2012 Dodge Durango

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
5.7L V8
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-20 Full Synthetic (7 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd
Wheel Torque
110
ft-lbs

The 2012 Dodge Durango maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Dodge Durango.

For oil changes, the 2012 Dodge Durango takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 7 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet), and transmission fluid is ATF+4. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Dodge Durango, torque the lug nuts to 110 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2012 Dodge Durango have reported 5 common issues including "5.7L HEMI Engine Tick and Lifter Failure", "ZF 8-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting" and "Engine Stalling and eTorque Malfunctions". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 10 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2012 Dodge Durango. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2012 Dodge Durango uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (7 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 110 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2012 Dodge Durango Specifications
Motor Oil5W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity7 qt
Lug Nut Torque110 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantMopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Transmission FluidATF+4
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
ATF+4
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2012 Dodge Durango. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
8,000 mi / 12 mo
5W-20 full synthetic (3.6L V6) or 5W-20 (5.7L HEMI), 7 qt (5.7L)
Tire Rotation
8,000 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
Replace more often in dusty conditions
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 36 mo
Inspect every 15,000 mi
Brake Fluid
40,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 4
Transmission Fluid
60,000 mi
ZF 8-speed TorqueFlite; ATF+4 or ZF-approved fluid
Transfer Case Fluid
60,000 mi
AWD models; Mopar transfer case fluid
Coolant
100,000 mi
Mopar OAT coolant; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
30,000 mi
HEMI uses copper core plugs at 30,000 mi; V6 iridium at 100,000
Serpentine Belt
100,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Inspect annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2012 Dodge Durango.

Common problems reported by 2012 Dodge Durango owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

5.7L HEMI Engine Tick and Lifter Failure

The 5.7L HEMI V8 in the Durango develops the well-known 'HEMI tick' from worn hydraulic roller lifters, particularly those in the MDS (Multi-Displacement System) cylinders. The ticking noise starts on cold startup and may become constant as wear progresses. Severe cases result in camshaft lobe damage, misfires, and loss of power.

Solution

Replace lifters and camshaft with updated parts. TSB 09-002-22 covers HEMI lifter noise diagnostics. Use updated 'AD' suffix lifters with improved bearings. Maintain strict oil change intervals with OEM 0W-20 synthetic. Some owners install MDS delete kits to prevent recurrence.

Est. Cost: $2,000 - $5,000
2

ZF 8-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting

The ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission exhibits rough shifts at low speeds, hesitation during acceleration, and occasional transmission shudder. Owners report the D-Clutch assembly failing, causing slipping between gears and triggering the Malfunction Indicator Lamp with DTC P0733 (Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio).

Solution

Perform a D-Clutch repair per TSB 21-021-22. Reflash the TCM with updated calibration software. Replace the transmission fluid with ZF Lifeguard 8 specification ATF. Valve body replacement for persistent shifting complaints.

Est. Cost: $500 - $3,000
3

Engine Stalling and eTorque Malfunctions

Vehicles equipped with the eTorque mild hybrid system experience sudden engine stalling while driving, loss of motive power, and difficulty restarting. The engine may also surge during acceleration. The ESS (Engine Stop-Start) system fails to restart the engine after stopping at traffic lights, leaving the vehicle stranded in intersections.

Solution

Update the PCM and eTorque control module software. TSB 14-010-22 addresses eTorque communication faults. Replace the 48V battery if it cannot maintain charge. Check the 12V battery condition, as a weak 12V battery exacerbates eTorque system issues.

Est. Cost: $200 - $3,000
4

Fuel Pump and Refueling Difficulties

Some 2022 Durangos experience fuel pump failures causing stalling while driving and difficulty refueling. Owners report the fuel pump nozzle clicking off prematurely and metal debris found in the fuel system. The fuel pump module may fail, resulting in sputtering, loss of power, and the vehicle stranding the driver.

Solution

Replace the fuel pump module assembly. TSB 14-006-22 addresses fuel system diagnostics and fuel fill concerns. Inspect the fuel tank for debris contamination. Replace the fuel filter and clean fuel lines if metal debris is found.

Est. Cost: $500 - $1,200
5

Infotainment and Electrical System Faults

The Uconnect infotainment system becomes unresponsive, freezes, or displays a black screen. Dashboard gauges malfunction, door locks operate erratically, and warning lights illuminate without cause. Some owners report the vehicle's electrical system not properly entering sleep mode, causing parasitic battery drain.

Solution

Update Uconnect firmware and BCM software. TSB 08-045-22 covers infotainment diagnostics. Diagnose parasitic draw with ammeter testing. Replace the radio module or BCM if they fail to enter sleep mode properly. Check for TSB updates regularly as Stellantis continues to release fixes.

Est. Cost: $0 - $1,500

10 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2012 Dodge Durango. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign: 19V813000 Date: 14/11/2019

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.

2

SERVICE BRAKES

Campaign: 17V572000 Date: 18/09/2017

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.

3

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign: 17V435000 Date: 10/07/2017

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.

4

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign: 15V879000 Date: 28/12/2015

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.

5

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign: 15V115000 Date: 27/02/2015

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.

6

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Campaign: 14V634000 Date: 08/10/2014

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.

7

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign: 14V391000 Date: 02/07/2014

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.

8

SERVICE BRAKES

Campaign: 14V154000 Date: 01/04/2014

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.

9

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

Campaign: 14V104000 Date: 04/03/2014

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.

10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Campaign: 11V487000 Date: 29/09/2011

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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See Also
2012 Dodge Durango Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2012 Dodge DurangoAll Vehicles Using 5W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2012 Dodge DurangoWiper Replacement: 2012 Dodge Durango