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2021 Dodge Durango

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Dodge Durango do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 231.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 29 of 199 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 90 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports4 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

199 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine

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.

NHTSA ODI #11650387

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2025
Exterior Lighting

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.

NHTSA ODI #11649753

Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2025
Exterior Lighting

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 sa…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11648093

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2025
Engine

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11647838

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2025
Engine

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 h…

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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)

NHTSA ODI #11647623

Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2025
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

Racetrack taillight got water inside of it. Full Rear taillight is now not functioning and I have no brake lights.

NHTSA ODI #11647458

Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2025
Exterior Lighting

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 camer…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11646263

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Car shut off while driving.

NHTSA ODI #11644985

Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2025
Electrical System

I attempted to pull off from sitting @ a red light & the System Electronic Stability Control along with shift selector illuminated. At that time it causes this vehicle to not move. Transmission light came on as well & everything is blinking

NHTSA ODI #11640143

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2025
Service Brakes

Vehicle fitted with optional high-performance Brembo brakes as part of the tow-n-go package. Front calipers are seized at just over 40k miles. Passenger side pads worn 1/4" more than drivers side. Luckily did not cause an accident however this seems to be a very common problem with these brakes if you google it, many similar rep…

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Vehicle fitted with optional high-performance Brembo brakes as part of the tow-n-go package. Front calipers are seized at just over 40k miles. Passenger side pads worn 1/4" more than drivers side. Luckily did not cause an accident however this seems to be a very common problem with these brakes if you google it, many similar reports. Vehicle barely 4 years old. $5k+ repair bill at a Dodge dealer for new calipers, discs and pads and Dodge won't cover it under (now expired) warranty even though the uneven pad wear was missed at last service (so much for safety inspection).

NHTSA ODI #11638344

Official recalls

8

26V528000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Aug 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

24V436000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Jun 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

23V115000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged rear spoiler can detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

22V284000 · 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

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.

22V154000 · Steering:rack And Pinion

Mar 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

22V140000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc); Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Mar 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

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."

Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

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."

Consequence: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

21V842000 · Structure:body

Oct 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged rear spoiler could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

21V280000 · Air Bags:critical Fasteners; Air Bags:side/window:curtain

Apr 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:critical Fasteners

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.

Consequence: A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

Air Bags:side/window:curtain

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.

Consequence: A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.