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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 202

Of the 2021 reports, 10 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.

Primary concernExterior lighting90 reports · 45% of complaints
Owner complaints202Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship8 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Exterior lighting90
  2. Electrical system40
  3. Other or unspecified24
  4. Engine22
  5. Structure15
  6. Air bags11
  7. Fuel/propulsion system10
  8. Power train10

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

202 reports, newest first.

  1. Exterior lighting, May 16, 2026

    The DRL failed - seems like it is due to a faulty ground connection on CANBUS.

  2. Exterior lighting, May 14, 2026

    The driver's side LED headlight has gone out. It is LED and suppose to outlast the vehicle. Headlight works but turn signal doesn't in the front. This unit is over $1,000 to have replaced and multiple people are complaining about it happening to their Dodge Durango RT's as well.

  3. Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, May 9, 2026

    My durango been having issues starting after seating over night also there has been a couple times when the durango loses power and is very sluggish it has to be a fuel pump issues

  4. Electrical system, May 8, 2026

    Left headlight assembly running lights failed. The light fixture. is one unit.so the whole light being replaced instead of one lightbulb.

  5. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 6, 2026

    My life turn signal and parking light stopped working, my problem is the whole headlight assembly needs to be replaced just because these two items don’t work. The dealer wants over $800 for the part. Why don’t they issue a warranty or a recall on this item? It’s too much to pay just because turn signal and parking light doesn’t work.

  6. Suspension, May 6, 2026

    Our 2021 Dodge Durango Citadel with only 46,000 miles on it and purchased brand new has had the left driver side CV boot replaced and now the left driver side motor mount is leaking hydraulic fluid and needs to be replaced. Have read online of other owners having similar issues with the driver side suspension and powertrain.

  7. Exterior lighting, Apr 21, 2026

    Drivers side Daytime Running Light (DRL) failed. Bulb cannot be replaced, instead entire headlight must be replaced for over $1000. DLR is a safety feature which alerts other vehicles and pedestrians that a vehicle is on or in motion. Due to poor craftsmanship of this critical Dodge part, it is reasonable to recall Dodge’s defective safety equipment.

  8. 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

  9. Exterior lighting, Apr 13, 2026

    My 2021 dodge durango rt have issues with front turn signal light on the driver side I have read dodge forums and other owners are experiencing the same problems how isn't this a safety issue or a recall from dodge

  10. Visibility/wiper, Apr 8, 2026

    Driving in a rainy day on my way from work home, my wipers stopped working. I took it to an auto mechanic and he told me that wiper motor was good and also was the wiper switch. The problem was with the totally integrated power module (TIPM ) . So I could not drive my vehicle when it rains. And the dealership states that I had to purchase the entire fuse module under the hood. So I had no choice but to purchase this item which the dealer charge me $480 plus tax.

  11. Exterior lighting, Mar 10, 2026

    Driver side Daytime Running Light (DLR) went out without warning. Another motorist notified me. Fixing requires the entire headlamp assembly to be replaced and the part, alone, is over $1,100.

  12. Exterior lighting, Mar 3, 2026

    Driver Side Day Time Running Does not work. This is a very common problem with 2021 and up Dodge Durang's . Driving light are a safety feature. Some states require them to be on.

  13. Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 3, 2026, crash

    I'm having issues with my 2021 Dodge Durango I have a recall on a rear view camera a recall on a rear spoiler a recall on the steering assembly a recall on the ESC light mail function ABS system loose airbags

  14. 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)

  15. Exterior lighting, Feb 27, 2026

    21 dodge durango driver’s led daytime running light went out, a lot of people having same issues specially with 21’s

  16. Visibility, Feb 25, 2026

    The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the daytime running lights became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was alerted to the failure by another driver. The contact also confirmed the failure when the vehicle was pulled into the driveway at the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the running lights had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. The VIN was not available.

  17. Engine, Feb 23, 2026

    Cooling systems failed caused the engine to blow without warning

  18. Exterior lighting, Feb 19, 2026

    The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side headlight failed to function as intended. In addition, the front passenger side headlight was very dim. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the LED ballast had failed. The contact was informed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

  19. Service brakes, Feb 13, 2026

    Around 50,000 or trailer brake service and traction control warning came on. Took into dealership was told it was hydraulic control unit and abs module that need replaced

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. Electrical system, Jan 25, 2026

    My rear racetrack light on my 2021 Durango rt tow n go has water in it from not being sealed and it’s burnt out was quoted astronomical amounts of money to fix along with getting pulled over and was told it’s a safety issue by police and said it can cause a electrical fire and it’s a hazard

  24. 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.

  25. Exterior lighting, Jan 7, 2026

    Rear tail light not working filled with water and burned out led