2021 DODGE Durango

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

7RecallsNHTSA Verified100ComplaintsNHTSA Data2InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

This 2021 model shows concerning reliability, primarily driven by 7 recalls—above the DODGE average—centered on the structure.

Key Factor:elevated structure issues

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Focus Area:general reliability
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.7)
    📝
    Summary:
Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

29/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-56
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 DODGE Durango

Model Year2021
MakeDODGE
ModelDurango
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Jan24
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

14 complaints (14% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
11(11%)
🟡Medium
14(14%)
🟢Low
75(75%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 40k-60k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 48,671 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 21 of 100 complaints (21% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (10%)
20k-40k
3 reports (14%)
40k-60k
10 reports (48%)
60k-80k
4 reports (19%)
80k-100k
2 reports (10%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

STRUCTUREAIR BAGSSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSTEERINGENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGBACK OVER PREVENTION

Official Safety Recalls (7)

Campaign: 21V842000

STRUCTURE:BODY

Summary

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

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 21V280000

AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 22V140000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 22V154000

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

Summary

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

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 22V284000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

Summary

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

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 23V115000

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Summary

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

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Campaign: 24V436000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary

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

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

NHTSA Investigations

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Durango.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Durango performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 12,337
INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Durango performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 15,163

Consumer Complaints

100 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Durango.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning14%
Burn5%
Display5%
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

The engine cooling system on my 2021 Dodge Durango GT failed due to ruptured coolant lines, including the rear coolant tubes supplying the rear air conditioning system and both transmission heater hoses. These lines carry engine coolant to the rear HVAC system and transmission. The ruptures caused coolant loss and engine overheating during normal operation. The failure appears related to the routing of the lines near the transmission housing, causing excessive wear not attributable to driver error. This model year has a documented history of similar failures. The vehicle and components are available for inspection and are currently at the dealership. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the vehicle overheated while I was driving at normal speed in traffic. A major overheating warning appeared while driving. Overheating in traffic creates a risk of sudden loss of power or the need to stop unexpectedly, which could result in a collision. Although I was able to drive slowly due to proximity to home, this condition would be hazardous on longer trips. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Dodge dealership, which verified failure of the coolant lines and provided an estimated repair cost of approximately $3,600. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership. A third-party warranty provider (Warranty Solutions) denied coverage, and I am disputing the decision. The vehicle remains at the dealership because I do not feel it is safe to drive. No prior warning signs were present. The overheating warning appeared suddenly at approximately 62,000 miles. I noticed the smell of coolant upon arrival at the dealership, indicating an active leak.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #22V284000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Dec 16, 2025Open
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
AIR BAGS

Was in a major car crash and air bags did not deploy

Dec 15, 2025Open
Electrical🔵 Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Driver side DRL (daytime running light) quit functioning. This a known issue with the LED lamps. The attached photos are: 1. Rockauto description 2. Email showing order # and total for both Headlamp assemblies. 3. The removed, old OEM Headlamp assemblies. 4. Rockauto shipping bill.

Dec 14, 2025Open
Electrical⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This specific year and all models in 2021 Durango’s including SRT, GT, GT Plus , TnG , vehicle has a known issue with the driver side DRL ( Daytime Running Lights) completely going out and not working very early into its life . I believe this is a safety issue that the manufacturer should fix themselves as it’s a defect wiring / headlight issue that is affecting thousands of customers. SECONDLY, this car comes with an issue in the taillight not being properly sealed and allowing water into the LEDS , burning them out and being needed replaced . Both of these issues comes from the manufacturer/ factory and are safety issues/risk known in thousands of Durangos which should definitely be recalled .

Dec 11, 2025Open
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

After complying with Recall 24V436000, the Navigation screen is stuck in Night Time Mode. This causes the streets to become very hard to see during the day. While entered routes are highlighted, cross streets are almost invisible. I have missed turns because of it. I believe this diverts the driver's attention away from looking ahead to attempting to read the Nav Screen. FCA knows about this and has documented it on Star Online, Case Number 258A000012, indicating they are not going to fix it. I believe this is unsatisfactory and is leading to distracted driving. More importantly this is now being reported on various forums and people are indication they have decided not to comply with the recall. I don't believe this is in the NHTSA best interest.

Dec 7, 2025Open
Electrical⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Radio works for years it gets a update, it stops working, months of back and forth with software people say I’ll need to pay for a diagnostic to have them replace it, I paid got it on paper that a software update killed radio and software team told me to kick rocks. Pay out of pocket for an update I didn’t want killing my radio. Feels beyond illegal and I see others on forms with same exact problem and situation

Dec 1, 2025Open
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My vehicle experienced failure of both the driver-side DRL (Daytime Running Light) and the passenger-side front turn signal within a short period of time. On this model year, both components are part of a sealed LED headlight assembly with no replaceable bulbs. The only repair option is full headlight assembly replacement, quoted at $800–$1,200 per side plus labor. This is a safety issue because front DRL and turn signal failure reduces vehicle visibility to oncoming traffic. Online reports show numerous other 2021–2023 Durango owners experiencing the same problem with the LED DRL/turn-signal assemblies, suggesting a pattern of premature failure. Stellantis has also faced known issues with sealed LED lighting on the Durango’s ‘racetrack’ taillight assemblies, indicating a broader LED reliability issue on these vehicles. I am requesting NHTSA review this as a potential safety-related defect, as owners are forced into high-cost headlight replacements due to non-serviceable LED modules failing early.

Dec 1, 2025Open
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My vehicle experienced failure of both the driver-side DRL (Daytime Running Light) and the passenger-side front turn signal within a short period of time. On this model year, both components are part of a sealed LED headlight assembly with no replaceable bulbs. The only repair option is full headlight assembly replacement, quoted at $800–$1,200 per side plus labor. This is a safety issue because front DRL and turn signal failure reduces vehicle visibility to oncoming traffic. Online reports show numerous other 2021–2023 Durango owners experiencing the same problem with the LED DRL/turn-signal assemblies, suggesting a pattern of premature failure. Stellantis has also faced known issues with sealed LED lighting on the Durango’s ‘racetrack’ taillight assemblies, indicating a broader LED reliability issue on these vehicles. I am requesting NHTSA review this as a potential safety-related defect, as owners are forced into high-cost headlight replacements due to non-serviceable LED modules failing early.

Dec 1, 2025Open
Electrical🔵 Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My 2021 Dodge Durango drivers side daytime running light went out around 55,000 miles. I do have an extended warranty through the manufacturer, but was informed that this is not a covered part despite it being a known issue and a “max care warranty”. The reason being that it is considered a “bulb” however to replace it requires the entire new left headlamp assembly to be replaced, per the dealership. This is a high cost of around $1650. Regardless of the cost, This is a safety issue and a concern for myself as well as others on the road. I understand that this is a known and ongoing problem with the 2021 dodge durangos in particular the drivers side daytime running light which does not have a safe, cost effective fix. I ask for you to take a look at the many people who have been impacted and the safety concern associated with this.

Dec 1, 2025Open
Electrical🔶 Medium
EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2021 Dodge Durango failing headlight assembly, specifically the driver side turn signal. Numerous Durango owners are experiencing the same issue with the Dodge Durango headlight malfunction, I've have more than one close accident incident due to the failed turn signal. It's like Dodge don't want to stand behind their product and address the concern of millions of Dodge Durango owners who are having these issues. Not even a simple acknowledgement of the issue and any potential effort to help fix the problems for the owners. I must say Dodge has lost a future buyer due to their lack of support on their own product.

Nov 12, 2025Open

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 DODGE Durango?

Yes, the 2021 DODGE Durango has 7 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including STRUCTURE:BODY, AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE.

Is the 2021 DODGE Durango safe to drive?

The 2021 DODGE Durango has 7 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 DODGE Durango has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local DODGE dealer.

📊Year-over-Year Context

📉Elevated Activity

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new structure components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 250% versus the 2020 version.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Structure

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm structure recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all structure recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:21V84200023V115000
2

Air bags

Issue: increases occupant injury risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm air bags recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all air bags recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V280000
3

Service brakes, hydraulic

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm service brakes, hydraulic recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all service brakes, hydraulic recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:22V140000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your DODGE dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 7 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your DODGE dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
  • Consider whether adjacent model years (2020 or 2022) show better safety metrics.
  • Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.
⚖️

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.