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:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
54,621 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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2012 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #35

Sep 062023

Durango

  • miles

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

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.

- Winneconne, WI, USA

problem #34

Jul 202023

Durango

  • miles
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.

- Erath, LA, USA

problem #33

Nov 182022

Durango

  • miles
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

- Moreno Valley, CA, USA

problem #32

Sep 192022

Durango

  • miles

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

upon approach to a left turn yield, I attempted to accelerate into traffic when the automatic transmission failed into 4th gear ( transmission shift solenoid) and was unable to shift up or down through the gears and was unable to shift into the drive position. there were no other indications of failure prior to this point, I.E no engine or transmission warning lights. if there would have been oncoming traffic at the time of entry into the flow of traffic it may have caused a catastrophic rear end accident due to the vehicle inability to accelerate as usual. will have the vehicle serviced immediately. this has happened once before with the same vehicle approximately 2 years ago and the transmission shift solenoid was the issue and had been replaced by a local service center at the time.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #31

Mar 282021

Durango

  • miles
Lifter and limp mode problems. There is noise comming from engine. Took to shop and found out reason for noise and low power was lifters and is a very common problem. What brought the safety thing up is wife was in accident in March because couldn't get out of way quick enough. Had vehicle towed to shop from accident site and body repair. Thought was just a fluke and had damage repaired and noticed a ticking and power problems immediately after accident repair. Took to dodge dealer and found out common problem with the lifters cam and limp mode. Had at same repair shop for other recall 2 months prior for recall and inspection with no noise or issues.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #30

Jan 232020

Durango

  • 148,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While making a turn driving at low speed the steering wheel failed to turn and vehicle stalled. The battery warning indicator light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to an another independent mechanic who stated the serpentine belt, PCM, battery, and alternator needed to be replaced. The contact called ed voyles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 789 cobb pkwy SE, marietta, ga 30060, (844) 715-5921 but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (electrical system) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 148,000.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

problem #29

Oct 302019

Durango

  • 97,150 miles

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

2012 Dodge Durango has history of starting and stalling problem. While vehicle was under warranty, it would stall right after you start it. The dealer performed fuel pump relay recall, and problem was not fixed. The next dealer remove the external fuel pump relay and replaced tipm, problem was still not fixed. Dealer then re-completed the fuel pump relay recall, problem still not fix. Now the vehicle is stalling while driving down the road and seems to happen when you turn the steering wheel. There is a recall for this issue (T36) but Dodge is saying that my vehicle does not qualify for that recall. This is a very dangerous issue and is can/will lead to a vehicle accident when we can't control the vehicle going down the highway as it keeps shutting off.

- West, TX, USA

problem #28

Sep 012014

Durango

  • 46,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. On several occasions, the vehicle would not immediately start. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to canandaigua Chrysler Dodge (2591 rochester rd, canandaigua, NY) where the starter was replaced multiple times; however, the failure continued. Recently, the fuel pump was also replaced; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 46,000.

- Phelps, NY, USA

problem #27

Aug 232019

Durango

  • 100,000 miles
I was driving 65 mph when I noticed the 4WD low light come on without having switched to that setting. The car engine was racing. I came to a stop at a safe spot, shifted into park and switched the 4WD low knob to the normal position of AWD. I didn't notice any issues for several months; the car was operational. Then, I was driving less than 10 mph in 2wd on a gravel driveway. The car shifted into AWD for a couple of seconds on a muddy spot, then the AWD off light came on the dash, along with the service AWD light. I took the car to a repair shop to diagnose the problem. The car was running in 2wd and I didn't switch it to 4WD low. The repair person shifted it into 4WD low and it got stuck there. The repair person said it was the transfer motor case or a sensor, without 100 certainty. I'm concerned that, even if replaced and repaired with current models of the transfer motor case, the car will unexpectedly shift into 4WD low while driving on an interstate and case damage to the car and an accident.

- Jennings, KS, USA

problem #26

Feb 012019

Durango

  • 139,867 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking transmission fluid without warning. Mac haik jackson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (5395 interstate 55, North frontage rd, jackson, ms 39206, (844) 332-1858) informed the contact that the condenser was leaking from the seal. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 139,867.

- Jackson, MS, USA

problem #25

Dec 102018

Durango

  • 103,000 miles

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

I filed a complaint recently about my vehicle stating I thought there was a problem with my transmission solenoid but I took it to a transmission repair shop today and was told my transmission was failing. I'm filing this complete cause I believe this isn't something that just happens out of the blue. I take my car in for regular check ups and inspections and have always fixed anything that was wrong with it. My car is stuck in gear 4 and it's an automatic and this is a sudden mishap that has me wondering why this would happen without warning or have been told about this problem prior to it happening.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #24

Dec 102018

Durango

  • 103,000 miles
While driving my 2012 Dodge Durango I noticed my gear would shift to manual in the 4th gear without me having to move the gear stick. I did some research and found that this was common in a lot of Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler vechiles. I take my care in for regular inspections and make sure my car is running. I think this is a manufacturing mishap and needs to be addressed. I was told it was my transmission cycloid.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #23

Oct 142018

Durango

  • 30 miles
Takara recall - loud clicking sounds from underneath the vehicle. Took it local transmission mechanic and was told it was the transfer case motor. Did not get a safety warning light. After checking internet notice that I was the first with this problem. Seems Dodge has a history concerning transfer case motor. The clicking sounds happened even after turn vehicle off and when starting or shifting from P to D, R or N.

- Claremore, OK, USA

problem #22

Jun 192018

Durango

  • 49,500 miles
Using the push button start system, with the engine off, the brake pedal not depressed, and the transmission gear selector set to P(ark). When the push button start is pressed twice, the vehicle attempted to start up, and started to move on it's own. There was nobody in the driver seat, the brake pedal was not depressed, the transmission was in park. Blue water Chrysler dealership in fort gratiot, mi has verified this to be happening and reproducible.

- Kimball, MI, USA

problem #21

Sep 042017

Durango

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that an abnormal burning odor was present in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to sumter Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram (2662 broad street, sumter, SC, 29150) where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid line fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts having to be ordered. The local dealer instructed the contact to make certain that the area of the leakage remained clean of oil. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Hopkins, SC, USA

problem #20

Sep 032015

Durango

  • 60,000 miles
There's this weird looking aluminum tube about 7 feet long that twists and turns under the vehicle that carries the freon that supplies the cold air conditioning in my truck. So exactly where the tube goes next to the muffler it got corroded and I had to replace it with a new one. Almost $1K in parts and labor and truck only had about 60,000 miles on it and I had only used the air conditioning seldomly during 3 summers. The new aluminum tube that was bought had a thicker part right by the muffler, meaning engineers knew the original part was too thin in my opinion.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #19

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 #18

May 202017

Durango

  • 170,100 miles
While driving down a residential street the vehicle jumped into 4th gear. I was going about 10 mph because I was approaching a stop sign. After I stopped I proceeded to take off and the vehicle hesitated. Once it started to move I noticed the vehicle jerked a little and moved really slow but the RPM was really high. I parked the vehicle and had it towed to a Dodge shop near my house. They did a diagnostic test and told me they had to change the shift solenoid pack in the transmission. I agreed to the repair and paid $639.65 for the repair to be done. This is the 2nd time I have had this repair done within a year.

- Greenville, SC, USA

problem #17

Jun 132017

Durango

  • 107,300 miles
As I was driving down a city street I approached a stop light and came to a complete stop. Once the light turned green I proceeded to go.I noticed the vehicle hesitated to take off and looked down and realized the vehicle was in 4th gear. This is the 3rd time I have had this issue and each time I have had to pay out of pocket to get my vehicle fixed. I have replaced the shift solenoid pack 3 times and replaced the transmission once. The dealership told me that because I last had this service done 2 weeks ago they will cover the parts but I have to pay for the labor.

- Greenville, LA, USA

problem #16

Feb 032017

Durango

  • 76,000 miles
The vehicle stalls while driving (very intermittently). Does not log any engine codes and mainly happens on deceleration. But has happened at highway speeds when exiting the freeway and also at low speeds when coming to a stop sign. When the engine stalls you loose power steering and brakes but all of the electronics keep working radio, lights, etc... I have called Chrysler care opened a case, which they assisted in scheduling an appointment for the vehicle at the local Dodge dealer. The case was closed by Chrysler since the dealership could not duplicate the problem. We bought this vehicle with 50,000 miles on it and it now has 76,000 and has stalled on us several times I would say (12) over the 26,000 miles we have pout on it. If you google this complaint/problem with the 2011/2012 Durango it is widely known and a very serious issue to be ignoring, someone is going to be killed because of this.

- Grand Haven, MI, USA

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