2012 Dodge Caravan Problems
Compared with other Dodge Caravan years
Typical for this model
39/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical Dodge Caravan year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 25 of its 87 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Long waits for the vent window switch recall part (25 complaints, median 45,000 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2011, 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 87filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 51,500miles, 58 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Dodge Caravan (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Dodge Caravan most often describe the engine shutting off without warning while driving, and a broad set of electrical complaints covering power sliding doors, lighting, the horn, dead batteries and no-start conditions. Brake complaints center on rear pad and rotor wear showing up in the first 30,000 miles. Several owners also report long waits for the rear quarter vent window switch recall part.
- Engine
Engine shuts off while driving
- 17 complaints (20%)
- median 105,085 mi at 6.5 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2021
Owners describe the van shutting off without warning on city streets and highways, sometimes with the wheel locking and steering and brake assist lost until the engine is restarted. Several say the dealer could not reproduce the problem or found no stored codes, while other reports mention misfire codes, a cylinder misfire, or a valvetrain noise diagnosed by an independent shop. In some cases restarting meant stopping the van, shifting into park and cycling the key. Mileage in these reports runs from about 36,000 to 165,000, with many above 100,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether any stalling episodes have been logged and whether the fuel pump relay, ignition switch and power distribution module have been inspected. A scan-tool check for stored misfire and stall codes before purchase is worth the cost.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2012 Dodge grand Caravan stops running suddenly while driving. On several occasions over the past week the vehicle will just cut off while driving. So far this has only happened on city streets and not on the highway. On a least one occasion I noticed that I bumped the key. Maybe an ignition problem? This is very dangerous as it happens without warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11204870, filed 2019-04, 156,000 miles“My Caravan loses all power while driving in low speeds, high speeds, over railroad tracks, on the interstate!! I have to stop immediately and restart. This is a safety issue! It happens randomly at any time, I never know when or if it will die on me. I have complained to my dealership and 2 others. They say, nothing is showing on the computer, there's nothing we can do.”
NHTSA complaint #11111432, filed 2018-07, 90,000 miles - Electrical system
Electrical faults: doors, lighting, horn, battery drain
- 23 complaints (26%)
- median 55,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2019
Complaints describe windows, locks and wipers operating on their own, wipers that stay on, headlights stuck on or inoperative, and a horn that will not sound from the steering wheel. Owners report repeated dead batteries, blown fuses and no-start conditions, with the power distribution module (TIPM) and its fuel pump relay named in several repairs. One owner described flames from the driver-side door switch bank and another a burning smell with smoke from the rear door area. Reported from about 25,000 miles to beyond 200,000, with a large share between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.
What to check: Cycle the windows, locks, wipers, horn and lights with the key off, and check that the battery holds charge after sitting. Ask for records of any module or wiring repairs, and check whether the vent window switch recall was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My van showed the battery light I went to get the battery checked out. The test came back bad battery. I bought a new one everything checked good. The next day the check engine light, air bag light, ABS light and battery light lit up. After that the van would not start. We checked fuses they were good. The van will not start, it will crank like trying to start but will not. We only have 55000 miles on it and are being told the room is bad.”
NHTSA complaint #10934504, filed 2016-12, 55,000 miles“I was in the driveway the first time acted like it was going to start then died all lights on panel lite up had towed to galeana Dodge found it was the tipm module. Cost over $1,000 to fix. Tried talking to Dodge corporate to try to get money back after noticing so many complaints and no help from them. Now my car is back in the shop with same issue, 3 weeks later. No loaner car available. My only vehicle. This time I was driving and the car stalled and then all the lights came on again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10853292, filed 2016-04, 28,897 miles - Electrical system
Long waits for the vent window switch recall part
- 25 complaints (29%)
- median 45,000 mi at 2.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2015
Owners say they were notified of recall P25 / NHTSA 14V-234 for the rear quarter vent window switch but the part was not available, and in some cases the dealer only disconnected the switch as a temporary step. Complaints describe waiting months without a repair date, and one owner says the dealer never placed the parts order. These reports are about parts supply and scheduling rather than a new failure. Most of these complaints list no mileage; the ones that do fall between about 35,000 and 50,000 miles and were filed in 2014 and 2015.
What to check: Confirm with a dealer whether the rear quarter vent window switch recall was completed with the new part rather than only disconnected, and get it in writing.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I contacted the dealer regarding the power vent switch recall and they failed to place the order for the part. About a month later I had an oil change and found out that the part was not ordered so I placed the order then. I am still waiting for the part to come in. Dealer is new river auto mall chrysler/jeep/Dodge in hardeeville south carolina.”
NHTSA complaint #10717617, filed 2015-05, 45,000 miles“Received recall notice, p25/NHTSA 14v-234 had my dealer disconnect the rear quarter vent window switch. This was done in july 2014. I have not yet received notice that the above mentioned part is ready to install in my vehicle. I have been waiting for six (6) months. Why is it taking so long?”
NHTSA complaint #10671866, filed 2015-01 - Brakes
Rear brakes wear out early and run hot
- 7 complaints (8%)
- median 31,000 mi at 2.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2018
Complaints describe rear brakes grinding, squealing or grabbing and needing pads, rotors and calipers at low mileage, sometimes twice within a few years. A few owners report the rear rotors hot enough to smell or glow after a short drive. Owners say dealers described the wear as normal for the vehicle or quoted the work at the owner's expense. Mostly reported between about 22,000 and 33,000 miles, with a few reports from much higher-mileage vans.
What to check: Have the rear pads and rotors measured and feel each rear wheel for unusual heat after a short drive. Ask for service records showing whether the rear calipers have already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Rear braking system worn out, need them replaced prematurely. The brakes were grabbing, not releasing, vibrating and not stopping like they should. Took it in and sure enough I need to have the rear brakes, router and a piston/ sensor replaced 30,000 for brake wear out. Highway driving not city driving I was told rear brakes only last 25-30,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10543271, filed 2013-09, 30,000 miles“After smelling brakes during a 10 mile trip to local store I looked at rear drivers side rotor to see it glowing cherry red in the night. Extreme heat was coming from the wheel well and wheel camber appeared to be affected from excessive heat. Working on trying to get it in for a warranty check, but to me this is ridiculous for a vehicle 2 years old with 25k miles. Sounds like mechanical failure of the caliber which I could replace myself, but from what I've read online this is a repetitive issue and a huge money pit.”
NHTSA complaint #10595155, filed 2014-05, 25,000 miles - Electrical system
Power sliding doors fail to latch or open on their own
- 8 complaints (9%)
- median 49,434 mi at 3.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2019
Owners report power sliding doors that will not secure or lock, open by themselves while parked, rock abnormally when moved by hand, or grind and stop working for stretches of time. Dealers reportedly diagnosed a failed door module or applied a software update, and some owners say the behaviour came back afterwards. Reported between roughly 7,000 and 51,000 miles, on both newer and mid-life vans.
What to check: Open and close both sliding doors several times with the power button and by hand, and check that they latch flush and the door-open warning stays off.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought my 2012 Dodge grand Caravan in march of 2012, and by the end of that same year had to have new tire put on the front of the van, (they were completely worn). I have had problems with the electronic drivers set not working in fact has not worked properly since I have had the van, and when I took it to have it looked at they of course could find nothing wrong, to this date it is stuck in the same position and will not move. …”
NHTSA complaint #10762393, filed 2015-09, 7,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caravan. The contact was manually opening the passenger and driver's side sliding doors when he noticed that the doors were rocking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with needing a software update. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 49434. Updated 9/17/13”
NHTSA complaint #10537244, filed 2013-08, 49,434 miles
Buying note. Have a mechanic scan for stored stall and electrical codes and confirm the rear quarter vent window switch recall was finished with the new part, since stalling and electrical faults dominate owner reports for this year. If brake records are not recent, budget for rear pads and rotors.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 87 consumer complaints for the 2012 Dodge Caravan. 58 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 51,500 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 150 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 5 Dodge Caravan model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 39 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system47 54%
- Engine19 22%
- Brakes9 10%
- Other or unknown8 9.2%
- Fuel system6 6.9%
- Air bags4 4.6%
- Seats3 3.5%
- Vehicle speed control3 3.5%
Also reported: Body and structure (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Wheels (2), Exterior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Van had engine stall while going down highway. Lost all power due to this..was only going about 45 so was able to maintain control and get to side of the road. Was in the rural area so traffic was light...daughter and granddaughter was in van with me ...this could have been tragic if I had been on interstate or on busy highway...was told by machanic that fuel relay tipm gone out”
NHTSA complaint #11151779, filed 2018-11, 123,000 milesEngine: “Vechile stalls while driving with no waring. No instrument lights or hesitation. This now has happen to me 3 time. Speed ranging from 25-55 MPH. Was able to get the van into neturel and restarted while the van was coasting without power. It was a good thing I didnt have anyone following too closely. This is a very dangerous problem. Something needs done about this before someone has a very serious accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11058289, filed 2018-01, 165,000 milesBrakes: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10558048, filed 2013-12, 330 milesOther or unknown: “Ok. I've only had this vehicle for 2 1/2 year and I've found after a year, it was hard to keep gas in the vehicle even though I filled it up at times, it would still go out , the doors have gotten jammed, the windows stuck because of heat, last year the seat belts in the back stopped working and now I have a transmission problem and the vehicle will only go backwards. I never knew those things could happen to this vehicle. Also the alarm no longer works after 2 years. I have to take the key out just to open the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11113995, filed 2018-07, 200,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
47% of the 58 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,000 and 113,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 Dodge Caravan in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 150 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11025727Nov 18, 2025Brakes. Pad kit - rear disc brake, front disc brake
- 11025724Nov 17, 2025Brakes. Pad kit - rear disc brake, front disc brake
- 11016138Mar 20, 2025Engine. Starter - engine
- 11010954Nov 27, 2024Seats. Incoming Vehicles with Deployed Active Head Rest (AHR) should have a through enquiry. If there is no Broken Pieces or Electrical failure, Direction to RESET the AHR following the Procedure.
- 10248517Sep 20, 2023Equipment. LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
- 10244356Sep 20, 2023Suspension. LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
- 10248509Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10244348Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10242717Jul 27, 2023Equipment. Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used
- 10236933Apr 15, 2023Equipment, Engine cooling. wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
Other model years of the Dodge Caravan
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 23 | 46,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2014 | 20 | 57,192 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2013 | 30 | 48,000 | 0 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 87 | 51,500 | 0 | — | — | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 78 | 65,000 | 0 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 172 | 51,500 | 2 | — | — | 93 · More | Stable |
| 2009 | 118 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 58 · Typical | Stable |
| 2008 | 302 | 65,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 94 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 81 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 173 | 58,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 537 | 64,826 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 65 | 70,850 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 195 | 40,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 245 | 52,500 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 257 | 54,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 470 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 555 | 84,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 629 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 714 | 94,500 | 7 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 1,403 | 96,000 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 489 | 87,829 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 644 | 102,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 949 | 130,000 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 913 | 145,000 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 617 | 118,772 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 278 | 140,500 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 191 | 185,542 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 103 | 122,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 69 | 117,500 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 49 | — | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 49 | — | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 18 | — | 3 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
All Dodge Caravan model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Caravan?
Owners of the 2012 Dodge Caravan most often describe the engine shutting off without warning while driving, and a broad set of electrical complaints covering power sliding doors, lighting, the horn, dead batteries and no-start conditions. The issues reported most often: Engine shuts off while driving; Electrical faults: doors, lighting, horn, battery drain; Long waits for the vent window switch recall part.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Dodge Caravan have?
NHTSA recorded 87 consumer complaints for the 2012 Dodge Caravan as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Dodge Caravan is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 47 complaints (54% of the total), followed by engine with 19.
Has the 2012 Dodge Caravan been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Dodge Caravan reported?
Among the 58 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 51,500 miles and the middle half falls between 30,000 and 113,000 miles; 47% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.