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2012 Dodge Durango: sudden loss of power

40 of the 640 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Durango describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints
40
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
80,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 29 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Sudden loss of power by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · IN · crash

The component or system failed or malfunctioned, is the accelerator, brakes, stirring and electrical. The car is available for inspection upon your request. The car is having problems coming to a stop and it is very difficult to control the vehicle because the steering becomes so hard when the power shuts down on the vehicle as I'm driving it. I think and believe that that poses a high risk of someone getting hurt or injured and then some cases perhaps death. the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Yes the problem hasi been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. No, the vehicle has not been taken to an inspector, manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Here is what my vehicle is doing. symptoms. While driving the vehicle the car experiences a sudden total power loss, the engine cutting off and restarting on its own, the AC cycling on and off strangely, and the weak acceleration combined with the vehicle jerking.

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Electrical · MO

Vehicle was unable to start upon attempts in the morning. Was able to get it jumped and started. Less than 5 minutes later the dash lights along with radio lights began to flicker, the front windshield wipers activated, and the battery light came on. Immediately after the vehicle completely stopped, steering wheel got tight and hard to turn and a pole was barely missed as I attempted to maneuver the vehicle as close to the side of the road as possible. There was a complete loss of power, and I was stranded semi in the middle of a busy road during morning traffic. The vehicle was towed to out preferred shop to determine the cause of the loss of power and it was determined that the alternator was dead. The vehicle had the mandated Safety Recall T36 completed 15 months ago. The replacement has failed prematurely. The vehicle has been confirmed by an independent service center. It was inspected by the independent service center, but the incident was witnessed by Missouri Highway Patrol and our local police as they directed traffic around the stalled vehicle to ensure my safety. The evening before there were no indications of failure. The morning of the vehicle was unable to start and had to be jumped and then immediately before the failure the dash lights along with radio lights began to flicker, the front windshield wipers activated, and the battery light came on. Within seconds of these warnings the vehicle stalled and completely stopped. No police report was filed but my husband did notify dispatch of the situation to have police routed to direct traffic. Highway Patrol happened to already be on the scene as they were passing by and saw me.

Filed May 8, 2023 · Engine · 100,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed May 2, 2023 · Engine · GA

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.

Filed Nov 7, 2022 · Electrical · CA

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. This problem still continues to happen even after changing the recent fuel pump recall on August 12, 2022. No check engine light on dash as well. This is my family vehicle and I do carry my children in this vehicle. We have been put in so many unsafe situations. This can cause an accident. This is a safety issue and should be recalled.

Filed Dec 23, 2021 · Engine · NY

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

Filed Nov 8, 2021 · Electrical, Fuel system · NY

I had just picked my car up from getting brakes and an inspection (obviously passed). I was driving home and there was smoke from under the hood with an electrical fire smell. My dash went crazy then I completly lost power. I had no stearing or brakes- couldn't even put on my hazards or roll down the window down to tell cars behind me to pass me. I immediatly called the garage that had just done the work to get it towed. They called today and told me that the alternator blew up and fried the battery and possible the computer (tip module??) I looked up recalls and noticed that there has been problems with this happening but my VIN didn't come up for this. I just wanted to check into the recall before I spent thousands of dollars.

Filed Mar 1, 2021 · Electrical · 165,400 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle start to lose power causing several electrical issues. The contact believed that the failure was related to the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v435000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the check engine light and battery light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to east hills chrysler jeep dodge ram srt (2300 northern blvd, greenvale, ny 11548) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the alternator and battery were replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that recalls were VIN specific. The failure mileage was approximately 165,400.

Filed Feb 12, 2021 · Electrical · 156,000 miles · PA · fire

I had just made it through an intersection and was a few miles from home. Something smelled a little "hot" even though I didn't have the radio, heat or any extra controls. Suddenly, all of the lights on the dash began flashing at me and I began losing power of the vehicle. I couldn't even put my windows up. I pulled to the side as fast as I could before losing all power, including my blinkers to warn other cars. I had to call aaa for a tow and they had to use a bypass to get the car in neutral to even tow it. They attempted to charge the car and the charging pack got extremely hot as if it was going to catch fire to the point he had to disconnect it. Meanwhile, a local fire department crew was returning to their station with an ambulance and stopped to help slow down traffic on the busy road. One of the fireman noticed sparks coming from the alternator area. That's when everything was disconnected and towed for repairs. Fast forward, the alternator and battery were replaced and the vehicle is still not functioning. The mechanic has not been able to get the car running again.

Filed Jan 13, 2021 · Electrical · 122,923 miles · LA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge durango. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine and battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle began to lose power. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and while inspecting under the hood noticed that the alternator had caught on fire. The contact called the fire and police department but the fire extinguished on its own before fire marshals arrived on scene. A police/fire department report was filed. The contact was informed that if she would have continued driving, the entire vehicle would have caught on flames. The vehicle was towed to local dealer ralph sellers chrysler dodge jeep ram (14215 airline hwy, gonzales, la 70737 (225) 529-9160) where it was diagnosed with needing the alternator replaced due to an internal shortage. The vehicle was repaired however, upon investigation the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v435000 (electrical system). The VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,923.

Filed Jul 25, 2020 · Electrical · 178,000 miles · NC · fire

I was traveling at a speed of 55 braking to make a right turn and I experienced sudden alternator failure, the battery light came up on dash followed by radio shutting off then all the light came on as a loss of power and vechile stalling, wasn't able to start the car or jump it off drained my battery, with smoke and a smell as if wire was burning had to have it towed cause wasn't drivable and wouldn't go in gear, contacted fca was told to take it to nearest dealership for repairs under t36 recall once repairs were donewas told that my VIN isnt in the recall but experienced the same as t36 recall alternator shorting out and failure now stuck with repair bills as well as 2 towe bills

Filed Feb 18, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 82,400 miles · FL

My 2012 dodge durango has lost all power while I have been driving it. Today is the 4th time this has happened in about 2 months. I have been driving and without any warning the car stops running and all electrical is gone, my dash is blank. I was almost in an accident today. I pulled out on a busy street and lost all power. I was able to stop in the middle turn lane and put it in neutral. It is very scary each time it happens without warning!!! This issue must be addressed and fixed. My safety and my family's safety is at stake! I am afraid and won't drive it on the interstate. This engine failure has happened 4 times in the last couple of months. This sounds like manufacturer recall # v62, the federal safety agency recall # 19v‑813 with the stall condition while driving the vehicle. A fuel pump relay failure. (recall related incident) ts

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported September 29, 2011 · 667 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 11V487000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2012 Dodge Durango loss of power

Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2012 Dodge Durango?

40 of 640 owner complaints about the 2012 Dodge Durango (6%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2011.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2012 Dodge Durango?

There is 1 recall and 29 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2012 Dodge Durango

Stalling 155Fuel pump 82Won't start 64Check engine light 48Engine failure 23Fire or smoke 23Wipers 19Misfire 17Power steering loss 14Airbag light 13Steering lock-up 12Headlights 11Warning lights 11Key fob 9Knocking 8Won't shift 8Brake failure 7Jerking 7Adaptive cruise 6No deployment 6Hesitation 6Overheating 6ABS 5

All model years of the Dodge Durango

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