Is alternator overheating or fire that damages the pcm a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Durango?

21 NHTSA complaints have been filed about alternator overheating or fire that damages the pcm on the 2012 Dodge Durango (2019-07 → 2025-10). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11694892): "Alternator went out and fried the pcm. I know certain vehicles were on the recall for this and mine was not one of them but odd that it happened anyways" Source: NHTSA.

2012 Dodge Durango Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is active head restraint deploying without impact a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Durango?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about active head restraint deploying without impact on the 2012 Dodge Durango (2019-12 → 2024-02). Reported component: SEATS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11572408): "My fairly new teen driver drove the car to the gym and the headrest basically “exploded” onto the back of his head with a swift blow. He had a very bad headache and was really freaked out. There were no lights, no notice, no impact. Just out of the blue drivers side" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is coolant loss and overheating from radiator or thermostat a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Durango?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about coolant loss and overheating from radiator or thermostat on the 2012 Dodge Durango (2019-10 → 2022-03). Reported component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11458887): "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" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is fuel pump relay stall and no-start under recall 19v-813 a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Durango?

71 NHTSA complaints have been filed about fuel pump relay stall and no-start under recall 19v-813 on the 2012 Dodge Durango (2019-07 → 2024-12). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11374921): "THE VEHICLE HAS HAD AN OPEN RECALL FOR OVER A YEAR ABOUT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. MY VEHICLE HAS STOPPED RUNNING A FEW TIMES WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON THE FREEWAY. AT FIRST, IT WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THEN, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START AT ALL. DODGE SAYS THEY STILL DO NOT" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is front air bags failing to deploy in a frontal collision a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Durango?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about front air bags failing to deploy in a frontal collision on the 2012 Dodge Durango (2020-03 → 2021-12). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11442451): "Hard, front collision with deer, spun several times before rolling over a couple times down a small hill. Side air bags deployed but front did not deploy resulting in severer and additional driver injuries including but not limited to chest contusions, spleen hematoma and" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is lifter and camshaft wear leading to rod bearing failure a known issue with the 2012 Dodge Durango?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about lifter and camshaft wear leading to rod bearing failure on the 2012 Dodge Durango (2019-03 → 2023-05). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11520107): "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" Source: NHTSA.

The 2012 Dodge Durango carries 10 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering alternator/generator/regulator and wiring. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Active head restraint deploying without impact.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

10 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign #17V435000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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

Campaign #15V879000 · Dec 28, 2015

Issue: 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.

Risk: The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES

Campaign #17V572000 · Sep 18, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES

Campaign #14V154000 · Jan 4, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #14V391000 · Feb 7, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #15V115000 · Feb 27, 2015

Issue: 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.

Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Campaign #14V104000 · Apr 3, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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

Campaign #11V487000 · Sep 29, 2011

Issue: 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.

Risk: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign #14V634000 · Aug 10, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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

Campaign #19V813000 · Nov 14, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Dodge Durango.

Reported to NHTSA

Active head restraint deploying without impact

SEATS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2024-02

“My fairly new teen driver drove the car to the gym and the headrest basically “exploded” onto the back of his head with a swift blow. He had a very bad headache and was really freaked out. There were no lights, no notice, no impact. Just out of the blue drivers side”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11572408

“The truck was in park and idling. We were not moving. There were no abnormal lights on the gage cluster. Out of knowwhere the head rest exploded forward and hit the back of my father-in-laws head. He is OK but it was a hard hit and left him sore. Luckily we were not driving on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11513089

“AS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY PASSENGER SIDE HEADREST DEPLOYED INTO THE BACK OF MY PASSENGER'S HEAD.*DT CONSUMER HAD A WHIPLASH. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.*JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11366397

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant loss and overheating from radiator or thermostat

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2022-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458887

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458285

“TWICE IN THREE YEARS TIME THE UPPER RADIATOR HOSE HAS BEEN DESTROYED BY THE CLOSEST PULLEY ON THE ENGINE. WHEN INSTALLED CORRECTLY THERE IS LESS THAN 1 INCH OF CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE HOSE AND PULLEY. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VERY SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW ON THE HEMI 5.7”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11268491

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump relay stall and no-start under recall 19V-813

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

71 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2024-12

“THE VEHICLE HAS HAD AN OPEN RECALL FOR OVER A YEAR ABOUT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. MY VEHICLE HAS STOPPED RUNNING A FEW TIMES WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON THE FREEWAY. AT FIRST, IT WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THEN, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START AT ALL. DODGE SAYS THEY STILL DO NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11374921

“While driving, the ignition switch may fail and think that the key has been removed. This results in a total loss of power and the engine cutting off. The result is very limited steering and braking capability. This has happen to me more than 20 times in the pass 2 months”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11492530

“RECALL 19V-813 IS FOR SAFETY AND HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED SINCE THE ENGINE BEGAN STOPPING IN 2013 NOR SINCE THE FIRST RECALL OR SINCE THE SECOND RECALL IN NOVEMBER 2019. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I HAVE HAD THE CAR STOP WHILE DRIVING AND NOT RESTART. SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT START IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11337350

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Alternator overheating or fire that damages the PCM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

21 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2025-10

“Alternator went out and fried the pcm. I know certain vehicles were on the recall for this and mine was not one of them but odd that it happened anyways”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694892

“While driving our 2012 Dodge Durango in town, we noticed the battery warning light come on and a hot smell coming from the vehicle. We were not far from home so we limped it back home to the garage to see what was going on. When we lifted the hood, there was a very overwhelming”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11608818

“While picking my son up from religion my vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. Thankfully I was pulling into the church parking lot and was in no real danger. I tried to jump start the vehicle with no success, but did notice the insulation on the jumper cables had started to”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11544238

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front air bags failing to deploy in a frontal collision

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-03 → 2021-12

“Hard, front collision with deer, spun several times before rolling over a couple times down a small hill. Side air bags deployed but front did not deploy resulting in severer and additional driver injuries including but not limited to chest contusions, spleen hematoma and”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442451

“ON NOV 28 2020 I WAS INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN MY 2012 DODGE DURANGO. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH ON A DRY 2 WAY ROAD, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I WAS UNABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE ACCIDENT WAS BAD ENOUGH TO FLIP THE OTHER VEHICLE AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11378468

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE DURANGO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT MADE A SUDDEN STOP, AS A RESULT THE DAUGHTER WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE IN TIME TO AFFORD A REAR END COLLISION. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11317778

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Lifter and camshaft wear leading to rod bearing failure

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2023-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11520107

“The Engine seized due to rod bearing Chrysler has recall number 11V487000 it has never been done on my truck and is no showing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11493575

“WHILE DRIVING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. RECEIVED CODE FOR MISFIRE ON CYLINDER #8. TOOK TO DEALER, DIAGNOSED AS WORN CAMSHAFT DUE TO LIFTER FAILURE. INITIALLY QUOTED $4700 TO REPAIR, THEN TOLD DODGE WOULD NOT WARRANTY THE WORK DUE TO POSSIBILITY OF METAL SHAVINGS IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11326764

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 5 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

22 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Dodge Durango reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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