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Is a 2012 Dodge Caravan a good year?

The 2012 Dodge Caravan can be a good choice for a used minivan, but it's important to consider the specific model year and its known issues. In general, the 2012 Dodge Caravan is a reliable and practical family vehicle that offers a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and a range of features.


Overview of the 2012 Dodge Caravan


The 2012 Dodge Caravan was part of the fifth generation of the Caravan, which was introduced in 2008. The 2012 model year brought some minor updates, including a revised front grille and interior trim. The Caravan was available in several trim levels, including the base SE, the mid-level SXT, and the top-of-the-line Crew and R/T models.


Under the hood, the 2012 Caravan offered a choice of two engines: a 3.6-liter V6 that produced 283 horsepower and a 3.3-liter V6 that generated 175 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.


Pros and Cons of the 2012 Dodge Caravan



  • Pros:

    • Spacious and versatile interior with seating for up to seven passengers

    • Powerful V6 engine options, especially the 3.6-liter unit

    • Comfortable ride and handling for a minivan

    • Available in a range of trim levels to suit different budgets and needs



  • Cons:

    • Some reliability issues reported, particularly with the transmission and electrical system

    • Dated interior design and materials compared to newer minivan models

    • Fuel economy is not as efficient as some competitors




Overall, the 2012 Dodge Caravan can be a good used minivan option, but it's important to carefully research any specific vehicle and its history before making a purchase. Potential buyers should also be aware of the known issues with the model year and factor that into their decision-making process.

What is the value of a 2012 Dodge Caravan?


The value of a used 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan ranges from $2,300 to $9,074, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.



What year is the most reliable Dodge Caravan?


The Dodge Grand Caravan is a reliable minivan with a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal. The Dodge Grand Caravans with the best reliability are the 2020, 2007, and 2010 models.



How many miles is a 2012 Dodge Caravan good for?


Typically, a Dodge Grand Caravan will survive 200,000-300,000 miles with excellent care, which places high mileage for the vehicle around the 200,000-mile mark and good mileage at 150,000 miles.



How long does a Dodge Caravan transmission last?


Your Dodge Caravan's transmission is sealed from the factory, with little in scheduled maintenance other than making sure it is filled to the correct level. Under normal conditions, it should be changed every 120,000 miles.



What's a 2012 Dodge Caravan worth?


The value of a used 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan ranges from $2,052 to $8,479, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.



Was 2012 a good year for a Dodge Grand Caravan?


The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan isn't the dominator it was so many years ago, but it's also much improved compared to past DGC iterations. Dodge refreshed the Grand Caravan last year to bring about increases in engine performance, fuel economy, driving dynamics and cabin quality.



What is the best engine for the Dodge Caravan?


3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine is a powerhouse under the hood of Dodge Grand Caravans, delivering authentic performance and capability across various states. With a refined design and innovative engineering, this engine showcases remarkable fuel efficiency and enhanced power delivery.



What year did Dodge Caravans have transmission problems?


Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, ...



Is there any recalls on a 2012 Dodge Caravan?


NHTSA safety recall results (5)
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.



How long will a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan last?


How Long Will the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Last? A properly maintained 2012 Grand Caravan will last around 150,000 miles, half as long as top competitors including the Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are very expensive, according to Repair Pal, at $785 per year.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.