2012 Dodge Caliber: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Dodge Caliber: 1 recall, 49 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts, Airbags Vehicle recall #16V668000 · 2016 · 1,435,625 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (17): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (13): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (7): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Body & structure (6): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (6).
The 2012 Dodge Caliber has 49 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 7 Caliber model years for complaints (well below the 264 average). Complaints peaked in 2017 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 70,283 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (165 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 27 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Dodge Caliber.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2012 Dodge Caliber. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Dodge Caliber problems?
Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (17), seat belts (13), speed control / throttle (7).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Dodge Caliber get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Dodge Caliber repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.