2012 Dodge Caliber recalls and problems

1 recall and 49 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Dodge Caliber.

1
recalls
49
owner complaints
9
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Dodge Caliber recalls

Air bags · Seat belts: pretensioner · Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · reported September 15, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,435,625 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 26, 2026 · Structure

Rear subframe rotted out, detached at tire arm...see many complaints online

Apr 25, 2024 · Structure · 108,000 miles

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…

Jul 15, 2023 · Wheels · crash reported

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.

Jun 29, 2023 · Structure

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..

Feb 15, 2023 · Suspension

Frame rotted out

Caliber model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 1232132
2010 2157123
2011 216591
2012 14993

Across all years, the 2007 Caliber has the most complaints (884). All Dodge Caliber years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Dodge Caliber, the most recent reported on September 15, 2016 (Air bags, Seat belts: pretensioner, Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Caliber?
Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (17 complaints), followed by seat belts (13).
How many 2012 Dodge Caliber complaints mention a crash or fire?
9 of 49 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 26, 2026.