My vehicle began having this issue in 2015. My vehicle has a long crank and sometimes does not turn over. It will also turn over, then sputter out after running for 20-30 seconds. In 2015, I began to have the issue with the vehicle not turning on/not turning over. I had the vehicle towed dealer and the tipm module was replaced. The vehicle intermittently had the issue turning over, but when I…
2012 Dodge Durango engine problems
moderate 75 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
75
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 75 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Dodge Durango, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 75 engine 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 16 model years of Dodge Durango in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Durango's engine system exhibits a pattern of failures spanning electrical controls, ignition/starting, and internal engine damage. Most alarming: owners report sudden complete engine shutdowns while driving 25–75 MPH, with zero warning. Power steering and assisted braking vanish instantly, creating acute safety hazards in traffic and on ramps. Several owners nearly collided with oncoming vehicles; one hit a concrete wall.
Starting issues plague many: the engine cranks but won't fire, requiring repeated attempts or switching from push-button to physical key. Once running, engines may die after 20–30 seconds. Dealers cannot replicate these failures during inspections.
Camshaft and lifter wear emerges at 67,000–114,000 miles, often marked by clicking or ticking noise, then violent misfires. Diagnosis typically requires engine replacement ($4,500–$10,000) due to metal shavings in oil. Owners report this as a known defect Dodge refuses to address under warranty.
Electrical subsystems fail catastrophically: alternators burn out, WIN/TIPM modules die, fuel pump relays catch fire (harnesses burnt). One vehicle caught fire while parked. Thermostat and water pump replacements fail to stop overheating. Oil pan design on some Hemi engines causes white/blue smoke on inclines.
Dealers have invoked multiple recalls (R09/14V-115, 19V-813, V62) but acknowledge replacement parts are unavailable for months to over a year. When repairs proceed, the same faults recur within weeks or days. Manufacturers refuse further assistance once vehicles exit warranty, even on safety-critical stalling and ignition defects.
Same Dodge Durango engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Complete engine shutdown/stalling while driving
Engine cuts off completely at speed with no warning, often mid-turn or during braking. Loss of power steering and power brakes occurs. Vehicle may or may not restart immediately. Dealerships frequently unable to replicate the issue.
When: Occurs from 36,848 to 171,000 miles; most common on highways at 25-75 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine cutoff with no warning lights; Loss of power steering and assisted braking; Vehicle stalls during turns or on ramps; Stalling under braking conditions; Engine dies at highway speeds (50-70 MPH); Vehicle may restart after several attempts or immediately
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 14V-115, NHTSA 19V-813, Recall R09/V62
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump recall attempted multiple times without resolution. TIPM module replacement. WIN module replacement. Software updates. Recall parts remain unavailable for extended periods (months to 12+ months). Dealers unable to diagnose root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall R09/NHTSA 14V-115 (fuel pump relay); Recall 19V-813; Recall V62. Multiple recall attempts performed but failures persist. Manufacturer refuses responsibility on out-of-warranty vehicles. Parts availability severely delayed.
No-start/hard-start condition with cranking
Engine cranks but fails to turn over; requires multiple ignition cycles to start. Vehicle shakes violently during attempted starts. Sometimes vehicle turns over then immediately dies after 20-30 seconds.
When: Intermittent, occurs both cold and hot starts; reported from 2015 onward; 19,000-110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Long crank, does not turn over; Push-button start fails; physical key sometimes works; Engine cranks then sputters out after 20-30 seconds; Violent shaking during start attempts; Remote start works but push-button fails; Multiple attempts required to achieve stable start
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 14V-115
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM module replacement. Battery replacement. Alternator replacement (one owner had burned-out alternator). Fuel pump relay recalled. Software updates applied. Problem recurs after repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall R09/NHTSA 14V-115. Owners report recall parts not available; dealerships unable to diagnose beyond generic module replacement.
Camshaft and lifter/roller failure
Camshaft wears, cracks, or grinds due to lifter/roller failure. Results in complete engine failure requiring replacement. Typically occurs on 5.7L Hemi engines but also reported on 3.6L Pentastar.
When: 66,773-114,000 miles; one case at 72,000 miles on meticulously maintained vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking or ticking noise from engine; Check engine light with misfire code (cylinder specific, e.g., #5, #8); Loss of power and acceleration hesitation; Engine knocking noise; Violent shaking on acceleration; Engine seizure with grinding noise
Codes mentioned: P0300 (misfire), P0303 (misfire), Cylinder-specific misfire codes (#5, #8)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; costs cited $4,500-$10,000+ to replace camshaft or entire engine. One owner paid out of warranty at specialty shop. Dealers quote engine replacement due to metal shavings in oil.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Tech Service Bulletin exists for 2014-2018 3.6L Pentastar for driver-side valve train defect; no TSB mentioned for 2012. Manufacturer refuses warranty coverage. No recall issued for this defect.
Engine overheating with persistent thermostat issues
Vehicle overheats while driving. Check engine light illuminates. Thermostat and water pump replaced but overheating recurs repeatedly.
When: 122,400 miles; failure persists after multiple repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle overheats during highway driving; Check engine warning light illuminated; Continued overheating after thermostat and water pump replacement twice
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replaced. Water pump replaced twice. Failures persisted after each repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no resolution provided.
Multiple electrical/engine control module failures
Alternator burns out, draining battery or causing fire risk. WIN module, TIPM, and central computer fail. Fuel pump relay burns (harness burnt to crisp in one case).
When: 98,000-126,000 miles; various intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Complete electrical shutdown while driving (all dash functions cease); Smoke and burning smell from engine bay; Fire under hood (one vehicle caught fire while stationary); Alternator failure with battery depletion; Hazard lights do not work after shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement; battery replacement; fuel pump relay harness burned and required replacement; TIPM replacement; WIN module replacement; central computer replacement. One fire extinguished by fuel station attendant; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall PE14022 for alternator exists but reportedly does not cover all affected vehicles. Some owners excluded from recall despite similar failures.
Exhaust manifold warping and bolt failure
Exhaust manifold warps and breaks bolts. One case resulted in oil pan design defect causing smoke when vehicle on incline.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust leak; White/blue smoke and burning metal smell on startup or incline; Broken exhaust manifold bolts
Repairs/costs cited: Exhaust manifold repair required. Oil pan design noted as faulty for 5.7L Hemi on inclines.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged oil pan design defect is known to Chrysler and remains unfixed.
Check engine light with multiple diagnostic codes, persisting after repairs
CEL illuminates with various codes; multiple parts replaced but failures and codes persist. One vehicle required timing chain repair, then head gasket, oil pan, oil pump, oxygen sensors, and intake manifold repairs without resolution.
When: 190,000 miles in one case; repairs occurring over extended period
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; Unintended acceleration (one case); Engine jerking and hesitation; Cylinder misfire (P0300, P0303); Loss of power under acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0300 (misfire), P0303 (misfire), Various oxygen sensor, head gasket, oil pump codes
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain, head gaskets, oil pan, oil pump, oxygen sensors (B2S1 heater), intake manifold, and circuit harness all replaced. Failures persisted after each repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no resolution provided.
Rod bearing failure causing catastrophic engine damage
Sudden loud knocking followed by rod bearing failure, rod penetrating engine block. Vehicle loses all power and oil immediately.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loud knocking noise; Pop sound; Immediate smoke and loss of all oil; Complete loss of engine power mid-drive; Driver unable to exit roadway safely
Repairs/costs cited: Engine failure; vehicle available for inspection but repair details not provided.
Catalytic converter failure
Catalytic converter fails, triggering check engine light. Requires replacement to meet state emission standards.
When: 10/2018 (age not stated); one case at 190,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; Failed emission inspection
Codes mentioned: Catalytic converter diagnostic
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement cost approximately $1,400. One case cited as repeat failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall exists for catalytic converter failures.
Oil filter housing leak causing limp mode activation
Check engine light triggered by oil filter housing failure. Vehicle enters limp mode, severely restricting power. Repaired multiple times (4+ times) but problem recurs.
When: Multiple occurrences; one at 65 MPH on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; Limp mode activation; Loss of power to engine while driving highway speeds; Repeated failures after repair
Codes mentioned: Oil filter housing code
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter housing repaired 4+ times. PCM reflashed. Problem recurs; check engine light returns.
Synthesized from 75 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
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.…
Engine has cutout (turns off) while driving on 4 occasions. On all four occasions it has occurred while I was exiting a road/ramp. When vehicle cuts out power steering also does not work. In all occasions I have been able to pull off the road or stop before the road ends. The vehicle then starts right back up and functions properly. No check engine lights have come on.
Vehicle stalled twice in the past month while driving on the highway at 65 MPH. Lost power steering capability which created a dangerous situation in an attempt to pull the vehicle to the shoulder. Second incident happened yesterday. Vehicle did restart after a few attempts. Vehicle recall r09 was allegedly addressed by route 46 Dodge in nj in 2015.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge durango. The contact stated that the engine would not start. The vehicle was towed to classic Dodge of arlington (1333 east interstate 20, arlington, tx), but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
My check engine light came on for my engine oil filter housing ! I had it repaired a total of 4 times already ! This recent time it put my vehicle into limp mode while doing 65 mph on the highway I had loss all power to my car ! Now even after repair my check engine still comes on with code and sends my car into limp mode until my PCM gets reflashed
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2012 Dodge Durango?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 75 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 54 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 43,000 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 74,844. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,000; a quarter make it past 110,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/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.