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:
58,341 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 11 of 17)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #132

May 012016

Durango

  • miles

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

Dash lights started flashing car shut off, charged battery, alternator started smoking, replaced alternator, replaced battery, battery is still draining.

- Goose Creek, SC, USA

problem #131

Jul 232015

Durango

  • 78,000 miles
Immediately following a scheduled oil change at the dealership, the check engine light came on and I noticed a burning smell as I was going down the slight decline from the dealer lot onto the street. I returned to the service department where they inspected the car and diagnosed the issue as a failed alternator. Because of the costly repair, I opted to get a second opinion. This mechanic also diagnosed the issue as a faulty alternator. He checked the VIN for a recall, and did not see my VIN listed, though there was a recall for the alternator on Dodge Durangos made in 2011-2014, matching the specs of my auto. Because the car was a 2012, I asked if this is common for such a "young" car. He did not think it was a typical issue. What he also thought was odd was that tracking down a replacement alternator to fit the vehicle was difficult; there was only one compatible part available within a six state radius, and was informed that they were not presently being manufactured to accommodate the need. We were lucky to secure the item and have it overnighted. The lack of parts and alleged hold on manufacturing drew the assumption that 1) there were several of the same model experiencing the same issues and/or 2) additional recall was imminent. He strongly encouraged me to contact Chrysler to request reimbursement and offered to act as an expert witness and testimony to what he encountered. Fca (Chrysler) was not responsive.

- Grand Ledge, MI, USA

problem #130

May 242016

Durango

  • 53,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V879000 (electrical system, interior lighting). The vehicle was repaired. Approximately six weeks later, while driving approximately 10 mph, smoke appeared from the top left corner of the windshield and sun roof. The contact parked the vehicle and noticed flames in the same location. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was left at the scene. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

- South Windsor, CT, USA

problem #129

May 022016

Durango

  • 88,000 miles

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

The alternator in my Durango failed suddenly. We luckily had just arrived at my daughter's day car when the car shut off on its own and we noticed smoke. When we got out to check under the hood, the alternator was smoking! I had to have the Durango towed to my dealership as there was no power to the Durango at all. The dealership attempted to start the vehicle, and could not start the car using a jumper box, or by jumping it with another vehicle. The alternator had completely drained the battery. We were told a few days later that they were attempting to locate an alternator as it was back ordered, and it could be up to 6 weeks or more before they could get one. When we inquired as to why, we were told there was a recall on the alternator for many Chrysler and Dodge vehicles and that even though our Durango falls in the specific years, it was not part of the recall. When they finally called to let us know the Durango was ready to be picked up, we drove maybe a half mile down the road and the battery light came on. We returned it immediately back to the dealership. A couple of days later, they informed us that because of the alternator failure, the engine control module was bad and needed to be replaced. Now, the dealership is telling us that the ECM is no longer functioning properly because of the issues with the alternator and that we will not be able to drive the vehicle without it. They contacted Dodge to inform them of the faulty alternator that caused the ECM failure and Dodge told them, too bad.

- Waverly, NY, USA

problem #128

Apr 222016

Durango

  • 78,000 miles
Alternator failure as common with the P60 recall. The alternator in my Durango failed suddenly and we lost all power. We were lucky in that we were on a residential road at low speed and able to pull to the side safely. The alternator was smoking. My Durango is not covered by this recall so I felt it important to report this is still happening with other alternators with the V6. I did call into Chrysler and they confirmed my vehicle was not covered by P60.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #127

Jan 192016

Durango

  • 35,496 miles
I purchased this used vehicle around the turn of the year. It came on the ferry January 15, 2016. By Monday, the check engine light had turned on. C&F ran a diagnostic on January 20, and found code PO456. Within several days, I noticed water intrusion. The floorboards were wet and becoming drenched in the front ' and in the middle seats. Every time I came to a stop or turned, I could hear water rolling through the car. I took it to rc February 15. When the water problem was looked at, I was informed it is not a normal leak, but what is called a "phantom" leak. To fix this, they would have to gut the interior of the vehicle. When they went to restart, it would not start with the push button. The vehicle was taken to midtown auto where they found the battery compartment under the passenger seat 3/4 full of water. They were unable to diagnose the push button problem after 2 hours of diagnostic. They stated the water intrusion could be a danger to my life when I picked up the car after they had it for 3 weeks. On 3/9/16, the check engine light came back on. As of today, 3/25/16, the sensor for "check gas cap" comes on. This car will be returning in the morning to the dealership in anchorage via the ferry, but you should know that there are major issues with this vehicle. The water in the car is clean with no dirt. In the morning, there are puddles that distribute themselves from the front to the back of the car during regular driving. The entire floor from the front to the back is saturated with a lot of water. Rc enterprise said there is no window leak, no door leak, no roof leak. This must be something in the frame. This car collects water while driving or sitting in park. Due to the battery being under the passenger seat and in the floor and then filling with water, this is not a safe car.

- Kodiak, AK, USA

problem #126

Mar 152016

Durango

  • 90,000 miles

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

My 180 amp alternator stopped working while my wife was driving the vehicle on a city street. The current P60 recall only covers the 160 amp alternator, but it should cover both pieces of equipment. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where it is sitting, waiting to get a new 180 amp alternator installed. I was quoted $900 parts and labor for the repair.

- Atoka, TN, USA

problem #125

Feb 222016

Durango

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V879000(electrical system, interior lighting); however, the remedy or part for the recall was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #124

Feb 152015

Durango

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving various speeds, there was a burning odor and the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted, but the failure recurred numerous times. When the ignition was turned to the on position, there was an abnormal smell of burning plastic and thick smoke appeared from the vanity lamp and entered the vehicle. The contact turned off and exited the vehicle. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was not towed due to the danger of the vehicle on the first attempt. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V879000 (electrical system, interior lighting). The manufacturer also stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V530000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Pesacola, FL, USA

problem #123

Nov 182015

Durango

  • 37,000 miles
My issues began last November with the lift gate. While driving through my neighborhood, the lift gate decided to open. Alarmed, I stopped quickly and closed the lift gate. After I arrived home it would not open again. This continued for a week. The latch, interior button, and key fob would not open it. I scheduled an appointment and it magically started working fine just 2 days prior to the appoinment. The second issue we experienced came shortly after. The car would shut down after using the remote start after a few seconds. I found that the engine light was illuminated and re-tightened the gas cap. The light did not shut off, so I decided to take it very easy and monitor the vehicle for the rest of the day. The light eventually turned off. A week later and it is back on again. Not sure what is going on as everything appears to be fine. My wife drove my son to basketball practice and said she witnessed the heater turn on all by itself (after having been shut completely off). She turned it off and didn't give it much thought until it did it again. It continued to do this the entire drive to practice. It seems like this vehicle is possesed and I think this is just the tip of the iceburg. Hopefully, something dangerous will not happen with some other system.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #122

Jan 182016

Durango

  • miles

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

Iwhen driving vehicle in wet or long periods of damp weather dash lights will go out and when moving turn signal on dash lights come on and head lights go out.I will not drive this vehicle at night. Dealer can't duplicate this this problem

- Clearfield, UT, USA

problem #121

Dec 312015

Durango

  • 52,000 miles
While driving battery red light on dashboard light up make it home just 1 mile away. Next day when start the car to see if anything change or find anything wrong that I can see. The car start no battery light, no longer on, after like a minute I start backing out of my driveway and I heard a noise (like a buzzing) noise I drive back in my driveway, while engine running I open the hood to look from where the noise was coming and I see lot of smoke was coming from alternator I went shot off engine and it got the throttle body red light on the dash board on and the smoke intensified I shot off the engine and disconnect the battery to prevent the car to got on fire.the smoke still coming out of the alternator for approximately 15 to 20 minutes after I shot off and disconnect the battery.now I don't even want to connect the battery back. This is avery unsafe situation if I would be driving on a highway and the alternator fail it would disable the engine making it hard to steer the car and apply the brakes the power steering pump in this car is electric no electric power no steering assist, no engine running no break assist and the chance the battery fail because of short or burn alternator can cause the battery to overheat the battery is inside the car under passenger seat. I was lucky that I notice the situation right away and take action to prevent an accident or a fire.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #120

Sep 112013

Durango

  • 40,000 miles
My Durango has had many problems when trying to start it since I initially purchased the vehicle. I have taken it into the dealership about 7 times trying to figure out why it won't start on many occasions. I will also start and then shut down immediately. It is no longer under warranty and even after getting the R09 fuel pump relay fix I still have the exact same problem. After doing countless hours of research it appears it is the actual tipm that has gone bad and will cost me around 1500$ it is a disgrace that Dodge will not just recall the bad tipm. There are thousands of people online with the exact same problem as me and I would really appreciate it if you all will look into this more considering how dangerous it is especially if driving on a highway and your vehicle just shuts down for no apparent reason which is one of the symptoms of this bad tipm. Thank you

- Strongsville, OH, USA

problem #119

Nov 232015

Durango

  • 54,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V115000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #118

Apr 302013

Durango

  • 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving at approximately 75 mph, the front air bag warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The contact also stated that the tail and headlights failed to illuminate without warning and the radio screen failed to illuminate. The failures recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V115000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

- Fort Vally, GA, USA

problem #117

Nov 042015

Durango

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V115000 (electrical system); however, the part was unavailable to perform the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Damascus, PA, USA

problem #116

Oct 052015

Durango

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle progressively hesitated to start. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V115000 (electrical system). The dealer stated that there were six people ahead of the contact on the waiting list. The contact was waiting for longer than a month for an appointment. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the vehicle would receive the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Chesapeake, OH, USA

problem #115

Jul 142015

Durango

  • 36,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.

- Powhatan, VA, USA

problem #114

Sep 252015

Durango

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after two attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 15V115000 (electrical system); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

- Midlothian, TX, USA

problem #113

Sep 012015

Durango

  • 76,000 miles
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!

- Lone Jack, MO, USA

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