Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge durango. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 19v813000 (electrical system) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The contact received the recall notification on december 24, 2019. The contact spoke with five star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (3068 riverside drive, macon, ga 31210, 478-345-8899) and was informed that part was not available for the…
2011 Dodge Durango electrical problems
severe 467 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
467
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
6crashes
48fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 467 electrical complaints filed for the 2011 Dodge Durango, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 18 model years of Dodge Durango we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 467.
Electrical accounts for 59% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2011 Dodge Durango has widespread electrical defects centered on the TIPM (fuel pump relay module), alternator thermal fatigue, and brake booster corrosion. Owners report stalling, no-start conditions, alternator fires, battery drain cascades, and brake failure—many occurring well within the vehicle's useful life. Parts shortages and Chrysler's slow recall response have left owners stranded for weeks and facing repair bills of $1,500–$2,700.
The 2011 Durango electrical problems cluster around four main culprits: a faulty Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM) that controls the fuel pump, a defective alternator prone to internal shorts and fire, a water-damaged brake booster, and cascading failures where one component damages others.
TIPM failures start with difficulty starting, progress to stalling while driving (sometimes mid-intersection or highway), and end with complete no-start. Owners describe cranking without catching, needing 8–20+ attempts, or stalling without warning and losing power steering and brakes. The part is difficult to diagnose because no fault codes appear—dealerships call it a TIPM only after ruling everything else out. Worse, the part has been on national backorder since at least 2013, with owners waiting 10+ weeks for repair while paying for rentals.
Alternator failures produce burning smell, smoke, or visible flames from the engine bay. The alternator shorts internally, disabling the battery and PCM in a cascade. Some owners have also had to pay for battery and computer replacement, totaling $1,500–$2,700 out-of-pocket. Chrysler's alternator recall (P60) covers only 160-amp units; owners with 180- or 220-amp alternators report the same failure but are excluded. Multiple narratives describe the alternator smoking or catching fire while parked in the garage overnight—a serious fire hazard.
Brake booster water shield corrosion gradually increases brake pedal pressure needed to stop the vehicle; no warning lights appear. The recall parts were unavailable for months, leaving owners driving with degraded brakes.
Engine stalls under load—particularly during turns or braking—occur without warning lights or codes, making them nearly impossible for dealerships to reproduce. Power steering and brakes fail when the stall occurs.
Owners consistently report that Chrysler customer care and dealerships knew of these issues but moved slowly on recalls, parts remained unavailable, and reimbursement was denied or heavily delayed.
Same Dodge Durango electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM) Failure
The TIPM controls fuel pump, ignition, and multiple electrical functions. When it fails, owners report no-start conditions, stalling while driving, erratic warning lights, and cascading electrical problems. Many narratives describe nationwide backorders stretching weeks to months, with dealerships unable to service recalled vehicles.
When: Starting around 30,000–80,000 miles; some failures at lower mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cranks but won't start; requires multiple attempts; Engine stalls while driving, particularly after short trips or at low speeds; Difficulty restarting after brief stops (30 minutes); Loss of power while in motion at highway speeds; Battery drains rapidly; No diagnostic codes generated despite failure; Sometimes vehicle starts fine after rest period, making diagnosis difficult
Codes mentioned: P54 (fuel pump relay recall), 14V530000
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement costs $900–$1,200; part commonly on national backorder with wait times of weeks to months. Some owners waited 10+ weeks. Dealership labor additional. No official recall issued; some owners paid out-of-pocket before recall eligibility confirmed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler aware of widespread issue since at least 2013 but resisted issuing recall. Offered relay kit alternative ($587) in some cases. Part availability severely constrained. Corporate customer care offered little assistance with loaner vehicles or rental reimbursement.
Alternator Diode Thermal Fatigue (Internal Short)
Alternator internal diodes fail due to thermal cycling, particularly under load from the electric hydraulic power steering system. Failure modes range from reduced output to complete short-to-ground, causing the alternator to overheat, smoke, and sometimes catch fire. The short can disable the battery, PCM, and entire electrical system.
When: Failures reported from 50,000 to 130,000 miles; some as early as 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery charge warning light illuminates; Burning electrical smell from engine bay; Smoke or flames coming from alternator; Vehicle stalls without warning; loss of power steering and brakes; Dash lights flashing erratically; Windshield wipers turning on involuntarily; Interior lights dimming or failing; All warning indicators illuminate simultaneously; Loss of all electrical functions; vehicle dead
Codes mentioned: P60 (160 AMP alternator recall), T36 (alternator recall, thermal fatigue), 17V435000 (NHTSA alternator campaign), 14V634000 (160 AMP alternator recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement $425–$855. Many owners also had to replace battery ($162–$400) and PCM ($1,000–$1,500) due to cascading damage from short. Total repair bills commonly $1,400–$1,779. Owners claim Chrysler denied reimbursement even when recall applied, citing insufficient proof the failed alternator caused secondary damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall P60/14V634000 covers only 160 AMP alternators with 3.6L engine. Owners with 180 AMP or 220 AMP alternators report identical failure modes but are explicitly excluded. Recall T36 (17V435000) also cited but faced severe parts shortages. Dealers initially had no replacement parts; when parts became available, some were refurbished units. Chrysler denied claims citing lack of proof alternator failure caused PCM/battery damage, despite clear thermal damage and fire risk.
Fuel Pump Relay Failure
Fuel pump relay, part of the TIPM or as a standalone component, fails to supply power to the fuel pump. Owners report hard starting, hesitation during acceleration, and vehicle stalling. The relay was subject to recall but replacements were long delayed and the root cause (TIPM) was not addressed.
When: 80,000+ miles; some earlier after fuel pump relay replacement performed under prior recalls
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates to start or cranks without firing; Difficulty accelerating; poor throttle response; Vehicle stalls while driving or at traffic lights; Fuel pump won't prime (no fuel reaching engine); Intermittent no-start conditions, worsening over time
Codes mentioned: P54 (fuel pump relay recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay replacement $587 (relay kit) to $800+. Owners report relay replacement alone does not resolve starting issues if TIPM is actually faulty. Multiple repairs often required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for fuel pump relay; however, parts were delayed and dealers were slow to apply fix. Root cause (TIPM) was not disclosed in early communications. Owners who paid for repairs before recall went official faced reimbursement delays and denial.
Battery Drain and Charging System Failure
Vehicle battery drains overnight or over a short period due to failed alternator (no charging output) or TIPM drawing continuous parasitic load. Owners report battery tests good but vehicle won't start, or battery dies repeatedly despite replacement.
When: Variable; often after alternator failure or TIPM malfunction
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies daily or overnight; Parasitic drain (fan running after vehicle turned off); Battery warning light illuminated; Vehicle won't hold charge even after replacement battery installed
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement $162–$400. If alternator or TIPM is at fault, new battery alone does not resolve issue; repeated battery failures expected.
Vanity/Sun Visor Wiring Fire Hazard
Wiring in the headliner serving the vanity mirror/sun visor experiences pinching or short circuit after recall repair work, causing arcing, smoke, and fire while vehicle is in motion or parked.
When: Occurring after recall P36 (vanity mirror wiring) repair; fire ignited days after repair completion
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke and flames coming from headliner above driver's head while driving; Eyes burn and nose irritated from smoke inhalation; Steering wheel mounted controls stop functioning; Interior lights flashing and dimming after recall repair; Burning smell from headliner
Codes mentioned: P36 (vanity/sun visor wiring recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership blamed 'pinched wire' in headliner as cause of secondary electrical failure. Interior rewiring and component replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall P36 performed; however, repair work itself allegedly caused pinched wire that later ignited fire. Fire department responded. Dealership claimed pinched wire did not cause steering wheel control failure despite shared circuit.
Brake Booster Water Shield Corrosion (Recall T59)
Water shield intended to protect brake booster is absent or insufficient, allowing moisture ingress. Water corrodes internal components, reducing braking ability over time. Owners report brake pedal requires increasingly more pressure to slow vehicle.
When: Develops gradually; becomes noticeable 80,000+ miles depending on rain/snow exposure
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes progressively harder to depress; Increased brake pressure required to achieve same stopping distance; No warning lights; silent progressive failure
Codes mentioned: T59 (brake booster water shield recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Water shield replacement required; parts unavailable during recall period (Nov 2017–Jan 2018 noted in narratives).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall T59 issued November 2017; however, replacement parts were unavailable for months. One owner reported waiting from November 2017 into January 2018 with no parts available. Dealerships told owners 'it's not that big of a deal' despite safety implications. Manufacturer unable to provide parts timeline.
Engine Stall Under Braking or During Turns
Engine stalls unexpectedly while braking, turning, or coasting down from highway speeds. Loss of power steering and brakes occurs. No warning lights illuminate and vehicle must be restarted; stall is difficult to reproduce in dealership, making diagnosis nearly impossible.
When: Intermittent; reported occurring multiple times per month or once every few months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while turning left or right; Stall occurs after coasting down from highway speed; Loss of power steering and brakes when stall occurs; Vehicle requires neutral to restart (cannot restart in drive); No error codes generated; No warning lights beforehand; Stall is intermittent and hard to reproduce
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay recall (P54) performed but did not resolve stalls. No other definitive repair identified. Suspected wiring in steering column or dumb device (sensor/relay with no feedback to ECU).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to duplicate or diagnose. No solution found despite fuel pump relay replacement under recall. Chrysler representative insisted vehicle was safe to drive.
Electrical System Cascade Failures (Battery + Alternator + PCM)
Alternator failure causes internal short, which rapidly drains and damages the battery, then feeds excessive current back into the PCM/ECM, frying it. Owners replace alternator only to find vehicle won't charge or won't start; must also replace battery and PCM. Chrysler has denied claims that alternator failure caused the secondary damage.
When: Secondary failures occur within hours to days after initial alternator failure
Symptoms owners cite: Alternator fails and shorts internally; Battery drains rapidly or is damaged by short; PCM/ECM fried by reversed current from failed alternator; Vehicle won't restart even after alternator replacement; No charging output after alternator swap; Melted wiring and electrical components visible
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator ($425–$855) + Battery ($162–$400) + PCM ($1,000–$1,500) = $1,500–$2,755 total. Owners report Chrysler denied reimbursement for PCM and battery damage, claiming no proof alternator failure caused secondary failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall covers alternator replacement only. Manufacturer denied claims for cascade damage, arguing inline fusible link did not burn, therefore alternator could not have caused PCM failure. Dealerships disagreed and sometimes used emissions warranty to cover PCM replacement, but charged owners $150 deductible.
Push Button Start and Keyless Entry Malfunction
Push button start mechanism fails to engage; vehicle cranks but won't start, or takes excessive attempts (8–20+). Key fob remote start fails. Keyless entry locks occupants inside vehicle or fails to unlock. Ghost starts occur (vehicle runs without key fob present).
When: Early failure common; some at 37,800–50,000 miles; worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Push button start requires 8–20+ attempts to engage; Remote start (key fob) fails to start vehicle; Starter cranks but engine doesn't fire; Vehicle locks occupants inside with no way to unlock or roll windows; Vehicle spontaneously starts without key fob present; Vehicle starts via push button then immediately dies; Key not detected warning message
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement typically necessary. Manual key used as temporary workaround by some owners but does not fully resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised no fix available; instructed owners to wait for recall parts. TIPM availability severely constrained. One owner (brand new 2011 model) waited months with no resolution and dealership offered loaner that didn't fit family of 5.
Synthesized from 467 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
While operating the vehicle at normal speed of 55 MPH the vehicle suddenly shut off. Lucky we were able to coast to the side of the road. We tried restarting the vehicle several times with no luck, the engine would turn over but not start. A state patrol officer stopped and after hooking up a jump pack the vehicle finally started back up. The following week the vehicle did the same thing after…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge durango. While driving 50 MPH or more, the vehicle stalled intermittently. Also, when attempting to start the vehicle, it took approximately thirty minutes for the vehicle to finally start. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v813000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…
My vehicle start to being slow. It does not star , turn off after start . Has a strange noise when running. I call de dealer, asking what happens if I have an accident with children. The said the insurance will pay. That they have not received the parts already and I have to wait until tomorrow. What will I do without my car for severals days? I do not have another one, the insurance says they…
I did not have a specific incident yet, however I have had three recalls on my vehicle and the parts have apparently "been on order" since june. I keep getting duplicate notices when I have tried to get them taken care of at the dealer but they can not get the necessary parts needed to fix my vehicle before there is a serious incident because of this! I also had to pay to fix a fuse on my…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge durango. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system) however, the part needed for the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge durango. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked. Additionally, the contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v530000 (electrical…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge durango. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge durango. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v154000 (service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic), 14v530000 (electrical system), and 14v634000 (electrical system) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were unavailable for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
I have received notification for three different recalls on my Dodge durango. The first recall notice was received on 7/21/14 for p36 p14, the second recall was received on approx. 11/10/14 for p54/NHTSA 14v-530, and the third recall was received on 112/19/14 for p14/NHTSA 14v-154. Each time I received a recall notice I contacted south hills Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram to schedule an appointment…
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 Dodge Durango?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2011 Dodge Durango?
It's a meaningful issue. 467 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 373 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 50,145 and 94,000 miles, with the median around 69,978. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,145; a quarter make it past 94,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Dodge/Durango.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.