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2012 Dodge Caliber SXT

The 2012 Dodge Caliber SXT is a 158-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 with a cvt and front-wheel drive. It starts at $18,765 MSRP and is rated at 24 mpg combined.

It makes 158 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 141 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm, spinning to a 6,750 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 23 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (24 mpg combined).

The Caliber measures 173.8 inches long on a 103.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,012 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$18,765 ($26,562 *)
Destination Charge$7,502,012,201,020,110,000
Engine
Engine Type2.0L World I4
Displacement2 L
Horsepower158 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque141 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Redline6,750 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 16-valve, VVT
Bore and Stroke3.39 x 3.39 in (86 x 86 mm)
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Injection TypeSequential multi-port fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
TransmissionCVT (Jatco JF011E, CVT2)
Fuel Economy
City23 MPG
Highway27 MPG
Combined24 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tank Capacity13.6 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent, lower control arms, coil springs, gas shocks
Rear SuspensionIndependent, multi-link, coil springs, gas shocks
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17" x 6.5"
Wheels Rear17" x 6.5"
Tires FrontP215/60R17 (all-season touring)
Tires RearP215/60R17 (all-season touring)
Dimensions & Weight
Length173.8 in
Width68.8 in
Height60.4 in
Wheelbase103.7 in
Front Track59.8 in
Rear Track59.8 in
Ground Clearance7.7 in
Cargo Volume18.4 ft³
Curb Weight3,012 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.8 in
Headroom Rear38.9 in
Legroom Front41.8 in
Legroom Rear35.7 in
Shoulder Room Front55.4 in
Shoulder Room Rear53.4 in
Hip Room Front52.2 in
Hip Room Rear49.6 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (15.5 % risk)
Tested variant: 2012 Dodge Caliber 4 DR FWD

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Dodge CALIBER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 15, 2016 · SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

NHTSA campaign 16V668000

49 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 Dodge CALIBER

Owner Complaints

49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Dodge CALIBER (9 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 4 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags17
Seat Belts13
Vehicle Speed Control7
Structure6
Electrical System5
Engine5
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Feb 26, 2026 · Structure
“Rear subframe rotted out, detached at tire arm...see many complaints online”
Apr 25, 2024 · Structure
“The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that there was a rattling noise coming from the front sub frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it…”
Jul 15, 2023 · Suspension, Wheels, Unknown Or Other Crash
“Due to the subframe rusting on the undercarriage of the car, the lower ball joint completely detached from the car, cause the driver side tire to fall off during operation.”
Jun 29, 2023 · Structure
“Front and back subframes of car are/were rusted. The front was replaced last year and the rear needs to be done. I'm waiting for an estimate for that. Pic shows the rust taken by my mechanic 2 weeks…”
Feb 15, 2023 · Suspension, Unknown Or Other
“Frame rotted out”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2012 DODGE CALIBER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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