NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 6 recalls, 583 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.
20 mpg combined
11.8 L/100km
Minivan - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan draws a heavy concentration of complaints around the electrical system, which accounts for well over a third of all reports filed for this model year. The central theme is the TIPM, the totally integrated power module, which owners describe as failing in ways that cascade across multiple vehicle functions at once. Reported symptoms include the fuel pump running continuously with the ignition off, the van stalling or losing all power while driving, and door locks behaving erratically. Hard or no-start conditions are also frequently mentioned, particularly in cold weather, with some owners describing waits of several hours before the engine would fire. Engine and fuel system complaints largely overlap with these same TIPM-related behaviors rather than representing separate mechanical failures. A smaller number of owners report the active headrest deploying unexpectedly due to a broken internal latch mechanism.
583
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
14
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan has 6 recalls, the most serious including a rear wheel that can separate from the vehicle entirely, a driver's airbag that can deploy without warning, and a vent window switch in the driver's door armrest that can overheat and start a fire.
The wheel separation and airbag deployment risks are distinct issues: the hub and bearing assembly on the right rear can fail and send the wheel loose, while the airbag wiring inside the steering wheel can chafe and short, triggering the airbag unexpectedly while driving. The door switch recall covers a broader range of model years and poses a fire risk even when the vehicle is parked.
Two recalls affect wheelchair-accessible conversions built on this platform. On Amerivan 10 conversions, the upper rear shock absorber mounts can pull away from the chassis, affecting handling. On vehicles fitted with certain Rollx QRT wheelchair restraints, the securement system can fail to hold the wheelchair in place during transit. There is also a power liftgate concern: the right-side closing sensor can malfunction, causing the liftgate to apply more force than intended before stopping, which raises the risk of injury if a hand or other body part is in the way.
At a glance
What can fail
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The wheelchair restraint retractors may fail to lock, leaving wheelchairs unsecured in the vehicle.
What the fix does
Rollx will inspect and replace the retractors at no cost. Contact Rollx customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag wiring inside the steering wheel can get chafed and short circuit, causing the air bag to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag wiring in the steering wheel, replace it if needed, and install a protective cover to prevent chafing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The upper rear shock absorber mounts may separate from the chassis, affecting vehicle handling and increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a revised mounting bracket to secure the shock absorbers properly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vent window switch in the driver's door armrest may overheat, potentially causing it to malfunction or fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the vent window switch with an improved version at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right side liftgate sensor may malfunction, causing the power liftgate to require more force to stop during closing. This risks trapping body parts.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the right side power liftgate pinch sensor and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right rear hub and bearing assembly may be incorrectly manufactured, which could cause the hub to fail and the wheel to separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the right rear hub and bearing assembly with a correctly manufactured part.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
