Model year record

2012 Dodge Durango recalls & problems

The 2012 Dodge Durango has 10 safety recalls and 640 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (347 complaints).

Recalls10safety recalls

Complaints640filed by owners

Crashes · fires17 · 32reported in complaints

NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars

2012 Dodge Durango in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Electrical systemNov 14, 2019

Electrical system

Recall 19V813000528,594 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

Service brakesSep 18, 2017

Service brakes

Recall 17V572000646,394 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

Components: Service brakes; Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist

Electrical systemJul 10, 2017

Alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 17V435000442,214 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Interior lightingDec 28, 2015

Interior lighting

Recall 15V879000389,252 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.

Components: Interior lighting; Electrical system › Wiring

Electrical systemFeb 27, 2015

Electrical system

Recall 15V115000339,525 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

Electrical systemOct 8, 2014

Alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 14V634000435,081 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

Electrical systemJul 2, 2014

Wiring

Recall 14V391000653,562 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
Fix: 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.

Service brakesApr 1, 2014

Service brakes

Recall 14V154000646,498 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

Components: Service brakes; Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum

Service brakes, hydraulicMar 4, 2014

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Recall 14V10400018,780 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Engine and engine coolingSep 29, 2011

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 11V487000667 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.

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

2012 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	21.2%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2012 Dodge Durango SUV 2WD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	22.8%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2012 Dodge Durango NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2012 Dodge Durango NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

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

Durango 2WD FFV

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Durango 4WD FFV

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Durango 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Midgrade Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,750/year to fuel

Durango 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Midgrade Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $5,050/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*
Electrical systemAlternator/generator/regulator; Ignition	347	4	30	4	70,599 mi
Engine	141	3	4	0	80,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	89	0	0	0	56,438 mi
Service brakes	71	5	0	0	38,111 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist › Pump	42	3	0	0	87,000 mi
Power trainDriveline › Driveshaft	37	2	0	0	49,958 mi
Unknown or other	36	1	0	0	70,000 mi
Air bags	28	7	2	12	72,568 mi
Vehicle speed control	24	1	0	0	87,473 mi
Exterior lighting	19	0	2	0	50,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump	10	0	0	0	80,000 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)	10	0	0	0	80,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakesCrash
The component or system failed or malfunctioned, is the accelerator, brakes, stirring and electrical. The car is available for inspection upon your request. The car is having problems coming to a stop and it is very difficult to control the vehicle because the steering becomes so hard when the power shuts down on the vehicle as I'm driving it. I think and believe that that poses a high risk of someone getting hurt or injured and then some cases perhaps death. the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Yes the problem hasi been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. No, the vehicle has not been taken to an inspector,…
Jul 8, 2026
Electrical system
Vehicle was unable to start upon attempts in the morning. Was able to get it jumped and started. Less than 5 minutes later the dash lights along with radio lights began to flicker, the front windshield wipers activated, and the battery light came on. Immediately after the vehicle completely stopped, steering wheel got tight and hard to turn and a pole was barely missed as I attempted to maneuver the vehicle as close to the side of the road as possible. There was a complete loss of power, and I was stranded semi in the middle of a busy road during morning traffic. The vehicle was towed to out preferred shop to determine the cause of the loss of power and it was determined that the alternator…
Aug 18, 2026
Electrical system
We were driving on the interstate in northern Kentucky when the battery alert LED appeared on the dash. We exited the highway while looking up info on possible car repair shops to go to when the vehicle stalled on the exit ramp. We immediately engaged the emergency flashers but they failed eventually due to a completely dead battery. It was determined that the alternator was fried, unable to charge the battery.
Aug 14, 2026
Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 96,000. A Carfax Report was provided at the time of purchase. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 162,000 when the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an engine issue, and upon receiving the Carfax Report.
Jan 1, 2022 · 162,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. Approximately three weeks later, while stopped at a light, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The gear shifter was shifted to park(P) to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the timing chain was blown. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were failures with Oxygen sensors, head gaskets, oil pan, oil pump, B2S1 heater, that…
Jan 1, 2026 · 190,000 miles
Electrical system
Alternator went out and fried the pcm. I know certain vehicles were on the recall for this and mine was not one of them but odd that it happened anyways.
Oct 10, 2025
Service brakes
I took my Durango to Albany ga to dodge dealership for recall on brake booster water shield repair plus the other recall they fixed one recall and say they can't fix brake booster recall cause they say they will not have part available til a year later which I have concerns about my safety of recall not being repaired for a whole year
May 27, 2025
Electrical systemFire
The contact owned a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact opened the door and noticed that the interior of the vehicle was completely burned. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated the exterior of the vehicle had no signs of fire. The vehicle was towed to the local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss. In addition, the contact stated that prior to the failure, there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V879000 (Electrical System, Interior Lighting), which had a similar failure description;…
Jun 17, 2025 · 186,488 miles

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

Active Head Rest Inadvertent DeploymentClosed
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…
PE19014 · opened Sep 9, 2019 · closed Feb 25, 2026
Post 14V-391 Headliner FiresClosedLed to recall 15V879000
In response to this investigation, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is conducting a recall to address headliner fires that occur post 14V-391.On December 22, 2015 FCA notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of safety recall 15V-879 to remedy potential headliner fires occurring in 389,252 model year (MY) 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2009 to September 1, 2012.Note this recall, which was scoped based on vehicle design level and field events, does not include all MY 2013 or any MY 2014 Durango and Grand Cherokee vehicles; ODI and FCA will continue to monitor the field experience for this population.ODI opened this investigation based on allegations of fires occurring in the headliner area after the remedy for recall 14V-391 had been conducted.Recall 14V-391 involved MY 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango…
RQ15003 · opened May 1, 2015 · closed Jul 6, 2016
Totally Integrated Power Module FailureClosed
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to evaluate the petition for a grant or deny decision. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by CAS as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 296 complaints submitted by the petitioner in the original petition and five supplements, including 271 complaints related to…
DP14004 · opened Sep 25, 2014 · closed Jul 24, 2015
Headliner FiresClosedLed to recall 14V391000
On July 1st, 2014 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy a wiring-related fire hazard on the headliner of approximately 661,888 model year (MY) 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured between January 5, 2010 and December 11, 2013 (see NHTSA Safety Recall 14V-391), with notifications to begin in August 2014. According to Chrysler, the fire is caused by an electrical short in the vanity lamp wiring for either one of the sun visors mounted on the vehicle. The sun visors are mounted to the roof of the vehicle through the headliner with three metal screws. It is possible for the sun visor wiring to be pierced by one of these screws either during initial vehicle assembly or later headliner area repairs which may cause an electrical short potentially resulting in fire.ODI…
EA14001 · opened Jan 10, 2014 · closed Aug 12, 2014
Headliner FiresClosed
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 5 reports of vehicle headliners catching fire at the front of the vehicle near the sun visors on Jeep Grand Cherokees.Customers reported a range of fire conditions ranging from minor overheating to an open flame at the headliner and/or sun visor material while driving the vehicle. In some reports the fire spread to the front seats and/or door panels of the vehicle.In one report, the sunroof was damaged causing the glass to shatter.The cause of these fires is an electrical short in the vanity lighting wiring circuit that is routed to either one of the sun visors.The sun visors are mounted to the roof of the vehicle through the headliner with three screws.The sun visor wiring may be penetrated, or pierced by one of these screws either during initial vehicle assembly or subsequent headliner area repairs.The piercing causes an…
PE13027 · opened Aug 19, 2013 · closed Jan 14, 2014