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 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
67,076 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 4 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #74

May 032018

Durango

  • 100,000 miles

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

Vehicle has turned off twice in one while the car is in motion. Second time today my family was in the freeway and were almost seriously hurt after the engine turned off out of no where.

- San Bernardino, CA, USA

problem #73

Apr 252018

Durango

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While the vehicle was stationary, it caught fire. The contact noticed smoke and flames under the hood. The fire department was not contacted. A fuel station attendant was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that an independent mechanic diagnosed that the failure was due to a faulty alternator that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not made aware of the fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the fire. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. The VIN was not available.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #72

Feb 212015

Durango

  • 65,697 miles
On October 2,2012 I purchased a Dodge Durango with less than 100 miles.. I have always kept up with scheduled maintenance. I'm still searching for all my paperwork.. I found paperwork where the check engine light was on at 81,552 -02/21/15--12/31/15--10/14/17--10/14/17---10/17/17--04/02/18.. I have spent over $3,000 dollars to repair the check engine light, now im told that this vehicle that I have paid approximately over $40,000 not including all the repairs will not be fixed and perhaps I need to trade it in for another vehicle.. I am extremely outraged with this company and feel I have been ripped off. This vehicle had and has a lot of recalls all which I have kept up on and still im not able to enjoy my vehicle..I dont feel safe driving this vehicle anymore.. engine shut down and even after all the money invested im still having problems..I have all the documents relating to this engine problem. I would appreciate your assistance in this matter.. thank you

- Brownsmills, NJ, USA

problem #71

Mar 152018

Durango

  • 63,000 miles

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

We had an exhaust leak, and we didn't think that it was a big deal maybe a broken seal. I noticed the leak when I used my remote start in the morning.turns out the exhaust manifold warped and broke bolts! this could have caused some serious safety issue if it hadn't been looked into. I looked at other Dodge Durango owner sites and this seems to be a common problem amongst owners of this make and model.

- Bend, OR, USA

problem #70

Dec 082017

Durango

  • 70,599 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving 25 mph exiting the freeway, the vehicle started to accelerate and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact continued driving and did not coast over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle shook violently while driving. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (1600 auto mall dr, turlock, ca 95380) where it was diagnosed that the software needed to be upgraded. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While at a stop sign, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, restarted the engine, and was able to resume driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. A twenty seven point inspection was performed. The contact was informed to drive the vehicle until the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 70,599.

- Ceres, CA, USA

problem #69

Oct 252016

Durango

  • 133,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact occasionally heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine when the vehicle was started. In addition, while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, waited a few minutes, and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact resumed driving. The vehicle was taken to tuttle-click Chrysler Dodge (40 auto center dr, irvine, ca 92618) and was informed that the recall repair was completed and the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that a second recall was opened; however, the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V115000 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.

- Santa Ana, CA, USA

problem #68

Aug 012017

Durango

  • 56,000 miles

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

The failed tipm is dangerous and could leave you stranded from astalled engine. The failed alternator may have been a by product of the faulty tipm. This part should be part of a recall.

- Columbus, MS, USA

problem #67

Jan 052018

Durango

  • 60,000 miles
When driving the vehicle, at different speeds each time the problem occurred, and applying the brakes, the vehicle will shut off and the steering wheel will lock. Requiring the vehicle to be restarted either rolling in neutral or fully stopped in park.

- Gray, LA, USA

problem #66

Jul 252016

Durango

  • 74,844 miles
My vehicle began having this issue in 2015. My vehicle has a long crank and sometimes does not turn over. It will also turn over, then sputter out after running for 20-30 seconds. In 2015, I began to have the issue with the vehicle not turning on/not turning over. I had the vehicle towed dealer and the tipm module was replaced. The vehicle intermittently had the issue turning over, but when I took it to the dealership, I was told that the issue could not be replicated. In 2016, my vehicle shut off on me while I was driving on the freeway. The hazard lights would not work, the vehicle would not turn on, and the gears would not change to facilitate a tow. Upon opening the hood of the vehicle, it appeared as though there was a malfunction with the alternator and fuses (of which I have video). I had my vehicle towed to the dealer and was called by a service advisor the next day. I was told that my win module had to be replaced, which I paid for. In addition, my battery had died, and I paid to replace that. I told the dealership I had video of the alternator and fuses malfunctioning and they stated they did not need the video as the computer diagnosis pointed to an issue with the win module. Several months later, I began to have the issue with the vehicle not turning over. I requested a tow and the tow truck driver suggested I use the actual key instead of the push button ignition, which I have been doing. I took the vehicle in again in October, as the vehicle again began to have the long crank issue and would intermittently not start. I was told there was a recall on my alternator, but a replacement was not available. The dealership replaced my alternator, but informed me that it still would not be the improved/recall part. I have taken the vehicle back in three (3) more times for the same issue and every time, I am told that the vehicle required a software update.

- West Covina, CA, USA

problem #65

Dec 272017

Durango

  • 10 miles
Vehicle stalled twice in the past month while driving on the highway at 65 mph. Lost power steering capability which created a dangerous situation in an attempt to pull the vehicle to the shoulder. Second incident happened yesterday. Vehicle did restart after a few attempts. Vehicle recall R09 was allegedly addressed by route 46 Dodge in NJ in 2015.

- Bloomfield, NJ, USA

problem #64

Dec 112017

Durango

  • miles

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

Recall T36/NHTSA 17V-435 fca still has status as parts not available after almost 6 months.

- State College, PA, USA

problem #63

Dec 072017

Durango

  • 153,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 5 to 10 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (mchugh Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, 3420 maple ave, zanesville, oh 43701) where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 153,000.

- Hopewell, OH, USA

problem #62

Oct 032017

Durango

  • miles
Cranked the car one morning and when started driving, the check engine light came on and there was a knocking noise coming from the engine and was loosing power. The car was stalling after 20 minutes drive. I took it to the dealer and the diagnostic came with a misfire cylinder #5. further diagnostic reveal broken cam shaft. The car has only 66773 miles. The repair was done it was long and expensive about $4500.

- Hyattsville, MD, USA

problem #61

Oct 162017

Durango

  • 136,000 miles
Car was not experiencing any problems. Cranked it to go to work and the check engine light was on and there was a noise coming from the engine. Took to the dealership and first test indicated a misfire in #5. changed plugs and filter. No change in car. Back to dealership and $150 diagnostic test revealed bent cam shaft.

- Ruston, LA, USA

problem #60

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 #59

Sep 122017

Durango

  • 65,618 miles
The transmission cooler was found to be leaking severely. Luckily noticed before overheating and damage to the transmission.

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #58

Jul 062017

Durango

  • 63,074 miles
The front main crank seal began to leak and eject oil all over the front of the engine compartment. Luckily discovered before damage to the engine.

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #57

Aug 012014

Durango

  • 124,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired at the tuttle click toftin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer for taking a long time to crank. After unknown repairs were performed, the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. On one occasion, while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact stated that the failure occurred frequently and, in order to restart the vehicle, the gear shifter had to be placed in neutral or park. The contact restarted the vehicle and it began to pull to the right, veered off the road, and crashed into a bridge wall. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The shield over the wheel well detached, and the front passenger side tire, spoiler, and rim were damaged due to the crash. The contact took the vehicle back to the tuttle click toftin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer, but it was not repaired due to the repairs being at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and authorized the dealer to provide a second repair; however, it was not verified if the repair would be free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired a second time as of yet. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.

- Santa Ana, CA, USA

problem #56

Apr 192017

Durango

  • 94,624 miles
As I turned right, the vehicle once again stalled. The engine turned off, but all the electrical systems continued to work. I placed my foot on the gas to demonstrate that it would not move while the vehicle was still in drive. Then I did the same with the break to demonstrate that it wouldn't respond. I put the vehicle in park with my foot on the brake and the vehicle restarted. My children were in the vehicle and my oldest son recorded until we reached the intended stopping point. The mileage on the vehicle was 94,624. The vehicle had a trigger box / flight recorder, but it quit functioning the previous week when the car also stopped last week.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #55

Apr 112017

Durango

  • 94,017 miles
Our Dodge Durango stalled as I was turning left. When I went to push the trigger box, it did not work and will not come back on. I restarted the car and waited, but the trigger box no longer works. This is of course strange because once again, nothing can be recorded. The key fob battery is brand new and the push button was in use. I have a video for documentation. The mileage is 94,017. We have recorded via trigger box daily jerks with the Durango and now the major issue we needed documentation of can't be captured because the device no longer operates.

- Houston, TX, USA

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