2012 Dodge Caliber — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Dodge Caliber is an estate/wagon offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 32 mpg (UK) / 27 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 29–32 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Dodge Caliber workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Dodge Caliber: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 32 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 3★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Estate/Wagon |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 96 cu ft (2,718 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 32 combined / 29 urban / 37 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 27 combined / 24 city / 31 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 205 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,500 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2012 Dodge Caliber across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 24 to 27 mpg (US), or 29 to 32 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (23/27) | 230 | $2,800 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/31) | 205 | $2,500 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (22/27) | 230 | $2,800 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Dodge Caliber
Running Costs: 2012 Dodge Caliber
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Dodge Caliber at 32 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,136 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Dodge Caliber Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Dodge Caliber (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seat belts — campaign 16V668000, reported 15 September 2016. Risk: 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…
Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Caliber. The most-reported areas are Air bags (17), Seat belts (13), Vehicle speed control (7). Complaints include 9 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 6 reported injuries.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Dodge Caliber
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Seat belts (1 recall campaign · 13 owner complaints) — Check every belt latches and retracts properly and that any restraint recalls were completed.
- Air bags (17 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Throttle & cruise control (7 owner complaints) — Check throttle response and cruise control are smooth, and ask about any software or throttle recalls.
- Body structure (6 owner complaints) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Dodge Caliber compare to similar estate/wagons? For context, estate/wagons in our database average around 34 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 32 mpg figure is 2 mpg below that average. This comparison is based on 194 estate/wagons in our dataset.
Dodge models in our database average about 25 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Dodge Caliber's 32 mpg is 7 mpg above that make average. Its 205 g/km CO₂ figure is 64 g/km lower than the 269 g/km Dodge average.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Dodge Caliber
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Dodge Caliber: 2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a manual 5-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Dodge Caliber?
The most efficient configuration returns around 32 mpg (UK) combined, or 27 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 29 to 32 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Dodge Caliber cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,500 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 3 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Dodge Caliber (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Dodge Caliber?
Among the 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (17 complaints), Seat belts (13 complaints), Vehicle speed control (7 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Dodge Caliber have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Dodge Caliber's fuel economy good for an estate/wagon?
It returns around 32 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 34 mpg among the estate/wagons we track.