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.
Tires, Nov 7, 2022
I had 4 Pirelli tires that were down to 3/32 to the point where the threads were showing near the inner sidewall on the tread in under 15000 miles. Tire information: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All/Season run flat tires Tire Size: 295/45/ ZR20 (110Y) M+S My safety as well as others would've been at severe risk if I wouldn't have replaced my tires. They would've blown out near the inner sidewall on the tread. I brought my vehicle in to the dealership to have an alignment and all specs were in spec which would indicate there shouldn't have been premature or uneven wear on the tire. They did confirm that under 15000 miles is extremely premature for these tires to be worn. The tires have only been inspected by the dealership, nobody else at this time. There were no lights on the dash indicating any sort of issue. I called Pirelli about the issue and they stated that there is no mileage warranty on the tires put on at the time of manufacturing. They stated that this complaint was "definitely not the first they have heard and it is not uncommon for premature wear to occur" but couldn't provide any further comment.
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 18, 2022
#1 The word " Air bag ! " notification would display on dashboard, #2 An "SOS" message on radio screen. #3 Red light on rearview mirror at or near emergency button. this would occur intermediately at start up, and or during driving at times. Vehicle was dropped off Wednesday, October 12, 2022 and is currently at "Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram" 16400 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, MI 48203 where i was told that it has a seatbelt issue which can cause airbag issue, and due to safety concern, my vehicle will have to stay..
Structure, Sep 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while opening the rear hatch, he noticed a bolt inside the hatch from the rear spoiler. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear spoiler to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to not having the parts available. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the rear spoiler detached from the vehicle and hit the highway. The contact parked the vehicle and retrieved the rear spoiler. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V842000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
Power train, Sep 21, 2022
The transmission slips during initial acceleration and causes the driver to dangerously accelerate ahead unexpectedly.This has been occuring since I purchased the vehicle in July of 2021.
Tires, Aug 27, 2022
All four tires have worn down after only 18,600 miles. They are bald after only minor use.
Structure, Jul 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound detected. The contact became aware that the spoiler had partially detached and was dangling from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V842000 (Structure) for which the VIN was included. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 31,911.
Structure, May 14, 2022
I was driving on the freeway in clear weather, no traffic, and smooth driving. Suddenly, the rear spoiler made a loud sound and broke free from the vehicle. While it was falling, it also broke off a large portion of the rear wiper, and both rear wiper and rear spoiler crashed onto the freeway behind me. All I could see was a small hose and a wire hanging out the back. I pulled off the freeway and took pictures of my mileage as well as the affected areas of the vehicle. Dodge has a recall for this exact problem on some VIN's of the same model year as my vehicle, but my specific VIN is not covered by the existing recall. The existing Dodge recall reference number is Y73.
Visibility/wiper, May 11, 2022
Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving. The shatter was accompanied by a very loud noise. Dealer has been contacted and the sunroof will be replaced under warranty.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 24, 2022
Cracked windshield 5 months after purchase and again 11 months after purchase. Both times in the same location along the bottom over the top of the VIN number plate. Refer to MC-10187012-9999
Back over prevention, Mar 23, 2022
The contact's wife owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the rearview camera failed to engage while reversing. Additionally, the contact stated that the navigation screen failed to engage while driving and he was unable to use the GPS. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the navigation screen needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 700.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V140000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Feb 27, 2022
2021 Dodge Durango R/T power liftgate fails to recoil when an obstruction is met before latching. The liftgate will squeeze upon object and try to latch and then it just stalls. The problem has been demonstrated over and over again at two different dodge service centers. It has been replicated by technicians in the field. FCA Corporate is aware of my complaint. The field representative said this is normal. If this was a child’s hand or an animal’s paw, it would be crushed, until it stalls. The owners manual clearly states if anything obstructs the powerlift gate while it’s closing or opening the liftgate will automatically reverse to the closed or open position after multiple obstructions in the same cycle to liftgate will automatically stop and must be opened or closed manually. This happens on the first attempt not multiple attempts. There is nothing in the owners manual warning customers about this safety hazard. I am not excepting the answer this is operating as designed. This needs a full investigation and should be a recall on all dodge vehicles which my understanding is manufactured after 2011 until present, according to service manager. This can be duplicated using towels rolled up, cargo liner sticking out of trunk, or other objects like a beach chair bag is how we discovered it. Furthermore, if in a parking lot or at home and you are going into store/home it looks liked it’s latch. Your vehicle is liftgate is unlatched! You do get a warning message on dash obstruction detected, but the liftgate fails to recoil as it just try’s to squeeze itself locked. Then it just stalls. FCA executive agrees the instruction do not line up with the way it’s described to work. What will it take? A small child’s hand, a dogs leg, or someone’s fingers? Dealer said it was pinch sensors but now stated they are not the issue. It’s a poor design with power lift gate strut. Vehicle was in shop for 45 days.
Structure, Feb 20, 2022
The rear spoiler detach while driving
Seat belts, Feb 18, 2022
UNKNOWN reason for failure. The driver side and passenger side seat belts will not retract and do not get tight. This is very dangerous!!!! There are thousands of Durango owners dealing with the same problem. This should be recalled immediately! It will not be good if someone were in an accident and departed from the vehicle because the seat belts weren't working properly!
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 17, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, it caught fire without warning. The contact stated that the fire extended to the house, which also caught fire. The fire was extinguished with the assistance of the fire department, who informed the contact that the source of the fire was electrical. There was no police report filed. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. The VIN was not available.
Exterior lighting, Dec 29, 2021
Auto leveling headlights are pointed too low, not providing enough lit view of the road at night. This is a constant issue and not intermittent. Not being able to see far enough ahead of a vehicle travelling at the speed limit, could cause harm or even death to the operator, passengers or objects in the road. Dealer confirmed lights are pointed too low. Vehicle has not been inspected by the Manufacturer, Police, Insurance Representative. It has only been inspected by the dealership. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms. I just purchased this vehicle and it was like this when I purchased it.
Forward collision avoidance, Dec 8, 2021
In the smallest snow flurry while driving the FCW system, as well as the ACC system will disable themselves because the system reports the sensor is blocked. This has happened every time I drive in any kind of currently falling snow. If I stop the car, wipe the sensor off, and continue driving, the system will work for a little while until snow clogs/accumulates on the sensor again.
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.
Structure, Oct 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear roof spoiler detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to retrieve the spoiler from the side of the highway. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 4, 2021
My rear tail lights are filling with water due to the fact the Dodge Durango tail lights are not fully sealed. Inevitably there will be a short and the lights will no longer work. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS COMMON PROBLEM thanks
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.
Equipment, Jun 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the font on the infotainment system when a notification was displayed had the appearance of a line when looked at from the driver’s seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle operated as intended. The failure mileage was approximately 336.
Electrical system, Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, 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 SYSTEMS COMES ON THE SCREEN AND IS VERY DISTRACTING WHEN DRIVING. THEN IT STATES IT COULDN'T CONNECT TO SOS SYSTEM AND CONTACT A DEALER. RED LIGHT COMES ON THE DASH AND ON THE REARVIEW MIRROR. ALMOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK.
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
Engine, Apr 15, 2021
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, THERE IS A CONTINUOUS CRANK BUT ENGINE NEVER STARTS. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW WITH 0 MILES. THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY. ONLY WAY TO AVOID THIS IS TO START IT WITH THE REMOTE START.