2012 Dodge CARAVAN
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Dodge CARAVAN has 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.4x the segment average of 34. The most common issue is electrical problems (41% of all complaints), specifically: first time, battery kept going dead. took it to cortland dodge, they said there was a problem with the wiring [not covered by warranty] charged us about 80.00 ! second time. fuses blown for seat controls and w. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
116
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
3.4x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
47 complaints- • FIRST TIME, BATTERY KEPT GOING DEAD. TOOK IT TO CORTLAND DODGE, THEY SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING [NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY] CHARGED US ABOUT 80.00 ! SECOND TIME. FUSES BLOWN FOR SEAT CONTROLS AND W
- • RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING REAR QUARTER VENT WINDOW SWITCH. STATES IF EXPOSED TO LIQUID SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT CAUSING BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, OR DRIVER'S DOOR FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. TRIED TO SCHEDULE APPT JUST TO HAVE SWITCH DISCONNECTED SINCE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE TWO CLOSEST DEALERS WO
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V234000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR
“FIRST TIME, BATTERY KEPT GOING DEAD. TOOK IT TO CORTLAND DODGE, THEY SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING [NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY] CHARGED US ABOUT 80.00 ! SECOND TIME. FUSES BLOWN FOR SEAT CONTROLS AND W”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Dodge CARAVAN
Based on 84 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 60K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.
ELECTRICAL
BRAKES
FUEL SYSTEM
ENGINE
OTHER
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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Dodge CARAVAN
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Dodge New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Dodge. If you're buying a used 2012 CARAVAN, 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 116 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: FIRST TIME, BATTERY KEPT GOING DEAD. TOOK IT TO CORTLAND DODGE, THEY SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING [NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY] CHARGED US ABOUT 80.00 ! SECOND TIME. FUSES BLOWN FOR SEAT CONTROLS AND W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: THE PROBLEM IS AUTONOMOUS ACCELERATION. WHEN MY CAR IS MOVING SLOWLY AT IDLE SPEED WHILE I'M PULLING INTO OR OUT OF A PARKING SPACE OR MY HOME GARAGE AND I APPLY PRESSURE TO THE STEERING WHEEL TO GUIDE THE CAR, THE ENGINE RPM SPEED SURGES BY ABOUT 400 RPMS CAUSING THE CAR TO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE FOR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN BUT HEARD A WHISTLE LIKE NOISE AS THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE PADS, ROUTES AND CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLAC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: I BOUGHT MY 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN IN MARCH OF 2012, AND BY THE END OF THAT SAME YEAR HAD TO HAVE NEW TIRE PUT ON THE FRONT OF THE VAN, (THEY WERE COMPLETELY WORN). I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRONIC DRIVERS SET NOT WORKING IN FACT HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VAN, AND WHEN I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Dodge CARAVAN — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 116
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 4
- Segment avg
- 34
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Dodge CARAVAN