2012 Dodge Caliber recalls and problems

The 2012 Dodge Caliber has 1 safety recall and 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

9 / 3

Injuries / deaths

6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Dodge Caliber vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Dodge Caliber recalls

Recall 16V-668: Seat Belts, Air Bags

Reported Sep 15, 2016 · 1,435,625 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Fix: 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.

2012 Dodge Caliber problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	17
Seat Belts	13
Vehicle Speed Control	7
Structure	6
Suspension	5
Engine	5
Power Train	5
Electrical System	5
Unknown or Other	5
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	3
Steering	2
Exterior Lighting	2

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 5
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Throttlebody/Manifold — 1
Structure › Frame and Members — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Dodge Caliber complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · at 108,000 miles · reported Apr 25, 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 local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Wheels · reported Jul 15, 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 · reported Jun 29, 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..

Electrical System · reported Oct 21, 2022

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…

Structure · reported Sep 17, 2022

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.

Other Dodge Caliber years

20122011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Compare all Dodge Caliber years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Dodge Caliber: 16V-668 (seat belts, air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Dodge Caliber?

Owners report air bags problems most often (17 reports), followed by seat belts (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.