CarComplaints.com Notes: When the 3rd-generation Durango was introduced in 2011 owners almost immediately started having a wide range of issues -- from water pump failure to stalling engines. Turns out the TIPM is to blame and those problems carried into the 2012 model year.

TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Modules) is responsible for controlling and distributing power to all the vehicle’s electrical functions. So when the TIPM starts acting up, so do all sorts of problems in the vehicle.

The problems have been so bad -- and replacement parts became so hard to find -- that a class-action lawsuit was filed against Chrysler focusing on the 2011-2012 Durango. The lawsuit accuses the automaker of ignorning the problem until it spiraled out of control.

9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,170
Average Mileage:
56,350 miles
Total Complaints:
15 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace TIPM (9 reports)
  2. not sure (6 reports)
2012 Dodge Durango electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Dodge Durango Owner Comments

problem #15

Oct 292019

Durango Crew V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 172,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Same issues has been happening for a year now. The Fuel Pump relay continues to fail get in vehicle and it will not start. Have to pop hood and unplug/plug relay. Vehicle starts.

- herren, Sparta, TN, US

problem #14

Jul 012017

Durango Crew

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

My name is Delphine Washington, I'm a disabled Veteran. I was taking my grandson for ice cream and the the car just stopped, no power to even roll up windows. My grandson and I was stuck for (4) hours before a tow truck could even get to us.

- Delphine W., Buffalo, NY, US

problem #13

Mar 012015

Durango Crew 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

CAR TURNS OVER, BUT DOES NOT START REPEATEDLY. EVENTUALLY TURNS OVER, BUT TAKES UP TO 15MIN.

- Ryan G., Austin, TX, US

problem #12

Feb 192015

Durango Citadle 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,145 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Just started having a problem with my 2012 Dodge Durango, cranks but will not start until the third attempt.

Have been reading about the TIPM problems this sounds like it is going to be a problem!

- Joseph A., Colorado Springs, CO, US

problem #11

Dec 262014

Durango Crew 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,876 miles

Called effort dodge in florence, sc and they said there is nothing they can do unless they replace the whole tipm. He said it's the file pump relay but they will have to change everything else first.

- William H., Florence, SC, US

problem #10

Dec 162014

Durango RT Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

This problem began gradually, and has become very persistent. At first, I'd hit the start button and the engine would crank-crank-crank-crank-crank and not start. I had to push the start button again to get it to stop cranking. But then it would start on the 2nd or 3rd attempt.

Now, a couple months later, I plan to leave the house 10 min. early just to fight with the starter. When it does start, it dies after a couple seconds. After 10-12 attempts, it usually starts. Until today. After about 15 min., I gave up so I wouldn't be late for my carpool, and had to jam 3 car seats into the back of my 2006 Honda Civic ... which runs GREAT.

Called the dealer and they said it's the TIPM. Said they are back ordered across the country with no shipments in the pipeline or even scheduled. I could order one, but I'd be in line behind 230 other people. They said Dodge is working on a work-around repair, but they haven't released it yet. So basically, there's nothing they can do to fix the problem. And I have an expensive, highly unreliable vehicle that will begin to collect dust in the garage while I continue to make loan payments.

This was our first Dodge, and most certainly will be our last.

- Briana F., Rochester, WA, US

problem #9

Nov 182014

Durango

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My TIPM is faulty and the dealership can't give me a date on when the part will arrive, in the meantime I can't drive my car.

- Joseph N., Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #8

Oct 032014

Durango Crew V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,047 miles

On Oct 3, 2014, I took my 2012 Durango to a local tire shop to have my tire repaired. Upon the gentleman finishing my tire, my vehicle began to stall when he attempted to crank it up to drive it from the garage. After several turnovers during the start, my vehicle finally cranked. After consulting with family members who are mechanics and very knowledgeable about vehicles, we narrowed it down to a fuel issue. This issue has been going on every day since Oct 3, today is Oct 18.

On Friday, Oct 10, my vehicle just spontaneously shut off in the middle of traffic!!! I was en route of taking my children to school! Very scary experience!!! After several attempts, my vehicle finally started. After prayer and getting my kids safely to school, I immediately drove and had my vehicle and battery tested....everything was fine. I tried calling my local dealer, Howard Wilson CJD, they stated that they could not get my vehicle in until 2 weeks later due to lack of appointment times and would charge me $69 to check to see what the issue could be.

So, after some thorough research by my son, my husband, and myself, we finally found information regarding a faulty Fuel Pump Relay in the TIPM of the 2011-2012 Dodge Durango. The same problems these people were having are the exact same problems I am experiencing. Through the research, we also found that there was a recall P54 that is supposed to be issued by Chrysler on Oct 24, 2014. So, I decided to call the 800 number that was listed to inquire about the recall. These people are a joke!! They followed protocol and took my name, VIN, verified my address, and gave their "sincere" apologies for the issues I am experiencing. However, they would not give any information regarding the recall, nor would they answer any of my questions about the faulty part. They only stated that there is an ongoing investigation and since I was having issues with my Durango, I would be one of the first to be contacted when a recall is issued. The rep I was speaking with, did a courtesy call to my local dealership, Howard Wilson CJD. The young lady there was just as evasive as the Recall Rep! No one wanted to give any information. No one was willing to help in my situation. Even when I explained to them the danger of having my vehicle stop in traffic with my kids in tow, no one gave a care! The only thing she offered me was to drop my vehicle off for a few days for them to check it for $69 and if they find the issue, they can repair it at MY expense, Then IF a recall if issued, I can present my receipt for the repair and get a reimbursement from Chrysler!!! Really?!

So, out of my frustration and anger, I called the 800 number AGAIN today. Once again, I was given the apologetic speech that the reps are trained to give. Again, I asked the rep about the recall. He gave me the same speech about having no information to give but only telling me that there is an ongoing investigation and I will be one of the first contacted when a recall is issued. He told me that once the investigation is complete and if a recall is issued, they will start manufacturing parts. So I asked, "What parts need to be manufactured?" He stated that he didn't know. Then I stated, "According to the internet, the fuel pump relay on the TIPM is faulty." He stated, "Yes, they are investigating the fuel pump relay but I don't have any information on when the investigation will be complete or a recall will be issued." I then said, "I thought you didn't know which part?" That REALLY got me angry!

I feel so deceived by Chrysler, as well as, by my local dealer. Someone needs to be human enough to be straightforward about this issue. Lives are in danger and no one cares!!! I asked him what will Chrysler do if someone, God forbids, is killed as a result of their dragging their feet and being evasive about this issue?? He went on to tell me about a hotline to call at Chrysler, I actually tuned him out at this point. I pray for all who are having this issue and similar issues. Obviously he nor Chrysler gets it....

- rettajax, Jackson, MS, US

problem #7

Sep 232014

Durango 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,355 miles

Car did not start, you had to turn the key 5 or 6 times until starter engaged.

- Isabel B., Hayward, CA, US

problem #6

Oct 092014

Durango Crew 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

First of all I would like to say NEVER purchase a Dodge product! Here's why, not to mention the oil burning smell and leaking problem that took several trips to the dealer to diagnose and correct, this 2012 Durango, at approximately 30000 miles, had a computer malfunction resulting in the computer needing replacement! With the computer problem the dash board was indicating the charging system wasn't functioning causing the battery to die. The battery in this vehicle is located under the passenger's side front seat.

Anyway problem corrected and approximately 4 to 6 thousand miles later the vehicle now intermittently would display the front passenger air bag failure display and on occasion would fail to start! Another trip to the dealer and I'm told the truck has a faulty TIPM sensor and a faulty air bag sensor in the passenger front seat. The dealer tells me the TIPM repair is close to$1000. However, not recommended, there is a repair for around$400. All of this is out of warranty! I do have extended coverage through my insurance however I feel these problems were dealer brought on (air bag sensor) and manufacturer responsibility. I am unwilling to just accept this condition!

Oh yes and I had the brake master cylinder replaced when during our harsh early 2013 N.Y winter I began to have an extremely hard brake pedal that I could only explain as if the brake fluid was freezing! Good guess, that's exactly what it was! Bottom line, this vehicle is no good!

- Thomas L., Staten Island, NY, US

problem #5

Aug 242014

Durango 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car started to act odd. Wouldn't start then I would pull the key out and it would start. Then it would do it twice a day then 3 times a day. Then it would rev up funny out of the blue and stall in the middle of the street and not start up again almost causing a car to crash into me. Took the car to the Dodge dealer and it took him 3 days to say it was the TIPM - just got a quote TODAY!

Looked things up and found TONS of people with my car and other Dodges and Chryslers that had TIPM issues and yet NO RECALL - WHY???? Someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed from this issue and so many people are out over $1000 per person and each of them having to wait for so long for the part because of backorder. Something MUST BE DONE!!! I have filed a complaint with Dodge, filed a safety complaint with ODI and contacting everyone I can. This is just wrong!

- Lisa T., Valencia, CA, US

problem #4

Sep 112014

Durango Crew V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,123 miles

Engine died while going down the highway in morning traffic. Lost power steering and power brakes but was able to get through traffic to the side of the highway. After a couple of attempts, it cranked and ran fine. Since then, it randomly won't start. If I keep turning the key off and then try again, it will eventually start. When it runs, it runs without any indication that something is wrong. No warnings are illuminated on the dash and no messages are showing.

I've been told by two mechanics that it is the TIPM. Estimated replacement cost is $1,200. They couldn't get to it until next week, so I haven't been able to have it replaced. I sent an email to Dodge and to the NHTSA.

- nightemt, Starkville, MS, US

problem #3

Aug 012014

Durango Crew 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

Our 2 year old TIPM (fuse box) just stopped working. The Dealership identified the issue over the phone and quoted me $1200 to repair. Our mechanic (and trusted friend) ended up ordering the “repair kit” FROM the dealership for a price of $75, the rest of which was labor but still only cost us $600 –half of what Dodge wanted to charge!

Research online shows that Dodge/Chrysler are in a class action lawsuit regarding this item, but no recall has been issued. My mechanic says it’s very obvious this issue is due to a defect and is extremely shocked that no recall has been issued as of yet.

- Tiffany R., La Porte, TX, US

problem #2

Aug 192014

Durango Crew

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

The warranty is out on the basic so it isn't covered again. Chrysler knows that this is a reoccurring issue with the Dodge Durango but no effort has been made to recall or cover the costs so the customer is stuck with footing the Bill and being without a vehicle. The dealer will not help as well so the customer is stuck with no help or outlet other than coming out of pocket to repair.

- Robert A., Spring, TX, US

problem #1

Jul 262014

Durango Crew 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

Vehicle is 2 years old, never had a problem before this. Would not start with push button (it almost sounded like the starter wouldn't turn over). Started with remote start but shut down after 2-3 seconds. Had it towed to the dealership. They stated it was the fuel pump and fuel pump relay module and would cost roughly $1600 to fix. My issue is that the vehicle barely has 40K miles on it.... is this something I am going to have to replace every 40K miles? This was not covered under my 100K mile Powertrain Warranty and I am just out of the standard Chrysler 36K mile warranty.

I hope Chrysler issues a recall, since apparently this has been a common issue with this vehicle, & sends me a refund!!! Ugh!

Update from Jul 31, 2014: Vehicle is 2 years old, never had a problem before this. Would not start with push button (it almost sounded like the starter wouldn't turn over). Started with remote start but shut down after 2-3 seconds. Had it towed to the dealership. They stated it was the fuel pump and fuel pump relay module and would cost roughly $1600 to fix. The dealership came back later and stated it was the TIPM. This is apparently a widespread issue. My issue is that the vehicle barely has 40K miles on it.... is this something I am going to have to replace every 40K miles? This was not covered under my 100K mile Powertrain Warranty and I am just out of the standard Chrysler 36K mile warranty. I called Chrysler and they contacted the dealership to honor it as an extended warranty, however, I still have to pay a $500 "deductible"...........

I hope Chrysler issues a recall, since apparently this has been a common issue with this vehicle, & sends me a refund!!! Ugh!

- Heather H., Porter, TX, US

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