The 2012 Durango rides on Chrysler's WK2 platform shared with the Grand Cherokee. The 3.6L Pentastar is generally solid, but the 5.7L Hemi from this era has catastrophic engine failure risks, and both powertrains share transmission oil cooler and electrical gremlins that can leave you stranded.
Symptoms: sudden loss of power and rough running, metallic rattling from engine bay, coolant in cylinders / white smoke, check engine light with multiple misfires
Fix: Valve seats drop out of the cylinder head casting, destroying pistons, cylinders, and requiring full engine rebuild or replacement. Labor ranges 25-40 hours for rebuild, 18-25 hours for used engine swap. Many owners opt for reman long-block.
Estimated cost: $6,000-12,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure / Trans Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission slipping or erratic shifting, milky pink fluid in coolant reservoir, overheating transmission, limp mode activation
Fix: Cooler lines corrode and leak at crimped fittings, or the in-radiator cooler fails, cross-contaminating coolant and ATF. Once mixed, transmission internals are toast. Requires new cooler lines, external cooler, radiator, full trans fluid flush (if caught early) or transmission rebuild/replacement (if contaminated). Labor 3-6 hours for lines, 20-30 hours for trans replacement.
Symptoms: no start / intermittent no-crank, fuel pump not priming, wipers or lights operating on their own, warning lights illuminated randomly, gauges going haywire
Fix: The TIPM (fuse/relay box) has internal solder joint failures and failed relays, especially fuel pump relay. Chrysler issued updated units but many still fail. Replacement requires programming and about 2-3 hours labor. Some techs successfully repair solder joints, but it's temporary.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Front Driveshaft Constant Velocity Joint Failure (4WD/AWD)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking or vibration during acceleration, shuddering at low speeds in 4WD, metallic squeaking when turning, grease splattered on undercarriage
Fix: Front driveshaft CV joint boots tear, joints wear out. Most cost-effective fix is replacing entire front driveshaft assembly. Labor about 1.5-2 hours.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Alternator Failure with Wiring Harness Damage
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: battery light illuminated, dimming lights or electrical accessories cutting out, no start after sitting, burning smell from engine bay, voltage fluctuation on gauge
Fix: Alternator fails internally, but often takes out the wiring connector and sometimes melts harness insulation. Don't just replace alternator—inspect and repair harness connector or you'll have a repeat failure in weeks. Labor 2-4 hours depending on harness damage.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Rear Differential Pinion Seal / Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: gear oil leak at front of differential, whining or howling noise from rear, noise changes with speed and load, clunking when changing from drive to reverse
Fix: Pinion seal leaks are common; if ignored, bearing goes next and can wreck ring and pinion. Seal replacement is 2-3 hours; if bearing and gears need work, it's 6-8 hours. Check fluid regularly.
Estimated cost: $350-600 (seal), $1,200-2,000 (bearing and gears)
Water Pump Failure (3.6L Pentastar)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant leak from front of engine, squealing or grinding noise from accessory belt area, overheating, coolant in oil / white exhaust smoke (if internal seal fails)
Fix: Pentastar water pumps can fail externally or internally. External leaks are routine replacements (2.5-3 hours). Internal failures contaminate oil and require immediate shutdown to prevent engine damage. Replace with updated pump design.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Owner tips
Check transmission and coolant fluids together every oil change—pink coolant means trans cooler failure is starting
On 5.7L Hemi models, watch for any rough idle or misfire codes and address immediately—valve seat issues escalate fast
Install an external transmission cooler as preventive maintenance, bypass the factory radiator cooler entirely
Keep a spare TIPM fuel pump relay in the glovebox—sometimes you can swap relays to limp home
Avoid 5.7L Hemi engines from 2009-2014 production if possible; later years have better head castings
Buy the 3.6L Pentastar version with service records showing trans cooler lines replaced and external cooler added—skip the 5.7L Hemi unless you have a engine replacement fund.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning December 19, 2019. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.
SERVICE BRAKES · 17V572000
2017-09-18
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.
Consequence: If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 15V879000
2015-12-28 · RQ15003
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured December 3, 2009, to September 1, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring. This recall is also addressing certain vehicles that have not been remedied under that prior recall.
Consequence: The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R71.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 15V115000
2015-02-27
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 17, 2010, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6, 5.7 or 6.4 liter engine, and 2012-2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 18, 2011, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6 or 5.7 liter engine. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R09. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-530. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 14V391000
2014-07-02 · EA14001
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.
Consequence: If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.
SERVICE BRAKES · 14V154000
2014-04-01
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 subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.
Consequence: The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP · 14V104000
2014-03-04
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. Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 11V487000
2011-09-29
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.
Consequence: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
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