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2012 Dodge Caliber review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Dodge Caliber highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 27 highway, 24 combined

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All Dodge Caliber years

What is new for the 2012 Dodge Caliber?

  • The Caliber is available in a variety of new trims, including the SE, SXT, and SXT Plus.
  • The Express, Heat, Mainstreet, Rush, and Uptown trims have been discontinued for 2012.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2012 Dodge Caliber is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

RepairPal reliability rating

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Dodge Caliber an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Dodge Caliber 20th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

Cost

According to RepairPal, cost is the average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle. Higher average cost alone does not necessarily mean a vehicle is less reliable.

The related cost of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for the accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data for select August 2023 vehicles as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Dodge Caliber is $393, compared to an average of $453 for Compact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Frequency

According to RepairPal, frequency is the average number of times the vehicle is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal reports that it calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year for each make and model; and that controls are included to omit small routine visits to shops (such as for oil changes).

The frequency of such visits for a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for the accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data for select August 2023 vehicles as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

According to RepairPal, Dodge Caliber owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.1 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times for Compact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Severity

According to RepairPal, severity measures the probability that a repair will be a major issue. RepairPal reports that an issue is considered severe if a repair costs three-times the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).

The severity of repairs for a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for the accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data for select August 2023 vehicles as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Dodge Caliber, compared to an average of 12% for Compact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Dodge Caliber features and specs

Curious how Dodge Caliber trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

Actual features may vary per car. Visit a car's detail page for a list of its actual features or contact us for more details.

  • Alloy Wheels
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Manual Transmission
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

158

Torque (ft-lbs)

141

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.6

Wheelbase

103.7"

Overall length

173.8"

Width

68.8"

Height

60.4"

Leg room

F 41.8"/R 35.7"

Head room

F 39.8"/R 38.9"

Front tires

P205/70R15

Rear tires

P205/70R15

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

150/1000 lbs.

Transmission

Manual 5

2012 Dodge Caliber FAQ


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