Problem: 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.
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 these safety systems.
Fix: 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.
Components: Seat belts › Pretensioner; Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive; Air bags
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2012 Dodge Caliber 4 DR FWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
15.5%
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Caliber
27mpg combined
City / highway
24 / 31 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel
Caliber
24mpg combined
City / highway
23 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
Caliber
24mpg combined
City / highway
22 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bags
17
4
1
5
63,500 mi
Seat belts
13
1
0
0
72,000 mi
Vehicle speed control
7
3
0
0
38,000 mi
Structure Body; Frame and members
6
0
0
0
—
Suspension
5
1
0
0
—
Engine
5
1
1
0
86,012 mi
Power train
5
3
0
0
8,000 mi
Electrical system
5
0
0
0
—
Unknown or other
5
1
1
0
50,000 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)
3
0
0
0
74,000 mi
Steering
2
0
0
0
—
Exterior lighting
2
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Feb 24, 2026Structure › Body Rear subframe rotted out, detached at tire arm...see many complaints online
Apr 21, 2024 · 108,000 milesStructure › Frame and members 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 was diagnosed that the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Jul 13, 2023 · crashWheels 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 21, 2023Structure › Body 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 ago..
Feb 15, 2023Suspension Frame rotted out
Jun 23, 2022Electrical system I recently only had my 2012 dodge caliber for a year now and out of that year itâs been giving me problems since I had it! The car had completely shut down on me for weeks while I was in the process of burying my father in law who gave me Covid after he passed. Weeks later we ended up figuring out what the issue was which was the tipm. I remember having to tap the battery with a wire for it to start and it didnât matter what the weather looked like. Well that didnât last long because it broke down on me again after Iâve replaced almost everything there was under the hood; the battery, the alternator, the fuses to the tipm and relay, the brake light switch, the ignition switch and…
Mar 15, 2021Structure › Body Subframe on the vehicle at 90,000 was found to have SEVERE huge rotted holes in the subframe that is supporting the engine. This can allow the engine to drop out of the vehicle at any given moment and cost to repair is $1200 which is insane.
Mar 23, 2022 · 88,000 milesElectronic stability control (esc) The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated while driving at 15 MPH, the stability and throttle body malfunction indicators warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
PE19014 · opened Sep 9, 2019 · closed Feb 25, 2026Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat…
