2012 Dodge Caravan Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 10%of 87 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Dodge Caravan, 10% of the 87 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“Rear brakes worn out, scraping metal. Called dealer and they said there was nothing they can do under warranty. I've been a mechanic for over 40 years and this is just plain equipment failure. The calipers are bad and chrysler will not admit it because they don't want to pay for a recall. Very dissatisfied with vehicle because the brakes need replacing again at 44000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10626683, filed 2014-08, 31,000 miles“My wife while driving slammed on the brakes and the van shut off it however restart right away.this was very scary and could put her life in danger if someone had run into her van back.”
NHTSA complaint #11150805, filed 2018-11, 53,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11025727Nov 18, 2025Pad kit - rear disc brake, front disc brake
- 11025724Nov 17, 2025Pad kit - rear disc brake, front disc brake
- 10228975Mar 9, 2022Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during…
- 10223014Mar 9, 2022Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during…
- 10220631Mar 9, 2022Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during…
- 10212234Mar 9, 2022Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during…
- 10221098Apr 7, 2021Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during…
- 10193951Apr 7, 2021Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during…
- 10160039Dec 12, 2015Flash: 3.6L Powertrain Diagnostic And System Enhancements This bulletin involves flash reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. NOTE: There will be…
- 10054185Sep 25, 2013Chrysler/dodge: when braking, steering wheel would shake, brake pedal pulsates and/or floor pan vibrates and need to replace, both, front brake rotors, right and left front lower…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 9% |
| 2014 | 2 | 10% |
| 2012 | 9 | 10% |
| 2011 | 6 | 8% |
| 2010 | 23 | 13% |
| 2009 | 11 | 9% |
| 2008 | 62 | 21% |
| 2007 | 10 | 12% |
| 2006 | 12 | 7% |
| 2005 | 19 | 4% |
| 2004 | 8 | 12% |
| 2003 | 35 | 18% |
| 2002 | 16 | 7% |
| 2001 | 14 | 5% |
| 2000 | 55 | 12% |
| 1999 | 50 | 9% |
| 1998 | 48 | 8% |
| 1997 | 72 | 10% |
| 1996 | 153 | 11% |
| 1995 | 62 | 13% |
| 1994 | 63 | 10% |
| 1993 | 338 | 36% |
| 1992 | 271 | 30% |
| 1991 | 215 | 35% |
| 1990 | 16 | 6% |
| 1989 | 10 | 5% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 3 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 5 | 10% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge Caravan
47 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Dodge Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology