NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump relay in the power module can fail, causing the engine to shut off suddenly while driving.
This page covers 8 recalls, 637 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Dodge Durango.
15–19 mpg combined
12.4–15.7 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2012 Dodge Durango draws complaints dominated by electrical system issues, which account for well over a third of all reports filed for this model year. Owners most commonly describe unexpected warning lights, stalling at stops or during low-speed acceleration, and the engine failing to start or turning over inconsistently. The fuel and propulsion system generates a separate cluster of complaints, with several owners reporting unintended acceleration from a standstill, typically while leaving a stop sign or traffic light, requiring a shift to park to regain control. Engine complaints echo the stalling theme, with owners describing rough running, skipping sensations on startup, and repeated check engine light illumination. An isolated report describes an interior fire with no visible exterior damage, though that incident stands apart from the recurring patterns. Stalling at low speed, no-start conditions, and unintended throttle response from stops are the threads that appear most consistently across this complaint set.
637
Total Complaints
16
Crash-Related
32
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Dodge Durango has 8 recalls, the most serious being multiple issues where the engine can stall without warning while driving, and in some cases the alternator can short circuit and start a fire.
Several of these stall-related recalls overlap: the alternator on 3.6L and 5.7L models can fail suddenly, cutting power to the engine, and a separate fuel pump relay inside the main power module can also fail and cause the engine to stall or refuse to start. One of these fuel pump relay recalls applies specifically to vehicles that were previously repaired under an earlier recall, as that prior fix did not fully resolve the issue. There is also a fire risk from the sun visor vanity lamp wiring, which can short circuit, and this too affects vehicles that had already been repaired once before under a prior recall.
On the mechanical side, 3.6L engines may have debris left inside the cylinder block that damages the connecting rod and crankshaft bearings over time, which can cause rough running or complete engine failure. Rounding out the list, a brake booster shield was installed on certain vehicles under a previous repair campaign to keep water out of the brake booster, and this recall verifies whether that shield was installed correctly, since an improperly fitted shield can reduce braking ability.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump relay in the power module can fail, causing the engine to shut off suddenly while driving.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
The fuel pump relay and related wiring will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake booster shield installed in a previous campaign may not be properly secured, potentially allowing water to enter the brake booster and reduce braking ability.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake booster shield and correct the installation if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The alternator may suddenly fail in vehicles with electro-hydraulic power steering, 5.7L or 3.6L engines, and 160, 180, or 220 amp alternators.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your alternator and replace it if necessary at no charge, based on the part number.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, even in vehicles previously repaired for this issue.
What the fix does
Dealers will add clearance for the sun visor wiring, install edge protection, and replace the sun visor at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump relay inside the power module may fail, causing the engine to stall suddenly without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with an external one outside the power module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump relay inside the power module can fail, causing the engine to stall or not start. This loss of engine power increases crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new fuel pump relay outside the power module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The alternator may suddenly fail, leaving the vehicle without electrical charging power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the alternator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing debris left inside the engine block can damage the connecting rod and crankshaft bearings, causing abnormal performance or complete engine failure and loss of power.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the entire engine assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
