As I was turning left into a community the steering wheel locked up while the vehicle was still in drive. I immediately put the emergency lights on. I put my foot on the brake for safety while the vehicle was still in drive. I lifted my foot from the brake and the car remained still. I pressed the gas pedal and the car remained still. I then placed my foot on the brake again and it was stiff.…
2012 Dodge Durango steering problems
moderate 41 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
41
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 41 steering 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 41 steering 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 15 model years of Dodge Durango in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2012 Durango buyers should be aware that many owners report sudden engine shutdown with steering and brake lockup while driving, especially during turns and in traffic, with no warning lights. Power steering system failures (hoses, leaks, pump) and alternator issues requiring repeat replacements are also common, and multiple electrical recall parts remain unavailable despite outstanding campaigns.
Owners of 2012 Dodge Durango report two broad steering and power-loss failure patterns. The first involves intermittent electrical shutdowns while driving at various speeds—the engine stalls, steering wheel locks up, brakes lose assist, and the vehicle loses all motive power. Most restart immediately after shifting to Park. Owners report this occurs during turns, at stop lights, on ramps, and in traffic; some describe multiple occurrences (up to six times or more). A second pattern centers on power steering system failures: hoses disconnecting or rupturing, fluid leaks, and pump failures. Owners describe low steering fluid discovered at service, grinding noises, and complete power steering loss requiring the vehicle to be flatbedded.
Electrical and alternator issues are also documented—battery lights illuminating, all dashboard lights coming on simultaneously, smoke from the alternator area, and rapid alternator failure even after replacement. Some owners reference the T38 recall (alternator) and other electrical recalls (campaigns 15V115000, 17V435000, 19V813000, 14V634000), with complaints that recall parts are unavailable or dealers refuse repairs. Several owners mention the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) as a suspected cause of electrical failures and steering loss. Owners consistently note no warning lights precede these failures, making them particularly hazardous in traffic and during turns with children present.
Same Dodge Durango steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stall with steering wheel lock and loss of power steering/brakes
Vehicle loses engine power and all related systems (steering assist, brake assist) during operation at various speeds, typically while turning, at intersections, or during acceleration. Steering wheel locks, brakes become difficult or impossible to apply, and vehicle loses motive power. Requires restart in Park to recover.
When: 43,000–148,000 miles; intermittent; occurs during turns, at stop lights, on highway ramps, in traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; Steering wheel locks or becomes very stiff; Loss of power steering assist; Loss of brake assist or hard brake pedal; Vehicle will not accelerate; No warning lights illuminated before failure; Electrical systems (radio, lights, A/C) remain on; Air temperature in cabin becomes warm; Engine shakes or vibrates on restart; Failure is intermittent; can occur multiple times or cease for periods
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes stored, No check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced alternators (sometimes multiple times without success), power steering pumps, computer modules (PCM, TIPM), serpentine belts, crank sensors, starters, and steering column control modules. Some repairs recur within days or weeks; owners cite costs of $1,200+ for alternator replacement plus labor, and additional $1,000+ if PCM replacement needed. Many vehicles unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: T38 recall (alternator); campaigns 15V115000, 17V435000, 19V813000, 14V634000 (electrical system); some dealers refuse repairs citing unavailable recall parts. One owner reports FCA referred case to alternative dealership. Multiple owners report manufacturer provided no assistance after notification.
Power steering system rupture or hose disconnection
Power steering hose ruptures, breaks at fitting, or detaches, causing complete loss of power steering and fluid spillage. Vehicle becomes very difficult to steer and maneuver. Occurs during turns or routine driving.
When: 9,353–124,000 miles; occurs during turns into parking lots or while exiting traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering; Power steering fluid covers engine and engine compartment; Large puddle of power steering fluid left on pavement; Steering becomes very heavy and difficult to turn; Vehicle must be flatbedded to dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Hose fitting replaced or hose reconnected; one owner reports this occurred twice at 9,353 and 21,922 miles, with second failure requiring replacement of all hoses and pump assembly. Owner paid for repairs; some repairs temporary and failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports Chrysler customer service stated no other reports of issue, though Dodge service acknowledged similar reports on 2012 Jeeps.
Power steering fluid leakage
Power steering fluid level drops to very low levels without visible external leak, discovered during maintenance inspections. Owners report grinding noise when turning steering wheel.
When: 65,000 miles and routine maintenance checks
Symptoms owners cite: Mild grinding or noise when turning steering wheel; Power steering fluid level very low; No visible external leak at inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership refilled fluid and scheduled follow-up inspection for leak detection; when re-inspected, no leak found. Dealership attributed to air bubble or manufacturing defect.
Alternator failure with electrical system cascade
Alternator fails, battery light illuminates, dashboard lights come on rapidly, air conditioning blows hot, smoke pours from alternator area, and engine begins to stall. Replacement alternator fails shortly after installation.
When: 5 years old; owner replaced alternator 3 times
Symptoms owners cite: Battery light illuminates; All other dashboard lights illuminate in rapid succession; Air conditioning blows hot air; Engine stalls; Smoke pours from alternator area; Replacement alternator fails within minutes of installation
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced battery and alternator out-of-pocket; failure repeated within 2 minutes. Dealership quoted $1,200 for alternator replacement with labor; warned PCM damage possible (additional $1,000+ plus labor). Owner reports replacing alternator going on 3 times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner questions why 2012 Durango with 180 amp alternator is not recalled when others are.
Intermittent loss of electrical function affecting steering and braking
Sporadic electrical system dropout affecting center LCD dash screen, power steering, and brakes. Radio, exterior lights, and A/C remain operational. Failure resolves after powering vehicle off and back on.
When: Sporadic; occurring 5–6 times over 10-month period (Dec 2017–Oct 2018)
Symptoms owners cite: Center LCD dash screen powers off; Loss of power steering; Loss of brake assist; Dash lights, exterior lights, radio, A/C remain on; No error codes generated; Failure is intermittent and sporadic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate issue during multi-day inspection; no error codes written. Owner suspects TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) based on friend's similar experience; TIPM covered under lifetime warranty but dealer refuses replacement without error code pointing to TIPM.
Starting difficulty and TIPM malfunction
Engine cranks but fails to start; requires multiple attempts. Improved start reliability when key is turned on and held for 2 seconds before cranking. Remote start function fails or rarely works. Owner attributes issue to TIPM.
When: After engine died while driving and loss of power steering; intermittent thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but does not run initially; Multiple start attempts required; Better results when waiting 2 seconds after key insertion before cranking; Remote start rarely functions or does not work; No diagnostic codes displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic advised TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) replacement required at dealership; owner declined specific repair due to cost and uncertainty.
Steering column control module failure
Steering column control module malfunction causing steering wheel to seize or lock. Associated with independent operation of windshield wipers and instrument panel illumination.
When: 70,599–133,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes or locks while vehicle in drive; Windshield wipers operate independently without input; Instrument panel lights illuminate unexpectedly; Interior lights remain on inappropriately
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers diagnosed steering column control module as needing replacement. One owner reported dealership completed 27-point inspection but did not repair vehicle; advised owner to drive until engine warning light illuminated. Another owner reports SCCM was replaced by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 14V636000 (Electronic Stability Control) referenced by one owner but VIN not included; manufacturer unaware.
Synthesized from 41 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My 2012 Dodge durango has lost steering power 4 times since I purchased it new. The first 3 times the repair was performed under warranty by larry h miller Dodge, 4220 e 22nd street, tucson, az. 85711, (520) 745-1000. In these cases, the dealer claimed a hose had come off and they connected it back on. Documentation on these repairs available is upon request. The issue was reported to…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2012 Dodge Durango?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 41 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 70,000 and 94,624 miles, with the median around 88,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; a quarter make it past 94,624. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.