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.
Exterior lighting, Aug 31, 2024
My drivers side headlamp that is sealed the running light is out and apparently several other Dodge Durango owners have the same issue like it’s a defect when they were being made and it seems to be the one on the drivers side every time when you look up all the complaints about it! I am very unhappy about this situation and that a recall already hasn’t been made with all the vehicles that have this same exact problem instead because it’s sealed the dealerships want us to pay $1800 to get it replaced! If several other Dodge Durangos are having the same problem they should fix this issue moving forward! Our vehicle is only 3 years old! This could definitely cause an issue when it’s foggy outside and make it a very dangerous situation since we cannot change it ourselves! So this needs to be fixed!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 31, 2024
Known issue of major electrical problems. Fuse block, alternator, and batteries needed to be replaced after car completely died while driving, leaving us stranded at major intersection. Daytime running light also died.
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.
Suspension, Wheels, Aug 28, 2024
We own a 2021 Dodge Durgano SRT Hellcat which we received from the dealership on [XXX]. It has only 17,083 miles on it and the 50,000 mile stock Pirelli run flat tires are cording and coming apart at the interior of the tire. The vehicle has had recommended tire rotations every year at 5,000 to 6,000 mi. They have advised there is a MAJOR factory alignment issue causing the front tires to lean in at the top resulting in very abnormal wear to the interior of the tires. We have photo proof of our 2021 Durango with the alignment issue versus our 2018 Durango without it. We notified Dodge of this safety issue especially since they have three brand new Durangos for sale with this same issue. We were unaware of this issue until the tires started coming apart since this was a brand new car and factory alignment should not be set to destroy tires. We filed claim# [XXX] with Chrysler and they denied our claim to assist us with aligning the vehicle and replacing the tires and also showed refused to correct the issue for future customers purchasing their vehicles. We are currently in a battle with our local dealership HW Hunter Dodge (Lancaster, CA) to have the tires replaced and alignment issues corrected yet they are also refusing to help or be liable for the alignment problem on our vehicle and other vehicles they have sold or will be selling. This poses a serious safety hazard for anyone who has purchased a 2021 or newer Durango R/T, SRT, and SRT Hellcat which all have this camber issue at the top of the both front tires. Eventually, someone will experience a massive tire failure with their family in the vehicle and will either be seriously hurt if not worse. A recall should be issued for this problem immediately and replacement of damaged tires but both Dodge and Chrysler will not take any liability nor help with even looking into the issue. In the photos attached our 2021 Durango is White, our 2018 Durango is Red, and the black Durango is brand new for sale. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Aug 21, 2024
I own a 2020 Dodge Durango. The daytime running lights malfunctioned after one year of use. The vehicle warranty does not cover this issue, and all dealers and insurance companies will charge over $1200 to repair the lights. This issue has been known to affect the 2020 Durango model since its release. The lights cannot be repaired by replacing a bulb; instead, the entire headlight module must be replaced. Dodge has stated that this issue is considered normal wear and tear on the vehicle, even though they acknowledge that it is a known issue. Dodge does not know why the lights malfunction after just one year, but their resolution is to charge the consumer to replace the module and also advises that the issue may recur after the repair.
Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2024
My rear spoiler fell off going down the road, and was unable to find it.
Service brakes, Aug 18, 2024
When driving the vehicle and pressing the brakes to stop, the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor. It takes several attempts of releasing and pressing the pedal before the brakes start to work again. The vehicle was taken to the Dodge dealer service, where they installed a computer to diagnose the issue. During their test drive, the same problem occurred, with the brakes not working. However, nothing registered on the computer. They bled the brakes, replaced the rear rotors, and returned the vehicle. Unfortunately, the same issue happened again. The vehicle was then taken to a private shop, where they changed the front brakes, bled the lines, and returned the vehicle. But the problem persisted, with the pedal still going straight to the floor. This issue has occured several times since purchasing the vehicle.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 8, 2024
Driver side headlight Dlr LED running and turn signal went out.
Exterior lighting, Aug 7, 2024
The DRL on these models seem to stop working within 3-4 years. I have only one working on the vehicle currently. Dealer is stating the light cost is $1000 plus install to fix. Apparently it’s a “known” issue by FCA. The safety concern is that when people first see it they have told me they thought I was a motorcycle. As only one DRL is working. The whole headlight should not have to be replaced in these as it is only the DRL that is bad. How do they expect people to pay for this.
Back over prevention, Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V436000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Jul 12, 2024
The EPS system failed while driving, the steering wheel became very stiff and hard to turn
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.
Exterior lighting, May 30, 2024
My 2021 Durango is suffering from the a burnt out racetrack light. This is an manufacturer issue and is common across all Durango's with the racetrack tail light, I hope that Dodge issue a recall to fix this problem since it's this common, my vehicle is only 3 years old.
Engine, May 27, 2024
I was on a road trip, this is the second time it happens. A small rock hit my a/c condenser causing the Freon to leak out. It happened 2 years ago after owning the car for a few days and had to pay over $1500 and happened again today. I have to bring it to the shop to see if I have the same issue. I just feels that I can’t be the only one this has happened to
Air bags, Structure, Lane departure, May 21, 2024
unknown
Exterior lighting, May 21, 2024
In my 2021 Dodge Durango, I noticed my daytime running light on the drivers side was out. I thought that’s weird because I have had the car for less than 3 years. When I googled the problem to find the part to replace, I quickly learned there were thousands of complaints about the same problem. This part costs $1,400 for one single headlight replacement because it’s not possible to just replace a bulb. I called the dealership and they let me know that I can bring it in with a $250 fee for checking the problem. I will be required to pay the fee if it is not covered under warranty. In their words, if a fuse is loose or malfunctioning then I have to pay $250 plus however much it costs to fix the problem. If the headlight needs to be replaced then I do not have to pay the $250 fee because it’s apart of my 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. I cannot afford to pay $3,000 every two years for a set of new headlights when this seems like a major flaw in design along with thousands of customers reporting this is happening to them as well. I live in Washington state where it is dark, gloomy, and rainy throughout the entire year. I would consider daytime running lights a safety concern if not functioning properly on a daily basis and constantly needs to be repaired. My car never warned me or sent me a message that there was a problem. I had someone tell me who physically saw the issue. I attached screenshots of just one website with thousands of comments reporting the same issue.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, May 20, 2024
I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN MY VEHICLE TOLD ME PUT MY CAR INTO PARK. I LOST CONTROL OF MY STEERING AND CONTROL OF MY ABILITY TO PUT MY CAR INTO OR OUR OF GEAR. I HAD STARTED TO SLOW DOWN DUE TO LOSS OF CONTROLS AND MY CAR HALTED TO AN ADRUPT STOP AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO HAVE ANY CONTROL OF ITS FUNCTIONS. DUE TO BEING IN TRAFFIC I ATTEMPTED TO THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND IT DID NOT ALLOW, I WAITED APPROXIMATELY 5 MIN, AT THAT POINT IT ALLOWED ME TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART AND IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME. AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY 10 MIN. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPAIRED ON 6/13 AND A FEW DAYS LATER CUT OFF AFTER REPAIRS.
Exterior lighting, May 17, 2024
Driver side day headlight stopped working. Some in the warranty period and some out. A quick search online shows a lot of Durango owners having the same exact issue.
Exterior lighting, May 16, 2024
Drivers side daytime running light is out. Manufacturer defect plenty of dodge Durango vehicles are having the same common issue From 2021-2023 Durangos
Exterior lighting, May 14, 2024
Driver's side daytime running light burned out after 3 years.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 30, 2024
Water accumulates in the rear light bar. This has caused the LEDs to start flickering. This could cause issues in traffic, especially at night if the LEDs are flickering or not working completely. This issue is well known in the Durango community. Mopar is also aware of this. I can always see some water in the light bar after every rain. This vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet. There are no warning lights associated with this issue. I first noticed the water after owning the vehicle for about 1 year.
Exterior lighting, Apr 28, 2024
The driver's side Daytime Running Lights (DRL) no longer operate. It is available for inspection. DRL have become a regular safety feature to improve visibility in daylight hours. I have not taken it to a dealer, as I do not want to be charged hundreds of dollars in "labor" for them to tell me it doesn't work. I have done research online in Forums and on YouTube, and have confirmed that there are numerous people with the same year, make and model who's driver's side DRL have stopped working just before or just after the 36,000/3 years. For example, my car has 46,000 miles on it when the DRL stopped working. Other's on the Forums who have had their vehicle inspected by the dealerships have confirmed that the entire light assembly needs to be replaced, at a cost of $1300, not including labor. There were no warning lamps or indications that the light went out, I saw my reflection in another car that was in front of me. There is no reason for an LED DRL to go bad after less than years and/or 46,000 miles and the owner then expected to buy a replacement part that costs $1300.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Apr 25, 2024, crash
April del 2022 manegava a velocidad mínima y kise frenar y no agarro bien los frenos y terminé pegándole a una moto enfrente de mi
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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2024
The component I am referring to is the fuel pump and fuel sending unit. The vehicle has starting issues, when starting it gives about 30 seconds of continues cranking before starting. Sometimes the vehicle will go through that cycle—unable to turn off at any point and eventually quit on its own. The only way to be replicated is roughly after being idle for 30 minutes- and then having the car turned off and on again. Or by happening randomly-at a stop light with the auto start feature turned on. This provides a hazard as there is moving traffic and the car can stall or not start in time. The vehicle is currently at the dodge dealership getting repaired however there are multiple complaints about this happening on many website forums. Unknown if the issues was reproduced by dealer, however they ran a test and determined the fuel pump was running lower than the specified PSI as per the manufacturer—but I never got the true reading. Unknown if the dealership went into detailed inspection of fuel pump. There are no warning lamp signs or any codes sent through the OBD II monitor.