2012 Dodge Durango: Alternator failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2012 Durango report: alternator failure. CarComplaints.com lists 7 owner complaints, average mileage 55,650 miles.
NHTSA has 347 owner complaints for the 2012 Durango in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11762564 (filed 09/07/2026): “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…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11757912 (filed 08/19/2026): “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. immediate…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace alternator (4 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $1,300 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Estimated repair cost: alternator replacement
Average shop cost
$240
Range $100–$415 (labor)
1.0–3.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$360
Range $150–$625 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Same repair on other models: 2014 Dodge Charger: Alternator failure
Page last updated .