2021 Dodge Durango
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 965 |
| 1999 | 1967 |
| 2000 | 1075 |
| 2001 | 665 |
| 2002 | 423 |
| 2003 | 339 |
| 2004 | 1115 |
| 2005 | 1567 |
| 2006 | 851 |
| 2007 | 191 |
| 2008 | 97 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2011 | 797 |
| 2012 | 640 |
| 2013 | 640 |
| 2014 | 782 |
| 2015 | 503 |
| 2016 | 161 |
| 2017 | 211 |
| 2018 | 231 |
| 2019 | 142 |
| 2020 | 54 |
| 2021 | 199 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 13 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
45% of complaints: exterior lighting — 90 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
There is a daytime running light (DRL) malfunction with both headlights, it started with the drivers side slowly going out and now the passenger side is slowly going out.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260820
Drivers side daytime running lights out. Iâve noticed about a dozen more dodge durangos running lights are also out. Seems to be a manufactured problem. A lot of forums and conversations on Reddit complaining of the same.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260731
20% of complaints: electrical system — 40 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220217
Also filed under ENGINE
11% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Started having problems with the engine losing power and sputtering was told by a repair shop that the engine needs replaced it has been sitting since
NHTSA ODI report, 20260805
7% of complaints: structure — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.
5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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 .
NHTSA ODI report, 20260712
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 21V280000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V842000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V140000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango and 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles.
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.
Campaign 22V154000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V284000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V115000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 24V436000 — check if this car was fixed
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: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning September 10, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 61D.
Campaign 26V528000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Dodge Durango — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (90 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V528000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V280000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V842000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V140000 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V154000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V284000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V115000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V436000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Dodge Durango reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Dodge Durango is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Dodge Durango?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Durango have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.