO A SHOP THEY CONTRACT WITH TO SEE THE PROBLEM AND RESOLVE IT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN ON THE
Compare 2012DODGECALIBER to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations 1 Open
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2012 DODGE CALIBER have?▼
The 2012 DODGE CALIBER has 79 NHTSA complaints, 16 crashes, 3 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 DODGE CALIBER?▼
The 2012 DODGE CALIBER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 3/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 3/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 DODGE CALIBER?▼
Yes, the 2012 DODGE CALIBER has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 DODGE CALIBER?▼
The most-complained component for the 2012 DODGE CALIBER is AIR BAGS with 17 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SEAT BELTS and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Is the 2012 DODGE CALIBER safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 DODGE CALIBER has an NHTSA safety rating of 3/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.