2012 Dodge Durango Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
79/100
#4 most-complained of 15 Durango years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2012 Dodge Durango has 640 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 79, and 10 recalls, ranking 4th worst of 15 model years. Electrical System problems dominate, at 55% of complaints, making this year an Avoid relative to other Durango years.
- Complaints
- 640
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes / fires
- 17 / 32
- Injuries / deaths
- 16 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 17.5
- 15 city / 21.5 hwy
Top 2012 Dodge Durango problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System353 (55%)
- Engine164 (26%)
- Fuel System99 (15%)
- Brakes84 (13%)
- Steering42 (7%)
- Other40 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain37 (6%)
- Airbags28 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (2%)
- Structure & Body10 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report sun visor wiring catching fire or smoking near the driver or passenger visor, sometimes while driving at low speeds.
- Some describe the TIPM (totally integrated power module) failing, causing stalling, no-start conditions, or a vehicle fire.
- Multiple owners report brake failure or reduced brake pressure at low speeds, leading to crashes into objects or other vehicles.
- Several report airbags failing to deploy during moderate to high-speed crashes, including head-on impacts near 60 mph.
- One owner described the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly while attempting to brake, resulting in a crash into trees.
2012 Dodge Durango recalls
10 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V813000Nov 14, 2019Electrical System528,594 vehicles
Electrical system
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.
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 17V572000Sep 18, 2017Brakes646,394 vehicles
Service brakes
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.
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 17V435000Jul 10, 2017Electrical System442,214 vehicles
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
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.
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.
2012 Dodge Durango fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 21.5 MPG
- Combined
- 17.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Dodge Durango reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 640 complaints and a Complaint Index of 79 for the 2012 Durango, ranking it 4th worst among 15 model years, with a verdict of Avoid relative to other years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Dodge Durango?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 353 complaints, or 55% of all complaints, including 30 reported fires at a median mileage of 70,000.
- Does the 2012 Dodge Durango have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2012 Durango, most related to the electrical system, including fuel pump relay wiring, alternator wiring, and sun visor wiring fire risks.
- How does the 2012 Durango compare to other years?
- With a Complaint Index of 79, the 2012 Durango ranks worse than 2015 through 2025 model years, but better than 2011 (93) and 2014 (100).