YearToAvoid

2012 Dodge Durango Brakes Problems

Brakes account for 84 of 640 complaints (13%) on the 2012 Dodge Durango, tied for the highest share among all model years listed. Owners report brake failure or reduced stopping power at a median of 49,000 miles, and NHTSA lists three related recalls covering the brake booster shield and ABS module software.

Brakes complaints
84
13% of 640
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
49,000 mi
Related recalls
3

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Brakes fail to engage or lose pressure at low speed, sometimes resulting in a crash into a nearby object.
  • Brake pedal becomes extremely hard to depress, with little or no pedal movement, followed by a sudden panic-stop engagement.
  • Vacuum boost leaks over several hours, making the pedal firm and difficult to press until the vehicle is restarted.
  • Brakes take longer to engage in cold weather, described as delayed or reduced stopping power.
  • Brake pedal pulsates and causes an abrupt, jerky stop rather than smooth braking.
  • Complete brake failure while decelerating toward a stop sign or light, forcing the vehicle to roll to a stop unassisted.

When 2012 Dodge Durango brake complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 1, 2012, latest Sep 7, 2026.

2012 Dodge Durango brakes complaints: complaints filed per month9Nov 2012Jun 2014Dec 2014Aug 2015Mar 2017May 2018Feb 2019Aug 2022
84 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2012 to Sep 2026; peak Dec 2014 (9).

Brakes recalls for the 2012 Dodge Durango

  1. 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.

  2. NHTSA 14V154000Apr 1, 2014Brakes646,498 vehicles

    Service brakes

    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.

    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.

  3. NHTSA 14V104000Mar 4, 2014Brakes18,780 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

    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.

    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.

Brakes complaints by Durango model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2011104 (13%)
  2. 201284 (13%)
  3. 201390 (14%)
  4. 201436 (5%)
  5. 201510 (2%)
  6. 201610 (6%)
  7. 201711 (5%)
  8. 201830 (13%)
  9. 201927 (19%)
  10. 20203 (5%)
  11. 20218 (4%)
  12. 20223 (5%)
  13. 20231 (3%)
  14. 20242 (14%)
  15. 20251 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2012 Dodge Durango owners reported brake problems?
NHTSA lists 84 brake-related complaints for the 2012 Dodge Durango, which is 13% of all 640 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Durango brakes?
Yes. NHTSA lists three brake-related recalls affecting the 2012 Durango: campaign 17V572000 for the brake booster shield installation, 14V154000 for a water diverter shield on the brake booster, and 14V104000 for an ABS module software update.
At what mileage do 2012 Durango brake problems usually show up?
The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2012 Durango is 49,000 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.
Did brake problems cause crashes on the 2012 Durango?
NHTSA records 6 crashes and 1 injury linked to brake complaints on the 2012 Dodge Durango out of the 84 brake complaints filed.
Is the 2012 Durango worse for brake complaints than other years?
The 2012 Durango's 13% brake complaint share matches 2011 and is close to 2013's 14%, making these three years the highest for brake complaints among the model years listed.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.