2012 Dodge Durango
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 640 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 25 Durango model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 17 involved a crash and 32 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical systemNov 14, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning December 19, 2019. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.
Campaign 19V813000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakesSep 18, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.
If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.
Campaign 17V572000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, alternator/generator/regulatorJul 10, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
Campaign 17V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringDec 28, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured December 3, 2009, to September 1, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring. This recall is also addressing certain vehicles that have not been remedied under that prior recall.
The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R71.
Campaign 15V879000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemFeb 27, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 17, 2010, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6, 5.7 or 6.4 liter engine, and 2012-2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 18, 2011, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6 or 5.7 liter engine. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R09. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-530. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.
Campaign 15V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, alternator/generator/regulatorOct 8, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
Campaign 14V634000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringJul 2, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.
If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.
Campaign 14V391000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakesApr 1, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.
The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.
Campaign 14V154000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipMar 4, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 11, 2011, through October 1, 2012. Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.
If the driver experiences a hard brake pedal, the driver may not push the pedal as intended, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P05.
Campaign 14V104000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingSep 29, 2011
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.
Campaign 11V487000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
640 reports, newest first.
Steering, Jan 11, 2014
LEASED 2012 DURANGO ON 12/28/11. AT 9353 MILES ON 12/7/12 THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM RUPTURED WHILE MAKING A TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. POWER STEERING FLUID COVERED ENGINE AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT. COMPLETE FAILURE OF ALL POWER STEERING, VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER TO A SAFE SPOT OUT OF TRAFFIC. VEHICLE HAD TO BE FLATBED TO DEALER. DODGE SERVICE STATED THAT A FITTING ON A HOSE HAD BROKEN OR FALLEN OFF. IT WAS REPAIRED. AT 21,922 MILES ON 1/09/13 ONCE AGAIN AS I PULLED OUT OF TRAFFIC INTO A SHOPPING CENTER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. COMPLETE FAILURE OF ALL POWER STEERING, FLATBED TO DODGE DEALER AND AM TOLD THAT ALL HOSES AND PUMP ASSEMBLY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I UNDERSTAND SOMETHING HAPPENING ONCE. TWICE IS A ISSUE. CONTACTED DODGE AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO OTHER REPORTS OF THIS. AFTER A LITTLE SEARCHING DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP SAID THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS ON SOME 2012 JEEPS. *TR
Engine, Nov 10, 2013
THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED WITH APPROXIMATELY 19,000 MILES. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 37,705. DURING ABOUT 1/3 OF ALL ENGINE STARTS, HOT AND COLD, THE ENGINE WILL RUN BRIEFLY (LESS THAN 5 SECONDS) AND THEN STALL. THE ENGINE WILL USUALLY START AND RUN ON THE SECOND TRY BUT SOMETIMES WILL NOT START UNTIL THE THIRD TRY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES BY THE LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP IN CATHEDRAL CITY, CA, WHICH REPORTED THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2013
THERE HAS BEEN MORE THAN ONE INCIDENT DATE ON THIS ISSUE. I JUST ENTERED THE LAST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. WHEN GOING TO START MY VEHICLE IT STARTS, THAN AUTOMATICALLY STALLS. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN OVER 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. I HAVE READ COUNTLESS REPORTS OF OTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLES HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE...WITH THE TIPM. HOW THERE IS A NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND PEOPLE'S CARS HAVE BEEN IN SHOPS FOR OVER A MONTH. CHRYSLER NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL AND GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED! *TR
Engine, Sep 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT 2012 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Power train, Jun 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 23 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS AND ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FREQUENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2013
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN I GET IN THE VEHICLE TO START IT, VIA PUSH BUTTON START, THE VEHICLE WILL START AN IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE RESULT IN A 15-30 SECOND REPETITIVE START LOOP WITHOUT THE VEHICLE STARTING, AT WHICH POINT A RED LIGHT WILL BEGIN BLINKING ON THE CENTER CONSOLE. TYPICALLY THE VEHICLE HAS TO REST FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES BEFORE ATTEMPTING A RESTART, SOME OF WHICH ARE SUCCESSFUL AND SOME ARE NOT. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO TAKING UP TO 10 SECONDS TO SHUT DOWN ONCE THE PUSH BUTTON IS DEPRESSED TO TURN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS BEGINNING TO BECOME A REAL SAFETY CONCERN AS IN AN EMERGENCY I CANNOT TRUST THAT I CAN SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE. *TR
Service brakes, Feb 13, 2013
BRAKING SYSTEM VACUUM BOOST IS LEAKING OVER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME (TYPICALLY 8 HOURS). PEDAL FEEL IS FIRM AFTER THE TIME PERIOD AND DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. AFTER VEHICLE IS STARTED THE VACUUM BOOST AND PEDAL FEEL RETURNS TO NORMAL. A DEALER SERVICE APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN MADE FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR. *TR
Power train, Jan 15, 2013
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE DURING THE FIRST SNOW STORM OF THE SEASON WHEN I REACHED MY DESTINATION I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK OR REVERSE. THE ONLY THING I COULD DO IS DRIVE OR NEUTRAL. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT SNOW HAD GOTTEN LODGED IN THE DRIVE SHAFT THEREFORE NOT ALLOWING THE CAR TO BE SHIFTED. CHRYSLER TOLD ME THAT THIS PROBABLY WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN AND THAT IT WAS BECAUSE WE HAD HEAVY WET SNOW. THIS IS WISCONSIN!!! WE GET SNOW ALL OF THE TIME. THEY STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO TO MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. I AM GLAD THAT I WAS NOT IN A POSITION WHERE I NEEDED TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN STUCK 55 MILES FROM HOME IN A SNOW STORM! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 3, 2013
WHAT HAPPENS: INCONSISTENT AND INTERMITTENT TEMPORARY BRAKE/POWER FAILURE. BRAKE PEDAL TEMPORARILY BECOMES EXTREMELY HARD AND HIGH WITH ALMOST NO PEDAL MOVEMENT OR NO/MINIMAL PERCEIVED BRAKING. SUSTAINED MAXIMUM PEDAL PRESSURE (UP TO 5 SECONDS) AND THE BRAKES MAGICALLY RETURN. PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE STOPS, IMMEDIATELY ENGAGING THE ABS AND MAXIMUM PANIC STOP. BRAKE PEDAL CAN MODULATED IF EXPERIENCING THE UNEXPECTED PANIC STOP. WHEN IT OCCURS OR CAUSES IT TO OCCUR: MORNING COMMUTING (HIGHWAY AND FREEWAY DRIVING): IMMEDIATELY APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER 75%-100% ACCELERATION FROM 0-65 MPH ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP OR FROM FREEWAY STOP LIGHT. TRANSMISSION MUST SHIFT AT AROUND 60 MPH. FREEWAY DRIVING (IMMEDIATELY APPLYING THE BRAKE AFTER ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS) MERGING AND ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC, MAINTAINING STEADY SPEED UP LONG GRADES REQUIRING INCREASING PEDAL PRESSURE, SLOWLY ACCELERATING FROM 45-65 MPH SUCH THAT THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT DOWN, TRAILER TOWING: ANY LONG STEADY PULL MAINTAINING 40-60 MPH HIGHWAY SPEED WHILE IN HIGH GEAR. COLD MORNING 5-10 DEGREE F. TOOK 8-10 BLOCKS FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BE NORMAL. STARTED OUT HIGH/HARD/ ALMOST NO BRAKES AND SLOWLY GOT BETTER THEN WORKED NORMALLY. DEALER RESULTS: DEALER REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER. DEALER CAN REPRODUCE RESULTS. STATES ALL TEST DIAGNOSTICS SHOW THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS WORKING AS EXPECTED AND DESIGNED. SYMPTOMS STILL OCCURRING. ..UPDATED 02/06/14 *BF
Suspension, Nov 14, 2012
SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW ITS HAS HAD A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS. I FOUND THE ISSUE MYSELF ONCE I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR. BOTH FRONT STRUTS ARE BLOWN, SPRAYING OIL ONTO OTHER COMPONENTS, FRAME AND LEAKING ONTO THE FLOOR OF THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE SLIDSIDE WAYS ON A LEFT HAND TURN FROM A STOP LIGHT. *TR
Service brakes, Nov 1, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AT APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 5 MPH AND PULLING INTO HER CARPORT, AS SHE WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKES THEY DID NOT ENGAGE. THE BRAKES FAILED, AND SHE CRASHED INTO HER LAWN MOWER, PUSHING IT INTO HER GARAGE DOOR. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO A PENDING INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS LATER CONTACTED AND WAS ADVISED THAT A MANAGER WOULD BE GIVING HER CALL BACK. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,100. UPDATED 02/06/14*LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 27, 2012
PULLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND VEHICLE WENT INTO "LIMP MODE". WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT ALMOST GOT HIT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS VEHICLE HAS DONE THIS. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 19, 2012
SITTING IDLE ON A DRIVEWAY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND SMELL. PUNCHED GAS THREE TIMES AND EACH TIME HUGE WHITE BLUE CLOUD OF SMOKE PUSHED OUT. SMELL OF BURNING METAL CAME WITH CLOUD OF SMOKE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY AT FIRST COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM. AFTER PLACING THE VEHICLE ON AN INCLINE AND STARTING IT UP THEY TOO GOT THE SMOKE, AND NOT JUST FROM MINE BUT FROM ANOTHER ON THE LOT. THEY TELL ME THAT IT IS THE OIL PAN DESIGN IS FAULTY AND THAT MY VEHICLE WILL SMOKE WHEN ON AN INCLINE, DRIVEWAY, HILL, STUCK IN TRAFFIC AT A SLOPE. THE EMISSIONS ARE HORRENDOUS AND I AM SHOCKED THAT A 57 HEMI ENGINE WOULD DO THIS. SHOCKED MORE THAT CHRYSLER KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS NOT YET FIXED IT. *JS
Wheels, Feb 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FAILED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND CAUSED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TO BLOWOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS FRACTURED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 795.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 21, 2011
BRAND NEW VEHICLE LEASE. AT DEALERSHIP WHEN VEHICLE WAS PUT IN GEAR ENGINE STALLED 4 TIMES. SALESMAN ENTERED VEHICLE AND ACCELERATED ENGINE THEN PUT IN GEAR AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN AND STATED VEHICLE WAS OK. ABOUT 30 MILES AWAY WHEN COMING TO A STOP BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY 50MPH INTERSECTION AND WAS ALMOST STRUCK BY A ONCOMING TRACTOR TRAILER. AFTER LOCKING UP HIS BRAKES AN ACCIDENT WAS JUST BARELY AVOIDED. IT TOOK 4 TRIES TO GET THE DURANGO TO MOVE AGAIN WITHOUT SHUTTING OFF. VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER NOW AND THEY DO NOT KNOW AS OF YET WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND REFUSE TO GIVE ME A DIFFERENT VEHICLE. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. *TR