DecodedCars2012 Dodge Caliber
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback Se/Sxt
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 173.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,965 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2012 Dodge Caliber is a small station wagon offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,965 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 31 highway), 9% better than the 2012 small station wagon average of 24.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Caliber — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Caliber →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback Se/Sxt | 173.6 in | 68.9 in | 60.2 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 2,965 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +9% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Caliber | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 24 | -3% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Caliber | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | -3% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Dodge Caliber.
Similar 2012 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Dodge Caliber (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Scion xB | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota Prius v | 41 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota Matrix | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Kia Rondo | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags · Sep 15, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 1,435,625 vehicles
- 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.
- 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.
Not every 2012 Dodge Caliber is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Dodge Caliber buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 14 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Seat Belts — 12 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge Caliber. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Caliber years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Caliber | 27 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 124 |
| 2010 Caliber | 26 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 105 |
| 2009 Caliber | 27 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 163 |
| 2008 Caliber | 26 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 212 |
| 2007 Caliber | 26 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 420 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →