Carson City, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car shut off whike driving and couldn't control the vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11745183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2011 Dodge Durango electrical problems
518 of the 1,185 complaints about the 2011 Dodge Durango are about the electrical system — 44% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 68,585 miles.
518
Complaints
6
Crashes
54
Fires
2
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Electrical System
495
95.6%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
18
3.5%
12V/24V/48V Battery
1
0.2%
Ignition
1
0.2%
Switch
1
0.2%
Rear Compartment/Trunk
1
0.2%
Integrated Starter(Other Than Propulsion)
1
0.2%
Electrical System across every Dodge Durango year
What owners said
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
at 182,000 miles
Carnation, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the failure was like the failure listed in the recall notification. The contact stated the local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CA
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
To whom it may concern, On [XXX] at around [XXX] PST, I was taking my car to get a car wash at Quick Quack Car Wash located in [XXX] . While waiting in line for the other cars to go in, all of sudden I see a huge fire flame shoot out from under the hood. My car was on full fire extremely rapidly, in front of the multiple cars and near the entrance of this car wash, while this car was in fire I ran inside and asked the personnel for a fire extinguisher, to consume the flames coming out of the hood, as I was extremely concerned about the safety and personnel of this location. As soon as I got the extinguisher, I ran towards the car and started spraying powder everywhere I saw flames coming out from top of the hood and under the car, as flames and melted material dropped down from under the car. When I saw the flames got contained, I saw a water hose near the entrance in which I went and turn on and ran to continue pouring water into the engine bay compartment in order to make sure the fire was fully contained. All I could say is that I was very scared and extremely worried that this car could explode in front of this business with all the people working there. As soon I put the fire out, my friend help me push it out of the way into the much larger empty parking lot in order for the business to continue to conduct their business. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11739932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving on the freeway and my battery light came on on the dash and lost power to engine and smelled electrical burning in the engine. Safely exited freeway and found the alternator was smoking really bad. Had to get the suv towed home.
NHTSA complaint #11671200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowling Green, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Orange car came on on dashboard after having the truck on cruise control and a car cut me off real close. The cruise control went off, the truck lost traction and it slipped while turning at a roundabout when it was raining.
NHTSA complaint #11665212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 miles
Florence, AL
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while exiting her residential driveway, driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that several warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she heard a noise that came from the engine compartment. The contact stopped the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle to perform an inspection under the hood. The contact stated that when the hood was raised, the contact noticed smoke and fire. The contact immediately closed the hood and the fire burned out. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed alternator. The contact was advised that due to the failure and the fire, the PCM, the valve cover gaskets, the battery, and the alternator needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that due to the fire, the labels for the alternator were not visible. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall that had a similar failure description, however, the contact's VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
NHTSA complaint #11611380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 miles
Wilson, NC
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact's wife detected an abnormally strong smoke odor inside the vehicle. The windshield wipers were inadvertently activated, and the instrument panel flickered. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact, his wife, and his mother-in-law were able to exit the vehicle safely. No injuries were sustained. The contact checked under the hood and saw flames coming from the alternator; however, the flames extinguished themselves before the firefighters arrived on the scene. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was first towed to the contact's mother-in-law's residence, then to the dealer, where it was determined that the alternator had malfunctioned due to the age of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
NHTSA complaint #11593695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Myrtle Beach, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This SUV has had 2 recalls for the same fuel system relay problem, And now after approximately 2or3 yrs ago, and now it's doing the same exact thing again, you'll be driving down the road and it will just shut off and a red lighting built will show up, lucky we had a safe place to pull off the road and get stopped, but this is a very dangerous situation for my wife and kids to be in
NHTSA complaint #11585408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,000 miles
Florissant, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact recharged the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed alternator wiring and that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
NHTSA complaint #11579791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 miles
Heflin, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot and stated that smoke was entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and raised the hood. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the alternator. The contact stated that the alternator had melted in some areas. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
NHTSA complaint #11568006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weippe, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car dies while driving at speed. Also will die at low speeds such as when turning or parking or waiting at a stop light. Sometimes have to wait before restart if dies at speed. If dies at low speed will start right back up. Dealer says no codes. Even when it died while on the techs computer he could not see a problem. These cars have been notorious for electrical problems due to Totally Integrated Power Module. Fuel relay recall did not solve the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11550407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 miles
Clinton Township, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #11525768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Billings, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
With the initial incident with us as we were pulling into a roundabout & braking & turning to the left at some point and turning back to the right the engine stalls. All electrical was still working except for the engine and I smelled an odor of burning wire Seemingly coming from the center of the steering wheel. Shift into neutral hit the ignition and it restarts and everything‘s fine. After a couple times of this happening sporadically, we were notified there was a recall notice seemingly for this problem, but there was a wait while for the recall parts for the solution. With the subsequent occurrences there was no electrical smell, there’s no problem restarting it and there is no problem with any other electrical. Problem occurs with various levels of fuel. We had the recall work performed, and yet the problem still occurs, again, sporadically which makes it difficult to diagnose. The Dodge dealer service dept here, in Billings Montana, cannot seem to reproduce the problem. There are no error codes produced when it happens. It is becoming extremely dangerous. I wonder if anyone else has experienced that faint electrical smell like the first time coming possibly from the steering wheel. I think the recall was related to the fuel pump relay, but I think our problem has something to do with the wiring in the steering column. As I said, intermittently, the engine stalls upon braking with a slight turn to the left & then back to the right. It probably happens roughly once every three or four months and almost always any more pulling into a roundabout. Only once has it occurred other than entering a roundabout.
NHTSA complaint #11508999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Was driving home car shut off battery Battery went completely dead had to tow to my house put a new battery new alternator and PCM Called NHTSA and they said my vehicle Wasn't On the recall list but I have the same problems as the vehicles that were on the recall list
NHTSA complaint #11508141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarkston, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There was a whirring noise associated with engine rpm. It appeared to be something driven by the serpentine belt. Within a few miles the battery charge light came on. I figured the noise was then the alternator. I stopped at a parts store to order one and when I came back out, smoke was billowing out of the hood. I opened the hood and it was coming from the alternator. It wasn't slowing down. I asked for some tools from the parts store to unhook the battery and then the smoke started subsiding. It appeared the alternator created a short and the battery was feeding the potential for fire. This all happen in the course of 4 miles. The day before I had parked this vehicle in a parking garage below a college building for a sporting event. This could have caught fire and potentially caused a lot of damage to other vehicles and building. I don't think I would have heard the issue at highway speeds either, and eventually the short caused the entire electrical system to fail (hooked battery up to put car in neutral to load onto tow truck). I currently have the alternator and ordered a replacement (with a core charge). The back of the alternator has some metal that had melted along with the back plastic housing. The bearings seem smooth. I noticed another recall with same vehicle and alternator but with electric hydraulic power steering with the alternator shorting to ground, but my vin is not affected by that.
NHTSA complaint #11486378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Orleans, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator failed
NHTSA complaint #11478307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roswell, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle became unresponsive on the highway due to 220 amp Alternator overheating and frying the PCM as a result. Same exact issue as recall item T36.
NHTSA complaint #11467657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,000 miles
Broxton, GA
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from above the driver’s side sun visor. The contact lowered the sun visor and saw red coals and black smoke coming from the headliner. The contact pulled into a parking lot to get water to extinguish the fire. Upon returning to the vehicle the contact saw flames coming from inside the vehicle. The emergency services were contacted and notified of the fire. The fire department arrived on the scene. When the fireman pulled down the headliner there were flames underneath the headliner. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police and fire report was filed. There was an injury reported. The fire department determined that the fire was caused by an electrical fault. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The insurance provider had not determined if the vehicle would be a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11454656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All current recalls have been performed on this vehicle. While making left and right hand turns after coasting down from a highway speed (55MPH or greater) the vehicle will stall. We will loose all power steering and brakes. No warning lights come on and everything appears normal except the engine is not running. Something in the fuel or electrical system is intermittently failing. I suspect it to be a "Dumb" device. Something that is told to turn on or off but there is no feedback to the computer to set a code when it fails. The vehicle is available for inspection at any time. This started occurring after one of the fuel pump relay recalls. It happens at random and is hard to duplicate, while we do have video of it, the dealer has been unable to duplicate it. The vehicle shows no codes, or anything wrong when it happens. Once the vehicle is stopped, shifted back into park, it will restart and run just fine. This has placed us in unsafe conditions in the middle of the opposing lane, in a turn, trying to restart the vehicle before another car comes around the turn. It is also hard to steer and stop a large SUV when power steering and brakes have been lost. There have been several close calls of getting the vehicle stopped prior to going off the road. The dealer has checked the vehicle over with no solution found for the issue. There has never been any warning lights associated with the vehicle stalling while driving. The vehicle does not know anything is wrong.
NHTSA complaint #11442844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pikeville, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving lights on dash all flash, windshield wipers come on, horn won’t work, windows won’t work, headlights will turn off, speedometer drops to zero. Problem started a year ago. Took it to dodge and 2 independent auto repair places, with no fix. We were without the car for 4 months while waiting to see if anyone could find a fix-as far as we were told there was none. Car drove fine for a couple of months with some “minor” issues-lights flash speedometer drops- pull over turn car off- everything ok. Today full electric failure! EVERYTHING stated above happened at once, in addition to feeling like I could not accelerate.
NHTSA complaint #11440532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While at speed, the FCW light goes off and the vehicle looses the ability to accelerate. I usually have to pull over, shut down the vehicle, and restart it to continue. I have had all of the recalls completed as soon as possible, and the last one was completed several years ago. Similar things happened previously with this car but seemed to be fixed by recalls. This has only started happening again recently, say within the last month or two, and is happening with greater frequency.
NHTSA complaint #11437785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mccomb, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Every so often, while I’m driving, my vehicle totally shuts down in the middle of traffic as I slow down for a turn or to stop. The steering wheel becomes very difficult to maneuver, forcing me to stop exactly where I am, to shift it to park and crank it up again.
NHTSA complaint #11435806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 miles
Mccomb, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled randomly. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the “Forward Collision Warning- Off” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V530000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
NHTSA complaint #11434877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VIN: [XXX], MAKE/MODEL: DODGE DURANGO, YEAR 2011, MILES: 189,000 NO WARNING, NO MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT UNTIL AFTER TODAY 09/21/2021, ENGINE WONT TURN OVER, NOT BATTERY, BATTERY IS CHARGED, EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WORK, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT( ENGINE SYMBOL), & RED NOT YELLOW ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WHEN TURNING ON VEHICLE, MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TRYING TO TURN OVER. LIGHT THAT STAYS ON : MIL, LIGHT THAT ONLY STAYS ON BRIEFLY, ETC, VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN OVER TO START NO KNOWN RECALLS. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11433784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 miles
Haywood, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that after driving at various speeds then coming to a stop the vehicle would stall. The contact would restart the vehicle to regain proper function. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
NHTSA complaint #11433665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 miles
Wartrace, TN
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 45-55 MPH in the rain, the instrument panel lights, the interior and exterior lights of the vehicle inadvertently turned off. The contact also stated the defroster failed to work and the windows were foggy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated his wife was able to drive to their residence as it was 1 mile away. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised that the contact would be responsible for the cost of repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer, however the contact replaced the TIPM himself. The contact stated while his wife was driving, she noticed a burning odor and the vehicle inadvertently lost power. The battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the battery had failed. The contact stated the battery was replaced, however the vehicle failed to restart and was making an abnormal clicking sound. The contact stated he smelled a burning odor and as he opened the hood of the vehicle, he noticed smoke coming from the alternator. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired however, the vehicle would not charge normally. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the voltage regulator of the vehicle had failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was open. The contact also stated the dealer informed that the vehicle was included in the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), however the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11432443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 miles
Wartrace, TN
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR:INTEGRATED STARTER(OTHER THAN PROPULSION)
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 45-55 MPH in the rain, the instrument panel lights, the interior and exterior lights of the vehicle inadvertently turned off. The contact also stated the defroster failed to work and the windows were foggy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated his wife was able to drive to their residence as it was 1 mile away. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised that the contact would be responsible for the cost of repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer, however the contact replaced the TIPM himself. The contact stated while his wife was driving, she noticed a burning odor and the vehicle inadvertently lost power. The battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the battery had failed. The contact stated the battery was replaced, however the vehicle failed to restart and was making an abnormal clicking sound. The contact stated he smelled a burning odor and as he opened the hood of the vehicle, he noticed smoke coming from the alternator. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired however, the vehicle would not charge normally. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the voltage regulator of the vehicle had failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was open. The contact also stated the dealer informed that the vehicle was included in the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), however the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11432443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 miles
Wartrace, TN
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 45-55 MPH in the rain, the instrument panel lights, the interior and exterior lights of the vehicle inadvertently turned off. The contact also stated the defroster failed to work and the windows were foggy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated his wife was able to drive to their residence as it was 1 mile away. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised that the contact would be responsible for the cost of repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer, however the contact replaced the TIPM himself. The contact stated while his wife was driving, she noticed a burning odor and the vehicle inadvertently lost power. The battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the battery had failed. The contact stated the battery was replaced, however the vehicle failed to restart and was making an abnormal clicking sound. The contact stated he smelled a burning odor and as he opened the hood of the vehicle, he noticed smoke coming from the alternator. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired however, the vehicle would not charge normally. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the voltage regulator of the vehicle had failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was open. The contact also stated the dealer informed that the vehicle was included in the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), however the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11432443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berkeley, MO
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My stock alternator caught fire, and made my car completely lock up and shut down while I was driving. Upon further diagnosis my PCM was affected. There was a recall for that exact issue and in the year my vehicle was manufactured, yet my car VIN is not included! It’s the same issue from the recall
NHTSA complaint #11427899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Surprise, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11422569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.