- The problem
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6L engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.
- The risk
- Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Engine & cooling
2012 Dodge Durango Engine problems
Owners have filed 149 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Durango's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 23% of all its complaints, most recently on March 2, 2026. They describe 3 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 149
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Engine recalls for the 2012 Dodge Durango
Engine complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. Approximately three weeks later, while stopped at a light, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The gear shifter was shifted to park(P) to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the timing chain was blown. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was subsequently taken to...
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an independent mechanic on several occasions, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were failures with Oxygen sensors, head gaskets, oil pan, oil pump, B2S1 heater, that the intake manifold was cracked, there was cylinder #2 misfire, and the circuit harness needed to be repaired, and DTC: P0300 was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired each time, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
My vehicle has had recalls performed multiple times since 1st purchased in 2012. The issue was vehicle stalling. At 1st Chrysler / Dodge addressed it as issues upon start up where the vehicle sounded as though it was skipping when hitting the ignition button. They attempted to remedy this with multiple fuel pump relay recalls. They attempted to do internal which did not work. They then went external which also did not work. Nothing was ever formerly recognized as a suitable resolution, so any of us dealing with...
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this were just forgotten. Well I still have this vehicle and it has gotten worse to the point the vehicle will randomly stall while in motion as it did the other day and on multiple other occasions. Under braking conditions the vehicle stalls where everything on the dash appears normal electronically, there is just no power and the steering locks up. I have addressed this multiple times with Dodge customer service as well as my local dealership. The dealership does not want to attempt any repairs because they want to be paid and the manufacturer is not entertaining it. I am aware the vehicle is out of warranty but I am not paying for something the manufacturer has known about since first purchased. There has been no further actions by the manufacturer to address this. They have moved on to newer existing Durango models.
Electric problem
The 2014 through 2018 3.6L Pentastar motors are covered under a tech service bulletin for their Drivers side valve train being manufactured incorrectly. This can lead to a misfire and hesitation to accelerate in an Emergency. This happened to me recently and I thought it was just a bad spark plug. Mechanic did a full check and believes there is a stuck valve in the engine on the exact same side that the 2014 to 2018 motors are prone to failure. I believe the 2012 and 2013 Engines are also prone to the same...
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failures as their newer counter parts. As I was trying to accelerate to avoid an incident my car stuttered and started to misfire badly. Almost causing a collision. This happened without warning and never previously had this issue. Vehicle was completely mechanically sound before this. This can happen without any warning or signs its going to happen. And after bringing the vehicle to a mechanic and doing much of my own research it appears that the drivers side of the 3.6L v6 in my vehicle is currently under a TSB for the #2,4,6 cylinder head. This can cause the vehicle to have no power for a moment which if I were merging onto the highway and lacked powered could result in a rear end collision. Believe this is a safety issue as well as mechanical issue.
Engine stops after 2-3 seconds of running. Need to turn off and try again. Happens randomly at startup.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality when the failure occurred. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after placing the vehicle in park(P). The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Sudden loud knocking then pop, started smoking pulled over immediately. Due to rod bearing failure rod went through block and all oil came out. Vehicle is available for inspection. Drivers safety was at risk because vehicle lost power and was unable to exit the roadway in a timely manner. No warning was given other than heard a couple of clicks then immediately followed by a loud pop.
I Came into dealership for scheduled service appointment on Apr 5, 2023 10:30:00 AM at EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA to get recall fixed on fuel pump relay and an oil change after receiving my 2012 Dodge Durango Citadel back my lights randomly starting blanking and my vehicle stalled and it wouldn't start or turn over. So I spoke to service rep [[redacted]] at EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA 17950 Burt St and had the car towed back to the dealership that fixed on it EDWARDS CDJR OF OMAHA. I was originally told they didn't have a...
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loaner to lend to me so I can continue being a caregiver to my mother and transport her and my 7 children around until 04/21/2023 and that someone would call me that day to pickup a loaner vehicle. I called on 04/21/2023 about the loaner and they said someone would call me by midday to pick up a loaner. Now it's Monday 04/24/2023 and I get a text stating 10 things are wrong with my vehicle in this link https://c.xtime.com/vkepCy2nkAoA2L4fXX including the PCM, which was more items then what was originally stated when they had inspected my vehicle on 04/05/2023 during the recall fix. So I informed them that, " I will not pay for the pcm to be fixed because this issue is a result of whoever was the mechanic that was originally supposed to fix the recall fuel pump relay, so your shop has to fix it due to negligence on your mechanic's fault. I don't want to have to take anyone to court or give this issues to an attorney, this was sent to better business bureau because I have been left without transportation and facing economic hardship due to this situation." Then they had their Service Manager [[redacted]] reach out to me over the phone, and he said that he spoke to three on-site master mechanic at the dealership and they all said the PCM had nothing to do with the fuel pump relay recall. I asked about escalating the issue and submitting an incident report to an higher up authority, he said he can't. I asked again about the loaner he said there's no loaner available. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
While driving at various speeds, upon slowing down the vehicle stalled. This occurred 50+ times. This occurred while my family was in the vehicle on many occasions. Vehicle was serviced for fuel pump recall, however the stalling continued. My mechanic pointed out the ticking noise, referring to the manifold needing repair. Most recently, the car barely wanted to turn over. Struggling for almost 3 days, thankfully I just pulled into my driveway and turn the car off. Then something told me to try to start the...
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vehicle...well that made something smoke in the motor? Repaired the alternator, battery, and starter. Two days later, check oil light comes on, Back to shop to tell me the cam shaft/lifers need to be replaced!!! Quoted $35-4000 if can find a cam shaft repair kit!!!
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. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,000.
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 wrong with it
The Engine seized due to rod bearing Chrysler has recall number 11V487000 it has never been done on my truck and is no showing
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The A/C unit and the radio remained operational. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on multiple occasions where it was diagnosed and determined that the computer module, crank sensor, and wiring bypass needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,124.
Engine light on, car was over a month for repair at Rairdon Dodge in Redmond, WA, paid over 5000 in repair, in the end they said can not be fixed needs a new engine. Engine light was on again after 49 miles , misfire cilinder 1, 3, 5 . And fuel pump again. Rairdon contacted Chrysler and nothing. Thanks
Potential odometer rollback indicated per carfax, engine failure. Ohio department of public safety, bureau of motor vehicles did conduct a Ohio out of state vehicle inspection on 03/14/2022 @ BMV INVESTIGATIONS D-2@ 1583 Alum Creek Drive and inspector [[redacted]] has verified rollback. whereas she maybe reached at [[redacted]]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started overheating. The contact pulled safely off the highway and turned the vehicle off and waited for nearly an hour before restarting the vehicle and driving back to her residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the thermostat needed to be replaced. The failure...
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persisted. The thermostat and water pump were replaced by an independent mechanic. The vehicle continued experiencing the overheating failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the thermostat and water pump were replaced a second time. The failure recurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,400.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started lagging. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle on the side of the road and noticed the engine coolant was low, but no leaks were found. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact stated coolant was added. The contact stated the coolant was low again shortly after filling the reservoir. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
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
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Durango. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they were overbooked and could complete the...
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recall repair in two months. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle would no longer start. The contact stated that he contacted a second dealer Bloomington Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (8000 Penn Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431) who informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000. Parts distribution disconnect. (Recall Related Incident) - TS
Had the recall for shutting down repair again and still having the same problem. I've spent over $2000 In diagnosed fees with dealership and private shops and still having the same problem. Yes the fuel pump relay was replaced 2 times. Still having the same problem it will start back up but locks the steering wheel to where you can't turn it. Which almost was in a accident but was able to stop before. It's happens every month but was told not to bring it back to the dealership as they cant find the problem as all recalls were repaired.
Vechile stalls and unable to shift to drive freely
Lifter and limp mode problems. There is noise comming from engine. Took to shop and found out reason for noise and low power was lifters and is a very common problem. What brought the safety thing up is wife was in accident in March because couldn't get out of way quick enough. Had vehicle towed to shop from accident site and body repair. Thought was just a fluke and had damage repaired and noticed a ticking and power problems immediately after accident repair. Took to dodge dealer and found out common problem with the lifters cam and limp mode. Had at same repair shop for other recall 2 months prior for recall and inspection with no noise or issues.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v813000 (electrical system) and had the recall repair performed at earnhardt chrysler dodge jeep ram (1521 e. Drivers way, gilbert, az 85297). The vehicle was repaired however, upon retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled with an abnormal gasoline odor. The vehicle was taken back to...
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earnhardt chrysler dodge jeep ram (1521 e drivers way, gilbert, az 85297) where it was diagnosed with the fuel pump needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge durango. The contact stated that the fuel pump relay was previously replaced under recall. The contact stated that recently while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. Zeigler chrysler dodge ram (3939 stadium dr, kalamazoo, mi 49008, 269-290-1152) who had performed the recall repair was contacted and an appointment was scheduled which was still pending. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. After the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer sport chrysler jeep dodge located at 200 e. Chestnut st, fort bragg, ca 95437, who diagnosed that the fuel pump relay was faulty. The fuel pump relay was replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,300.
Dodge Durango engine complaints by year
Durango engine problems, every yearSource: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data