2012 Dodge Durango reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2012 Dodge Durango holds 640 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 40 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Durango years here — over the median of the other years, which is 17. NHTSA has 10 recalls on file, including Electrical system, Service brakes, and Alternator.

Complaints

640

Per year

Recalls

Years on the road

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (347 of 640), then Engine (141) and Fuel and propulsion system (89). Those filings include 17 that report a crash, 32 that report a fire, and 10 that report an injury.

Next to 2013

The 2013 Durango has 640 complaints, 56 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Dodge Durango. How we count. Data as of 2026-10-16.

Recalls (10)

Recall Electrical system 2019-11-14 · NHTSA campaign 19V813000

Summary 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. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.

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. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.

Recall Service brakes 2017-09-18 · NHTSA campaign 17V572000

Summary Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.

Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.

Recall electrical system, alternator 2017-07-10 · NHTSA campaign 17V435000

Summary 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. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.

Recall electrical system, wiring 2015-12-28 · NHTSA campaign 15V879000

Summary Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured December 3, 2009, to September 1, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring. This recall is also addressing certain vehicles that have not been remedied under that prior recall.

Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R71.

Recall Electrical system 2015-02-27 · NHTSA campaign 15V115000

Summary 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. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.

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. Chrysler's number for this recall is R09. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-530. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.

Recall electrical system, alternator 2014-10-08 · NHTSA campaign 14V634000

Summary 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. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

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. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

Recall electrical system, wiring 2014-07-02 · NHTSA campaign 14V391000

Summary 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.

Recall Service brakes 2014-04-01 · NHTSA campaign 14V154000

Summary Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.

Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.

Recall hydraulic brakes, antilock and traction control 2014-03-04 · NHTSA campaign 14V104000

Summary Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 11, 2011, through October 1, 2012. Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.

Remedy Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P05.

Recall Engine and engine cooling 2011-09-29 · NHTSA campaign 11V487000

Summary CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.

Remedy CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Complaints by component (640 total)

Electrical system

347

Engine

141

Fuel and propulsion system

Service brakes

Steering

Powertrain

Air bags

Speed control

Exterior lighting

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Fuel system, gasoline

Engine and engine cooling

Seats

Interior lighting

Hydraulic brakes

Suspension

Visibility and wipers

Seat belts

Tires

Equipment

Visibility

Lane departure

Structure

Wheels

Adaptive and mobility equipment

Forward collision avoidance

Other or unknown

Show 19 more Show less

Crash-flagged

Fire-flagged

Injury reports

Death reports

Complaints filed per year

Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings

"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…"
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes · filed 2026-09-07
"Vehicle was unable to start upon attempts in the morning. Was able to get it jumped and started. Less than 5 minutes later the dash lights along with radio lights began to flicker, the front windshield wipers activated,…"
Electrical system · filed 2026-08-19
"We were driving on the interstate in northern Kentucky when the battery alert LED appeared on the dash. We exited the highway while looking up info on possible car repair shops to go to when the vehicle stalled on the…"
Electrical system · filed 2026-08-16
"Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 96,000. A Carfax…"
Electrical system · filed 2026-03-05
"The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. Approximately three weeks later, while stopped at a light, the vehicle accelerated…"
Engine and engine cooling, Speed control · filed 2026-03-02

Fuel economy

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City	Hwy	Combined	Annual fuel cost
Durango two-wheel drive	3.6L, 6-cyl	Automatic 5-speed	Rear-wheel drive	16	23	19 MPG	$3400
Durango two-wheel drive	5.7L, 8-cyl	Automatic 6-speed	Rear-wheel drive	14	20	16 MPG	$4600
Durango four-wheel drive	5.7L, 8-cyl	Automatic 6-speed	Four-wheel drive	13	20	15 MPG	$4950
Durango four-wheel drive	3.6L, 6-cyl	Automatic 5-speed	All-wheel drive	16	23	19 MPG	$3400

Specs and fitment

WD generation (3rd gen), 2012–present

Body styles SUV

Oil 5W-20 full synthetic (3.6L V6 Pentastar) , 6 qt capacity

Tire size 265/60R18 (base), 295/45R20 (R/T and SRT trims)

Known issues for this generation

Recall 21V-280 covers certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles: the Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing. Dealers inspect and repair the fastener as needed. Recall 20V-191 covers certain 2019-2020 Dodge Durango vehicles, along with many other FCA models with 8.4-inch or 12-inch radio displays: a software error can leave the rearview camera image on screen after the vehicle shifts out of reverse; dealers update the radio display software.

Compare

Next year 2013 Dodge Durango See every Dodge Durango model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Dodge Durango reliable?

What are common problems with a 2012 Dodge Durango?

Is the 2012 Dodge Durango more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2013 Durango has 640 complaints, 56 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.

Has the 2012 Dodge Durango been recalled?

The 2012 Dodge Durango has 10 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Dodge Durango?

Owners have filed 640 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Durango with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2012 Dodge Durango get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Dodge Durango is 17.3 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Dodge Durango take?

The 3.6L V6 commonly uses 5W-20 full synthetic with about 6 quarts including the filter.

What does NHTSA recall 21V-280 cover on the Dodge Durango?

Recall 21V-280 covers certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles: the Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.

What generation is the 2013 Dodge Durango?

WD generation (3rd gen) (2012-present).