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:
68,284 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2012 Dodge Durango Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #40

Jan 102022

Durango

  • miles

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

I-??ll be driving down the road and my car just shuts off. Steering becomes tight, no engine lights come on radio is still playing no warning except driving down the road and all of a sudden you can-??t steer. It-??s very dangerous especially when it happens while you are driving around the curve with children in the car. My mechanic can-??t tell me why this happens. No explanation. This has happen several times

- Perrysville , OH, USA

problem #39

Nov 012021

Durango

  • 79,124 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The A/C unit and the radio remained operational. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on multiple occasions where it was diagnosed and determined that the computer module, crank sensor, and wiring bypass needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,124.

- Holly Ridge, NC, USA

problem #38

Feb 012022

Durango

  • miles
Unknown

- Littleton, CO, USA

problem #37

Nov 012019

Durango

  • 133,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V813000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. Mckay's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat (2020 frontage rd S, waite park, mn 56387, (320) 247-6624) was contacted and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while making a right turn at approximately 5 mph, the steering wheel seized. The contact restarted the vehicle and regained steering functionality. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Clearwater, MN, USA

problem #36

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 #35

Sep 222019

Durango

  • 111,992 miles
I started my truck up the engine light brake light and power steering light all came on at the same time, then my power steering went out and my dash started to blink in and out

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #34

Jul 272019

Durango

  • 98,500 miles

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

While driving lost all steering - steering wheel spinned with no control to the wheels. Vehicle was in motion on road lost all control of steering. Was able to stop vehicle before vehicle veered into other lane or ditch. Had to call tow truck to move vehicle out of roadway and towed to dealership. Dealership replaced steering column control module. Concern is safety hazard and can happen again?

- West Columbia, TX, USA

problem #33

Jan 142018

Durango

  • 74,256 miles
Driving at 35 mph came to a slow down to turn vehicle shut off and caused me to go into a ditch as no breaks, no steering, and all power lost. Once put into park started back up immediately. This is the second time that has happened first time was at a stop light and I was about to take off. No warning or anything. The first time I didn't have my kids in the car and the second time I did and we could have been extremely hurt. I is not showing any codes to let us know what I could possibly be.

- Cypress, TX, USA

problem #32

Aug 012018

Durango

  • 115,000 miles
Beginning in Dec 2017, we've had sporadic issues while driving on highways and local roads with some portion of the electrical system. When this happens, the center lcd dash screen powers off, and we lose power steering and brakes. Dash lights, exterior lights, radio, A/C all stay on. Typically we have to pull over and turn the car off & back on for it to return. From Dec-Oct, its happened approx 5-6 times. The dealer wasn't able to replicate the issue for the days they had it, and no error codes were written. A friend also with a Durango described to me similar issues with his, and said his tipm was faulty. We have lifetime warranty, and the tipm is covered, but they refuse to replace it until the dealer can replicate the issue and get an error code pointing to the tipm. I believe because we lose power steering, that this is a serious safety hazard and should be replaced regardless.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #31

Apr 232018

Durango

  • 112,000 miles
I have taken my truck in for all the recalls and now having trouble with power steering leakage and the system not staying cooled. The truck does not stay cool when driving the RPM goes above 3 at the speed of 60 miles per hour. The power steering leakage was told to me on the oil change done 4/2018

- Donaldsonville, LA, USA

problem #30

Dec 082017

Durango

  • 70,599 miles

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

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 #29

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 #28

Dec 152017

Durango

  • 70,000 miles
T38 recall: I've taken my vehicle into prestige Chrysler Dodge, las vegas on three separate occasions concerned about loss of power and stalling while turning and have been informed that no parts are available to fix the problem for the T38 recall. Yesterday I was almost rear-ended because my vehicle lost power during a turn off the interstate. They have however, charged me for other issues like an oil pressure sensor (see attached) that has not fixed my loss of power. I called fca recall and they have sent me to an alternative dealership for a replacement alternator. Prestige Chrysler Dodge of las vegas is refusing to fix known safety issues and advised me that they had tested my alternator and knew it was faulty, yet could not repair it without the recall parts. Their dealership is placing people's lives at risk because they do not want to do the temporary fix and then have to complete the recall again when the replacement alternators are issued. This is unethical, irresponsible, and negligent. The recall was issued in July--they have had my Durango 3 times, known about the stall and refused to assist me. I also have an extended warranty and asked to have the alternator replaced with that--they refused again saying the warranty wouldn't touch a known defect. Please take action before this dealership places another family in danger for refusing to comply with NHTSA safety regulations.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #27

Dec 092017

Durango

  • 65,000 miles
Leaking power steering fluid identified during oil change. Only 65000 mile on the vehicle.

- Glastonbury, CT, USA

problem #26

Nov 072012

Durango

  • 58,982 miles
Rack and pinion leaking suddenly. Fuel pump relay went out again. While driving on four lane.

- Summersville, WV, USA

problem #25

Aug 182017

Durango

  • 128 miles
My power steering started to go out intermittently about a month ago. We were sure if it was a glitch since the car can sometimes be glitchy, like the radio functions not working or the car cuts off but is somehow still running. Anyway, on 18 Aug, I noticed that the power steering would go out if you don't press the break paddle. Again, it didn't start out that way, but proceeded the move I drove. By 26 Aug, it was going out just about from the time I started the car until I stopped for the day. I took it to the dealership ON28 Aug and had the pump replaced. I got my car back on 29 Aug. So far, no issues. The incidents took place mainly while slowing down to make a turn, parking. I noticed that it a little when I was driving that the wheel would stiffen but it was not too bad since I could just press the gas paddle and it would loosen.

- Fort Leonard Wood, MO, USA

problem #24

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 #23

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 #22

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

problem #21

Mar 302017

Durango

  • 93,322 miles
I came to a stop at a stop light to turn right and the vehicle stalled. I didn't have time to record it because there were cars coming down the exit behind me. I immediately kept my foot on the brake and placed the vehicle in park and restarted it. The mileage is at 93,322. The flight recorder the dealership placed on the vehicle didn't work so there was nothing to capture.

- Houston, TX, USA

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