2012 Dodge Durango engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

45 owners have reported engine problems with the 2012 Dodge Durango, 29% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 110,000 mi.

Engine complaints
45
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
110,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine41
Engine and engine cooling3
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system1

Engine complaints across Dodge Durango years

7200522200713520114540201331312015132120172624201972520211052023422026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2012 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k860k–100k11100k–150k6150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 11V487000Sep 29, 2011667 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    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.

    Risk: Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.

    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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Mar 2, 2026190,000 miTXEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    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 unintendedly. The gear shifter was shifted to park(P) to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the timing chain was blown. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11721460 · source
  2. Filed Dec 18, 2024NYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    My vehicle has had recalls performed multiple times since 1st purchased in 2012. The issue was vehicle stalling. At 1st Chrysler / Dodge addressed it as issues upon start up where the vehicle sounded as though it was skipping when hitting the ignition button. They attempted to remedy this with multiple fuel pump relay recalls. They attempted to do internal which did not work. They then went external which also did not work. Nothing was ever formerly recognized as a suitable…
    NHTSA complaint #11631334 · source
  3. Filed Aug 27, 2023PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The 2014 through 2018 3.6L Pentastar motors are covered under a tech service bulletin for their Drivers side valve train being manufactured incorrectly. This can lead to a misfire and hesitation to accelerate in an Emergency. This happened to me recently and I thought it was just a bad spark plug. Mechanic did a full check and believes there is a stuck valve in the engine on the exact same side that the 2014 to 2018 motors are prone to failure. I believe the 2012 and 2013…
    NHTSA complaint #11541023 · source
  4. Filed May 8, 2023100,000 miOHEngine
    The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality when the failure occurred. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after placing the vehicle in park(P). The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be…
    NHTSA complaint #11520982 · source
  5. Filed May 2, 2023GAEngine
    Sudden loud knocking then pop, started smoking pulled over immediately. Due to rod bearing failure rod went through block and all oil came out. Vehicle is available for inspection. Drivers safety was at risk because vehicle lost power and was unable to exit the roadway in a timely manner. No warning was given other than heard a couple of clicks then immediately followed by a loud pop.
    NHTSA complaint #11520107 · source
  6. Filed Apr 24, 2023NEElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I Came into dealership for scheduled service appointment on Apr 5, 2023 10:30:00 AM at EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA to get recall fixed on fuel pump relay and an oil change after receiving my 2012 Dodge Durango Citadel back my lights randomly starting blanking and my vehicle stalled and it wouldn’t start or turn over. So I spoke to service rep [XXX] at EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA 17950 Burt St and had the car towed back to the dealership that fixed on it EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA. I was…
    NHTSA complaint #11518792 · source
  7. Filed Jan 4, 2023NYFireEngine
    While driving at various speeds, upon slowing down the vehicle stalled. This occurred 50+ times. This occurred while my family was in the vehicle on many occasions. Vehicle was serviced for fuel pump recall, however the stalling continued. My mechanic pointed out the ticking noise, referring to the manifold needing repair. Most recently, the car barely wanted to turn over. Struggling for almost 3 days, thankfully I just pulled into my driveway and turn the car off. Then…
    NHTSA complaint #11500228 · source
  8. Filed Dec 28, 2022171,000 miMIEngine
    The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be serviced but no additional information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
    NHTSA complaint #11499136 · source
  9. Filed Dec 25, 2022CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    This family car had recall back in august fuel module for powertrain check engine light got it fix and few days later check engine turn on and has turned off since car slows down on freeway wont pick up speed and stall on me twice already with kids in car was going 65 and all sudden slow down wiuldnt pick up acceleration and turn off has run good since still having issues dealership says noting wrong with it
    NHTSA complaint #11498781 · source
  10. Filed Nov 14, 2022NYEngine
    The Engine seized due to rod bearing Chrysler has recall number 11V487000 it has never been done on my truck and is no showing
    NHTSA complaint #11493575 · source
  11. Filed Aug 3, 202279,124 miNCEngineSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11477343 · source
  12. Filed Apr 22, 2022WAEngine
    Engine light on, car was over a month for repair at Rairdon Dodge in Redmond, WA, paid over 5000 in repair, in the end they said can not be fixed needs a new engine. Engine light was on again after 49 miles , misfire cilinder 1, 3, 5 . And fuel pump again. Rairdon contacted Chrysler and nothing. Thanks
    NHTSA complaint #11461773 · source

Other 2012 Dodge Durango problem areas

  • Electrical System (88)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (36)
  • Other / Unknown (10)
  • Airbags (9)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (7)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (7)
  • Steering (6)
  • Brakes (5)
  • Lighting (4)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (4)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (3)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)
  • Suspension (2)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)

Back to all 2012 Dodge Durango problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology