2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems
What owners have reported about the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Grand Caravan. Owners have filed 584 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 12 Grand Caravan model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, engine and fuel system.
584 complaints 6 recalls, 1 fire risk 4th worst of 12 Grand Caravan years
Top 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
Electrical problems
337 complaints (58%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and module.
Engine problems
121 complaints (21%) name the engine, most often the pipes, hoses, and fittings.
Fuel system problems
74 complaints (13%) name the fuel system, most often the fuel pump.
Transmission problems
48 complaints (8%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (369 of 584). The amber line is the middle value, about 93,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls
Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured. An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 25V876000 · Dec 2025Frontal
In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits. Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed.
Recall 17V376000 · Jun 2017Vent window switch can overheat and burn
Fire riskThe switch that controls the vent window in the driver's door armrest can overheat. An overheated switch may cause a vehicle fire.
Fix: The dealer will replace the vent window switch with a newer version free of charge.
Recall 14V234000 · May 2014Power liftgate may not stop on a body part
Injury riskThe right side pinch sensor on the power liftgate may not work properly, so it can take extra force to stop the door while it is closing. The liftgate could then close on a person's arm, hand, or other body part and cause an injury.
Fix: The dealer will inspect and replace the right side liftgate pinch sensor at no cost to you.
Recall 12V191000 · May 2012Rear wheel hub may separate, causing crash
Crash riskSome right rear hub and bearing assemblies were not fully machined, so they may wear out early. That can lead to the wheel separating from the vehicle, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will replace the right rear hub and bearing assembly free of charge.
Recall 12V141000 · Apr 2012Engine
6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block. Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011.
Recall 11V487000 · Sep 2011Get an email when your 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Grand Caravan years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Grand Caravan. Owners have filed 584 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 12 Grand Caravan model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, engine and fuel system.
What are the most common 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan problems?
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, engine, fuel system and transmission. 337 complaints (58%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and module.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan electrical system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 70,000–131,000 miles, with a middle value near 100,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan have?
6. (25V876000); Frontal (17V376000); Vent window switch can overheat and burn (14V234000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2019, 2018 and 2015 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.