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
202 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2025
While exiting I95 in Jacksonville, FL onto I10, the vehicle stumbled and lost power. Felt like it was running out of fuel. This happened at 500PM on Thursday, 14 August 2025. Thankfully, I am good driver and alert and made a two lane change onto a shoulder. The vehicle barely made it off the road with cars having to scramble to avoid us as we slowed. The vehicle would crank but not start. Upon investigating simple things, I discovered that fuse 70, the fuel pump motor had blown. I replaced with another fuse but the vehicle would still only crank but not start. We even added fuel to ensure it was not a pickup issue. My wife and I were towed home (we rode in the two truck) after a few hours on side of the road. It appears this fuel pump issue is fairly common. I am out of warranty and will pay for a repair myself. However, this could have been a very serious situation had I not been alert and had the room to maneuver across the lanes. No warning lights or any such thing is present on the dash. Also the car was NOT out of fuel.
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.
Back over prevention, Jul 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V436000 (Back Over Prevention); and parts were available; however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair. The contact was informed that the denial was due to the vehicle not being at factory specifications upon inspection. The contact stated that an aftermarket security system from Stargard GPS was installed by the dealer, from whom the vehicle was purchased prior to the contact taking possession of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, a case was opened, and the contact was later informed that the manufacturer agreed with the dealer’s determination. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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!
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 25, 2025
Cylinders 5 misfire EGR valve malfunction
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.
Power train, Engine, Jun 11, 2025
The heating hose exploded due to unknown pressure and ended up getting steaming, hot coolant, and all the cylinders and causing engine failure on a Dodge Durango that I purchased 80 days ago. and I have manufacturer, the dealer and an extended warranty, and after verbal and written promises, now I’m left with almost a $20,000 bill and no car and wasting money on rentals. I have filed to BBB and other complaints towards the dealership. I have tons of other people who have had similar problems with this year and model and newer.
Structure, Jun 7, 2025
I was driving at around 45 MPH when my rear spoiler suddenly detached from my 2022 vehicle. It was only held on by one latch and the wire for the rear camera. This could have caused a serious accident — even a fatal one — if it had come completely off. I looked online and saw that this issue has happened to other owners, and that there is a recall related to this defect. However, when I called Dodge, I was told that since my VIN isn’t listed under the recall, they can’t assist me. This seems incredibly unsafe and unfair, considering the potential for serious injury or death. I will gladly have anyone inspect the spoiler if needed. My car has had no warning or prior issues at all. I bought it new in 2022, and I believe this is a significant safety concern that needs to be addressed. Please advise how Dodge can resolve this issue and ensure my safety. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 30, 2025
car has trouble turning on
Exterior lighting, May 23, 2025
Daytime running lights stopped working at 40,000 miles. Only fix would be to get an entirely new headlight.
Power train, May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message "Switch to Park and select a Gear" was displayed with an audible alarm. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 29, 2025
The daytime running light on the drivers side stopped working. Appears to be a very common problem on 2021 durangos. After inspection of the headlight assembly, it appears the DRL are 2 separate strips which makes it highly unlikely that both LED strips failed at the exact same time. This leads me to believe the issue is electrical. I dont want to replace the headlight assembly with an underlying electrical issue and dodge does not want to take responsibilty and investigate further. They want to replace the headlight assembly. This is an ongoing issue with many durangos and it needs to be properly addressed
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 24, 2025
Rear brake light got water in it and now the brake light is partially out.
Exterior lighting, Apr 15, 2025
The driver's side, daytime running light LED suddenly went off and stopped working
Structure, Apr 13, 2025
Rear spoiler flew off on highway as I was on my way to my son‘s [XXX] birthday party with a vehicle full of children. This is a major concern because it could have endanger the people in the vehicle as well as the people outside of the vehicle on the highway. This was a disaster. No one was hurt, but I have full intentions on contacting my attorney. After research there was a recall for 2021 through 2023 on spoilers for the Dodge Durango possibly not being intact and could potentially fly off. I purchased this vehicle with less than 500 miles on it at the end of 2023 December to be exact I was never notified of a recall and after a year and a half later, it happened to me. What should I do and how should I proceed? I have pictures and videos. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Apr 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to pull to the left, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact felt a vibration in the steering wheel, and the vehicle pulling to the left or the right while driving downhill or on the highway. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with wheel alignment and steering wheel failure. The wheels were aligned, and the steering wheel was adjusted; however, the failure recurred two more times. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,854.
Engine, Mar 29, 2025
Vehicle cranking but not starting until after turning off car and then starting it again. Happens after short trips and I go to start my car again after 1-2 hrs
Exterior lighting, Mar 27, 2025
DRL’s stopped working
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 25, 2025
I have been having issues with the start button, the engine cranking but not turning over. It will crank for 30 seconds, not start, all the lights come on and usually on the second attempt the car will start. Also I have powered off the radio while driving for a second, then the screen will not turn back on.
Exterior lighting, Mar 21, 2025
DRL on left side does not work. After looking online it looks as if this is a common issue and most likely 2021 models are no longer working. It is safety hazard due to it being a light.
Exterior lighting, Mar 13, 2025
The driver side headlight fixture has gotten moisture into it. This has caused the "racetrack" LED daylight running light around the headlight to fail. After doing research, this is a common issue amount 2021 and up Dodge Durangos. At this time, there is also a class action lawsuit for the rear LED lighting using probably the same design that is also failing. The fix is replacing the headlight housing which is approximately $1,500+ for part and repair. Yes, this can be inspected upon request. The safety risk is that only one of the daylight running lights works so visibility will be poor for other drivers. My inspection mechanic noticed this issue and described it being the moisture in the headlight to be the most direct cause of the malfunction. There were no warnings that the equipment was failing. It would be on one day then off the next and then it stopped working completely.
Engine, Mar 12, 2025
Driving in traffic when suddenly a large volume of smoke was pouring out from my vehicle obscuring the view of everyone behind me. Pulled over and shut down, found coolant all over engine bay and had vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership replaced hose assembly under warranty but was without vehicle for 6 weeks waiting on the part.
Engine, Mar 11, 2025
On [XXX] my Durango started leaking coolant and steaming while I was driving. The steam was rising through the openings in the hood and was getting on the windshield. The coolant was pouring on the ground. I had to stop the car to prevent it from overheating. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer and they told me a coolant hose had broken at the rear of the engine. I did some research on this specific leak. I have a friend with the same year and model/trim as my Durango who also had the same exact problem just past 30K miles. When I looked online, I can find many instances of this same failure. Here's one example that includes some excellent photos of the issue: [XXX] The Dodge PN for this failed component is: 55038042AJ. This part is common for 2011-2025 Durangos and is on at least the 6th engineering revision as evidence by is cross compatibility with 55038042AE, 55038042AF, 55038042AG, 55038042AH, 55038042AI. This issue is systemic and dangerous. The engine can lose all coolant and overheat without warning. It spills coolant on the roadway creating a hazardous condition and the driver's view can be obstructed by the coolant on the windshield and in the air. There was no advance warning of this failure and I don't expect this sort of failure when a vehicle is so new and well maintained. The dealer fixed my vehicle at a cost of over $1700 for this repair which was just barely past the manufacturer's warranty term for the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 10, 2025
Racetrack taillight got water inside of it. Full Rear taillight is now not functioning and I have no brake lights.
Exterior lighting, Mar 4, 2025
The racetrack tail LED lights burn out and fail. It is a safety concern because of visibility and since they are vulnerable to water damage from rain or car washes, the light assembly can get corroded and burn out other electrical components. This leads to failure of backup lights, license plate lights, and rearview backup camera. The problem has been reproduced thousands of times as is evident by all the Durango's on the road exhibiting the same burned out tail lights. There is no warning or message, etc. prior to failure. The cost to repair is an outrageous $2000 (parts & labor) at minimum.