Is the 2012 Dodge CALIBER reliable?

The 2012 Dodge CALIBER has 80 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Dodge CALIBER?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (17 complaints, avg repair $500); SEATS/RESTRAINTS (14 complaints, avg repair $500); SPEED CONTROL (7 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Dodge CALIBER?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER. Contact any Dodge dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Dodge CALIBER?

The 2012 Dodge CALIBER gets 25 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1920. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Dodge CALIBER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Dodge CALIBER is approximately $1,492/year (wagon class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Dodge CALIBER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Dodge CALIBER has 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 246. The most common issue is air bags problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: a car hit us in the passenger door we rolled and slid and none of the side curtain air bags went off. *tr. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 14 crash reports 6 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

3/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

17 complaints

21%

• A CAR HIT US IN THE PASSENGER DOOR WE ROLLED AND SLID AND NONE OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS WENT OFF. *TR
• I WAS IN A ACCCIDENT WHERE THERE WAS A CAR THAT STOPPED ON HIS BRAKES QUICKLY, AND I HIT THE BACK OF HIM AND MY CAR FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN. THE AIRBAG DIDNT SUPRESS DURING THE ACCIDENT CAUSING ME AND MY FIANCEE TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT. *JS
• I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON THURSDAY WHERE I HIT A GUARD RAIL PRETTY HARD AND DEAD ON. AT THE TIME I WAS GOING 35 MPH IN THE POURING RAIN. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THIS IS VERY BOTHERSOME AS I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THIS CAR BEFORE NOT STARTING ALL THE TIME WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR. I

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 4 crashes

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

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Dodge CALIBER

Based on 41 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 68K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 38K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 8K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 64K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER15/09/2016

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Dodge CALIBER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,920

Per month

$160

Per mile

16.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,549/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Dodge CALIBER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,492

Full coverage / month

$124

Liability only / year

$620

vs US avg

-11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (wagon)0.95x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.02x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1492

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Dodge New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Dodge. If you're buying a used 2012 CALIBER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Dodge dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 80 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: A CAR HIT US IN THE PASSENGER DOOR WE ROLLED AND SLID AND NONE OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS WENT OFF. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON THURSDAY WHERE I HIT A GUARD RAIL PRETTY HARD AND DEAD ON. AT THE TIME I WAS GOING 35 MPH IN THE POURING RAIN. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THIS IS VERY BOTHERSOME AS I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THIS CAR BEFORE NOT STARTING ALL THE TIME WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR. I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: 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. NOW HAD A VERY RECENT SERIOUS CRASH. IT WAS SITTING BEHIND HOUSE AND ROLLED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: LOCAL REPAIR SHOP DOING OIL CHANGE NOTICED FRONT CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED OUT. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Dodge dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)