2012 Dodge DURANGO: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
640 owner complaints analyzed
10 distinct recall campaigns
66,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2012 model year. Data snapshot: . 471 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 340 of 640 complaints (53.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 232 | 36.3% |
| Engine operation | 150 | 23.4% |
| Braking behavior | 102 | 15.9% |
| Fuel system concerns | 84 | 13.1% |
| Steering behavior | 63 | 9.8% |
| Transmission and shifting | 24 | 3.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 340 |
| Engine | 141 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 89 |
| Service Brakes | 71 |
| Steering | 41 |
| Power Train | 36 |
| Unknown Or Other | 36 |
| Air Bags | 28 |
Electrical System: 340; Engine: 141; Fuel/Propulsion System: 89; Service Brakes: 71; Steering: 41; Power Train: 36; Unknown Or Other: 36; Air Bags: 28
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 54 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 99 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 115 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 82 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 91 |
| 150,000 and above | 30 |
Under 25,000: 54; 25,000 to 49,999: 99; 50,000 to 74,999: 115; 75,000 to 99,999: 82; 100,000 to 149,999: 91; 150,000 and above: 30
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (115). 169 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2014 | 107 |
| 2015 | 121 |
| 2016 | 50 |
| 2017 | 84 |
| 2018 | 61 |
| 2019 | 47 |
| 2020 | 64 |
| 2021 | 42 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 5 |
2011: 1; 2012: 5; 2013: 8; 2014: 107; 2015: 121; 2016: 50; 2017: 84; 2018: 61; 2019: 47; 2020: 64; 2021: 42; 2022: 21; 2023: 13; 2024: 6; 2025: 5; 2026: 5
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 232 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 150 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 102 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10440859 · 2011-12-21 (December 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…
Owner-reported narrative. 900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10440859 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10446234 · 2012-02-02 (February 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.
Owner-reported narrative. 795 miles reported. Look up ODI 10446234 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10462349 · 2012-06-19 (June 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. TH…
Owner-reported narrative. 504 miles reported. Look up ODI 10462349 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10477300 · 2012-09-27 (September 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
Owner-reported narrative. 8,950 miles reported. Look up ODI 10477300 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10482848 · 2012-11-01 (November 1, 2012)
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 MANA…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10482848 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10484704 · 2012-11-14 (November 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
Owner-reported narrative. 9,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10484704 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10491242 · 2013-01-03 (January 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 P…
Owner-reported narrative. 600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10491242 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10493093 · 2013-01-15 (January 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 …
Owner-reported narrative. 21,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10493093 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
10 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
11V487000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Reported: 2011-09-29 (September 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.
Consequence: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V104000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Reported: 2014-03-04 (March 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V154000 · Service Brakes | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum
Reported: 2014-04-01 (April 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.
Consequence: The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V391000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2014-07-02 (July 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.
Consequence: If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V634000 · Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Reported: 2014-10-08 (October 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.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V115000 · Electrical System
Reported: 2015-02-27 (February 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.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V879000 · Interior Lighting | Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2015-12-28 (December 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.
Consequence: The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V435000 · Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Reported: 2017-07-10 (July 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V572000 · Service Brakes | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist
Reported: 2017-09-18 (September 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.
Consequence: If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V813000 · Electrical System
Reported: 2019-11-14 (November 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.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗