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, Feb 9, 2024
The liftgate light assembly (racetrack light) has defective gaskets which have allowed water to enter the assembly. The light now has a short resulting from the water and randomly flashes or goes out. This is troubling when following the vehicle as you cannot tell if it is a brake light coming on, hazards, or what the purpose of the random flashing light is.
Exterior lighting, Jan 31, 2024
Water intrusion into the rear taillights causing LED assembly to burn out. This potentially renders the vehicle not visible to other drivers at night time without running lights.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 27, 2023
Forward collision service warning came on me vehicle when there was nothing near my car and the weather was only slight rain. Why hasn’t this issue been a recall when I’ve read dozens of other complaints for this same issue.
Structure, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a gasoline odor in the interior of the vehicle. As a result, the contact started to feel physically ill, potentially compromising his health. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V115000 (Structure), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Air bags, Nov 28, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while her mother was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle that had slammed on its brakes. The contact stated that the proceeding vehicle then crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that her mother was involved in a four-car pileup. The air bags did not deploy. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a lot. The contact's mother sustained arm and neck inquires. Medical attention was needed. The contact's mother received medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 27, 2023
Headlight Assembly DLR failures
Engine, Nov 14, 2023
On 11/4/2023 I turned off my Durango. 10 minutes later I turn it on and it makes a clicking noise and wouldn't turn over. After 10 attempts to start I let it rest for the evening. The following day 11/5/2023 I try to restart and it stalled. After 5 more attempts the vehicle stalled after 10 Seconds each time. 11/6/2023 I contacted my insurance company to have my vehicle towed because it wasn't drivable to the local dodge dealership. After 4 days they diagnosed the problem as an Egr valve. They contacted other dealerships to purchase one and there wasn't any available. They also said that the part is on back order with no date for the future. Prior to the Durango refusing to start there was no warning lights on. The vehicle died in my relatives yard thankfully and not during operation otherwise it could have been fatal. The problem has been confirmed by the local dodge dealership and is available at that location for inspection. I have no documentation yet as it's still sitting at the dealership waiting for the back ordered part to magically arrive
Exterior lighting, Oct 26, 2023
The driver side DRL has gone out. Passenger DRL is working perfect. Looked at dodge forums to see if others are having the same problem and there is MANY of the same complaints!
Wheels, Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with two-piece lug nuts. The contact stated that he had been working on the vehicle changing the tire and damaged the lug nuts causing lug nuts to bulge. The contact stated that he was concerned about removing the damaged lug nuts for fear of stripping the thread on the bolts. The contact stated he contacted a local dealer, the manufacturer, and the manufacturer of the lug nuts and was informed that there would be no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,500.
Steering, Back over prevention, Sep 1, 2023
Before we bought the vehicle we were questioned the steering to get fixed because they stated it was so so alignment issue. But after we purchased within a year we have to get the steering fixed multiple times. Dealership Capricorn that's it was just a loose bolt. This causes a stream safety concerns because there are times where we can't steer correctly or if the steering wheel is straight. The vehicle drifts to the right. Try to take it back another time. Was told by dealership that was a cosmetic issue and is no longer covered on the warranty
Wheels, Aug 31, 2023
The Durango Hydroplaned and after I inspected the tires I noticed very bad wear patterns on the front tires at 17,500 miles both the inside treads on the front tires are completely worn off. I brought the car to the dealer and they confirmed the durangos alignment is out causing the tires to wear. They inspected the back tires and those were worn as well I feel like there is some type of manufacture defect and assembly defect causing the tires to wear prematurely. The pireeli tires have a UTQG: 500 A A rating that should wear to about 50K miles
Structure, Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the rear spoiler detached and struck the rear windshield. The contact pulled over and located the part. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V115000 (Structure) 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Jul 17, 2023
I have an open safety recall on my 2021 Dodge Durango R/T. Upon receiving the paperwork in the mail I brought my car to a dealer to get it assessed. During that appointment, it was decided that I did need the recall part to be ordered and replaced. The dealer sent me on my way. I called back today to get an idea of when this would be performed and unfortunately, they said Chrysler did not have any parts available and that my part had effectively no ETA on it. I called Chrysler Customer Care to see what they could do in helping me locate the part. The service person on the other end of the phone told me that the car was safe to drive and there was absolutely NOTHING they could do for me and that I would have to wait. I then informed the service person I used to be a manager of a parts department for the CDJR brand and asked about the program that Chrylser has to expedite parts for customers. I have first-hand experience dealing with the expedition team and they always pulled through when I had my customers call in the past (less than a year ago). They would be able to acquire a part that had no ETA and get it to me usually within a week which was incredible for the safety needs of (at the time) our customers. The service person then informed me they had no idea and reiterated that there is nothing they can do and the vehicle is safe to drive. I need to put this complaint in because I have an open safety recall on my vehicle and the company that owns the recall and the part can not give me any estimation of when it will be taken care of and it is to be taken care of in a reasonable amount of time. I don't know who defines what reasonable is but having no estimate at all is certainly not justifiable. This recall is holding back business and personal driving because we as customers do not feel safe driving these long distances knowing that our vehicle could kill us or someone else due to this part flying off of our car and causing an accident with little to no warning.
Power train, Jul 6, 2023
Transmission cooling lines rub frame of vehicle causing lost in coolant.
Electrical system, Jun 15, 2023
An error pop up occurs frequently which blocks the screen (including the backup camera view) until cleared. The error message says “Uconnect Box requires service. Please visit an authorized dealer” This pop up occurs at random and can happen several times in a row. The spontaneity of the error means it can suddenly cover the backup camera view as you are backing up.
Steering, Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 63 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became firm. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found. The dealer suggested that the power steering control module software be updated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer approved the repair of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 1,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 24, 2023
On two separate occasions, while driving car engages into automatic braking with nothing in front of it.
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
Power train, Air bags, Service brakes, Mar 8, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and turning in an exit veering to the right when the vehicle began reducing in speed and the vehicle was displaying numbers counting down on the instrument panel. The contact pulled to the side of the road where they turned the vehicle off and waited approximately 5 - 10 minutes before turning the vehicle back on and driving to the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure therefore they were unable to diagnose the cause. The vehicle had not been repaired. Approximately 3 weeks after while driving approximately 40 mph when attempting to go on a roundabout when the vehicle began displaying the count down on the instrument panel. The contact attempted to apply the brakes however the vehicle continued to accelerate forward causing the contact to drop into the center of the roundabout. The air bag failed to deploy and the contact hit their head on the steering wheel. The contact also received whiplash and medical attention was needed. The contact was injured from the neck down the back. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,722.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 25, 2023
Periodic starting failure. Vehicle will not turn over immediately. It has a push button start. The safety of my children is at stake if my vehicle does not start during cold winter months when the outside temperature is below freezing. I am not sure I won’t shut off mid travel. It was suggested to be the type of fuel so I bought premium and it didn’t help.
Exterior lighting, Feb 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that he noticed that water was leaking into the taillights on inclement weather days. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. Additionally, the contact sent photos of the failure to the dealer; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not replace the taillights under warranty because no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the frequency module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, My Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT (4650 E Pickard St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858; (989) 773-6343) where it was diagnosed that the frequency module needed to be replaced but the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving on three separate occasions at highway speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The horn was beeping. Additionally, the windshield wipers, the brakes, and the power steering functionality became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed there was corrosion on part numbers: 68490871AA (PCM, ECM, ECU Control module) and 68499393AA (PCM, ECM, ECU Control module). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
Suspension, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2022
I keep receiving error messages on my vehicle, I spoke to a dealership and they stated that there is in fact for a recall.
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.