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:
64,455 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 6 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #41

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 #40

May 022016

Durango

  • 88,000 miles
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 #39

Jan 252016

Durango

  • 24,271 miles
Recently the starter has failed 2 days after the recalls have been updated at the dealership relating to the alternator and the fuel pump relay. The SUV only has 24,271 miles on it. The vechicle was stationary when it failed

- Lihue, HI, USA

problem #38

Nov 182015

Durango

  • 37,000 miles

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

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 #37

Nov 192015

Durango

  • 27,000 miles
Alternator failed and needed to be replaced along with battery. Please see recall P60 (NHTSA action # PE14022) for similar recall for this vehicle. Mine was not included in this recall but, recall might need to be expanded for my VIN. Car without warning would not start. Completely dead even electrical. Had to be towed to dealer. Car has less than 30,000 miles, less than 4 years old and well maintained.

- Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA

problem #36

Nov 112015

Durango

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver as the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #35

Aug 182015

Durango

  • 44,000 miles

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

While driving on the highway the car's engine shut down. I placed the car in neutral and restarted the engine with no difficulty. Days later the car was parked and would not start. The engine turned normally but it seems like the fuel is not reaching the engine. It almost seems like a flooded engine. I researched it online and it seems to be an known issue with this car. The tipm (totally intergrated power module) seems to be the issue.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #34

Jan 162015

Durango

  • 56,438 miles
Our Dodge Durango 2012 was purchased in January 2015 from rick keefer Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in yulee, Florida. Two weeks later the engine light lights up and the engine is sputtering. Returned the car to dealer whom repaired vehicle and said it was the oxygen sensor and replaced. Again the engine light came on and the engine ran rough. Returned the car to dealer whom repaired and said they replaced the converter. Soon again the engine light came on. Found fuel cap 'popped off' a few times, engine light goes out then on again. Returned to dealer whom replaced fuel cap. There was also an oil leak fixed. Again the engine light came on and off and the engine would run rough. Smoke would pour out the tailpipe, engine sputtering, drove back from mountains. Returned car to dealer. They replaced powertrain control module and oxygen sensor (again). And again, late June 2015, engine light comes on and engine sputtering. Dealer takes car. Dealer tells us they are going to 'go through it' and drive vehicle entire time. We receive rental car. Dealer calls after week and said vehicle is ready for pickup but they are awaiting a converter and are going to replace oxygen sensor also. Vehicle mileage logged; vehicle was never 'driven'. rental car time was used up. Returned car to dealer when part was in. Dealer replaced converter but not O2 sensor?? they said it didn't need it. Drove car about 10 miles and got out. A very strong smell of burning plastic is coming from car. Dealer not returning call. Will be returning to dealer Monday july20, 2015. Still driving with strong plastic burn smell. Lifted hood. Wiring harness above heater line and converter(manifold) is burning. Entire right side of engine is unbearable hot. Silver metal box in front of fuse panel is so hot it burns to the touch. Car reads normal temps" most problems on blog occur in hot summer months. Coincidence"

- Yulee, FL, USA

problem #33

Aug 122014

Durango

  • 32,000 miles
I have had many instances when the vehicle would not start. It cranks over fine but will not fire. I have to shut the ignition off, and then it starts fine when I retry it. I received a recall notice ( R09 / NHTSA 14V-115 ) but the dealer tells me that the repair parts are not yet available. I am worried that I may experience a problem while I am on the highway.

- Lacrosse, WI, USA

problem #32

Jun 132015

Durango

  • 53,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. While driving approximately 40 mph, the engine stalled but the vehicle was still coasting. The contact maneuvered to the emergency lane and shut the vehicle off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V115000 (electrical system); however, the part to repair the defective component was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

- Lakewood, CA, USA

problem #31

Nov 012014

Durango

  • 45,000 miles

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

Pulling out of our driveway accelerated the car died.pushed it back into the driveway where it now sits.cannot let my wife drive a car that I got for her as a present. It does start but I found out that the fuel relay on this car is subject to failure. Chrysler Jeep Dodge has to replace the whole tipm (fuse box ) because all the relays are made by the same company, omron. They proposed a patch for this fix not acceptable.the tipm has to be sealed from moisture and dielectric grease applied and reliable relays not by omron www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/channel-2-investigates-possessed-cars-and-their-da/nkcq3/.http://verticalvisions.com/tipm_solutions.php

- Staten Island , NY, USA

problem #30

May 122015

Durango

  • 38,000 miles
For the past week our vehicle has been having trouble turning on some times the engine is going but the vehicle is not on. Today my husband was driving down the freeway going 65-70 mph when the engine turned completely off with no warning he was on the fast lane so he had to safely go to the right lane to a safe place before the vehicle lost anymore speed and cause an major accident. He tried turning it on and did with trouble and was able to move it out of the freeway. I called the dealership and they are stating it will take 1- 12 months to get the part for the recall for a permanent fix or we would have to pay for a temp. Fix. What can we do?

- Fresno , CA, USA

problem #29

Oct 152014

Durango

  • 55,000 miles
October 15, 2014 I was driving my 2012 Dodge Durango crew to work. While driving my engine completely failed without warning, causing me to drift into a concrete retaining wall. My car immediately went to the body shop and was inspected by my geico insurance. The damage totaled $5500, $500 of which was my deductible. Unfortunately, a part needed to repair the body was unavailable, so I was told I would need to drive the car for an estimated 3 months until the part was available from Dodge. I was clearly uncomfortable driving the car because I knew it malfunctioned. I took the car directly from the body shop to my local Dodge dealership. Please note ***geico insurance deemed the car "safe to drive" and refused to give me a rental. I took the Durango to the dealership and they kept it for 24 hours and dismissed me telling me nothing was wrong with the car. Neither my husband nor I were satisfied because in my 17 years of driving I have never been in a car accident and knew something was defective. Since then, I have started the car a handful of times, and it will immediately shut down. I just received the safety recall number R09/NHTSA 14V-115. This safety recall relates exactly to what happened to my Durango. I have small children that I drive with in this car, refuse to get on any highway with it for fear of it shutting down at 70 mph, and Chrysler refuses to correct the issue. I have proof of the $5500 in repairs, I have proof of the $500 I spent on my deductible, I have proof that I took it took a Dodge dealership, and I have proof that my car insurance rate has dramatically increased because of this claim. I'm stuck with an unsafe vehicle, no one accepting blame, increased insurance rate, $500 less in my bank account, and a car that in good conscience I can't re-sell. I would greatly appreciate any direction to get this injustice finally solved. Sincere thanks.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

problem #28

Apr 112015

Durango

  • miles
First incident: I drove about 80 miles out of town. Once I made it to my destination I returned to my truck to find out that the doors wouldn't unlock. I was able to take the key out of the remote to open the door. My truck wouldn't start. It was towed to the nearest Dodge dealer. I found out that the alternator had a recall and I was experiencing a known problem. I had to purchase a new battery and they replaced the alternator. I drove 5 minutes away from the dealership and my truck started to shut down on the highway. The sensor lights started coming on for the battery, breaks, etc. And the windshield wipers came on. After about a minute later my truck completely shut down. It is back at the dealership and I'm waiting for solution.

- Madison, AL, USA

problem #27

Jan 152015

Durango

  • 31,800 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V634000 (electrical system); however, the recall remedy was not effective. The contact stated that while driving into a parking space, the engine warning light illuminated and an abnormal noise emitted from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,800.

- Sandsprings, OK, USA

problem #26

Dec 012014

Durango 6-cyl

  • 45,000 miles
My 2012 Dodge Durango at approximate 45000 miles began to have problems starting. It will turn over and stall multiple times before starting. It will also turn the starter continually with out starting at all. Also it has had one incident to date of stalling while driving on highway. I was traveling at 65 miles per hour on turnpike when the car stalled for no known reason and I lost use of the gas pedal. After pulling to the side of highway I had to turn key off and restart to continue.

- Lake Worth , FL, USA

problem #25

Jan 062015

Durango

  • 43,000 miles
I bought my 2012 Dodge Durango 3 weeks and it is not starting properly. I used the keyless remote entry and starter but the car will not start or sounds like the starter is stuck. I have to turn off the car and try again. It will normally take 4-5 tries just to get the car started and it depends if it will continue to run. I am not happy with this and noticed multiple people have the same problems.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #24

Jul 012014

Durango

  • 43,000 miles
When trying to start the vehicle using the pushbutton, the vehicle will start trying to turn over but never start. On some occasions when vehicle is trying to turn over, the vehicle will start shaking violently like the engine is about to come off. I have caught the whole scenario on video. It was every now and then in the beginning, but happening more and more as it goes on. Hopefully there will be a recall to fix this problem soon.

- Sunset, LA, USA

problem #23

Nov 102014

Durango 6-cyl

  • 50,200 miles
The car hesitates to turn on and the battery has been changed, the fuel pump remains running when the car is turned off.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #22

Oct 302014

Durango 6-cyl

  • 47,000 miles
In my 2012 Dodge Durango it was determined that there is a problem with the total integrated power module which is affecting the way the engine starts and gets fuel to the fuel pump. The repair cost is $1213.71. It is my understanding that there are hundreds of documented cases regarding this issue in the Chrysler line and nothing has been done to correct the problem. It is unfortunate that Chrysler is awaiting a tragedy to take place before they do what is right for the customer and fix the problem that has been reported. I understand that a class-action lawsuit has been filed to address this issue. I just want to go on record in the event that something detrimental happens to me or my family because of this recognized and publicly documented part failure.

- Apopka, FL, USA

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