2012 Dodge Caravan Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2012 Dodge Caravan has a complaint index of 58, ranking 6th worst of 13 model years, with a Caution verdict. Electrical System problems dominate at 54% of its 87 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 69,000 for that system, and no recalls were issued for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 58/100
- #6 of 13 Caravan years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 87
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2012 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System47 (54%)
- Engine21 (24%)
- Brakes11 (13%)
- Other8 (9%)
- Fuel System6 (7%)
- Structure & Body5 (6%)
- Airbags4 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Battery drains repeatedly and blown fuses affect seat controls and wipers, sometimes followed by an alternator failure.
- A door-mounted switch controlling windows, door locks, and mirrors caught fire while the vehicle was stopped, with flames making escape difficult.
- A brake caliper stuck and caused the tire to overheat and smoke.
- Airbags failed to deploy in a side-impact crash, or deployed only partially with overhead bags deflated.
- Sliding doors rocked abnormally and needed a software update after manual operation.
2012 Dodge Caravan recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2012 compared with other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Dodge Caravan reliable?
- Compared to other Caravan model years, the 2012 has a Caution verdict with a complaint index of 58, ranking 6th worst out of 13 years tracked. Electrical System issues account for 54% of its complaints.
- Does the 2012 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Dodge Caravan.
- What is the most common problem with the 2012 Dodge Caravan?
- Electrical System complaints are most common, making up 54% of all complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 69,000.
- How does the 2012 Caravan compare to other years?
- The 2012 model (complaint index 58) is worse than 2011 (42, Good), 2013 (33, Good), and 2014 (17, Best), but better than 2005 (100, Avoid) and 2008 (92, Avoid).