RoadVitals

2012 Dodge Durango Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
344
Latest Mar 5, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
54%
of 637 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
33
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
4

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2012 Dodge Durango submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 344 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 344, in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Mar 5, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11722172
Incident
Jan 1, 2022
Mileage
162,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 21, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11694892
Incident
Oct 10, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jun 17, 2025
Fire reported

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; however the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,488.

NHTSA ID
11667452
Incident
Jun 17, 2025
Mileage
186,488 mi
ElectricalSuspensionVisibility
Filed Mar 6, 2025

Has major issues …

NHTSA ID
11646806
Incident
Mar 6, 2025
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 19, 2024

Electric problem

NHTSA ID
11626299
Incident
Nov 14, 2024
Electrical
Filed Aug 15, 2024
Fire reported

While driving our 2012 Dodge Durango in town, we noticed the battery warning light come on and a hot smell coming from the vehicle. We were not far from home so we limped it back home to the garage to see what was going on. When we lifted the hood, there was a very overwhelming burning smell, our alternator was literally glowing red hot, and there was smoke pouring out from around it. We quickly put out the fire and disconnected the battery. Afterwards, we had it towed to a repair shop where it was confirmed the alternator failed as well as fried our PCM in the process. We paid for the install of a new alternator and PCM, however, the radio remained failed. Upon researching this scenario, we found there was a recall for this exact issue for the exact span of years and engine type, however, our VIN was somehow not included in this recall. That needs to be changed. The alternator issue could have been extremely dangerous for our family while in the car, as well as others around us due to what could have happened if the card didn’t make it home. We could have been stranded on a busy road way causing accidents while the car was engulfed in flames due to the alternator. Also, had we not immediately popped the hood at home to check the engine, the car could have burned down our home. We request that the NHTSA and FCA recall company address this issue and the potential for extending the recall to include other Durango VINs.

NHTSA ID
11608818
Incident
Aug 5, 2024
Electrical
Filed Mar 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would intermittently stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it remained in their possession for four days; the contact was later informed that the defect was related to the battery. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID
11577651
Incident
Feb 1, 2023
Mileage
140,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 13, 2023

While picking my son up from religion my vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. Thankfully I was pulling into the church parking lot and was in no real danger. I tried to jump start the vehicle with no success, but did notice the insulation on the jumper cables had started to melt. Towed to mechanic and was told the alternator had failed, in turn fried the battery. He replaced both, but then discovered the PCM was fried as well. Took it to the dealer here and was told faulty alternator again, which was replaced again, only to be told the PCM was fried. Now I'm into this for $3000 and I have no faith in the vehicle, the manufacturer, or the dealerships.

NHTSA ID
11544238
Incident
Sep 6, 2023
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 10, 2023

I bought this vehicle second hand and was not warned of any recalls. I started having problems in April of 2023. Windshield wipers would turn on by themself, car would randomly shut off. I brought to several shops and nobody could figure out why it was reading “high voltage”. The car then started having occasional problems shifting. I eventually got on MOPAR website to be made aware there were 3 recalls and alternator was one of them. I called musson patout dodge in new Iberia, LA and made an appointment to fix my car. On the morning of our appointment the car died in the road on the way to dodge and wouldn’t restart without a jump. I brought it in and over the son of 3 days the fixed all the recalls. On my way to pick it up they called and made me aware it would need a new battery I told them I will go replace it as soon as I get the car. Since I picked up the car the shifting problems have not stopped. I have had a code reading “implausible data from tcm”. I have had a mechanic TELL me this recalled alternator going out is what cause this tcm to go out and Musson REFUSES to take it in and even diagnose it without over $170 that I don’t have to spend anymore. This is consequential damage that dodge should be held liable for and they are giving me the most difficult time, it’s my only vehicle for me and my 2 kids and I cant even drive it anymore.

NHTSA ID
11537620
Incident
Jul 20, 2023
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Apr 24, 2023

I Came into dealership for scheduled service appointment on Apr 5, 2023 10:30:00 AM at EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA to get recall fixed on fuel pump relay and an oil change after receiving my 2012 Dodge Durango Citadel back my lights randomly starting blanking and my vehicle stalled and it wouldn’t start or turn over. So I spoke to service rep [XXX] at EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA 17950 Burt St and had the car towed back to the dealership that fixed on it EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA. I was originally told they didn’t have a loaner to lend to me so I can continue being a caregiver to my mother and transport her and my 7 children around until 04/21/2023 and that someone would call me that day to pickup a loaner vehicle. I called on 04/21/2023 about the loaner and they said someone would call me by midday to pick up a loaner. Now it’s Monday 04/24/2023 and I get a text stating 10 things are wrong with my vehicle in this link https://c.xtime.com/vkepCy2nkAoA2L4fXX including the PCM, which was more items then what was originally stated when they had inspected my vehicle on 04/05/2023 during the recall fix. So I informed them that, “ I will not pay for the pcm to be fixed because this issue is a result of whoever was the mechanic that was originally supposed to fix the recall fuel pump relay, so your shop has to fix it due to negligence on your mechanic's fault. I don't want to have to take anyone to court or give this issues to an attorney, this was sent to better business bureau because I have been left without transportation and facing economic hardship due to this situation.” Then they had their Service Manager [XXX] reach out to me over the phone, and he said that he spoke to three on-site master mechanic at the dealership and they all said the PCM had nothing to do with the fuel pump relay recall. I asked about escalating the issue and submitting an incident report to an higher up authority, he said he can’t. I asked again about the loaner he said there’s no loaner available. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT

NHTSA ID
11518792
Incident
Apr 21, 2023
ElectricalSteering
Filed Apr 10, 2023

I’ll be driving down the road and my car just shuts off. Steering becomes tight, no engine lights come on radio is still playing no warning except driving down the road and all of a sudden you can’t steer. It’s very dangerous especially when it happens while you are driving around the curve with children in the car. My mechanic can’t tell me why this happens. No explanation. This has happen several times

NHTSA ID
11516383
Incident
Jan 10, 2022
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 25, 2022

This family car had recall back in august fuel module for powertrain check engine light got it fix and few days later check engine turn on and has turned off since car slows down on freeway wont pick up speed and stall on me twice already with kids in car was going 65 and all sudden slow down wiuldnt pick up acceleration and turn off has run good since still having issues dealership says noting wrong with it

NHTSA ID
11498781
Incident
Nov 18, 2022
Electrical
Filed Nov 16, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the battery warning light had illuminated, and the contact notices a burning plastic odor. The contact pulled over and opened the hood and saw black smoke coming from the alternator. The contact stated that he disconnected the negative battery cable; however, he stated that positive connector was extremely hot to the touch. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery, alternator, and the Engine Control Module (ECM) needed be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ID
11493784
Incident
Oct 15, 2022
Mileage
118,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 7, 2022

While driving, the ignition switch may fail and think that the key has been removed. This results in a total loss of power and the engine cutting off. The result is very limited steering and braking capability. This has happen to me more than 20 times in the pass 2 months. This problem still continues to happen even after changing the recent fuel pump recall on August 12, 2022. No check engine light on dash as well. This is my family vehicle and I do carry my children in this vehicle. We have been put in so many unsafe situations. This can cause an accident. This is a safety issue and should be recalled.

NHTSA ID
11492530
Incident
Nov 6, 2022
Electrical
Filed Sep 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle would start and then immediately stall. The contact stated that multiple attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact was informed that the failure was related to the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11487092
Incident
Jan 15, 2021
Mileage
150,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Aug 30, 2022

My 2012 dodge durango sxt, rear turn signal stop flashing, front turn signal works, but not the rear .no turn signal or brakes lights

NHTSA ID
11481931
Incident
Jul 21, 2022
BrakesElectrical
Filed Aug 15, 2022

I just got a 2012 dodge durango 08/13/2022 I looked up the recalls on it and just trying to get it ixed if possible

NHTSA ID
11479337
Incident
Aug 13, 2022
Electrical
Filed Aug 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that after stopping the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The failure occurred approximately 60-seconds after stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 136,496.

NHTSA ID
11478197
Incident
Dec 15, 2021
Mileage
136,496 mi
ElectricalFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Apr 26, 2022

My 2012 Dodge Durango has been experiencing reaccering issues associated with the tipm and fuel pump relay. The truck will stall, hard crank or simply not crank at all; leaving me stranded sometimes. This electrical issue also affects the fog lights, front lights, brake lights and turn signals; causing them to not work; putting me in danger of a collision on the highway or city street. This tipm and fuel pump relay have been under several recalls over the past 8 years and Dodge actually lost a class action lawsuit in 2015 in reference to this issue. They were ordered to replace these parts free of charge; labeling the parts defective. See link to tipm/relay article here (https://www.classlawgroup.com/chrysler-totally-integrated-power-module-tipm-lawsuit/ and here https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/dodge-jeep-faulty-fuel-pump-class-action-settlement/ ) They’ve replaced both of these parts twice for me over the past 6 years. Now I am experiencing issues where the car won’t start for 20 minutes after I turn it off. The signal lights won't work correctly; and the foglights are totally inoperative. I’ve taken it back to the dealer for a diagnostic and also called the corporate office but no one wants to take accountability and acknowledge what the issue is. I have attempted to contact the lawyer who started the class action lawsuit to consult about this matter but he says he can't sue them again. I’m looking to see if I have any legal recourse or what my best course of action could be in order to hold Dodge accountable for replacing my tipm and fixing this defective part for good. Thanks! REPAIR TIMELINE: 2016 fuel pump relay 2017 Tipm 2018 Rewired the tipm, replace 2020, fuel pump relay - september 2022, fuel pump PS - I have a video of the dealer technician recording the issue with his mobile phone.

NHTSA ID
11462341
Incident
Feb 21, 2022
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 31, 2022

Potential odometer rollback indicated per carfax, engine failure. Ohio department of public safety, bureau of motor vehicles did conduct a Ohio out of state vehicle inspection on 03/14/2022 @ BMV INVESTIGATIONS D-2@ 1583 Alum Creek Drive and inspector [XXX] has verified rollback. whereas she maybe reached at [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11459081
Incident
Jun 18, 2021
ElectricalSeat beltsSteering
Filed Feb 1, 2022

Unknown

NHTSA ID
11449687
Incident
Feb 1, 2022
Electrical
Filed Jan 31, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called two local dealers and was informed that she would receive a call back whenever an appointment was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11449513
Incident
Dec 31, 2019
Electrical
Filed Jan 11, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed about the waiting list. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11447031
Incident
Jan 11, 2022
BrakesElectrical
Filed Dec 18, 2021

There is something definitely wrong with my car. I have just now seen a recall but it occurred before the car was sold to me and it had electric issues with break fail, electrical accessories were still on as the dash notified while the car was off. It has had the seats move the steering would lock, it doesn’t provide many of the features for safety. The GPS is always wrong. I took it to the dealer several times and was told that the factory resets were fine. I don’t think that is the case. Under the hood there seemed to be additional after factory tampering with additional wires that had been added into the car.

NHTSA ID
11444246
Incident
Aug 25, 2021
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Nov 8, 2021

I had just picked my car up from getting brakes and an inspection (obviously passed). I was driving home and there was smoke from under the hood with an electrical fire smell. My dash went crazy then I completly lost power. I had no stearing or brakes- couldn't even put on my hazards or roll down the window down to tell cars behind me to pass me. I immediatly called the garage that had just done the work to get it towed. They called today and told me that the alternator blew up and fried the battery and possible the computer (tip module??) I looked up recalls and noticed that there has been problems with this happening but my VIN didn't come up for this. I just wanted to check into the recall before I spent thousands of dollars.

NHTSA ID
11439737
Incident
Nov 6, 2021

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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