2012 Dodge Durango Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 7, 2026 · 640 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Durango years
Far more complaints than other years 10th of 29 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
4 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 640 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Durango. That ranks 10th out of 29 Durango model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (347 complaints, 54%), typically at around 70,599 miles. Complaints mention 17 crashes, 32 fires, 16 injuries. There are 10 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations involving it.

Dodge Durango
Dodge Durango in SoHo, Manhattan. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Kidfly182, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2012 Dodge Durango problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System347 · ~70,599 mi
Engine141 · ~80,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System89 · ~56,438 mi
Service Brakes71 · ~38,111 mi
Steering42 · ~87,000 mi
Power Train37 · ~49,958 mi
Unknown or Other36 · ~70,000 mi
Air Bags28 · ~72,568 mi
Vehicle Speed Control24 · ~87,474 mi
Exterior Lighting19 · ~50,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System problems34754%70,599“chrysler jeep ram” (9%)$1,550
Engine problems14122%80,000“chrysler jeep” (9%)$6,200
Fuel/propulsion System problems8914%56,438“fuel pump relay” (33%)—
Service Brakes problems7111%38,111“service brakes hydraulic” (32%)—
Steering427%87,000——
Power Train376%49,958——
Unknown or Other366%70,000——
Air Bags284%72,568——
Vehicle Speed Control244%87,474——
Exterior Lighting193%50,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)102%80,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline102%80,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling81%79,124——
Seats81%52,000——
Interior Lighting71%74,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic61%20,000——
Suspension61%55,000——
Visibility/wiper61%61,778——
Seat Belts51%44,900——
Tires51%31,906——
Equipment30%63,404——
Visibility30%42,335——
Lane Departure20%108,000——
Structure20%112,500——
Wheels20%18,198——
Equipment Adaptive/mobility10%24,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance10%125,000——
Other/unknown10%115,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2015, with 121 complaints
2011: 1201112012: 552013: 8201382014: 1071072015: 12120151212016: 50502017: 842017842018: 61612019: 472019472020: 64642021: 422021422022: 21212023: 132023132024: 662025: 5202552026: 55

n = 640 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2012 Dodge Durango recalls (10)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical systemNov 14, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V813000 · 528,594 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 brakes; service brakes, hydraulic:power assistSep 18, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V572000 · 646,394 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.

Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulatorJul 10, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V435000 · 442,214 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 lighting; electrical system:wiringDec 28, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V879000 · 389,252 vehicles

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.

Electrical systemFeb 27, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V115000 · 339,525 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 system:alternator/generator/regulatorOct 8, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V634000 · 435,081 vehicles

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 system:wiringJul 2, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V391000 · 653,562 vehicles

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 brakes; service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumApr 1, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V154000 · 646,498 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipMar 4, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V104000 · 18,780 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 · NHTSA campaign 11V487000 · 667 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment (PE19014) — opened Sep 9, 2019, closed Feb 25, 2026.
  • Post 14V-391 Headliner Fires (RQ15003) — opened May 1, 2015, closed Jul 6, 2016, led to recall 15V879000.
  • Totally Integrated Power Module Failure (DP14004) — opened Sep 25, 2014, closed Jul 24, 2015.
  • Headliner Fires (EA14001) — opened Jan 10, 2014, closed Aug 12, 2014, led to recall 14V391000.
  • Headliner Fires (PE13027) — opened Aug 19, 2013, closed Jan 14, 2014.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Service Brakes · received Sep 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11762564

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…

Electrical System · received Aug 19, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11757912

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…

Electrical System · received Aug 16, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11757232

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…

Electrical System · received Mar 5, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11722172

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…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Mar 2, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11721460

Other Dodge Durango years

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See all Dodge Durango problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Durango?

Owners most often report electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion system problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 347 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Dodge Durango?

Yes, 10 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2012 Dodge Durango a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Durango model years, the 2012 has far more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.