Throttlebook

2012 Dodge Durango

The 2012 Dodge Durango earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 49/100. Expect about $42,966 to own it for five years, or $716 a month. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 640 complaints.

Recalls
10
Complaints
640
5-yr cost
$43k
MPG (EPA)
19
0
Weak
Ownership Score

2012 Dodge Durango vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Durango?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

10 recalls may apply

For the 2012 Dodge Durango. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

  • What's 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.

    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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

5-year cost to own

Estimated $12,000 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$42,966
$716/month · $0.72/mile
Depreciation$2,715
Insurance (national avg.)$12,000
Fuel / charging$10,580
Maintenance$8,625
Repairs$4,000
Loan interest$3,326
Taxes & fees$1,720

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

640 complaints17 involved a crash32 involved a fire
  • Electrical System347
  • Engine141
  • Fuel/Propulsion System89
  • Service Brakes77
  • Steering42
  • Power Train37

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars
Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Frontal
4 out of 5 stars
Side
5 out of 5 stars
Rollover
3 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2012 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD

What to check on a used 2012 Dodge Durango

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

  • Electrical and lights
    • Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
    • Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
  • Engine and transmission
    • Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
    • Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
  • Brakes
    • Press the pedal firmly: it should feel solid, not sink or pulse.
    • Listen for grinding or squealing when stopping.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2012 Dodge Durango problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2012 Dodge Durango a good car to buy?
The 2012 Dodge Durango earns a weak Throttlebook Ownership Score of 49/100. Expect about $42,966 to own it for five years, or $716 a month. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 640 complaints.
Does the 2012 Dodge Durango have recalls?
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2012 Dodge Durango, including Engine And Engine Cooling; Electrical System › Wiring; Electrical System. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2012 Dodge Durango problems?
Owners filed 640 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (347), engine (141), fuel/propulsion system (89), service brakes (77).
How much does a 2012 Dodge Durango cost to own for 5 years?
About $42,966 over 5 years ($716/month) at an estimated $12,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.