2012 Dodge Grand Caravan

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Dodge Grand Caravan
Pictured: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Mainstreet -- 02-17-2011. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Minivan - 2WD
Body styles
4dr Van FWD Cvp/Sxt/Crew/Crew P
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV
MPG (best)
20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
Length
202.4 in
Curb weight
4,321 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints527 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 86 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 202 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,321 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 6% worse than the 2012 minivan average of 21.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 527 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Grand Caravan — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Grand Caravan →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Van FWD Cvp/Sxt/Crew/Crew P202.4 in78.7 in67.7 in121.3 in65.7 / 65 in4,321 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Caravan FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-6%$3,350444
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.3 MPG2012 Minivan - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Similar 2012 minivans

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan (this car)20 MPGNot rated6
2012 Toyota Sienna21 MPGNot rated9
2012 Kia Sedona21 MPGNot rated5
2012 Honda Odyssey22 MPGNot rated5
2012 Chrysler Town and Country20 MPGNot rated5
2012 Nissan Quest21 MPGNot rated1
2012 Volkswagen Routan20 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (6)

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility › Wheelchair Restraints/Securement › Latch/Anchor › · Dec 17, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V876000 · 86 vehicles

Problem
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk
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. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jun 13, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V376000 · 209,135 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. 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.
Risk
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. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T33.
Electrical System · May 7, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V234000 · 644,757 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, through October 31, 2013. The affected vehicles may experience overheating of the vent window switch in the driver's door armrest.
Risk
An overheated switch may result in a vehicle fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vent window switch with a newer version, free of charge. The owner notification letter was issued and the remedy campaign launched on on December 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P25.
Equipment · May 2, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V191000 · 471 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 9, 2012 THROUGH MARCH 12, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A RIGHT SIDE LIFTGATE PINCH SENSOR THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, INCREASED FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO STOP THE POWER LIFTGATE DURING FINAL CLOSING STAGES.
Risk
THE POWER LIFTGATE DOOR MAY CLOSE ON AN APPENDAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Fix
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE LIFTGATE PINCH SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Suspension › Rear · Apr 3, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V141000 · 289 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH RIGHT REAR HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE NOT FULLY MACHINED.
Risk
THIS COULD RESULT IN A DECREASE IN DURABILITY, WHICH MAY LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT REAR HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 29, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V487000 · 667 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Risk
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

527Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
12Involved a fire
10Injuries reported
100,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System315
Engine113
Fuel/Propulsion System68
Unknown Or Other60
Power Train36
Service Brakes27
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)18
Air Bags17
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/12: 223/01: 223/02: 123/03: 423/04: 123/06: 123/07: 123/10: 323/12: 124/01: 224/04: 124/05: 124/07: 124/08: 124/10: 124/11: 325/01: 225/03: 225/05: 125/07: 125/11: 226/02: 126/04: 126/10: 122/1223/0323/0724/0124/0724/1125/0526/02max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 315 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 113 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 68 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Grand Caravan years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Grand Caravan20202.4 in★★★★★120
2019 Grand Caravan20202.4 in★★★★★4245
2018 Grand Caravan20202.4 in★★★★★4271
2017 Grand Caravan20202.4 inNot rated3414
2016 Grand Caravan20202.4 inNot rated61,002
2015 Grand Caravan20202.4 inNot rated4281
2014 Grand Caravan20202.4 inNot rated5334
2013 Grand Caravan20202.4 inNot rated4435
2011 Grand Caravan20202.4 inNot rated4441
2010 Grand Caravan20202.4 inNot rated6635

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →