1. How are the 6 spd automatics holding up?
2. Power doors & liftgate- many problems? Expensive to fix? Is it wiser to just open manually to avoid failure?
3. Tire pressure sensors- are these a potential money pit?

I guess all these fancy things are nice, but I'm scared they are just problems waiting to happen. Any particular issues I should be aware of on this model or any special "usage" advisories to avoid problems?

 

1) So far so good with the tranny. Just don't use the ECO mode. It makes the shifting hunt around and get choppy when it does shift.
2) Don't have the power toys.
3) Why would you ask that? I have a 2006 Chrysler with the sensors and have had zero problems. My Caravan, no issues either. Besides, the sensors themselves are cheap on eBay.

 

First I'll say the chances of you having any problems are slim. The overwhelming majority have few if any problems.

I've seen posts on several forums concerning harsh, erratic shifting on the 6 speeds. Sometimes, as Montreal 300 pointed out, just not using the ECO mode helps. Other times reprogramming is needed.

Haven't seen much on accessory problems. The odd power window etc problem is going to pop up on any vehicle.

TPMS? Earlier 5th generation vans have had problems with sensor stems breaking off. Haven't seen much on the subject on the 2012s. They may have gone with another manufacturer.

One thing to add, and I sure don't mean to imply this WILL be a problem on your van but, there has been a trend of TIPMs causing any number of electrical problems on most 5th generation vans to include 2012s. The TIPM is the fuse box. Unfortunately, many components that used to have their own separate boxes have been integrated into the TIPM so it is much more than just a fuse box. It is packed with a stack of circuit boards. There's no way to predict which will fail. As stated, the odds of a trouble free TIPM are heavily in your favor.

 

I bought a new 2012 in July. Just turned 4000 miles and couldnt be happier. Traded in a 2010. It is the Crew edition with all the options. No problems so far. HIGHLY recommend the UConnect. Also love the heated seats and steering wheel. Good luck.

 

Really. A heated steering wheel? How have we managed without them all these years? Come on Chrysler. Let's have a doughnut dispenser in the dash.

 

I'm waiting for a microwave to replace the glove box and a freezer for the console.

 

I'll second that! Now if there was just an autopilot.

 

I have 23K mi. I had a 1 head replaced under warranty and my tranny clunks. It clunks after the reprogram, clunks with out using econ, and clunks after spending a lot of money to switch to synthetic. It appears that it must be just some that were built on a Monday or something. Unfortunately mine is one of them. I will go back to Honda after the drivetrain warranty expires.

 

My 2012 caravan crew is at 36k. It did have a mild clunk in shift between 1st and 2nd. Took to dealer and they performed a reprogram. Havent heard a hard shift since.