2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Dodge Grand Caravan.
For oil changes, the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.9 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet), and transmission fluid is ATF+4. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Dodge Grand Caravan, torque the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan have reported 5 common issues including "TIPM Failure and Fuel Pump Relay Issues", "Power Sliding Door Cable and Motor Failure" and "Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 6 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.9 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 100 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Common problems reported by 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
TIPM Failure and Fuel Pump Relay Issues
The 2016 Grand Caravan's TIPM fails frequently, with the fuel pump relay being the most dangerous failure mode. The relay sticks closed, causing the fuel pump to run continuously even with the ignition off, creating a fire risk and draining the battery. Other TIPM-related issues include random horn honking, headlights turning off, and power window failures.
Replace the TIPM unit. Chrysler Customer Satisfaction Notification N47 extended warranty coverage for fuel pump relay issues on select models. An external bypass relay kit can be installed as a $50 temporary fix for the fuel pump relay specifically while awaiting full TIPM replacement.
Est. Cost: $400 - $1,200Power Sliding Door Cable and Motor Failure
The power sliding doors stop functioning correctly due to worn cables, failed door motors, and faulty latch mechanisms. Symptoms include the door stopping mid-travel and reversing, refusing to close fully, or becoming stuck in the open position. Cold weather exacerbates the problem as the cable housing and track rollers contract and bind.
Replace the sliding door cable and motor assembly. Clean and lubricate the door track rails with silicone or white lithium grease. TSB 23-009-16 covers the revised cable assembly with improved wear resistance. Replace the door latch assembly if the latch microswitches are causing false pinch detection.
Est. Cost: $300 - $1,000Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure
The 62TE 6-speed automatic transmission develops a noticeable shudder during light acceleration between 30-50 mph, caused by deteriorating torque converter clutch material. As the clutch material breaks down, it contaminates the transmission fluid and can damage the valve body and solenoid pack, leading to harsh shifts and eventual transmission failure.
Replace the torque converter and perform a complete transmission fluid flush using ATF+4. TSB 21-003-16 REV. A addresses torque converter shudder diagnosis. If the valve body or solenoid pack is contaminated, those components must also be replaced. A fluid and filter change alone will not resolve an established shudder condition.
Est. Cost: $800 - $3,500Engine Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 oil filter housing gasket leaks oil externally onto the engine and exhaust, creating a burning smell and oil drips. The O-ring seals between the oil cooler and engine block degrade from heat cycling. This leak is extremely common after 50,000 miles and will progressively worsen if not addressed.
Replace all oil cooler housing O-rings and gaskets. TSB 09-002-16 provides the updated gasket kit part number with improved materials. The housing must be fully removed to access the lower seals. Ensure the mating surfaces are clean and free of old gasket material before reinstalling.
Est. Cost: $200 - $500Premature Rear Brake Caliper Seizure
The rear brake calipers seize due to corrosion of the caliper slider pins and piston bores, causing uneven pad wear, dragging brakes, and reduced fuel economy. The caliper brackets also corrode, making pad replacement difficult. This issue is most prevalent in northern states where road salt accelerates corrosion.
Replace the rear brake calipers, pads, and rotors as a set. Clean and lubricate the caliper brackets with high-temperature synthetic brake grease. Applying anti-seize compound to the slider pins during brake service can prevent future seizure. Annual brake inspection and cleaning is recommended in salt-belt regions.
Est. Cost: $300 - $8006 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
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.
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
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
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.
Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
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
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.
An overheated switch may result in a vehicle fire.
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
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.
THE POWER LIFTGATE DOOR MAY CLOSE ON AN APPENDAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
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
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.
THIS COULD RESULT IN A DECREASE IN DURABILITY, WHICH MAY LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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
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.
CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
