Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact opened the door and noticed that the interior of the vehicle was completely burned. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated the exterior of the vehicle had no signs of fire. The vehicle was towed to the local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss. In addition, the contact stated that prior to the failure, there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V879000 (Electrical System, Interior Lighting), which had a similar failure description; however the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,488.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they were overbooked and could complete the recall repair in two months. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle would no longer start. The contact stated that he contacted a second dealer Bloomington Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (8000 Penn Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431) who informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. …
While driving our 2012 Dodge Durango in town, we noticed the battery warning light come on and a hot smell coming from the vehicle. We were not far from home so we limped it back home to the garage to see what was going on. When we lifted the hood, there was a very overwhelming burning smell, our alternator was literally glowing red hot, and there was smoke pouring out from around it. We quickly put out the fire and disconnected the battery. Afterwards, we had it towed to a repair shop where it was confirmed the alternator failed as well as fried our PCM in the process. We paid for the install of a new alternator and PCM, however, the radio remained failed. Upon researching this scenario, we found there was a recall for this exact issue for the exact span of years and engine type, however, our VIN was somehow not included in this recall. That needs to be changed. …
The component or system failed or malfunctioned, is the accelerator, brakes, stirring and electrical. The car is available for inspection upon your request. The car is having problems coming to a stop and it is very difficult to control the vehicle because the steering becomes so hard when the power shuts down on the vehicle as I'm driving it. I think and believe that that poses a high risk of someone getting hurt or injured and then some cases perhaps death. the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Yes the problem hasi been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. No, the vehicle has not been taken to an inspector, manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Here is what my vehicle is doing. symptoms. …
The contact's spouse owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the stalled with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle would eventually restart after multiple attempts. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where he was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer installed a temporary fuel pump relay inside and stated that he would be notified once the permanent fix was available. Eight months later, the contact stated that the temporary fuel pump failed while his spouse was driving at 40 MPH. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where it remained in their possession. …
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the battery warning light had illuminated, and the contact notices a burning plastic odor. The contact pulled over and opened the hood and saw black smoke coming from the alternator. The contact stated that he disconnected the negative battery cable; however, he stated that positive connector was extremely hot to the touch. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery, alternator, and the Engine Control Module (ECM) needed be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
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. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle would start and then immediately stall. The contact stated that multiple attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact was informed that the failure was related to the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The contact experienced a failure while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed. The failure mileage was 130,800. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would intermittently stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it remained in their possession for four days; the contact was later informed that the defect was related to the battery. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that after stopping the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The failure occurred approximately 60-seconds after stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 136,496.
Related recalls
Electrical system
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115.
Remedy: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning December 19, 2019.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018.
Electrical system
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 17, 2010, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6, 5.7 or 6.4 liter engine, and 2012-2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 18, 2011, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6 or 5.7 liter engine.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Show 1 more recall
Electrical system › Wiring
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge.
NHTSA investigations
Post 14V-391 Headliner Fires
In response to this investigation, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is conducting a recall to address headliner fires that occur post 14V-391.On December 22, 2015 FCA notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of safety recall 15V-879 to remedy potential headliner fires occurring in 389,252 model year (MY) 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2009 to September…
Headliner Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 5 reports of vehicle headliners catching fire at the front of the vehicle near the sun visors on Jeep Grand Cherokees.Customers reported a range of fire conditions ranging from minor overheating to an open flame at the headliner and/or sun visor material while driving the vehicle.
Headliner Fires
On July 1st, 2014 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy a wiring-related fire hazard on the headliner of approximately 661,888 model year (MY) 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured between January 5, 2010 and December 11, 2013 (see NHTSA Safety Recall 14V-391), with notifications to begin in…
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year.
Electrical complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 347 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Dodge Durango, 54% of the model year's 640 complaints. The component named most often is alternator/generator/regulator (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Durango electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-813 (electrical system, Nov 14, 2019); NHTSA recall 17V-435 (alternator/generator/regulator, Jul 10, 2017); NHTSA recall 15V-115 (electrical system, Feb 27, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Durango electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 30 fires and 4 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.