CarComplaints.com Notes: Marginal side crash test ratings from the IIHS.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,229 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Dodge Caliber engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Dodge Caliber Owner Comments

problem #7

Mar 202020

Caliber 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I recently brought a used vehicle, when I took it for a test drive everything ran smoothly and things were working just fine, no problems. I drove the car home and when I got out the vehicle and tried to use the keypad to lock the doors, it didn't work and actually started the car than the alarm went off. I had to start the engine and shut it back off and manually go and lock all doors because I also noticed the lock door button on the door did not work but the window buttons does. I immediately called them and informed them of the issue that I was experiencing. About 1 week went by and I started to feel the car dragging when trying to accelerate as well as the check engine light and gas cap light coming on. And most of all I noticed how quickly the mileage was moving versus the mileage I signed it at. I also called in and reported what I was experiencing, they suggested I bring in the vehicle to a shop they contract with to see the problem and resolve it. I took the vehicle in on the next available day for me for about 4-6 hours, I was called back to pick the vehicle back up. The check engine light and gas cap light was off but nothing else as far as the electrical problem within the car, and the dragging feeling as well as the mileage troubleshooting. I wasn't satisfied with the work that was done, so I called again to report the troubles and request for a refund because I was not satisfied with the vehicle and how high the mileage goes when I only drive 25 miles back and forth 6 days a week. I've had the vehicle for 8 weeks now, and this car maintenance is poor as well as I have a strong feeling the cars been tampered with because of the damage to one of the vents in the car on the dash board, as well as the car needing an oil change already and I only had the vehicle since March 20, 2020.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

problem #6

Feb 172019

Caliber

  • 117,600 miles
When braking the electric throttle control light flashes momentarily. It does not stay on. The car does not brake completely at these times and continues to accelerate and move forward another foot or two despite pressing the brake. When braking today the car continued to accelerate faster while the foot was on the brake. In researching this, it seems the Caliber specifically has a history of etc or electric throttle issues. Years affected by this safety issue include 2007 through 2012; but there is no official recall from Dodge. This is a recall necessary issue! the essential function of acceleration and braking are non compromise areas of vehicle design that Dodge has done little to address in the Caliber model.

- Nampa, ID, USA

problem #5

Nov 142016

Caliber

  • 74,000 miles
My oils and fluid levels were fine. I have about 74,000 on my vehicle, and just had a recent oil change about 300 miles or so ago. While driving around 35 mph on a local street, my vehicle''s check engine light and ABS light came on. The steering went out and I immediately lost the ability to steer or maintain speed. I coasted my vehicle into a wendy's. I immediately restarted my car, and made it into the parking lot before losing the ability to steer and manage my speed, again. I managed to get it the 2 miles or so home. I got it towed, and I am waiting to hear from the dealership.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #4

Feb 052014

Caliber 4-cyl

  • 68,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Rear speed sensor went messing with traction control cruise control and ABS system none of them working sue to one sensor on one wheel not working properly after a wheel bearing hub went and got replaced.

- Warwick, NY, USA

problem #3

Sep 062013

Caliber 4-cyl

  • 8,000 miles
Mt 2012 Dodge Caliber had a roll away incident on 9/6/2103 when parked in a driveway. It rolled and then dove down a very steep hill with trees which eventually stopped the car rolling down the hill. The manufacturer defect has been diagnosed as a failure of the shifter assembly. There are a number of late model cars under recall because of shifter assembly defects and potential for 'roll away'. the car remains at the dealership, not safe to drive, awaiting a new shifter assembly and cable on order. Chrysler was contacted about warranty defect and took two weeks to respond by letter and declines participation with any costs associated with this incident. Letter is a contradiction saying all sysrems were found to be operating properly but noted a problem with the ignition switch the dealer should repair. Roll away can have very serious consequences.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #2

Sep 062013

Caliber

  • 7,500 miles
My Dodge Caliber 2012 SXT still under warranty had a failed manufacturer component, the 'shift interlock assembly' which controls drive, park, reverse, nuetral and all transmission settings. Vehicle was parked on blacktop area behind my house and rolled forward. It plunged headfirst down a steep hill hill crashing through back yard forest. Trees eventually stopped the vehicle. Neighbor's houses and a public road were at the base of hill. The vehicle was unoccupied. Tied car off to a tree to prevent roll over. Car is now at a Dodge dealership. Chrysler corporation is sending an 'independent' Chrysler inspector who then sends a damage report to Chrysler. Then a 'special investigation' will follow. No estimate on when Chrysler may respond. Ongoing lack of urgency in Chrysler corporation response cannot be penetrated. Car was in the woods for 2 days and now in shop for the 3rd day. Dealership has been accomodating and provided a rental car for 5 days. The manufacturer safety component that failed creates great potential for injury and damage.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #1

Sep 062013

Caliber 4-cyl

  • 6,500 miles
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 down a steep hill through trees, with body damage. It was stopped by trees and winched out of the woods. Did not hit neighbors house below and no one was in the car to be injured.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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