Most common 2012 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of the 87 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Caravan complaints by model year
Best Caravan years: 2014, 2015, 2013. Years to avoid: 2005, 2000, 2008, 1996, 1997. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 Dodge Caravan:
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year.
What 2012 Dodge Caravan owners say
Electrical system all 47 →
Spontaneous combustion - while stopped at a trafficlight -- of the driver-side switchbox that controls the windows, doorlocks & outside mirrors. Flames erupted from the armrest making escape from vehicle difficult. Fdny was called & extinguished the fire. This happened early Friday morning/snowing. Insurance company examined car & authorized repair. Chrysler sent an engineering safety inspector who had vehicle towed to a Dodge dealership where investigation was performed. We received a "safety recall notice" [ p25/NHTSA 14v-234] later that same day. Chrysler has ignored my calls & live-chats for the past month. Dealership still has the vehicle but can't get a response from Chrysler either. Incident occurred 4 weeks ago! Have been forced to rent a replacement vehicle -- at my expense -- for transportation purposes.
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 wipers third time car started shifting wildly up and down. Head lights started to dim and car finally quit! Had it towed to Dodge dealer was informed it needed new alternator and battery[not covered by warranty] cost almost 1000.00 to fix it!! Fourth time car was parked beside the house when horn started blowing when we went outside car was running lights were flashing wipers and washers were going full speed, flashers going and red glow under car also doors were locked ! ! We finally got door unlocked and got hood open,battery and fuse box was cherry red. Finally took hedge clippers and cut battery cables and things cooled down ! What can we do?!?!?!?!
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that the rocket arm failed and caused the engine to make an abnormal noise. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caravan. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning and was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caravan. While driving 5 MPH with the brake pedal depressed, an abnormal squeaking noise was heard. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the failure would occur each time when depressing the brake pedal. The contact called the dealer cassens & sons Chrysler Dodge Jeep at [phone] (3333 il-159, glen carbon, il 62034) where an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,184.
I purchased a new van on July 5, 2013. On July 8, 2013, I drove 4 miles, and stopped at a red light. I accelerated to approx. 40 MPH, when suddenly the van shifted to the right momentarily, upon which I regained control immediately. Suddenly, the van jolted right again, jumped the curb, climbed an embankment, and would not stop accelerating. I kept pushing the emc controls forward....but it would not stop the vehicle. It is not that the vehicle kept accelerating, but rather, the vehicle would not stop accelerating. As a result, the vehicle only stopped when I crashed through a large evergreen tree (front right passenger area). The van continued to accelerate until I ran head first into a hardware store, which ultimately stopped the vehicle. There was an analysis performed, and I expressed great concern over the lack of information disclosed in the report. …
2012 Dodge Caravan engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Caravan a good car?
Based on 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Caravan rates better than average: 55% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Caravan at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Dodge Caravan?
The electrical system — 47 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (19) and brakes (9).
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Caravan have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Dodge Caravan. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Caravan?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2015 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005, 2000, 2008, 1996 and 1997. See the full Dodge Caravan years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Caravan problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 47% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.