2012 Dodge Durango Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 164 engine complaints for the 2012 Dodge Durango, 26% of all complaints filed for that model year. Owners report stalling, sudden power loss, and engine fires, with a median failure mileage of 79,562. A related recall (11V487000) covers engine replacement.
- Engine complaints
- 164
- 26% of 640
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 79,562 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden stalling at various speeds, including while merging or slowing in traffic, sometimes recurring dozens of times.
- Some vehicles reportedly went into 'limp mode' unexpectedly, cutting power while driving and forcing drivers to pull over in traffic.
- Several owners report the engine caught fire, with smoke and flames noticed coming from under the hood while parked or driving.
- Some complaints describe difficulty starting or cranking, with dealers reportedly stating the engine needed full replacement.
- A few owners report ticking or lifter noise from the engine accompanied by loss of power, described as a common complaint by mechanics they consulted.
- One complaint describes heavy white-blue smoke and a burning metal smell coming from the engine while idling.
When 2012 Dodge Durango engine complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 21, 2011, latest Mar 2, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Dodge Durango
- NHTSA 11V487000Sep 29, 2011Engine667 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Risk: 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.
Engine complaints by Durango model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Dodge Durango?
- NHTSA lists 164 engine complaints for the 2012 Durango, which is 26% of the 640 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2012 Dodge Durango?
- Yes. Recall campaign 11V487000 covers the engine on 2012 Dodge Durango and related Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep models, with Chrysler replacing the engine free of charge.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2012 Durango?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 79,562 at the time of engine failure complaints.
- Have there been fires or crashes linked to engine problems on the 2012 Durango?
- NHTSA records 4 crashes and 4 fires among the engine-related complaints for the 2012 Durango, with no reported injuries.
- How does the 2012 Durango's engine complaint rate compare to other years?
- The 2012 Durango's 26% share of engine complaints is among the highest in the model's history, higher than 2013 (21%), 2014 (10%), and most later years.