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 9 of 17)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #172

Jul 292017

Durango

  • 77,000 miles

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

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

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

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

problem #167

Jul 012017

Durango

  • 62,000 miles
Sudden electrical failure while driving on a city street. Alternator failed at 62,000 miles.

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #166

Jun 232017

Durango

  • 75,000 miles

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

The battery light indicator illuminated in the driver's information panel. Within another minute the drivers seat belt warning began chiming & flashing in the display also, even though the driver's seatbelt was buckled. At this time all of the indicators in the driver's information panel began sporadically flashing. Within the next few minutes, the power steering stopped working & the car shut completely down. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanics shop. There, they replaced the battery & alternator. Upon replacing the parts, the mechanic listed "more issues exist, vehicle still does not stay running. Possible issue with ECM and/or cac". the mechanic also pointed out to me safety recall P60/NHTSA which was for a 2012 Dodge Durango (same model year as mine). When I contacted the Dodge dealer about this recall, he instructed me that it was only for the 160 amp alternator. Mine contained the 180 amp alternator & was built about a month before the recalled vehicles. However, both the 160 amp & the 180 amp alternator seem to suffer from the same problems. With only a short check of the internet, I was able to identify over 100 cases of 180 amp Dodge Durango suddenly losing power while being driven & causing catastrophic electrical failure; some traveling as fast as 40-50 mph. Lucky for me, I was only going 10-15 mph within the city limits of bloomington, Illinois. Although it was around a curve the issue began while I was driving straight on a 6 lane bypass driving between 40-45 mph. I can not begin to explain how unbelievably frustrating it is for the automaker to deny their culpability on an issue that is putting thousands of families in grave danger & equally as disappointing to force their own customers to foot the bill for their own careless mistake.

- Normal, IL, USA

problem #165

Jun 212017

Durango

  • 112,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving 50 mph, every indicator on the instrument panel illuminated, the windshield wipers activated independently, the power steering failed, and the vehicle stalled and lost all power. The vehicle was towed to crossroads Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (4510 whitehill blvd, prince george, va 23875) where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the contact would need to pay out of pocket because the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V634000 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

- Chester, VA, USA

problem #164

Jun 202017

Durango

  • 17,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. On several occasions, the vehicle stalled immediately after starting. The contact stated that the vehicle would start up after five minutes. The vehicle was taken on several occasions to several independent mechanics to be diagnosed. The contact also stated that addy's harbor Dodge Inc, located at 4849 highway 501, myrtle beach SC, 25979, diagnosed that the accelerator pedal and brake pedal were being simultaneously depressed. The contact was informed by the independent mechanic that the CX5 module in the vehicle needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but did not offer assistance with having the vehicle repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.

- Edwardsville, PA, USA

problem #163

Jun 082017

Durango

  • 80,000 miles
Driving 50mph with my family when the vehicle completely shut down and I lost control of the vehicle. Luckily we were able to stop on the side of the road.

- Reinholds, PA, USA

problem #162

May 262017

Durango

  • 76,000 miles

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

As vehicle was being parked in drive way check engine light came on. As driver walked past vehicle on the way in house he smelled something so popped hood and noticed smoke coming from what appears to be alternator and noticed burn marks. Power seemed to be gone as remote would not work to lock doors. Roadside assistance came and when he connected a little battery pack type thing to battery to try and charge there were sparks. When he attached jumper cables, they got fried to the point the handle was separated from the cable and just short of catching fire but the other car was turned off to avoid the fire. Truck was towed to shop. They said they could not get car to even jump or start using battery pack and when they replaced the battery all together whatever the issue is fried that battery. Again was able to smell something. Was advised it appears to be associated with the wiring. On 5/10 car was taken to Dodge dealer for check engine light and was told fuel pump was issue since relay had been previously replaced as part of recall but when they took relay off they found burn marks on it as well and replaced it.

- Avondale, AZ, USA

problem #161

May 232017

Durango

  • 82,000 miles
While driving, the alternator failed causing a near crash with myself, my daughter, and two granddaughters in the vehicle. I never received a recall notice for this issue, but have never heard of an failed alternator actually shutting down a car while driving! with a little research I found that there is, in fact, a recall for this exact issue, on this year vehicle, and yet somehow my VIN is not included in the recall?? it's a $1700 repair.. besides the expense, it's a huge safety issue. My alternator failed, exactly as warned in the recall -- the repair should not be at my expense. This is not ok!

- Alta Loma, CA, USA

problem #160

Feb 152016

Durango

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While exiting the highway, the vehicle lost power and various warning indicators flickered. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and then towed to the contact's residence. The contact replaced the battery and drove the vehicle to the dealer. The mechanic diagnosed that the alternator assembly needed to be replaced. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V879000 (electrical system, interior lighting). The contact notified the manufacturer. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

- South Gate, CA, USA

problem #159

Apr 172017

Durango

  • 57,377 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled and the battery warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter and PCM box failed. An unknown wire related to the PCM box burned and the starter and PCM box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,377.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #158

Apr 082017

Durango

  • 110,000 miles
My Durango died while driving. I had just had the battery tested and was told it was probably the alternator. I did not make it home 2 miles away. It was towed to a Firestone who replaced the alternator and battery to discover the PCM was ruined. They told me that there was a recall for a 2012 Dodge Durango but it was for the 160 amp alternator and not for hte 180 amp alternator. They said the recall number was P60 and everything that happened to my Durango matches the signs and symptoms of the recall. My Durango was later towed to the dealership who replaced the battery, alternator and PCM.

- O'fallon, IL, USA

problem #157

Apr 152017

Durango

  • 87,000 miles
My battery light came on. Within minutes all the other lights on my dashboard came on, my air starting blowing hot and then it started to stall. Luckily I was on a small road and was able to coast off onto the grass. The car was dead and smoke was pouring from the alternator. I went and bought a new battery and alternator. Within in 2 minutes of installing both, my car did the same exact thing. I had to have it towed to the dealership. I was told it was the alternator. I explained that I had already replaced it and think it could be more severe. They told me they would replace the alternator with labor I'm looking at $1200. That's not including if that doesn't fix the issue. They sais it could have fried my (PCM) power control module which could cost me at least $1000 more plus labor. How is it they aren't recalling the 2012 Durango with 180 amp alternator but all the others? this car is only 5 years old, I shouldn't have had to replace the alternator going on 3 times now. I don't feel safe driving my son in this car anymore. I've seen enough complaints saying this caused accidents since the car just dies while driving.

- Debary, FL, USA

problem #156

Mar 302017

Durango

  • 80,000 miles
Upon arriving home, a strong odor of electrical burning was present coming from the engine compartment. The electrical light came on and smoke was visible coming from the engine compartment. The car was parked in the garage and was immediately turned off. Similar to recall P60; however our car was not included in the recall because of a different alternator and slightly different engine type.

- Jupiter, FL, USA

problem #155

Mar 012017

Durango

  • 56,044 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the air bag indicator illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to have the vehicle diagnosed and the manufacturer would possibly assist with the cost. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 56,044.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #154

Mar 282017

Durango

  • 68,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed and caused the battery to fail. As a result, the technician stated that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V634000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 68,000.

- Hayden, ID, USA

problem #153

Mar 262017

Durango

  • 90,776 miles
The vehicle does not start when you press the keyless ignition switch. This happened last night in a parking lot, this morning in my garage, and twice today in parking lots. It also has happened intermittently over the past several months, but I didn't think anything about it until it happened four times in a row. I have had to press the switch several times to get the vehicle to start and remove the key fob from my purse. This was not the case previously. The battery in the fob is fine, as the remote start, remote lift gate and remote lock/unlock all work. Last night the vehicle did not want to unlock the door using the keyless method and I had to press the remote unlock button on the key fob. Also the easy exit seat does not move when you turn off the vehicle. This function has not been working for awhile, even though it is set to move. I feel that there is a problem within the keyless ignition module.

- Hamburg, PA, USA

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