How long does a 2012 Dodge Durango last?

A well-maintained 2012 Dodge Durango can typically reach about 200,000 miles or more, and some owners report 250,000 miles or higher with careful maintenance. Actual longevity depends on maintenance history, driving conditions, and how the SUV is cared for.

What affects durability includes engine and drivetrain wear, cooling system health, transmission service history, and the quality of repairs. The 2012 Durango is part of FCA’s WK family, sharing parts with the Jeep Grand Cherokee; reliability varies by powertrain and upkeep.

Lifespan benchmarks for a 2012 Durango

General mileage milestones observed by owners and technicians for Durangos of this generation:

• 150,000 miles: a common milestone for many units with regular maintenance.


• 180,000–200,000 miles: a typical target for well-kept examples.


• 200,000+ miles: achievable for a number of Durangos, with some pushing 250,000+ miles.

Durability varies by individual vehicle and service history; these benchmarks give a rough expectation rather than a guarantee.

Engine, transmission and drivetrain considerations

What to know about longevity by powertrain

The Durango offered several engines in 2012, including the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and available V8s. The 3.6 Pentastar is widely used across FCA products and is generally durable with proper maintenance, especially when oil and cooling systems are kept in good shape. Transmission reliability on some early Durangos has been a concern for a subset of vehicles, so a thorough inspection of the transmission, cooling system, and fluid condition is important. Regular service history and a clean bill of health on major components can extend life significantly.

Maintenance habits that maximize longevity

To push a 2012 Durango toward higher mileage, owners should follow proactive maintenance routines and address issues promptly. The following practices commonly correlate with longer life:

• Adhere to recommended oil-change intervals with the correct oil grade, typically using synthetic on newer PCM setups, and monitor oil level and quality.


• Keep up with transmission service and cooling system maintenance; monitor for overheating or shifting issues and address promptly.


• Regular coolant flushes, thermostat checks, and radiator/ hose inspections to prevent overheating.


• Brake system maintenance, including timely pad/shoe replacement and fluid checks; fix any leaks promptly.


• Address recalls and service campaigns; keep ECU/software up to date when applicable.


• Practice smooth driving, avoid aggressive starts/stops, and fix recurring leaks or audible signs of trouble quickly.

In practice, consistent maintenance, prompt repairs, and careful driving are key to maximizing the Durango’s lifespan.

What to check when buying a used 2012 Durango

For buyers, a thorough pre-purchase check can help gauge how long the vehicle may last and what work lies ahead.

• Complete maintenance records, especially for oil changes, transmission service, cooling system, and timing chain/drive belts if applicable.


• Inspection of the transmission, cooling system, timing chain (if noticeable), and exhaust system for wear or leaks.


• Check for recalls and ensure repairs have been completed; verify the integrity of the electrical system and airbags.


• Test drive to assess shifting quality, overheating signs, unusual noises, and overall drivability.

Even a well-documented service history cannot guarantee future longevity, but it lowers risk and helps set expectations.

Summary

With attentive maintenance, a 2012 Dodge Durango can be expected to last roughly 200,000 miles or more, with several owners reporting 250,000 miles or higher. Longevity depends on maintenance discipline, driving conditions, and the specific powertrain. Thorough pre-purchase inspections and ongoing care—including oil changes, cooling and transmission maintenance, and timely fixes—play a decisive role in determining how long the Durango will remain reliable on the road.

How many miles do Dodge Durangos last?

A Dodge Durango can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, though some sources cite an average of 200,000 to 250,000 miles. To maximize its lifespan, consistent oil changes, following the recommended maintenance schedule, and using quality parts are crucial. 
Factors that influence lifespan

• Routine maintenance: Following the manufacturer's recommended service schedule, including regular oil changes and tire rotations, is the most important factor in extending a Durango's life. 
• Driving habits: Responsible driving, such as avoiding aggressive acceleration and hard braking, can help reduce wear and tear on components. 
• Repairs: Addressing issues as they arise can prevent more significant problems down the road. For example, issues like a failing water pump or burst oil cooler lines should be fixed promptly. 
• Model year: Some model years have had better reliability ratings than others, with the third-generation Durango (2011-present) generally being considered more reliable. 

Maintenance tips to extend lifespan

• Every 5,000 miles: Change the oil and rotate the tires.
• Every 15,000 miles: Check air filters and inspect the brakes.
• Every 30,000 miles: Replace spark plugs and inspect the transmission fluid.
• Every 60,000 miles: Replace the timing belt and flush the coolant.
• Every 100,000 miles: Inspect or replace the fuel pump. 

How reliable is a 2012 Dodge Durango?

The 2012 Dodge Durango has an above-average reliability rating, ranking 5th out of 16 full-size SUVs according to RepairPal, though it has a history of 10 recalls and some recurring issues like stalling and electrical problems. Despite these problems, many owners report positive long-term experiences with high mileage and good performance, especially when well-maintained. 
Strengths

• Owner satisfaction: Many owners report high satisfaction, praising the vehicle's comfort, performance, and capability, with some reaching over 200,000 to 300,000 miles. 
• Performance: The V8 engine version is noted for surprisingly good gas mileage for its size and excellent towing capacity. 
• Overall rating: It receives an above-average reliability rating from some sources. 

Weaknesses and concerns

• Recalls: The 2012 model year has 10 known recalls, including a significant one for a failing fuel pump relay that could cause the vehicle to stall. 
• Stalling issues: Some owners have reported unexpected stalling, particularly at low speeds, and rough idling. 
• Electrical problems: There have been reports of electrical issues, such as battery warning lights and overheating alternators. 
• Maintenance costs: It may have higher-than-average maintenance costs and a higher chance of needing a major repair within the first 10 years compared to other SUVs. 

Key takeaway

• The 2012 Dodge Durango can be a reliable vehicle for owners who perform regular maintenance, but be aware of potential issues with the fuel pump, electrical system, and stalling. 
• If purchasing one, ensure all recalls have been addressed, especially the fuel pump relay recall. 

How long will a 2012 Dodge Durango last?

between 200,000 and 250,000 miles
How Long Do Dodge Durangos Typically Last? The second-generation (2004-2009) and third-generation (2011-present) Dodge Durangos are known to last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles on average.

What year should I stay away from a Dodge Durango?

Years to avoid for the Dodge Durango include the earliest models like 1999-2000, 2004-2005, and 2011-2012, and 2014, due to frequent reports of engine, transmission, electrical, and suspension issues. The 1999 model year is frequently cited as one of the worst due to a high number of complaints, including engine and suspension problems. Early third-generation models like 2011 and 2012 are known for electrical and transmission issues, while the 2014 model year had problems with water intrusion in the tail lights and faulty airbags. 
First generation (1998-2003) 

• 1999-2000: Prone to engine and suspension problems, as well as electrical and transmission failures. The 1999 model has a particularly high number of owner complaints.
• 2001-2003: Transmission issues and electrical problems are common. 

Second generation (2004-2009) 

• 2004-2005: These model years frequently experienced powertrain and suspension issues. The 2005 model also had several recalls. 
• 2006-2009: While generally better, some owners reported issues with the engine and suspension. 

Third generation (2011-2020) 

• 2011-2012: These years are plagued with electrical problems, particularly the TIMP (Transmission Integrated Power Module), and braking issues.
• 2014: Issues included water leaking into the tail lights and airbags that could deploy unexpectedly. 

Fourth generation (2021-Present) 

• 2021-2025: Some owners have reported recurring issues, and in some cases, the vehicles may qualify as a "lemon" under state laws if the problems persist.