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…
2012 Dodge Durango powertrain problems
moderate 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 33 powertrain complaints filed for the 2012 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
Owners have filed 33 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2012 Dodge Durango has widespread powertrain issues: frequent stalling (sometimes without warning codes), transmission locking in 4th gear, alternator failures cascading into PCM damage, no-start conditions related to the TIPM module, and unexpected transmission shifts at highway speeds. These failures can strand you on the road or cause loss of power steering and brakes while driving.
The 2012 Dodge Durango powertrain shows a pattern of critical failures across multiple systems. Owners report the engine stalling unexpectedly during normal driving or at traffic lights—often without logging diagnostic codes—sometimes 12 times within 26,000 miles of ownership. When it stalls, you lose power steering and brakes, yet the radio and lights keep working.
Transmission issues dominate complaints. The automatic transmission locks itself into 4th gear, leaving owners unable to shift or accelerate normally; this happened to one owner three times within a year, each costing hundreds for shift solenoid replacement. Some vehicles unexpectedly downshift from highway speed or shift on their own without driver input.
Alternator failures appear throughout the complaints, with cascading damage: a failed alternator fries the battery, then the engine control module (PCM), yet replacing the alternator doesn't prevent the PCM from failing again. One owner spent $3,000 on repeated replacements.
Starting problems plague many units. Push-button start systems cycle but don't turn the engine over, or the vehicle cranks endlessly without starting. Multiple owners replaced starters and fuel pumps without fixing the issue; TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) replacement at $1,000+ or fuel relay bypass at ~$550 is the suggested fix, though even that doesn't always work.
Beyond the engine and transmission, owners report transfer case motors engaging or locking without command, transmission cooler lines leaking at solder joints, and one documented driveshaft fracture at 27,000 miles. A power-wash at a dealership triggered complete electrical shutdown on the highway, leaving an owner stranded in the middle lane with no steering, brakes, or hazard lights.
Same Dodge Durango powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling while driving or at idle
Engine shuts off unexpectedly during normal driving, often during deceleration, at highway speeds, at stop signs, or while idling at traffic lights. No warning lights log in many cases. Loss of power steering and brakes occurs when stalling; radio and lights remain operational.
When: Intermittent; can occur between 22,000 and 76,000 miles. One owner reported 12 stalls over 26,000 miles of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning during deceleration; Engine shuts off at highway speeds or traffic lights; Loss of power steering and brakes when stalling; No engine warning codes logged; Vehicle restarts after turning off and restarting
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement ($1000+) or fuel relay bypass (~$550). Fuel pump relay recall performed on multiple vehicles without fixing issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall T36 exists but some vehicles reported as not qualifying. Chrysler Care case closed when dealership could not duplicate problem. No assistance offered in some cases.
Transmission stuck in 4th gear or shift solenoid failure
Transmission locks into 4th gear and will not shift up or down. Vehicle display shows '4' instead of 'D'. Electronic Range Select (ERS) function fails. Occurs intermittently and requires engine restart to return to normal. Can happen multiple times on same vehicle.
When: Intermittent; reported between 22,000 and 100,000 miles. One owner had issue 3 times within a year.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in 4th gear; Shift solenoid will not engage; ERS function non-functional; Display shows '4' instead of 'D'; Loss of power and hesitation when trying to accelerate; Engine restart restores normal function temporarily
Codes mentioned: Implausible data from TCM
Repairs/costs cited: Shift solenoid pack replacement ($639.65 documented). One owner replaced solenoid 3 times and transmission once. Transmission replacement or cycloid replacement mentioned.
No-start or delayed-start condition with TIPM involvement
Engine will not start or cranks repeatedly without starting. Occurs intermittently, sometimes at traffic lights or after short trips. Push-button start system may cycle but vehicle does not turn over properly.
When: Intermittent; reported between new vehicle and 46,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not start or cranks without turning over; Delayed start after stopping; Push-button start cycles but engine does not turn over; 'Ignition or Accessory On' message appears; Multiple attempts needed to start vehicle; Vehicle stranded multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replaced multiple times without resolving issue. Fuel pump replaced without resolving issue. TIPM replacement ($1000+) recommended. Fuel relay bypass (~$550) alternative mentioned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel pump relay recall performed. No assistance offered despite similar issues affecting recalled 2011/2012 models.
Unexpected transmission shifts and acceleration loss
Automatic transmission independently shifts into lower gears (1st or 4th) during normal driving at highway or city speeds without driver input. Vehicle decelerates suddenly or hesitates to accelerate. Can occur multiple times intermittently.
When: Intermittent; reported at 23-50 mph between 22,000 and 100,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts into 1st or 4th gear without driver input; Vehicle decelerates from 50 mph to 20 mph without warning; Hesitation or failure to accelerate when light turns green; Vehicle jerks when shifting; High RPM with slow forward motion; No warning lights in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to determine cause in some cases. Transmission solenoid or transmission failure repair needed.
Electrical system shutdown and power loss (post-power wash)
Complete electrical system failure leading to engine shutdown while driving on highway. Triggered by high-pressure power washing of engine bay at dealership. Battery light comes on, all dashboard lights illuminate, burning electrical smell, AC stops, blind spot system fails, seatbelt buzzer malfunctions. Vehicle becomes unresponsive and gets stuck in Park.
When: After power washing at dealership; multiple incidents over 6 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery light illuminates at highway speed; Strong electrical burning odor; All dashboard lights come on at once; Blind spot alert system inoperative; AC stops working; Seatbelt light and buzzer malfunction; Engine shuts off completely; Vehicle stuck in Park, cannot shift to Neutral; Hazard lights non-functional; Vehicle completely dead with no electrical response
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership visits; issue not resolved. Vehicle deemed unreliable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Roadside assistance called; vehicle towed after 1 hour.
Alternator failure with cascading electrical damage
Alternator fails without warning during driving, causing vehicle to stall. Faulty alternator damages battery and engine control module (PCM). Secondary failures in PCM occur repeatedly even after alternator replacement, suggesting design defect.
When: Intermittent stalling; early in ownership. One owner documented alternator failure at approximately 100,000 miles or less.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving; Jumper cables insulation melts during jump-start attempt; Battery damaged or drained; PCM fried by alternator failure
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement $$$. Battery replacement. PCM replacement needed multiple times; total owner cost $3000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership replaced alternator and confirmed PCM damage but no manufacturer assistance or recall for cascading failure.
Transfer case/AWD system malfunction and stuck engagement
Four-wheel drive low or all-wheel drive engages without driver input or gets stuck when engaged. Vehicle cannot shift out of 4WD low once engaged. Service AWD light and AWD OFF light illuminate. Transfer case motor or sensor suspected as cause.
When: Intermittent; one owner reported issue at highway speed (65 mph) then again at low speed (less than 10 mph) on driveway.
Symptoms owners cite: 4WD low light comes on without being switched; Engine racing when 4WD low engages; AWD engages on low-traction surfaces unexpectedly; AWD OFF light and Service AWD light illuminate; Vehicle stuck in 4WD low; cannot shift out; Transfer case motor or sensor suspected
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case motor or sensor replacement suspected. One repair shop was uncertain of exact component.
Transmission cooler and fluid line leaks
Transmission cooler leaks transmission fluid. Leak originates where tube is soldered to end cap on cooler. Abnormal burning odor present in vehicle. Occurs at relatively low mileage.
When: Reported at 100,000 miles (one owner) and at 36,000 miles on 2-year-old vehicle (another owner).
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leak; Burning odor in vehicle; Leak at solder joint on transmission cooler end cap
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission cooler replacement ~$900-$1,100. Solder joint failure suggests manufacturing defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer did not assist. One dealership suggested keeping leakage area clean rather than repairing.
Driveshaft fracture
Driveshaft fractures during normal driving at moderate speed. No warning signs prior to failure.
When: At 27,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft fractures during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired per complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified.
Engine lifter noise and limp mode with power loss
Engine develops ticking noise from valve lifters. Vehicle enters limp mode with reduced power output. Issue is common across 2012 Durango models. Owners report this became apparent after accident repair or during regular operation.
When: Can occur after accident repair or during normal driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking noise from engine lifters; Vehicle in limp mode; Reduced engine power; Hesitation and low power during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter and cam replacement needed. Dealership was aware during prior recall inspection but did not catch issue.
Push-button start system malfunction with vehicle movement
Vehicle attempts to start and move on its own when push button is pressed twice with transmission in Park, engine off, and brake pedal not depressed. Vehicle moves despite nobody in driver seat and brake not engaged. Dealership confirmed this is reproducible.
When: During normal use with push-button start system.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle starts when push button pressed twice in Park; Vehicle moves on its own without brake pedal depressed; Vehicle moves with nobody in driver seat; Brake override fails
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership verified issue is reproducible but repair status unknown.
A/C refrigerant line corrosion
Aluminum refrigerant line corrodes where it runs near muffler, requiring replacement at high cost. Corrosion indicates design flaw, as replacement line has thicker aluminum in that section.
When: At 60,000 miles, despite seldom using A/C during 3 summers.
Symptoms owners cite: A/C refrigerant line corrosion near muffler; Air conditioning system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Aluminum tube replacement ~$1,000 in parts and labor. Replacement tube has thicker aluminum section, suggesting engineers knew original design was inadequate.
Shift selector and transmission engagement issues
Transmission does not shift into requested gear when shift lever is moved. Vehicle remains in current gear or does not immediately engage Drive or Reverse. Owner must wait after moving shift lever before transmission engages. Vehicle lurches backward when accelerator pressed before transmission has engaged.
When: Intermittent; reported after one incident of vehicle being stuck in 4th gear.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission does not shift when lever moved to Drive; Transmission does not shift when lever moved to Reverse; Delayed engagement after moving shift lever; Vehicle lurches backward if accelerator pressed before transmission engages; Display shows incorrect gear number
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission service recommended.
Transmission stuck in Park due to snow lodgment in driveshaft
Vehicle cannot shift out of Park after snow gets lodged in driveshaft, leaving only Drive and Neutral as options. Owner concerned about vehicle being stranded in winter conditions without ability to reverse.
When: During first snow storm of season.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cannot shift into Park or Reverse; Only Drive and Neutral available; Snow lodged in driveshaft preventing shift mechanism
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership cleaned snow from driveshaft. No permanent fix offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated this probably would not happen again due to heavy wet snow. No design improvement offered.
Right turn signal controls fog lights instead of turn signal
Right turn signal blinker does not function properly; instead, fog lights flash when right blinker is activated.
When: Intermittent.
Symptoms owners cite: Right blinker does not work; Fog lights flash when right blinker activated; Front blinker inoperative
Acceleration loss and speed limiter at moderate speeds
Vehicle loses power and cannot accelerate beyond 22-29 mph range during normal driving. Feels like speed limiter is engaged. Issue may be weather-related but recurs.
When: At 22,000 miles and 36,275 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Power drop-off at 22-27 mph acceleration; Vehicle cannot accelerate past 22-29 mph; Reduced engine power during acceleration; Issue worse during normal acceleration, less apparent during hard acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership blamed cold weather and said no repairs needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnosed as cold weather related. No repair offered.
Transmission fluid condenser seal leak
Transmission condenser leaks from seal, causing transmission fluid loss without warning.
When: At 139,867 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leak; Leak from condenser seal
Repairs/costs cited: Condenser seal or condenser replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but did not assist.
Transfer case motor clicking and malfunction
Loud clicking sounds emanate from underneath vehicle from transfer case motor. Clicking persists even after vehicle is turned off and during shift engagement. No safety warning light provided.
When: During normal operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking from transfer case motor underneath vehicle; Clicking noise when starting vehicle; Clicking noise when shifting gears; Clicking persists when vehicle is off; No warning light on dash
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case motor replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall notice provided to owner. Owner noted Dodge has history of transfer case motor issues.
Engine stall and loss of acceleration after fuel module recall
Vehicle stalls and loses acceleration at highway speeds after fuel module recall repair. Engine check light turned on post-recall. Vehicle slows down on freeway and will not pick up speed. Stalling occurred twice with children in vehicle at 65 mph.
When: Days after fuel module recall performed.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates post-recall; Vehicle slows down on freeway without driver input; Vehicle will not pick up speed; Engine stalls while driving at highway speeds; Loss of acceleration control
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel module replacement per recall. Dealership states nothing wrong despite symptoms.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel module recall performed but issue persists. Dealership denies problem.
Automatic transmission shifts to manual mode in 4th gear without input
Transmission automatically shifts from automatic to manual mode and locks in 4th gear without driver moving shift stick. Owner notes this is common in Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler vehicles and is likely a manufacturing issue.
When: During normal operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts to manual mode without driver input; Stuck in 4th gear while in manual mode; Shift stick not moved by driver
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission cycloid replacement mentioned.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I currently purchased a 2012 Dodge durango with the v-6 engine. I noticed a similar issue when starting out, at about 22 MPH to 27mph it feels like there is a power drop-off if accelerating normal. If you accelerate faster the drop-off is not present but a speeding ticket maybe coming. Current mileage 36,275. *tr
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2012 Dodge Durango?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 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 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 36,270 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 54,375. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,270; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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/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.