2021 Dodge Durango
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Exterior lighting is the leading concern among 202 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 25 Durango model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 10 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgateAug 13, 2026
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, possibly resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace or repair the spoiler and align the liftgate as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 10, 2026. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 61D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 20, 2026. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 21V842 or 23V115. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
Campaign 26V528000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraJun 13, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.
Campaign 24V436000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgateFeb 23, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
A damaged rear spoiler can detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the rear spoiler, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 9, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 20A. This recall is an expansion of recall number 21V-842.
Campaign 23V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, gas recirculation valve (egr valve)Apr 28, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may stick open, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the EGR valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z31.
Campaign 22V284000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, rack and pinionMar 14, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango and 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The steering gear rack bar may have been insufficiently hardened during manufacturing, possibly allowing it to bind within the steering rack, and resulting in difficulty steering or a loss of steering control.
Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 12, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-852-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z18.
Campaign 22V154000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleMar 10, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.
Campaign 22V140000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyOct 28, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
A damaged rear spoiler could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the rear spoiler, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y73.
Campaign 21V842000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, critical fastenersApr 22, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.
A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will tighten or replace the fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent on May 7, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y16.
Campaign 21V280000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: exterior lighting
90 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Feb 11, 2026
The Durango seems to have a defect that should be a recall. If you look up the issues online everyone has the same issue. It puts yourself and others at risk because you may be unaware that your light is not working properly. Please see description below that is right online: Symptoms: Water inside the housing, dimming, flickering, or total failure of the light bar. Causes: Defective sealing allows water from rain, snow, or car washes to enter the assembly. Safety Risk: The issue is subject to a class-action lawsuit (2014-2023 models) alleging the failed lights create a safety hazard. I only found out because someone was behind me and said that my lights seem to be going bad. There are forums all over with all durango's being effected. This needs to be a safety recall.
Exterior lighting, Jan 29, 2026
its going to cost me $2,120+ in parts PLUS LABOR at the dealer to replace my front left turn signal. unless I come up with close to $3,000 I am forced to drive around without a functioning front left turn signal. this is dangerous and very concerning to me. the headlights on the 2021+ Dodge Durango are a totally integrated unit. each headlamp contains the DRL and Turn Signal units as LED's. once the LED or its electronics fail, the ENTIRE headlamp assembly must be replaced. AND you have to remove the front fascia pieces of body work to remove the headlight units. this is not a job the average person can do reliably, even if they have the money. I even purchased a Dodge/Chrysler Mopar factory extended warranty when I bought the Durango, that is good for 7 yrs/125k miles. my 2021 Dodge Durango has 69,420 miles on it as of today. Dodge is refusing to cover this part under the warranty. I was told this today by the local dealer in Myrtle Beach, SC. this is not right that consumers have to pay thousands of $$$ to replace a turn signal. very dangerous.
Exterior lighting, Jan 27, 2026
The rear tail lights are not properly sealed. It allows rain, snow or car wash water to accumulate inside the assembly. The lights then short out and do not work.
Exterior lighting, Jan 19, 2026
This complaint is for the tail light center light, race track light. Water has built up inside the lens after multiple times draining. The water has cased the racetrack light to completely burn out.
Exterior lighting, Jan 7, 2026
Rear tail light not working filled with water and burned out led
Exterior lighting, Jan 6, 2026
known issue with Driver side DRL going out and whole headlight unit has to be replaced according to dealer.
Exterior lighting, Jan 5, 2026
Driver side daytime running light failure. The entire headlight assembly must be replaced. There is reduced visibility, which is a safety concern. The cost to repair is $1,800, which is outrageous for a single headlight assembly. LEDs should not fail at 80K mileage on a car that is less than six years old. This appears to be a known defect on Dodge Durangos.
Exterior lighting, Dec 14, 2025
Driver side DRL (daytime running light) quit functioning. This a known issue with the LED lamps. The attached photos are: 1. Rockauto description 2. Email showing order # and total for both Headlamp assemblies. 3. The removed, old OEM Headlamp assemblies. 4. Rockauto shipping bill.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 11, 2025
This specific year and all models in 2021 Durango’s including SRT, GT, GT Plus , TnG , vehicle has a known issue with the driver side DRL ( Daytime Running Lights) completely going out and not working very early into its life . I believe this is a safety issue that the manufacturer should fix themselves as it’s a defect wiring / headlight issue that is affecting thousands of customers. SECONDLY, this car comes with an issue in the taillight not being properly sealed and allowing water into the LEDS , burning them out and being needed replaced . Both of these issues comes from the manufacturer/ factory and are safety issues/risk known in thousands of Durangos which should definitely be recalled .
Exterior lighting, Dec 1, 2025
My 2021 Dodge Durango drivers side daytime running light went out around 55,000 miles. I do have an extended warranty through the manufacturer, but was informed that this is not a covered part despite it being a known issue and a “max care warranty”. The reason being that it is considered a “bulb” however to replace it requires the entire new left headlamp assembly to be replaced, per the dealership. This is a high cost of around $1650. Regardless of the cost, This is a safety issue and a concern for myself as well as others on the road. I understand that this is a known and ongoing problem with the 2021 dodge durangos in particular the drivers side daytime running light which does not have a safe, cost effective fix. I ask for you to take a look at the many people who have been impacted and the safety concern associated with this.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 1, 2025
My vehicle experienced failure of both the driver-side DRL (Daytime Running Light) and the passenger-side front turn signal within a short period of time. On this model year, both components are part of a sealed LED headlight assembly with no replaceable bulbs. The only repair option is full headlight assembly replacement, quoted at $800–$1,200 per side plus labor. This is a safety issue because front DRL and turn signal failure reduces vehicle visibility to oncoming traffic. Online reports show numerous other 2021–2023 Durango owners experiencing the same problem with the LED DRL/turn-signal assemblies, suggesting a pattern of premature failure. Stellantis has also faced known issues with sealed LED lighting on the Durango’s ‘racetrack’ taillight assemblies, indicating a broader LED reliability issue on these vehicles. I am requesting NHTSA review this as a potential safety-related defect, as owners are forced into high-cost headlight replacements due to non-serviceable LED modules failing early.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 1, 2025
My vehicle experienced failure of both the driver-side DRL (Daytime Running Light) and the passenger-side front turn signal within a short period of time. On this model year, both components are part of a sealed LED headlight assembly with no replaceable bulbs. The only repair option is full headlight assembly replacement, quoted at $800–$1,200 per side plus labor. This is a safety issue because front DRL and turn signal failure reduces vehicle visibility to oncoming traffic. Online reports show numerous other 2021–2023 Durango owners experiencing the same problem with the LED DRL/turn-signal assemblies, suggesting a pattern of premature failure. Stellantis has also faced known issues with sealed LED lighting on the Durango’s ‘racetrack’ taillight assemblies, indicating a broader LED reliability issue on these vehicles. I am requesting NHTSA review this as a potential safety-related defect, as owners are forced into high-cost headlight replacements due to non-serviceable LED modules failing early.
Exterior lighting, Nov 12, 2025
2021 Dodge Durango failing headlight assembly, specifically the driver side turn signal. Numerous Durango owners are experiencing the same issue with the Dodge Durango headlight malfunction, I've have more than one close accident incident due to the failed turn signal. It's like Dodge don't want to stand behind their product and address the concern of millions of Dodge Durango owners who are having these issues. Not even a simple acknowledgement of the issue and any potential effort to help fix the problems for the owners. I must say Dodge has lost a future buyer due to their lack of support on their own product.
Exterior lighting, Nov 4, 2025
My driver's side Daytime Running Light quit working a few weeks ago, however last week when I used remote start the DRL came on, but sadly it is out again. I have 80,000. miles on the vehicle. DRL's should last for life of car but blogs on the 21-24 models indicate many owners having the same issue with driver's side DRL's. I went to Dodge dealer and was quoted $1,953.00 to repair! Manufacturers should not be permitted to engineer this kind of equipment for a vehicle that makes repairs prohibitive economically. NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED BUT SHOULD BE. BTW, the repair includes removing the front bumper with grille just to get to the headlight for repair.
Exterior lighting, Oct 14, 2025
Daytime Running Lights- the drivers side daytime running light has stopped working-like many other people have reported repair under warranty is being denied by Dodge FCA as a wear item, it is an integrated system and not a bulb as they are saying. It creates a safely issue that they refuse to repair under warranty.
Exterior lighting, Oct 13, 2025
2021 Dodge Durango with 40K miles on it. Like many other drivers of this specific SUV and year the front driver side LED Daylight Running Lights have suddenly stopped working. The same applies to the rear 3rd brake light. Based on discussion boards this seems to be a common issue.
Exterior lighting, Sep 25, 2025
The Driver's Side headlight Daytime Driving Light and Blinker stopped working at around 40k miles. We currently have have about 85k miles on it. The dealership stated is till cost over $1,000 to replace the headlight as the LED DRL and Blinker is not replaceable and the entire unit must be replaced.
Exterior lighting, Sep 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front LED headlight was flickering. The driver was unable to drive at night. The Police had made the contact aware of the situation. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the lamp housing assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 58,359.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 24, 2025
My 2021 Dodge Durango drivers side daytime running light went out around 55000 miles. I do have an extended warranty through the manufacturer, but was informed that this is not a covered part despite it being a known issue and a “max care warranty”. The reason being that it is considered a “bulb” however to replace it requires the entire new left headlamp assembly to be replaced, per the dealership. This is a high cost of around $1650. Regardless of the cost, This is a safety issue and a concern for myself as well as others on the road. A quick search shows this is a known and ongoing problem with the 2021 dodge durangos in particular the drivers side daytime running light which does not have a safe, cost effective fix. I ask for you to take a look at the many people who have been impacted and the safety concern associated with this.
Exterior lighting, Sep 21, 2025
Drivers side daytime/nighttime running lights failed after 35789 miles.
Exterior lighting, Sep 11, 2025
Left turn signal stopped working. I learned to find out that it’s not replaceable. The whole headlight assembly needs to be replaced the cost of it over $1000. My vehicle is only four years old. Why isn’t it on a recall or replaceable by the manufacturer on the warranty?
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 27, 2025
Rear tail light has water intrusion which causes malfunction. Driving at night, can be extremely dangerous as the rear lights are damaged and do not light up, making the vehicle more difficult to see
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 27, 2025
Vehicle has less than 50k miles on it, DRL-driver went out and the entire head unit needs to be replaced which costs over 1k. Common problem with this vehicle. Poses a safety risk while driving with the lighting failure
Exterior lighting, Aug 15, 2025
The daytime running lights are out only on the drivers side of my vehicle. There are multiple other 2021 Durango's in my town that have the exact same issue.
Exterior lighting, Jul 25, 2025
2021 Dodg Durango Daytime Running Light (DRL-driver side) failure. Daytime safety lighting affected. Thousands of reported issues (forums, etc.). Happening within only a couple years of purchase/low miles. Light (bulb or LED) cannot be replaced, only $1300 entire headlight assembly.