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.
I was driving and noticed smoke coming from what appeared to be the drivers side visor. I recorded the smoke and called my husband (who thought I was nuts). When I would stop, the smoke seemed to stop as well. My toddler and I were able to park and evacuate the vehicle before the fire started. The fire department said it was an electrical fire, started in the wiring near the visor. Damage is shown in the pictures. Nearly $20k to repair it so the insurance company has totaled the vehicle.
There is an electrical wiring recall #14V391000 on 7/2/2014 That states; "If the vanity lamp wiring shorts there is an increased risk of fire." I had this recall addressed in 11/2014...So why did this happen?!
Two weeks prior to my incident I had taken my 2012 Durango in for difficulty starting, tire sensor replacement, and to have software updates completed. Could this have triggered the short? The recall also states: "In affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may
short circuit, after a service repair is performed."
I have really enjoyed my Durango...but this has been a terrible experience!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
click to see larger images
I was driving and noticed smoke coming from what appeared to be the drivers side visor. I recorded the smoke and called my husband (who thought I was nuts). When I would stop, the smoke seemed to stop as well. My toddler and I were able to park and evacuate the vehicle before the fire started. The fire department said it was an electrical fire, started in the wiring near the visor. Damage is shown in the pictures. Nearly $20k to repair it so the insurance company has totaled the vehicle.
There is an electrical wiring recall #14V391000 on 7/2/2014 That states; "If the vanity lamp wiring shorts there is an increased risk of fire." I had this recall addressed in 11/2014...So why did this happen?!
Two weeks prior to my incident I had taken my 2012 Durango in for difficulty starting, tire sensor replacement, and to have software updates completed. Could this have triggered the short? The recall also states: "In affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may
short circuit, after a service repair is performed."
I have really enjoyed my Durango...but this has been a terrible experience!
- Mariah T., Lone Jack, MO, US