2021 Dodge Durango: problems, recalls and reliability
8 recalls and 202 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is exterior lighting (43% of complaints); the 2019 and 2020 and 2022 and 2023 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 7 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Aug 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while pulling up to the residence, there was a gurgling sound coming from the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked and turned off, the gurgling sound got louder. The contact's husband opened the trunk, and the coolant reservoir exploded. The dealer was contacted by phone. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,500.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2026
“The vehicle's manufacturer-installed infotainment system repeatedly displays an intrusive error message while the vehicle is being operated. The message obstructs the navigation display and requires the driver to manually interact with the touchscreen to dismiss it. This creates visual and manual driver distraction. The manufacturer/dealer has been notified at Carvana Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Sacramento.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2026
“It's known that the DRL and race track tail lights go out faster than what they should. Also the tail lights once the lift gate is open on the edges of both sides are very sharp. My DRL on my 21 Durango with only 59k miles just went out. That is way to fast and the price to fix is insane”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“My vehicle is 5 years old with 54,000 miles on its and my driver's side headlight has failed. The headlamps are LED and in order to repair them, the entire housing needs a replacement, not just a bulb. My headlights need to be operational in order to drive safely at night. I have an appointment with the dealership to confirm the issue. There were not any warnings or failure symptoms.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2026
“The component that failed is the rear spoiler of the Durango. There is already a recall in place. The vehicle was inspected a few years ago and passed. Then, the issue happened where it fell off while driving, damaging the back hatch of the Durango. After speaking with the dealership, they refused to fix the problem because they stated they already checked the recall and it passed. But it's still a recall. And it fell off while I was driving almost damaging the vehicle behind me. In causing serious accident”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2026
“My fuel pump went out without codes. My car stalled out on a highway while I was going 65 miles an hour with my baby in my car , and would not crank back up or go into neutral . No , it has not been to dealer it is broke down and I had to have it towed home. My husband is a mechanic and has thoroughly inspected all components, the fuel pump went out . No. This is a common problem in 2021 dodges and challengers . This is very dangerous for drivers on the highway . This issue should be fixed .”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2026
“Drivers side running lights are not working. So you are forced to turn off daytime running lights or have one out. This seems to be a very common issue with dodge Durango for some reason.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2026
“Drivers side running light went out at 65k miles. Hundreds of complaints on same issue online. Not covered after bumper to bumper”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver-side headlight would not illuminate during nighttime conditions. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as needing both front headlights to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2026
“The Driver side Daytime Running Light (DRL) has stopped working. This is not a replaceable bulb, an entire head lamp assembly must be purchased, its also not really a user replaceable item. It involves removing the from bumper cover an other body parts. Im reporting this because this is a common occurrence on 2021 and up model year Dodge Durango and Im hoping you get enough reports to force a recall. Lighting is required for safety, it should not be something thats so difficult and expensive to repair, AND it should not be happening so frequently on this specific DRL in this vehicle.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 8 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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."
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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."
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2021 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Durango years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Durango by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Dodge Durango reliable?
NHTSA has 202 owner complaints and 8 recall campaigns on record for the 2021 Dodge Durango. The most complained-about area is exterior lighting (43% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Dodge Durango problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 34,000 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Dodge Durango have open recalls?
8 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.