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2012 Dodge Durango brakes problems
severe
Owners of the 2012 Dodge Durango have filed 53 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See brakes across all vehicles →
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles
If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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 water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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
If the driver experiences a hard brake pedal, the driver may not push the pedal as intended, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented
repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall
(it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service Bulletin05-002-15Apr 2015
Front Brake Squeak/Squeal Noise This bulletin involves replacing the front brake caliper guide pin bushings. The customer may describe a front brake squeak/squeal noise at cold temperatures or with cold brakes after sitting. Noise is most prevalent during a low-speed stop with light brake pedal effort.
New Safety Recall Advanced Communication ? P14040214 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on certain 2011 through 2014 model year (WD) Dodge Durango and (WK) Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. Some Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles may have a brake booster that could prematurely corrode. If perforation of the brake booster shell (due to corrosion) occurs, the brake booster may ingest water during vehicle operation during wet weather conditions. A brake booster that has experienced water ingestion may have the brake function compromised if the water inside the brake booster freezes. The driver may be required to apply additional application force to apply the brakes
New Safety Recall Advanced Communication ? P14040214 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on certain 2011 through 2014 model year (WD) Dodge Durango and (WK) Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. Some Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles may have a brake booster that could prematurely corrode. If perforation of the brake booster shell (due to corrosion) occurs, the brake booster may ingest water during vehicle operation during wet weather conditions. A brake booster that has experienced water ingestion may have the brake function compromised if the water inside the brake booster freezes. The driver may be required to apply additional application force to apply the brakes
New Safety Recall Advanced Communication ? P14040214 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on certain 2011 through 2014 model year (WD) Dodge Durango and (WK) Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. Some Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles may have a brake booster that could prematurely corrode. If perforation of the brake booster shell (due to corrosion) occurs, the brake booster may ingest water during vehicle operation during wet weather conditions. A brake booster that has experienced water ingestion may have the brake function compromised if the water inside the brake booster freezes. The driver may be required to apply additional application force to apply the brakes
New Safety Recall Advanced Communication ? P14040214 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on certain 2011 through 2014 model year (WD) Dodge Durango and (WK) Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. Some Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles may have a brake booster that could prematurely corrode. If perforation of the brake booster shell (due to corrosion) occurs, the brake booster may ingest water during vehicle operation during wet weather conditions. A brake booster that has experienced water ingestion may have the brake function compromised if the water inside the brake booster freezes. The driver may be required to apply additional application force to apply the brakes
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2012 Durangos describe brake booster failures ranging from intermittent hardness to complete loss of braking power. The typical pattern: brake pedal becomes rock-hard, unresponsive, or stops working entirely. Failures cluster around cold weather—freezing temperatures, icy conditions, cold mornings—though they also occur during highway merging and rapid deceleration. One owner going 35–40 mph in freezing weather experienced 50% loss of braking. Another couldn't stop at a stop sign; a third had no brakes pulling out of a driveway and couldn't stop below 20 mph on an interstate.
Hissing or air noise on brake pedal application is reported multiple times, suggesting vacuum leaks. Some booster failures are intermittent: the brake pedal goes rock-hard, requires 5+ seconds of maximum pressure to restore function, then works normally. Failures at low mileage (3,100 miles) and high mileage (186,000 miles) are documented. Cold soak exacerbates symptoms—one owner's brakes were nonfunctional on startup and took 8–10 blocks to normalize after warming.
NHTSA Campaign 14V154000 addressed the booster defect, but recall parts faced severe shortages. Dealers reported 3–6 month back orders, with Chrysler shipping only 2–3 parts monthly; waiting lists of 50+ owners built up. Many owners waited months for parts that never arrived. Chrysler stated no loss of braking in recall notices, directly contradicting owner reports of significant braking loss. Some dealers applied inadequate fixes (foam) during recall service, and one owner's booster shield was installed incorrectly, triggering a second recall.
Same Dodge Durango brakes reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Power brake booster failure — loss of braking assist
The vacuum-assist power brake booster fails intermittently or completely, causing the brake pedal to become extremely hard and unresponsive or completely non-functional. Owners report little to no pedal movement and severely reduced or absent braking force. Failures occur at critical moments: during highway merging, rapid deceleration from acceleration, and in cold weather conditions (5–10°F and freezing). Some failures require 5+ seconds of maximum pedal pressure to temporarily restore function; others result in total brake loss requiring emergency brake use.
When: At various mileages including 3,100; 17,200; 20,000; 25,000; 186,000; cold weather (5–10°F and freezing temperatures). Intermittent failures often triggered by acceleration followed by hard braking, merging, grade climbing, or cold morning startup.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes extremely hard and high, minimal or no pedal movement; Complete brake failure or near-total loss of braking power; Hissing or air noise when depressing brake pedal; Loss of power-assisted braking, requiring sustained maximum pedal pressure; Brakes unresponsive despite pedal application; Intermittent brake failures that improve after sustained pedal pressure; Cold-weather-triggered brake hardness; takes 8–10 blocks to normalize after startup; Brake warning light illumination during failure; Brakes feel hard to depress after cold soak but normalize after engine warms
Codes mentioned:14V154000, 14V-154, P14, P41
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend or replace power brake booster and master cylinder. Costs cited: $800 for both components. Many owners received used OEM parts due to new part unavailability. One owner reported a technician applied only foam to the failed booster during recall service, which proved insufficient. Replacement vacuum booster assembly and master cylinder bench assembly also documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 14V154000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued for brake booster defect. Chrysler stated no loss in braking in recall notices, contradicting owner experiences of 50% braking loss. Recall parts experienced severe shortage; dealers reported 3–6 month back orders, with some dealers receiving only 2–3 parts per month. Waiting lists of 50+ owners reported. Chrysler initially refused reimbursement for out-of-pocket repairs done at non-Chrysler shops using used parts, citing warranty and non-dealer repair. Corporate contact: 800-992-1997. Some recalls designated P14, P41, or T59. One case involved incorrect booster shield installation during 2016 recall repair, triggering a second recall (T59).
Master cylinder failure or malfunction
The master cylinder fails to maintain hydraulic pressure or responds sluggishly during braking. Owners report requiring abnormally high pedal pressure or two-foot force to achieve braking effect. In some cases, the master cylinder is replaced alongside the booster.
When: Mileage not consistently specified; one case at 3,100 miles showed brakes failing at low speed (3–5 mph).
Symptoms owners cite: Master cylinder defect; Abnormal force or two-foot pedal pressure required to stop vehicle; Slow brake engagement or sluggish response
Codes mentioned:14V154000
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced master cylinder and/or master cylinder bench assembly in conjunction with booster replacement. Costs bundled with booster repair ($800 for both).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Included in Recall Campaign 14V154000. Recall parts unavailable. Chrysler stated repairs not covered under warranty for out-of-dealership work or used parts.
Brake booster vacuum leak
The brake booster develops a leak in the vacuum diaphragm or seals, causing loss of vacuum over time. Owners report the booster loses vacuum after 8 hours of sitting, making the pedal very hard and difficult to depress until the engine restarts and regenerates vacuum.
When: Intermittent; manifests after vehicle sits for extended periods (8+ hours).
Symptoms owners cite: No braking assist on cold startup; firm, hard-to-depress pedal; Vacuum leaks causing booster pressure loss over time; Problem resolves temporarily after engine start and warm-up; Recurring issue after vehicle sits overnight or longer
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported foam applied as a repair, which proved inadequate. Vacuum booster assembly replacement required.
Brake system failure in cold weather or icing conditions
The entire braking system becomes compromised during freezing temperatures. Brakes freeze up, lock, or fail to engage. Some reports attribute this to booster/master cylinder defects exacerbated by cold; others suggest a systemic cold-weather vulnerability.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete brake failure or severe loss of braking in freezing weather; Wheels locking up during braking; Brake pedal becomes extremely hard in cold weather; Brake failure on cold morning commute; condition improves as vehicle warms; Vehicle unable to stop in icy conditions despite brake application
Codes mentioned:14V154000
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs address booster and master cylinder. Cold-weather specific failures suggest environmental or design interaction not fully resolved by recall service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Campaign 14V154000 cites booster defect. Recall notices claimed no loss of braking, contradicting owner reports of significant braking reduction in cold weather.
Brake pedal pulsation or abrupt engagement
The brake pedal pulsates excessively or engages the ABS system abruptly when normal modulated braking is attempted. This occurs during normal stopping, not panic stops.
When: One documented case at 25,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal pulsates during normal braking; Abrupt ABS engagement during moderate braking attempts; Lack of smooth pedal modulation
Codes mentioned:
Synthesized from 53 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
3 most recent
brakes
· filed 12/29/2014
No incident occurred. I have been waiting for eddy's Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in wichita, ks to replace a brake booster since july. I was placed on a list. I called them again in october and they said they were still waiting on parts. I am concerned about my family's safety. The weather is now cold and that is when this defect has caused accidents. What should I do? *tr
brakes
· filed 12/27/2014
Received recall p14 / NHTSA 14v-154. Took vehicle in and was advised needed to order part. Part has not arrived and dealer does not have an expected delivery date. They only can advise to continue to call. And Chrysler continues to send me the notice (3rd notice) telling me that I should go to to the dealer for repair. *tr
brakes
· filed 12/23/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge durango. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v154000 (service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic) 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.
Had brakes trouble with your 2012 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 brakes problem on the 2012 Dodge Durango?
It's a meaningful issue. 53 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
Yes — 3 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
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/2012/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.