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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 26
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
58,805 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Dodge Durango electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 8 of 17)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #187

Oct 062017

Durango

  • 100,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While the vehicle was parked, the alternator caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to tempe Dodge (8005 S autoplex loop, tempe, AZ 85284, phone number: (480) 598-2329) where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V879000 (electrical system, interior lighting) and 17V435000 (electrical system). The parts needed for the repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer stated that the parts would not be available until January of 2018 and did not recommend an interim remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #186

Oct 132016

Durango

  • 110,300 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving 60 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, restarted the vehicle after a few seconds, and the vehicle returned to normal. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (walser Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, 314 mainstreet, hopkins, mn 55343) was contacted and confirmed that the parts would not be available until may of 2018. The manufacturer was contacted at 800-853-1403 and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. Case number: 32554257 was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 110,300. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Long Lake, MN, USA

problem #185

Oct 012017

Durango

  • 52,200 miles
June 2017, right headlight went out, replaced the bulb, hard they harness and wires changed and it still shorts out. Headlight comes on and goes off while it is stationary and in motion. October 1, 2017, I started the truck, the engine turned over as normal but then a few seconds later it shut off. No warning lights on dash, truck was now in acc mode. I suspect and issue with the tipm.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #184

Aug 292017

Durango

  • 85,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Dodge Chrysler Jeep city located at: 4395 route 130 S., burlington, NJ 08016, (855) 242-0015, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the alternator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

- Delran, NJ, USA

problem #183

Aug 152017

Durango

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and when the driver attempted to start the vehicle, it failed to start without warning. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump relay failed and needed to replaced. The independent mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a local Dodge dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V115000 (electrical system). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted and made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #182

Mar 312016

Durango 8-cyl

  • 61,000 miles
The car shuts off while driving. Whether I am driving straight or making a turn, the car has shut off numerous times. Dodge claimed there was a problem with the spark plugs and sensor so I had that fixed. The following day the car shut off. They have yet to fix the stalling issue even after receiving diagnostic codes. It has shut off on main streets, side streets and highways. I purchased the car in 2016 and the problem and I have had this problem ever since.

- Imperial Beach, CA, USA

problem #181

Aug 162017

Durango

  • 130,000 miles

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

I was driving the Durango and the air went off, battery light came on, other warnings sensors and bells went off. I was able to get it back home and replace battery. Installed the new battery and drove around block. The alternator started smoking bad and you could smell the burning wires. Towed it to the shop, they replaced the battery again and alternator and still have issues. They have electrical being checked out. Say it may have issues with the computer. We are over $1200 so far and climbing.

- Mount Julliet, TN, USA

problem #180

Aug 042017

Durango

  • 71,000 miles
Like so many others, was driving when battery light came on with an electrical smell. Continued driving to a midas when all lights and bells were going off. Eventually tried to make a right turn and steering was gone and I was luckily able to coast into midas. They diagnosed as a failed alternator. My mechanic towed the car to his shop and replaced alternator and battery but that was not the solution. It ended up being the PCM. Expensive fix that may push me towards purchasing a different vehicle instead.

- Addison, TX, USA

problem #179

Aug 092017

Durango

  • miles
Without warning my alternator has failed on my Durango, I went to start it up for work and I got absolutely nothing. I looked up recalls, because it fried my battery as well, and I see a recall on some models with the 160 amp alternator, but not mine because it is 180 amp. This matter needs to be further investigated, because I have had an alternator go out before on other vehicles, but there are warning signs, and there were none which would lead me to believe there is a faulty device or hook up. Th8S is costing me almost $1000, which as a military spouse with 2 children and a deployed husband we do not have for some erroneous part.

- Killeen, TX, USA

problem #178

Jun 242017

Durango

  • 59,000 miles
Alternator short, serious sudden loss of all electrical and engine control. Serious safety issue that could have potentially caused fatal crash.

- Apo, AE, USA

problem #177

Jul 262017

Durango

  • 60,000 miles

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

Failed alternator alternator failed and the car stalled and went dead on a road. Could not restart the car and was blocking traffic. This is very unsafe condition.

- Columbus, MS, USA

problem #176

Jul 292017

Durango

  • 63,969 miles
Driving locally and all of a sudden a whizzing sound from under hood. I pulled over noise stopped. Continued driving on 40mph road and battery light came on, RPM indicator erratic. Not too far from home an electrical fire smell coming from under hood. Made it home safely. Called Dodge dealership to check about recall, specifically the 2015 alternator recall to see if somehow my vehicle was missed on that recall. VIN was not included so took to mechanic. He has had an extremely time consuming and costly few days trying to repair. Seemed just like the alternator needed replacing but then he said battery was dead. Replaced with new battery and that was killed. He charged batteries separately and they were fine, soon as they were put into car they were quickly drained. He suspected computer system was shot. Called in specialist to confirm. Meanwhile I see there is an upcoming recall T36 for this exact sudden alternator failure issue (which mine should fall under) but notices not going out until 8/24/17. Absolutely crazy!!! I've read the recent complaints and some people were driving when their whole electrical system stopped working and car shut down. I'm fortunate enough that I wasn't driving while my computer system failed and also lucky that I was close to home when smell started, because according to the recall these alternators can start fires. How can they announce this recall mid July but not notify affected consumers for 7 weeks? right now my VIN is still not listed under any recall. It most better be or it will be handled in a legal manner. So far I haven't had my primary vehicle for 3 days, and is going to be at least 2-3 more. Not to mention the thousands that I have to come up with for parts, hours worth of labor, and specialist to reprogram new computer.

- Pelham, NH, USA

problem #175

Jul 202017

Durango

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the battery light suddenly illuminated and an electrical burning odor was present inside the cabin. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the alternator had overheated and causing damage to the PCM and battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000.

- Waxahachie, TX, USA

problem #174

Jul 272017

Durango

  • 62,070 miles
Driving down the highway battery light came on. Replaced battery. Resumed trip, started smelling something burning. Bluetooth turned off, radio shut off, A/C shut off (all as I'm trying to get off highway), smoke begins pouring out of air vents, everything shuts off. Had to get vehicle towed. It is sitting, as I am trying to find out if it is included in T36 recall.

- Waxahachie, TX, USA

problem #173

Aug 012017

Durango

  • 113,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While the vehicle was idling at a red light, several warning indicators flashed and a dinging noise was heard. When the traffic light turned green, the contact proceeded to drive very slowly. The vehicle lost acceleration and the warning indicators began flashing again. The vehicle lost steering ability, and the radio and air conditioning seized. The contact called a tow truck and the vehicle was towed to a Goodyear store in highland city, Texas where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed. The contact stated that the failure first occurred on July 27, 2017 and the vehicle was taken to the huffines Dodge/Chrysler dealer in plano, Texas. The dealer diagnosed that the alternator and battery failed. The vehicle was towed to the Goodyear shop in highland Texas for repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

- Flower Mound, TX, USA

problem #172

Jul 292017

Durango

  • 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 45 mph, the battery warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle indicated that the seat belts were not being used even though all the occupants were wearing their seat belts. In addition, the air conditioner suddenly failed and began to blow hot air. The contact attempted to roll the windows down, but they failed to move. There were also yellow warning indicators illuminating, but the contact was unsure of what they were indicating. The contact pulled the vehicle over and it suddenly powered off completely. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed home where a certified mechanic looked at the vehicle and diagnosed that the alternator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

- Huntingburg, IN, USA

problem #171

Jul 272017

Durango

  • 60,000 miles
Suddenly the red battery light lit up. As I was driving home it stating going dead, windshiel wipers came on, would not acellrate, died on side of road. Jumped off, went a few feet and died again, replaced battery started drove great after a min it statred acting up, took to local dealer, alternator fried, from the repports I am hearing this should be a recall. Tom

- Columbus, MS, USA

problem #170

Jul 212017

Durango

  • 54,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 60 mph, the seat belt and battery warning indicators illuminated. Later, the check engine, traction control, and ABS warning indicators also illuminated. In addition, the air condition and radio failed to function, and the windshield wipers functioned slowly. While exiting the highway, the power steering seized and made it difficult to maneuver. The contact had to apply excessive force to turn the steering wheel. Also, the vehicle began to shake violently and all the warning indicators illuminated. The contact placed the gear shifter into park, but it failed to go into neutral. The contact called the police and two officers assisted in pushing the vehicle off the ramp into a parking lot. The contact waited for hours then had the vehicle jumpstarted; however, it failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the parking lot of sam's club (1025 E black horse pike, pleasantville, NJ 08232). Two days later, the contact called the motor world dealer located in wilkes barre, pa 18702 and was informed that Fiat Chrysler was initiating a recall on faulty alternators. The dealer did not know if the VIN was included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall and, if the vehicle should be repaired, they would not be responsible for the repair, even if the VIN were affected. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.

- Wilkes Barre, PA, USA

problem #169

Jul 152017

Durango

  • 66,665 miles
Husband thought the lights seemed dim when we were coming home tonight then the battery light went on. Advance auto was able to run the diagnostic and said my battery should have 700 cold cranking amps but was registering 373 (or somewhere close to that) but it wasn't showing anything for the alternator after two tests. Husband and I had noticed a funny smell in the engine after we had gotten home. Well, when I left advance auto, there was a funny buzzing sound, my indicator was saying my seatbelt was unbuckled when it wasn't, my traction control, ABS break light, airbag light and I don't know what else started coming on. The buzzing sound got worse so I pulled over to a daycare parking lot from a well traveled road and just as I did, the car shut off and seemed to lock up. Everything that should have lit up was dark. No lights whatsoever inside or out, automatic door locks won't work, etc. I can't get the key out, I couldn't put it in neutral, brake petal wouldn't go down...nothing. Tow truck was called to take my car home until I could contact repair shop.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #168

Jul 012017

Durango

  • 70,000 miles
Check battery light came on, battery lost charge, replaced battery and it lost charge again before able to test alternator. Alternator was red hot. Will need new battery and alternator. Was a recall in 2014 for alternator as well (appears that recall was already done on this car). Car died at intersection waiting to turn.

- Attleboro, MA, USA

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