The biggest problems with the 2012 Dodge Durango are recalls regarding the SUV’s fuel pump, brake booster shield, alternator, rod bearing, and power brake assist systems. Owners also faced smaller issues with the model’s air conditioning system.

The 2012 Dodge Durango turned many heads with its base V-6 engine and optional Hemi V-8 powertrain when it hit the market in the early 2010s. If you’re interested in buying a used 2012 Durango, you might be equally as attracted by the model’s used price range—it starts as low as $5,475, according to Edmunds.

That being said, the 2012 Dodge Durango has a series of issues you’ll want to be aware of before buying. Luckily,

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The most common 2012 Dodge Durango problems

Over the last decade, the 2012 Dodge Durango mid-size SUV has racked up a whopping 602official complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Some of the most glaring problem areas include the electrical system (328 complaints), powertrain (130 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (84 complaints), and service brakes (69 complaints). These complaints are joined by ten official NHTSA recalls.

The 2012 Dodge Durango has been recalled twice for each of the following issues:

Fuel Pump Relay Failure—failure of the Durango’s fuel pump relay system may result in the SUV’s engine stalling, increasing the likelihood of a crash

Alternator Failure—failure of the Durango’s alternator may cause the SUV’s engine to stall, increasing the likelihood of a crash

Vanity Lamp Shortage—an electrical shortage in the Durango’s vanity lamp may result in a fire, causing direct harm to the driver and/or passengers, and increasing the risk of a crash by distracting the driver

Additionally, the 2012 Dodge Durango faced four NHTSA recalls for the following issues, each of which could increase the likelihood of a crash:

Incorrectly installed brake booster shield

Loss of power brake assist

Hard brake pedal resulting in an increased stopping distance

Rod bearing failure

Outside of the model’s official recalls, 2012 Durango owners also reported having frequent issues with the SUV’s HVAC systems. Drivers reported poor AC performance that was found to be the result of a refrigeration leak in the model’s AC condenser. Similarly, an issue with the car’s HVAC system led to a musty odor.

Other common but less serious problems with the 2012 Dodge Durango included the car’s automatic locks intermittently locking and unlocking on their own, a bumpy transmission, difficulty getting in and out of the SUV, and poor forward visibility.

MORE:

Dodge common problems

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Is the 2012 Dodge Durango reliable?

Due to the plethora of problems facing the 2012 Dodge Durango, it is no surprise that the model isn’t considered to be especially reliable when it comes to mid-size crossover SUVs.

Taking a closer look at the 2012 Durango’s reliability ratings, you’ll find that J.D. Power gave the model a 77/100 rating for quality and reliability, while RepairPal gave the model a similarly middle-of-the-road rating of 3.5/5.0.

Experts report that a well-maintained Durango should last drivers approximately 250,000 miles, or around 16 years with normal driving habits. This means that, depending on the mileage of your used 2012 Durango, you can expect that the car will likely hold up for another half-decade or so.

The average annual cost of 2012 Dodge Durango repairs is approximately $771. Keep in mind, however, that as the model gets older, repairs are likely to become both more frequent and more expensive.

MORE: Are Dodges expensive to maintain?

How to simplify car insurance shopping (and still optimize coverage!)

If you’ve got your heart set on a used 2012 Dodge Durango, you’ll want to counteract the model’s frequent problems and reliability issues by investing in the most reliable

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