2012 Dodge Durango Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Durango, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical34739.3%
- Engine14916.9%
- Fuel system9911.2%
- Brakes758.5%
- Steering424.8%
- Powertrain (other)374.2%
- Driver assistance374.2%
- Airbags283.2%
- Exterior lighting192.2%
- Interior & seats151.7%
- Visibility91.0%
- Other / unspecified70.8%
- Suspension60.7%
- Seat belts50.6%
- Tires & wheels50.6%
- Body & structure20.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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, manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Here is what my vehicle is doing. symptoms. While driving the vehicle the car experiences a sudden total power loss, the engine cutting off and restarting on its own, the AC cycling on and off strangely, and the weak acceleration combined with the vehicle jerking.
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 was dead. The vehicle had the mandated Safety Recall T36 completed 15 months ago. The replacement has failed prematurely. The vehicle has been confirmed by an independent service center. It was inspected by the independent service center, but the incident was witnessed by Missouri Highway Patrol and our local police as they directed traffic around the stalled vehicle to ensure my safety. The evening before there were no indications of failure. The morning of the vehicle was unable to start and had to be jumped and then immediately before the failure the dash lights along with radio lights began to flicker, the front windshield wipers activated, and the battery light came on. Within seconds of these warnings the vehicle stalled and completely stopped. No police report was filed but my husband did notify dispatch of the situation to have police routed to direct traffic. Highway Patrol happened to already be on the scene as they were passing by and saw me.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 the intake manifold was cracked, there was cylinder #2 misfire, and the circuit harness needed to be repaired, and DTC: P0300 was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired each time, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
My vehicle has had recalls performed multiple times since 1st purchased in 2012. The issue was vehicle stalling. At 1st Chrysler / Dodge addressed it as issues upon start up where the vehicle sounded as though it was skipping when hitting the ignition button. They attempted to remedy this with multiple fuel pump relay recalls. They attempted to do internal which did not work. They then went external which also did not work. Nothing was ever formerly recognized as a suitable resolution, so any of us dealing with this were just forgotten. Well I still have this vehicle and it has gotten worse to the point the vehicle will randomly stall while in motion as it did the other day and on multiple other occasions. Under braking conditions the vehicle stalls where everything on the dash appears normal electronically, there is just no power and the steering locks up. I have addressed this multiple times with Dodge customer service as well as my local dealership. The dealership does not want to attempt any repairs because they want to be paid and the manufacturer is not entertaining it. I am aware the vehicle is out of warranty but I am not paying for something the manufacturer has known about since first purchased. There has been no further actions by the manufacturer to address this. They have moved on to newer existing Durango models.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
There have been several times where I am stopped at a light or stop sign and the car stalls. It happens when I try to start going from the stop, not while I'm stopped. I believe this an issue that has been recalled already, but obviously, it did not fix the problem. My vehicle will also not turn over sometimes. It just continually try to turn over multiple times and I have to wait for it to stop on its own before I can try again.
My vehicle has had recalls performed multiple times since 1st purchased in 2012. The issue was vehicle stalling. At 1st Chrysler / Dodge addressed it as issues upon start up where the vehicle sounded as though it was skipping when hitting the ignition button. They attempted to remedy this with multiple fuel pump relay recalls. They attempted to do internal which did not work. They then went external which also did not work. Nothing was ever formerly recognized as a suitable resolution, so any of us dealing with this were just forgotten. Well I still have this vehicle and it has gotten worse to the point the vehicle will randomly stall while in motion as it did the other day and on multiple other occasions. Under braking conditions the vehicle stalls where everything on the dash appears normal electronically, there is just no power and the steering locks up. I have addressed this multiple times with Dodge customer service as well as my local dealership. The dealership does not want to attempt any repairs because they want to be paid and the manufacturer is not entertaining it. I am aware the vehicle is out of warranty but I am not paying for something the manufacturer has known about since first purchased. There has been no further actions by the manufacturer to address this. They have moved on to newer existing Durango models.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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, manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Here is what my vehicle is doing. symptoms. While driving the vehicle the car experiences a sudden total power loss, the engine cutting off and restarting on its own, the AC cycling on and off strangely, and the weak acceleration combined with the vehicle jerking.
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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, manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Here is what my vehicle is doing. symptoms. While driving the vehicle the car experiences a sudden total power loss, the engine cutting off and restarting on its own, the AC cycling on and off strangely, and the weak acceleration combined with the vehicle jerking.
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Electric problem
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 the intake manifold was cracked, there was cylinder #2 misfire, and the circuit harness needed to be repaired, and DTC: P0300 was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired each time, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
I purchased my 2012 Dodge Durango two years ago and it has been one of the most stressful issues I have ever hadz. Two days after purchasing it all the lights lit up my dash board the head lights wouldn’t go on the heater or air wouldn’t work and my windows in front would not roll down. This usually happens when I start it in the morning but it also will happen when I’m driving I almost got into a accident on the HWY at 530 in the morning coming to work when my head light just shut off. It has been back to the deal shop I bought it 3 dodge dealer ships and my personal mechanic and they can not find out what the issue is. Over the past two years it has been in the shop bout 10-15 times It has been parked more than I have been able to drive it. I am in a loan I can not get out of.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
SRS System light came on. Air bags will not work when this light is on. Safety hazard.
My fairly new teen driver drove the car to the gym and the headrest basically “exploded” onto the back of his head with a swift blow. He had a very bad headache and was really freaked out. There were no lights, no notice, no impact. Just out of the blue drivers side. Called local dealership to see what it could be and apparently the pin can break or the plastic holding the pin and the airbag restraint type system in the headrest will just explode open as if in an accident. He said no recalls and out of warranty. How can this NOT be a serious safety issue??? My inexperienced teen driver could have been so stunned he caused an accident! Anyways they said it would be roughly $1100 to replace entire headrest because there is no option to repair it once deployed. Can we still drive it? If we don’t have that $ now
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2012 dodge durango sxt, rear turn signal stop flashing, front turn signal works, but not the rear .no turn signal or brakes lights
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
My fairly new teen driver drove the car to the gym and the headrest basically “exploded” onto the back of his head with a swift blow. He had a very bad headache and was really freaked out. There were no lights, no notice, no impact. Just out of the blue drivers side. Called local dealership to see what it could be and apparently the pin can break or the plastic holding the pin and the airbag restraint type system in the headrest will just explode open as if in an accident. He said no recalls and out of warranty. How can this NOT be a serious safety issue??? My inexperienced teen driver could have been so stunned he caused an accident! Anyways they said it would be roughly $1100 to replace entire headrest because there is no option to repair it once deployed. Can we still drive it? If we don’t have that $ now
Headrest exploded while I was driving. Hit me in the head. Gave me a concussion. Dealership says there is no recall. I have to pay out of pocket. This is a safety feature. I am not paying for the repairs.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Has major issues …
My power locks and windshield wiper fluid pump stopped working. I took the vehicle to the nearest dealership over an hour away. After many days and an expensive car rental, the TIPM needed replacing. After researching this issue, it is DIRECTLY correlated to a dangerous issue that resulted in a lawsuit in 2015. Additionally, the recall associated with the TIPM is not fixable at this point because Dodge doesn't have parts. So, the TIPM I was given in this repair is dangerous. This was a $1067 repair for a vehicle that has 80k miles.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
BEGINNING IN DEC 2017, WE'VE HAD SPORADIC ISSUES WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS AND LOCAL ROADS WITH SOME PORTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CENTER LCD DASH SCREEN POWERS OFF, AND WE LOSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. DASH LIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO, A/C ALL STAY ON. TYPICALLY WE HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF & BACK ON FOR IT TO RETURN. FROM DEC-OCT, ITS HAPPENED APPROX 5-6 TIMES. THE DEALER WASN'T ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE FOR THE DAYS THEY HAD IT, AND NO ERROR CODES WERE WRITTEN. A FRIEND ALSO WITH A DURANGO DESCRIBED TO ME SIMILAR ISSUES WITH HIS, AND SAID HIS TIPM WAS FAULTY. WE HAVE LIFETIME WARRANTY, AND THE TIPM IS COVERED, BUT THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE IT UNTIL THE DEALER CAN REPLICATE THE ISSUE AND GET AN ERROR CODE POINTING TO THE TIPM. I BELIEVE BECAUSE WE LOSE POWER STEERING, THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE REPLACED REGARDLESS.
MICHELIN TIRES 265/60/R18 DRY ROT TIRE CHUNKING.THESE TIRES ARE THE ORIGINAL TIRES FROM THE PURCHASE OF THE 2012 DURANGO 35000 MILES WITH 65000 MILES WARRANTY MICHELIN REFUSES TO REPLACE THEM.WITHOUT ME PAYING 47 PERCENT OF THE COST.THE ISSUE IS THE TIRES ARE FAULTY I WILL BE PROVIDING PICTURES.I HAVE NEVER SEE THIS KIND OF ISSUE WITH ANY TIRE ON ANY OF MY OTHER CARS I HAVE OWNED MICHELIN NEED TO OWN UP TO THE FACT THE TIRES ARE FAULTY.I HAD THEM INSPECTED.THE REPORT WAS VERIFIED.THEY HAVE HAD SO MANY RECALLS ON OTHER BRANDS MINE ARE LATITUDE TOUR.I HOPE TO GET A RESOLUTION I CURRECNTLY HAVE THE SUV PARKED DUE INCIDENT THAT TOOK PLACE JULY 22 2017 DUE TO TIRE PRESSURE LOSS IMMEDITEYL WAS ABLE TO RETURN HOME AND JUST PARK IT.OTHERWISE IT WOULD HAVE A MAJOR ACCIDENT THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SUBMIT THIS ISSUE AND LOOK FORWARD TO SOME KIND OF RESOLUTION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Has major issues …
WE PUT OUR DURANGO AWAY EACH WINTER AND DOESN'T GET DRIVEN UNTIL WE BRING IT OUT IN THE SPRING. 2 YEARS AGO I PULLED IT OUT IN THE SPRING. I FOUND 2 OIL PUDDLES WHERE THE REAR WHEELS SAT. ALL THE OIL HAD LEAKED OUT OF THE REAR SHOCKS. I HAD THEM REPLACED BY MY MECHANIC AT A COST OF $450 EACH, USING DODGE ORIGINAL PARTS. I WENT INTO OUR GARAGE A WEEK AGO (FEB 18TH 2021) AND FOUND THE LEFT REAR SHOCK HAD LET GO AGAIN, ANOTHER PUDDLE ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. IF THESE LET GO WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BOUNCES VIOLENTLY. I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I HAVE DRIVEN IT THAT WAY FOR ABOUT 10 MILES TO OUR MECHANIC, I HAD ALL I COULD DO TO HANG ONTO IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unknown
I WAS DRIVING MY DURANGO AND MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT KEPT BEEPING THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND NOW I'M HEARING A THUMP UNDER THE CAR ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHILE MY FAMILY WAS IN THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY I ALSO TRIED DRIVING UP TO 70 MPH AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAD THIS HEAVY SHAKE I WAS TERRIFIED CAN YOU HELP ME FIX MY 2012 DODGE DURANGO .
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was driving on Hwy at 65 mph. Rear drivers side tire blew out. Sidewall split and cause the tread to detach. Caliber Collision has pictures of the damage. I had to immediately pull to the side of a busy hwy at dusk. Just managed to get off the road. Called 911 but they didn’t stop to talk to us. AAA towed me to Caliber Collision. Total damages were $10,587.67. Car was totaled by USAA insurance. No warning ahead of time and the tire was 3 years old. Less than 25,000 miles put on it. Warning came on as I was pulling over after the flat but it was too late. Now I have an accident on my record when I only collided with the ground by the flat.
HANKOOK ROADHANDLER H/T TIRES ON AN SUV -SEVERE TIRE DEFECT THIS TIRE WAS NOT LISTED IN CHOICES SO I CHOOSE ROADHANDLER SPORT -MY TIRES ARE ROADHANDLER H/T , THEY ARE SUV TIRES, UNSURE OF SIZE CAR WAS NOT HANDLING WELL AND FELT FUNNY AT TIMES WHEN DRIVING, I HAD SOME OTHER ISSUES WITH THE CAR SO BROUGHT IT TO GARAGE AND THEY NOTIFIED ME OF THE SEVERE TIRE DEFECT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD PROBABLY ABOUT 40 OR 45 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE CAR BEGAN TO HANDLE WEIRD AND MAKING ALL KINDS OF NOISE. SHE GOT IT TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT WHERE I MET HER TO LOOK AT IT. AT FIRST GLANCE I COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG EXCEPT FOR THE EXHAUST APPEARED TO BE BROKE SO I HAD HER DRIVE IT HOME SINCE SHE WAS ONLY A MILE FROM THE HOUSE. WHEN I GOT IT HOME UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME FOR THE REAREND HAD RIPPED OUT OF THE UNIBODY FRAME. THERE CRACKS AND RUST IN THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DODGE DEALER FOR THE LAST MONTH AND HALF AND DODGE IS REFUSING TO TAKE FAULT FOR THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT. INSURANCE HAS ALSO REFUSED TO PAY FOR IT AS THERE WAS NO SIGNS OF AN IMPACT. I AM LOOKING AT A 6000 DOLLAR OR MORE REPAIR FOR A 12,000 DOLLAR CAR THAT STILL HAS OVER 10,000 OWED ON IT. I'M AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT DO WITH THE SITUATION. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ALSO SAID THAT THERE'S NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO FOR ME AND THAT I JUST NEED TO COME GET MY CAR
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A 2 LANE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND ONCE PULLED OVER ON THE SHOULDER WE NOTICED A FUNNY SMELL AND FLAMES COMING UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR BURNED UP AND ITS TOTALLED. LUCKILY NOONE IS HURT. *DT PHOTOS ATTACHED *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .