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: other or unspecified
24 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2026
The vehicle’s manufacturer-installed infotainment system repeatedly displays an intrusive error message while the vehicle is being operated. The message obstructs the navigation display and requires the driver to manually interact with the touchscreen to dismiss it. This creates visual and manual driver distraction. The manufacturer/dealer has been notified at Carvana Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Sacramento.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2026
There is a daytime running light (DRL) malfunction with both headlights, it started with the drivers side slowly going out and now the passenger side is slowly going out. This is happening to several Dodge Durango owners of the 2021 model and can be found in the Dodge Durango forum online. The dealer stated it’s an out of pocket expense because the DRL is out and the entire component needs replaced. This is inaccurate because when I turn off the DRL settings the turning signal flashes orange fast so this tells me it’s not completely out and the headlights themselves work. My car has been this way for over a year because I can’t afford to spend $1500+ per light replacement and for the dealer to claim it has to be an out of pocket expense is not okay because the point of LED lights are because they use less energy while lasting 25x as much so it doesn’t make sense that they stopped turning on versus the non LED. While driving around I’ve seen SEVERAL Dodge Durango with a DRL out or both or one out and the other half way out so this confirms it’s a manufacture issue. I came across forums of people with this issue and full extended warranty coverages where they’re being told it’s not covered. Dodge(Mopar) needs to address this for the consumer as it causes a safety issue when the left/right turning signals are not properly displayed. The car wouldn’t pass a safety test. Myself and several Dodge Durango owners are currently at risk of being in a car accident due to this malfunction. The full assembly does not need replaced. Please look this over and issue a safety recall as my family and I are at risk because I can’t afford a $3000 headlight replacement that isn’t even needed. That’s just the dealer and Mopar trying to make more $$$ while not worried about the safety of their customers.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2026
The component that failed is the rear spoiler of the Durango. There is already a recall in place. The vehicle was inspected a few years ago and passed. Then, the issue happened where it fell off while driving, damaging the back hatch of the Durango. After speaking with the dealership, they refused to fix the problem because they stated they already checked the recall and it passed. But it's still a recall. And it fell off while I was driving almost damaging the vehicle behind me. In causing serious accident
Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2026, fire
The vehicle had been parked and unused for approximately 24 hours. We drove it home after staying elsewhere overnight and arrived home about one hour before the incident. About an hour after parking, I asked my fiancé to retrieve our belongings from inside the vehicle. He immediately noticed smoke filling the interior of the vehicle. I opened the hood to try to determine where the smoke was coming from but did not see any visible fire. As I continued looking for the source of the smoke, the vehicle suddenly caught fire. Within approximately 10 minutes, the fire spread rapidly, completely destroying the vehicle and reducing it to a total loss. The flames then spread to my home, causing part of the house to catch fire. Thankfully, we discovered the smoke when we did. Had it gone unnoticed for even a short time longer, our entire house could have caught fire. Firefighters arrived just as the fire began spreading to the house and were able to prevent further damage. Thankfully, no one was injured.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2026
The SUV has been experiencing electrical issues that started first one of the headlights stopped working, the white light around it, then it was the tailgate got a liftgate open error on the display even when the liftgate was closed, then we started to notice other electrical issues with the vehicle but the major problem that happened now is that while we were driving, all of the lights of the dashboard started to light up and the car was not responding to the accelerator pedal was not responding at all and we stalled in the middle of the street, we were lucky this didn't happen while we were on the freeway, we are afraid to use the car anymore because of this, the dealer refuses to take care of this issue because the warranty has passed but this is a major safety issue that can cause injury or death
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2026, fire
Vehicle Fire 2021 Dodge Durango GT Blacktop AWD VIN: [XXX] On around [XXX] somewhere between [XXX]pm to [XXX]pm a fire broke out in my 2021 Dodge Durango. The vehicle was parked for the evening and had been unattended for at least4 to 5 hours. At some point during the night the vehicle caught fire from underneath the dash and did severe damage to the vehicle and will most likely be a total loss. The fire melted the dash severely and the flames reached the front windshield and interior roof of the vehicle. It appears the lack of oxygen smoldered the fire and eventually extinguished itself from all windows being closed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2025
After complying with Recall 24V436000, the Navigation screen is stuck in Night Time Mode. This causes the streets to become very hard to see during the day. While entered routes are highlighted, cross streets are almost invisible. I have missed turns because of it. I believe this diverts the driver's attention away from looking ahead to attempting to read the Nav Screen. FCA knows about this and has documented it on Star Online, Case Number 258A000012, indicating they are not going to fix it. I believe this is unsatisfactory and is leading to distracted driving. More importantly this is now being reported on various forums and people are indication they have decided not to comply with the recall. I don't believe this is in the NHTSA best interest.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Aug 29, 2025
PLEASE READ LETTER IN THE UPLOADED DOCUMENTS
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2025
UConnect recall started in 2024 with Radio disconnecting/dropping connections intermittently. Got 1st fix that fixed it briefly, then began dropping connections again. They did 3 fixes with the last one saying, finally a remedy! Well 4 months later, issue begins again! The connecting, disconnecting, to reconnecting started again on my UConnect Radio!! It will drop connections, reconnect then play a bit; repeat throughout.When it drops 1st time it'll reconnects on its own! After about the 2nd drop, I have to hit ok for it to reconnect, for it to drop again! it progressively gets worse at times and it will drop, reconnect 4 to 5 times within 15 seconds, & it doesn't always reconnect. I have to hit ok for it to connect! To play 15 seconds, and drop, reconnect automatically or manually 4 to 5 times back to back!! Same issue, just progressively worse when it decides to do it throughout the length of a song!
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2025
While backing the rear backup camera display froze and did not update for roughly 30 seconds, after that period the display suddenly became responsive and displaying the actual view. The screenshots provided were 1 second apart in a video I took.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 21, 2025, crash
Vehicle was parked/backed in on a right slope. Crunk the vehicle and it instantly started rolling and we couldn’t get it to stop. My safety and others safety was at risk because the vehicle could’ve hit anyone walking in the parking lot, incoming vehicle or easily hit the building where people live. The state highway patrol did come out and have a look at the vehicle. There were not any warning lights on at all.
Other or unspecified, Oct 14, 2024
ABS module and Traction control lights have come on.
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2024
Went to the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Lawrenceburg, IN last year and was told that spoiler failed a recall inspection and needed to be replaced. Unfortunately, spoilers were on back order and would take several months to get in. A month or so later, my local body shop took my Dodge Durango to the Dodge dealership in Batesville, IN for repairs after someone ran into my vehicle while it was parked in a parking lot. The Batesville dealership did another inspection for the spoiler recall and cleared the inspection stating that the spoiler passed inspection. So now I have one dealership (Lawrenceburg, IN) saying that there is a "gap" and that the spoiler in fact needs replaced, but that they can't fix it because they will not be reimbursed by Chrysler since the recall for my Durango has been "cleared" by the Batesville, IN Dodge dealership. After contacting the second dealership, they still claim that the spoiler is fine and refuse to fix it either. I admit, I don't know what I am looking for, but I also see a gap between the spoiler and where it is attached to the vehicle. It also seems to be loose. So, my question is, what exactly is the spoiler recall on 2021 Dodge Durango's? Should I be concerned that it's not getting fixed? Most importantly, who will be responsible if this thing comes off and injurers someone driving behind me?
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 29, 2024
While driving paved road noticed a cloud of smoke behind the vehicle. Immediately pulled to the side of the road and shut vehicle off. After checking under the vehicle found coolant leaking from the engine compartment, there was no coolant in the expansion tank either. Any driving would have resulted in engine destruction. Called a tow truck. After waiting on the side of the road for 5 hours for tow truck, vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer on the flatbed. At the dealer, technician stated, it is a frequent occurrence on this brand of the vehicle, and they are very familiar with repairing it. Dealership repair, exposed burst/hole, from inside out, in the coolant hose. Glad it did not happen in the winter; I might not be typing this message.
Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2024
My rear spoiler fell off going down the road, and was unable to find it.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 13, 2024
Start/Stop feature says it is unavailable causing vehicle to not shut off when stopped as well as causing vehicle to give message saying Start/Stop feature unavailable due to hood open which then causes vehicle to shut off once stopped and requires vehicle to be shifted into park and restarted for message to come back on. This issue happens when driving and once stopped causes vehicle shut off in traffic causing huge safety concerns and issues.
Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2024
SOS Emergency notification service does not work. Unable to call or be located if an accident or emergency occurs.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 22, 2023, crash
The car has been having intermittent electrical problems and was brought to the dealer many times for repair. The "radio" system has been replaced twice after various electrical problems occurred. The car has also intermittently had a problem where the engine revs excessively and the car does not handle the way it should. It's almost like its a manual transmission that's not being shifted properly. The only way to stop the problem is to turn the car off, and back on which resolves the issues. It generally would then not recur for months. The dealer has not been able to reproduce that problem. Yesterday, while driving the car in heavy traffic, the engine revving problem happened twice. The second time I became very concerned and was trying to get out of bumper to bumper traffic to a safe place. While attempting to get to a place where I could pull the car over, I was moving forward very slowly (had released the brake, but not touched the accelerator) when the car in front of me was stopping again. I braked, and the car lurched forward with force and hit the other car. I braked harder and the car again lurched forward, hitting the other car a second time. I threw the car into park which stopped the motion. There were no serious injuries but both cars sustained damage and I called roadside assistance to tow my car to the dealership because I felt it was not safe to drive. The dealer repeatedly tells us there is nothing wrong with the car. Someone could have been killed or seriously injured. I am requesting an immediate investigation. There were no warning lights. This just happened, so the insurance has not inspected the car yet. It is at the dealership. The only "warning signs were the intermittent electrical problems which have occurred since we have owned the car. The engine revving intermittently started happening about a year ago. The problem with the car accelerating or jerking forward while breaking happened for the first time yesterday
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2022
On several occasions the informatic system makes a loud boom and the screen starts pixelating and shuts down, then randomly restarts. I have been to the dealer several times and once the replaced the system and it is still happening almost causing me to have a collision.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2021
On my '21 Durango, the backup camera has been so horribly bright at night that I have come to putting my hand or a towel over the screen so that I can look at my side mirrors when backing up. I have visited the dealer and their resolution was to lower the brightness setting which had no effect on the backup camera. This is a huge safety issue backing up at night whether it's in a parking lot or driveway.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2021
Started my car and I immediately got a battery light, ABS light, auto start/off warning, check engine light. Also got the message park soon your vehicle will shut off soon. Waited 5 minutes and car started idling very high, dash lights flickered, car could not recognize vehicle was in park, car lost power and shut off everything and lost power steering. Took it to the dealer they saw all the bit codes and reset them as a fault could not be determined. That same night I was driving and I got the same warning and my car lost all power while driving including steering. Car will start with a permanent check engine light but slowly loses rpms until it shuts off again.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2021
YOUR VEHICLE'S AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT RECENTLY INDICATED THE AIR BAG SYSTEM MAY NOT BE WORKING PROPERLY. THE AIR BAGS IN YOUR VEHICLE MIGHT NOT INFLATE IN A COLLISION, OR THEY COULD INFLATE WITHOUT A COLLISION IF YOU DO NOT GET THE REQUIRED SERVICE. HAVE YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED AT YOUR DEALERSHIP. THE SOS EMERGENCY ALERT OPENS UP ON THE SCREEN AND STATES IT COULDN'T CONNECT PLEASE HAVE VEHICLE SERVICED AT DEALER. ITS DISTRACTING AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 29, 2021
THE STEREO SYSTEM/HEAD END EMITS A VERY LOUD NOICE RANDOMLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE SOUND IS SO LOUD THAT THE IMMEDIATE INSTINCT IS TO GRAB FOR THE VOLUME CONTROLS DISTRACTING THE DRIVER FROM THE ROAD. NONE OF THE VOLUME BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL OR DASH HAVE ANY EFFECT. THE SOUND ONLY GOES AWAY WHEN THE UCONNECT SYSTEM CRASHES AND REBOOT AUTOMATICALLY. THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE SEQUENCE IS INITIATED WITH THE FORWARD COLLISION SENSOR. AT LEAST ONE EVENT SEEMED TO BE WHEN A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME VERY CLOSE IN A TRAFFIC CIRCLE WHERE I HAD TO APPLY SIGNIFICANT BREAKING. ANOTHER EVENT SEEMED TO BE AT THE LOCATION WHERE MY PREVIOUS DURANGO GAVE A FALSE POSITIVE FCW AT A CURVE IN THE ROAD NEAR A UTILITY POLE. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THERE IS SIGNIFICANT HEADS DOWN TIME FOR THE DRIVER DUE TO THE PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2021
I PURCHASED A 2021 DODGE DURANGO GT FROM ARRIGO DODGE- FT PIERCE ON 12/31/20. THE PICTURE THEY HAD IN THE ADVERTISEMENT SHOWS A SPORT HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS IN ANOTHER COUNTY SO THEY DELIVERED IT AT NIGHT TO MY HOME. BEFORE PURCHASING IT, I ASKED THE MANAGER TO DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE HOOD WAS IN FACT THE SPORT HOOD IN THE PICTURE ADVERTISED. HE CALLED & CHECKED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE HOOD WAS THE SPORT HOOD. IT WAS DELIVERED WITH A DIFFERENT HOOD. I BELIEVE THIS IS FALSE ADVERTISEMENT. I WANT THE HOOD THAT THEY PROMISED ME. NOW THE EVEN BIGGER ISSUES. I WAS WASHING MY VEHICLE WHEN I DISCOVERED A CRIMPED RUBBER PART ALONG THE DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER DOOR. THEN A PAINT DEFECT AROUND THE WINDOW. THEN THE DOOR BEING CROOKED AND NOT LINED WITH THE VEHICLE. WITH ALL THE DAMAGE TO THE DOOR, I BELIEVE THERE WAS TROUBLE ON THE PRODUCTION LINE. THERE IS ALSO A PIECE MISSING ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR PANEL AT THE LATCH TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE PART IS NOT THERE. THE BOLT IS EXPOSED. ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR, WHEN OPENING, THERE IS A BLACK HOSE THAT COVERS ELECTRICAL WIRING. THAT PART IS PULLED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE WIRES ARE HANGING. I PAID $49,000 FOR THIS VEHICLE. IT IS CLEARLY NOT PUT TOGETHER WELL. IT HAS DEFECTS EVERYWHERE. ARRIGO DODGE WANTS TO TRY TO REPAIR IT. THESE ISSUES ARE NOT REPAIRABLE, THESE ARE MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. I AM REQUESTING A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE WITH THE CORRECT HOOD AS ADVERTISED. I DID NOT SPEND ALMOST $50K FOR A DEFECTED VEHICLE THAT THEY WANT TO PATCH UP. PLEASE HELP ME.