346 of the
919 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Durango are about the
electrical system — 38% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
70,599 miles.
Vehicle was unable to start upon attempts in the morning. Was able to get it jumped and started. Less than 5 minutes later the dash lights along with radio lights began to flicker, the front windshield wipers activated, and the battery light came on. Immediately after the vehicle completely stopped, steering wheel got tight and hard to turn and a pole was barely missed as I attempted to maneuver the vehicle as close to the side of the road as possible. There was a complete loss of power, and I was stranded semi in the middle of a busy road during morning traffic. The vehicle was towed to out preferred shop to determine the cause of the loss of power and it was determined that the alternator was dead. The vehicle had the mandated Safety Recall T36 completed 15 months ago. The replacement has failed prematurely. The vehicle has been confirmed by an independent service center. It was inspected by the independent service center, but the incident was witnessed by Missouri Highway Patrol and our local police as they directed traffic around the stalled vehicle to ensure my safety. The evening before there were no indications of failure. The morning of the vehicle was unable to start and had to be jumped and then immediately before the failure the dash lights along with radio lights began to flicker, the front windshield wipers activated, and the battery light came on. Within seconds of these warnings the vehicle stalled and completely stopped. No police report was filed but my husband did notify dispatch of the situation to have police routed to direct traffic. Highway Patrol happened to already be on the scene as they were passing by and saw me.
NHTSA complaint #11757912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
London, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We were driving on the interstate in northern Kentucky when the battery alert LED appeared on the dash. We exited the highway while looking up info on possible car repair shops to go to when the vehicle stalled on the exit ramp. We immediately engaged the emergency flashers but they failed eventually due to a completely dead battery. It was determined that the alternator was fried, unable to charge the battery.
NHTSA complaint #11757232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 96,000. A Carfax Report was provided at the time of purchase. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 162,000 when the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an engine issue, and upon receiving the Carfax Report.
NHTSA complaint #11722172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Billings, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator went out and fried the pcm. I know certain vehicles were on the recall for this and mine was not one of them but odd that it happened anyways.
NHTSA complaint #11694892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,488 milesWaterloo, IAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact opened the door and noticed that the interior of the vehicle was completely burned. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated the exterior of the vehicle had no signs of fire. The vehicle was towed to the local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss. In addition, the contact stated that prior to the failure, there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V879000 (Electrical System, Interior Lighting), which had a similar failure description; however the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,488.
NHTSA complaint #11667452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scandia, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Has major issues …
NHTSA complaint #11646806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florence, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electric problem
NHTSA complaint #11626299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kaysville, UTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving our 2012 Dodge Durango in town, we noticed the battery warning light come on and a hot smell coming from the vehicle. We were not far from home so we limped it back home to the garage to see what was going on. When we lifted the hood, there was a very overwhelming burning smell, our alternator was literally glowing red hot, and there was smoke pouring out from around it. We quickly put out the fire and disconnected the battery. Afterwards, we had it towed to a repair shop where it was confirmed the alternator failed as well as fried our PCM in the process. We paid for the install of a new alternator and PCM, however, the radio remained failed. Upon researching this scenario, we found there was a recall for this exact issue for the exact span of years and engine type, however, our VIN was somehow not included in this recall. That needs to be changed. The alternator issue could have been extremely dangerous for our family while in the car, as well as others around us due to what could have happened if the card didn’t make it home. We could have been stranded on a busy road way causing accidents while the car was engulfed in flames due to the alternator. Also, had we not immediately popped the hood at home to check the engine, the car could have burned down our home. We request that the NHTSA and FCA recall company address this issue and the potential for extending the recall to include other Durango VINs.
NHTSA complaint #11608818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesMonrovia, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would intermittently stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it remained in their possession for four days; the contact was later informed that the defect was related to the battery. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11577651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winneconne, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While picking my son up from religion my vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. Thankfully I was pulling into the church parking lot and was in no real danger. I tried to jump start the vehicle with no success, but did notice the insulation on the jumper cables had started to melt. Towed to mechanic and was told the alternator had failed, in turn fried the battery. He replaced both, but then discovered the PCM was fried as well. Took it to the dealer here and was told faulty alternator again, which was replaced again, only to be told the PCM was fried. Now I'm into this for $3000 and I have no faith in the vehicle, the manufacturer, or the dealerships.
NHTSA complaint #11544238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erath, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I bought this vehicle second hand and was not warned of any recalls. I started having problems in April of 2023. Windshield wipers would turn on by themself, car would randomly shut off. I brought to several shops and nobody could figure out why it was reading “high voltage”. The car then started having occasional problems shifting. I eventually got on MOPAR website to be made aware there were 3 recalls and alternator was one of them. I called musson patout dodge in new Iberia, LA and made an appointment to fix my car. On the morning of our appointment the car died in the road on the way to dodge and wouldn’t restart without a jump. I brought it in and over the son of 3 days the fixed all the recalls. On my way to pick it up they called and made me aware it would need a new battery I told them I will go replace it as soon as I get the car. Since I picked up the car the shifting problems have not stopped. I have had a code reading “implausible data from tcm”. I have had a mechanic TELL me this recalled alternator going out is what cause this tcm to go out and Musson REFUSES to take it in and even diagnose it without over $170 that I don’t have to spend anymore. This is consequential damage that dodge should be held liable for and they are giving me the most difficult time, it’s my only vehicle for me and my 2 kids and I cant even drive it anymore.
NHTSA complaint #11537620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Vista, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I Came into dealership for scheduled service appointment on Apr 5, 2023 10:30:00 AM at EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA to get recall fixed on fuel pump relay and an oil change after receiving my 2012 Dodge Durango Citadel back my lights randomly starting blanking and my vehicle stalled and it wouldn’t start or turn over. So I spoke to service rep [XXX] at EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA 17950 Burt St and had the car towed back to the dealership that fixed on it EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA. I was originally told they didn’t have a loaner to lend to me so I can continue being a caregiver to my mother and transport her and my 7 children around until 04/21/2023 and that someone would call me that day to pickup a loaner vehicle. I called on 04/21/2023 about the loaner and they said someone would call me by midday to pick up a loaner. Now it’s Monday 04/24/2023 and I get a text stating 10 things are wrong with my vehicle in this link https://c.xtime.com/vkepCy2nkAoA2L4fXX including the PCM, which was more items then what was originally stated when they had inspected my vehicle on 04/05/2023 during the recall fix. So I informed them that, “ I will not pay for the pcm to be fixed because this issue is a result of whoever was the mechanic that was originally supposed to fix the recall fuel pump relay, so your shop has to fix it due to negligence on your mechanic's fault. I don't want to have to take anyone to court or give this issues to an attorney, this was sent to better business bureau because I have been left without transportation and facing economic hardship due to this situation.” Then they had their Service Manager [XXX] reach out to me over the phone, and he said that he spoke to three on-site master mechanic at the dealership and they all said the PCM had nothing to do with the fuel pump relay recall. I asked about escalating the issue and submitting an incident report to an higher up authority, he said he can’t. I asked again about the loaner he said there’s no loaner available. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT
NHTSA complaint #11518792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Perrysville, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I’ll be driving down the road and my car just shuts off. Steering becomes tight, no engine lights come on radio is still playing no warning except driving down the road and all of a sudden you can’t steer. It’s very dangerous especially when it happens while you are driving around the curve with children in the car. My mechanic can’t tell me why this happens. No explanation. This has happen several times
NHTSA complaint #11516383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moreno Valley, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This family car had recall back in august fuel module for powertrain check engine light got it fix and few days later check engine turn on and has turned off since car slows down on freeway wont pick up speed and stall on me twice already with kids in car was going 65 and all sudden slow down wiuldnt pick up acceleration and turn off has run good since still having issues dealership says noting wrong with it
NHTSA complaint #11498781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesSan Antonio, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the battery warning light had illuminated, and the contact notices a burning plastic odor. The contact pulled over and opened the hood and saw black smoke coming from the alternator. The contact stated that he disconnected the negative battery cable; however, he stated that positive connector was extremely hot to the touch. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery, alternator, and the Engine Control Module (ECM) needed be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #11493784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baldwin Park, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving, the ignition switch may fail and think that the key has been removed. This results in a total loss of power and the engine cutting off. The result is very limited steering and braking capability. This has happen to me more than 20 times in the pass 2 months. This problem still continues to happen even after changing the recent fuel pump recall on August 12, 2022. No check engine light on dash as well. This is my family vehicle and I do carry my children in this vehicle. We have been put in so many unsafe situations. This can cause an accident. This is a safety issue and should be recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11492530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLexington, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not 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 stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle would start and then immediately stall. The contact stated that multiple attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact was informed that the failure was related to the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11487092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hill City, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2012 dodge durango sxt, rear turn signal stop flashing, front turn signal works, but not the rear .no turn signal or brakes lights
NHTSA complaint #11481931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lafayette, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I just got a 2012 dodge durango 08/13/2022 I looked up the recalls on it and just trying to get it ixed if possible
NHTSA complaint #11479337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,496 milesToledo, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that after stopping the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The failure occurred approximately 60-seconds after stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 136,496.
NHTSA complaint #11478197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stonecrest, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2012 Dodge Durango has been experiencing reaccering issues associated with the tipm and fuel pump relay. The truck will stall, hard crank or simply not crank at all; leaving me stranded sometimes. This electrical issue also affects the fog lights, front lights, brake lights and turn signals; causing them to not work; putting me in danger of a collision on the highway or city street. This tipm and fuel pump relay have been under several recalls over the past 8 years and Dodge actually lost a class action lawsuit in 2015 in reference to this issue. They were ordered to replace these parts free of charge; labeling the parts defective. See link to tipm/relay article here (https://www.classlawgroup.com/chrysler-totally-integrated-power-module-tipm-lawsuit/ and here https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/dodge-jeep-faulty-fuel-pump-class-action-settlement/ ) They’ve replaced both of these parts twice for me over the past 6 years. Now I am experiencing issues where the car won’t start for 20 minutes after I turn it off. The signal lights won't work correctly; and the foglights are totally inoperative. I’ve taken it back to the dealer for a diagnostic and also called the corporate office but no one wants to take accountability and acknowledge what the issue is. I have attempted to contact the lawyer who started the class action lawsuit to consult about this matter but he says he can't sue them again. I’m looking to see if I have any legal recourse or what my best course of action could be in order to hold Dodge accountable for replacing my tipm and fixing this defective part for good. Thanks! REPAIR TIMELINE: 2016 fuel pump relay 2017 Tipm 2018 Rewired the tipm, replace 2020, fuel pump relay - september 2022, fuel pump PS - I have a video of the dealer technician recording the issue with his mobile phone.
NHTSA complaint #11462341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential odometer rollback indicated per carfax, engine failure. Ohio department of public safety, bureau of motor vehicles did conduct a Ohio out of state vehicle inspection on 03/14/2022 @ BMV INVESTIGATIONS D-2@ 1583 Alum Creek Drive and inspector [XXX] has verified rollback. whereas she maybe reached at [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11459081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Littleton, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11449687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
O Fallon, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 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 called two local dealers and was informed that she would receive a call back whenever an appointment was 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 #11449513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed about the waiting list. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11447031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfax Station, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is something definitely wrong with my car. I have just now seen a recall but it occurred before the car was sold to me and it had electric issues with break fail, electrical accessories were still on as the dash notified while the car was off. It has had the seats move the steering would lock, it doesn’t provide many of the features for safety. The GPS is always wrong. I took it to the dealer several times and was told that the factory resets were fine. I don’t think that is the case. Under the hood there seemed to be additional after factory tampering with additional wires that had been added into the car.
NHTSA complaint #11444246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Byron, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I had just picked my car up from getting brakes and an inspection (obviously passed). I was driving home and there was smoke from under the hood with an electrical fire smell. My dash went crazy then I completly lost power. I had no stearing or brakes- couldn't even put on my hazards or roll down the window down to tell cars behind me to pass me. I immediatly called the garage that had just done the work to get it towed. They called today and told me that the alternator blew up and fried the battery and possible the computer (tip module??) I looked up recalls and noticed that there has been problems with this happening but my VIN didn't come up for this. I just wanted to check into the recall before I spent thousands of dollars.
NHTSA complaint #11439737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greeley, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased my 2012 Dodge Durango two years ago and it has been one of the most stressful issues I have ever hadz. Two days after purchasing it all the lights lit up my dash board the head lights wouldn’t go on the heater or air wouldn’t work and my windows in front would not roll down. This usually happens when I start it in the morning but it also will happen when I’m driving I almost got into a accident on the HWY at 530 in the morning coming to work when my head light just shut off. It has been back to the deal shop I bought it 3 dodge dealer ships and my personal mechanic and they can not find out what the issue is. Over the past two years it has been in the shop bout 10-15 times It has been parked more than I have been able to drive it. I am in a loan I can not get out of.
NHTSA complaint #11437544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesCottage Grove, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they were overbooked and could complete the recall repair in two months. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle would no longer start. The contact stated that he contacted a second dealer Bloomington Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (8000 Penn Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431) who informed the contact that 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 manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000. Parts distribution disconnect. (Recall Related Incident) - TS
NHTSA complaint #11434063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesOcala, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated the vehicle would fail to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the dealer informed the contact that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated that as he attempted to turn the steering wheel, the steering wheel was firm. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he forcefully steered the steering wheel and veered to the side of the road. The contact stated he was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the fuel relay switch was bypassed as temporary remedy for the recall as per the manufacturer's instructions; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that they could no longer assist as the parts for the recall repair were not available. The dealer also informed the contact that the manufacturer only provided one part per month for the recall repair. The contact stated that he contacted several unknown dealers who advised as the first dealer. The contact also stated the camera that worked in conjunction with the cruise control had malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) - TS
NHTSA complaint #11433972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.