Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the vehicle lost power and shut down without warning. The vehicle was merged to the side and was restarted. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer at: telegraph Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram,located at 12000 telegraph rd, taylor, mi, 734-947-2300. The vehicle was also taken…
2011 Dodge Durango powertrain problems
moderate 48 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
48
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 48 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Dodge Durango, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Owners have filed 48 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 19 model years of Dodge Durango in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2011 Durango has serious, recurring electrical and transmission issues that dealers frequently cannot diagnose or fix permanently. Critical parts like the TIPM are on indefinite backorder, vehicles stall or lose all power without warning in traffic, and fires have occurred—all defects Dodge knew about but failed to address adequately.
The 2011 Dodge Durango powertrain cluster reveals systematic failures that create genuine safety hazards. The TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) is the central problem: it fails early and frequently, causing starting refusals, electrical gremlins, and stalling. Owners report the part on indefinite backorder for months, with Dodge and dealerships contradicting each other on warranty coverage.
Transmission problems are widespread—vehicles slip into Neutral without warning, fail to shift gears, or lock up entirely. Transfer cases spontaneously engage 4Low at highway speeds, forcing drivers to creep at 20 MPH on a 55 MPH road. One owner's mechanic confirmed a "high failure rate" and had to source used parts.
Alternators short internally and catch fire, causing complete power loss while driving—no steering, brakes, or lights. Dealers replaced alternators multiple times on the same vehicle without fixing the issue. A few vehicles caught fire. PCMs burn out from alternator damage. The fuel pump relay inside the TIPM malfunctions, preventing starts.
Transmission cooler/AC condenser units leak coolant and oil onto power steering lines, often misdiagnosed as power steering faults. Lighting systems malfunction, with bulbs blowing repeatedly.
Dealers cannot replicate many failures during test drives or find diagnostic codes despite clear symptoms. Owners report being denied recalls because parts aren't in stock, forced to drive dangerous vehicles for months, and charged $1,000–$5,000 out of pocket for known defects.
All of this recurs even after repairs, suggesting the root cause—the TIPM and related electrical architecture—was never properly addressed by Dodge.
Same Dodge Durango powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shifts to Neutral or fails to shift gears
Vehicle unexpectedly slips into Neutral while driving or refuses to shift out of a gear, sometimes requiring manual shifting or restart. Owners report high RPMs without acceleration, transmission feeling like it's slipping, or vehicle getting stuck in Drive/4Low gear.
When: Throughout vehicle life; complaints from 16,000 to 129,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slips into Neutral without warning; Fails to shift into Drive or other gears; Engine revs but vehicle doesn't accelerate; Transmission feels like it's slipping; Vehicle stuck in 4Low unable to shift to AWD; RPMs increase excessively with no response to acceleration; Jerking and hard shifting when accelerating; Transmission locks up, no gears available
Codes mentioned: Transmission Control Module (TCM) failure, Check Engine light, Transmission cooler failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild, transmission cooler replacement (~$900–$2,500), transmission control module replacement; multiple owners report dealers unable to replicate issue or find codes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple recalls issued for fuel pump relay within TIPM-7 and transmission-related issues; some owners report recalls have been reissued without fixing underlying problem
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures
TIPM malfunction causes starting problems, cranking issues, intermittent electrical gremlins, and stalling. Owners report multiple cases where the part is on indefinite backorder, with no ETA for replacement. One owner noted over 14,000 units on backorder nationally.
When: As early as 10 months into ownership; widespread across mileage ranges up to 129,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't start or takes multiple attempts to start; Engine cranks but then shuts off or sputters; Starting issues after sitting for an hour; Push-button start fails or requires key start workaround; All warning lights illuminate; Wipers, AC, radio turn on and off uncontrollably; Electrical controls act erratically
Codes mentioned: TIPM failure codes, No codes returned despite symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement $1,100–$1,300; parts on indefinite backorder in many cases; owners report 4–6+ weeks to months waiting for parts; some dealers refuse to cover under extended warranty despite Dodge stating it's covered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued for TIPM; parts unavailable or on backorder; conflicting statements from Dodge and dealerships about warranty coverage; manufacturers acknowledge fuel pump relay defect within TIPM but do not address broader electrical issues
Alternator failures causing vehicle shutdown and electrical damage
Stock alternator shorts out internally, causing complete loss of power while driving, stranding occupants. In some cases, alternator catches fire or burns out, damaging the PCM and battery. One owner experienced vehicle catching fire after alternator failure.
When: Throughout vehicle life; one reported incident at 173,529 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving (no steering, brakes, power, or hazard lights); Vehicle stalls without warning in traffic or at highway speeds; Alternator catches fire or burns from inside out; Battery light comes on; remains on even after battery replacement; Smoke emanating from engine compartment; Vehicle unable to restart
Codes mentioned: Check Battery light (persists despite multiple alternator replacements), Burnt PCM codes
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement $1,200–$1,300; PCM/battery replacement; one owner incurred $3,000 in fire damage; multiple alternator replacements in same vehicle did not resolve battery light
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V435000 issued for electrical system/alternator; Chrysler has refused reimbursement for fire damage; some vehicles (like complaint #20) not included in recall despite having identical failure; recall for 435,000+ vehicles as of Oct 2014
Vehicle stalls during driving without warning
Engine cuts out unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, sometimes in traffic or dangerous situations. Vehicle stalls when slowing into turns or approaching stoplights. Steering column locks when stalled, making vehicle difficult to control.
When: Intermittently throughout ownership; recurring after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning at any speed; Steering column locks when stalled; RPM diving to zero then back up; Engine sputtering and lurching before shutdown; Stalls when slowing for turns or lights; Stalls repeatedly in same drive session; Vehicle won't restart or takes multiple attempts
Codes mentioned: No codes found in many cases, Fuel pump relay codes (within TIPM), Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate problem in test drives; no consistent fix found; some owners replaced fuel pump relay, TIPM, alternator, or software updates without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple recalls issued (fuel pump relay TIPM recall; alternator recall); dealers report being unable to diagnose when no codes present; manufacturer indicates several recalls address the issue but problems recur
Uncontrolled electrical system activation
Electrical components activate independently without user input: wipers turn on by themselves, lights flash, radio turns on and off, airbag and battery warning lights illuminate erratically, fuel pump stays on after shutdown. One owner's child was locked in vehicle when doors malfunctioned.
When: Intermittently throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers activate without input; Warning lights flash on and off randomly; Radio turns on and off uncontrollably; AC compressor engages/disengages randomly; Airbag warning light illuminates; Fuel pump runs after vehicle shut off; Interior controls 'do whatever they want to do when they want'; Vehicle locks occupant inside with running engine
Codes mentioned: Multiple diagnostic codes (up to 38 codes reported), No codes in many cases despite symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM and headlight power module replacement ($1,300 for TIPM + $1,300 for headlight module); one owner noted headlight power module shorted and caused TIPM failure (no internal protection between components); replacements do not prevent recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel pump power module recall adds external protection for fuel pump subsystem only; does not address broader TIPM design flaw allowing single component short to cascade and destroy entire module
Transfer case failures and AWD/4Low engagement issues
Transfer case internal chain slips on acceleration, limiting power transfer. Vehicle gets stuck in 4Low or AWD Low when button is not engaged; switch becomes stuck or faulty. Once locked in 4Low, transmission locks up, leaving vehicle unable to shift. Multiple owners report this is a known widespread problem with no recall.
When: Throughout vehicle life; one owner experienced chain slip at normal operating conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Internal transfer case chain slips on acceleration (feels like deep thud/clicking); Vehicle spontaneously shifts from AWD to 4Low without button press; 4Low switch stuck or unresponsive; Vehicle locked in 4Low with limited speed capability (~20 MPH vs. highway 55 MPH); Transmission locks in Neutral and will not move; Check Engine light illuminates; Tire pressure sensor reads 0 on all sides despite proper pressure; Clunking/jerking when turning left or right
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light (no codes found), Tire pressure monitoring system false readings
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case replacement $2,500–$5,000; one owner's mechanic noted 'high failure rate' and had to source used part and rebuild it; parts difficult to obtain; delayed repair by ~2 days due to part unavailability
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for transfer case issues despite owners documenting 20+ complaints in online forums; dealers acknowledge problem exists but claim no recall available
Transmission cooler/AC condenser leaks
AC condenser and transmission cooler unit (integrated component) develops leaks, weeping coolant and oil that saturates power steering lines. Owners initially misdiagnosed as power steering leaks. Defect is widespread among 2011 Durango owners.
When: Generally early in ownership or low mileage; one complaint at ~2 years/55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Translucent/light green fluid pooling under vehicle; Puddles of fluid gathering in driveway and oil pans; Oil from condenser saturating power steering lines; Initial false diagnosis of power steering leak
Repairs/costs cited: New transmission cooler/AC condenser unit needed; estimated cost ~$900 per one owner's quote; multiple shops initially reluctant to diagnose without charging hundreds of dollars to remove grille
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite owner research finding dozens of Dodge/Jeep owners with identical complaint; manufacturer has not addressed the defect
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures
PCM burns out, shorts, or malfunctions, often triggered by alternator failure or electrical system malfunction. Replacement does not always resolve underlying electrical issues.
When: Triggered by electrical events; throughout mileage range
Symptoms owners cite: Check Battery light persists after battery/alternator replacement; Starting and stalling issues after PCM replacement; Electrical system malfunctions continue post-repair
Codes mentioned: PCM failure codes, Battery light codes
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement covered under warranty in some cases; costs $1,000–$3,000+ when alternator fire damage occurs; replacement alone did not resolve recurring issues in multiple cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some replacements covered under warranty; Chrysler refused reimbursement for fire damage in at least one case; conflicting warranty coverage decisions
Fuel pump relay failures
Fuel pump relay within TIPM malfunctions, preventing vehicle from starting or causing starting delays. Part of broader TIPM electrical architecture.
When: Throughout ownership; issues from early mileage to high mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't start or takes 6–8 minutes to start; Engine turns over but no fuel or ignition spark; Starting issues repeat daily; Problem reoccurs after weeks of normal operation
Codes mentioned: Fuel pump relay failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay replacement as part of TIPM recall; part availability delayed implementation of recall by months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel pump relay recall issued (10/24/14 per complaint #3); Chrysler acknowledged safety defect but asked owner to continue driving unsafe vehicle until recall parts available; separate external relay protection added in later recall without addressing core TIPM design issue
Heater/AC control failures
AC compressor engages and disengages randomly; AC goes out completely during electrical events. Climate control becomes non-functional or erratic.
When: Intermittently throughout ownership; often triggered by broader electrical faults
Symptoms owners cite: AC compressor cycles on and off randomly; AC stops working entirely; AC runs cold but only when electrical system is stable; No air flow despite compressor running; AC goes out during electrical outages
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair cited; issue resolves when broader electrical faults (alternator, TIPM) are repaired, suggesting it's a secondary symptom rather than primary AC failure
Lighting system failures (bulbs and signals)
Front signal light bulbs blow out repeatedly and will not stay seated. Mirror turn signals fail. Fog lights flash inappropriately when blinker is activated. Back passenger bulbs require frequent replacement.
When: Throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Front signal light bulbs blow out repeatedly; Bulbs will not seat properly in housing; Fog lights flash when blinker activated (like hazard flashers); Mirror turn signals inoperative; Back passenger bulb requires frequent replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple bulb replacements; underlying electrical issue not addressed; related to broader electrical system problems (TIPM/power module failures)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership (Sheets) stated 'nothing wrong with the part' despite repeated failures
Vehicle unable to accelerate or loss of power during driving
Vehicle loses ability to accelerate or suddenly decelerates without warning while driving at highway speeds. Engine power cuts out temporarily, then returns. Forward Collision Warning (FCW) light comes on when acceleration loss occurs.
When: Throughout vehicle life; recurring issue in some vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses ability to accelerate; Sudden deceleration at highway speeds (45–60 MPH); Loss of power while driving without stalling; FCW light illuminates when power loss occurs; No response to accelerator pedal; Vehicle requires restart to regain power
Codes mentioned: Transmission Control Module failure codes, FCW light codes
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module replacement; some owners report problem recurs even after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA 14V634000 issued (electrical system); parts may not be available at time of recall notice, leaving vehicles unrepaired
Starting system failures and push-button ignition malfunctions
Vehicle fails to start or requires multiple attempts. Push-button ignition either doesn't work or vehicle cranks excessively without starting. Sometimes manual key start works when push button fails.
When: Throughout vehicle life; some issues within first 10 months
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't start on first attempt; Takes multiple button presses to start; Push-button ignition unresponsive; Engine cranks excessively and gets stuck cranking; Engine starts then immediately shuts off or sputters; Manual key start works when push button fails; Starting fails after engine warms up
Codes mentioned: TIPM failure codes, No codes in many cases
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement; Lariant #5 to Lariant #6 upgrade needed (dealership claims not covered under warranty); parts on backorder; $1,100–$1,300 cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for TIPM fuel pump relay; parts availability delayed; warranty coverage disputed between Dodge phone support and dealerships
Engine head/cylinder failures and fire incidents
Engine cylinder heads need replacement (reported as recall issue). Headliner caught fire while driving due to faulty visors (separate recall). One case of alternator catching fire and burning through engine compartment.
When: One headliner fire during recall-mandated service; alternator fire at high mileage (173,529 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Headliner material caught fire while driving; Engine catching fire due to alternator short; Smoke from engine compartment; Complete vehicle power loss before fire event
Repairs/costs cited: Engine head replacement (covered under recall per owner account); alternator/PCM replacement for fire damage ($3,000+)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for engine head defect and visor fire hazard; Chrysler refused reimbursement for fire damage caused by known alternator defect
Transmission fluid leaks
Automatic transmission loses fluid due to leaking transmission cooler/AC condenser unit. Significant fluid loss before detected, risking transmission damage from low fluid.
When: Early to mid-life ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leaking from oil cooler; Significant fluid loss before detection; Potential transmission performance damage from low fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission cooler replacement; estimated ~$900
Engine oil pressure control issues
Engine oil pressure control circuit malfunction; Check Engine light triggered with PO6DD code indicating circuit performance/stuck off condition.
When: During cold weather operation (30 degrees)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power during highway acceleration attempt; Check Engine light illuminates; Engine oil pressure control circuit fault code
Codes mentioned: PO6DD (Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off)
Synthesized from 48 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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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 powertrain problem on the 2011 Dodge Durango?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 48 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 40 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 44,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.