About average for the Durango
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Durango year. The main thing to watch is the lights, wipers and visibility, which half of owners reported by about 56,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Durango years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 208 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Dodge Durango. The most reported problem area is the lights, wipers and visibility (100, 48% of complaints), followed by the electrical system and the engine and cooling. That ranks 7th of 13 Durango years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 8 recalls.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2021 Dodge Durango before you buy.
Lights, wipers and visibility
100 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 56,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
Dodge Durango daytime running lights are a known problem. Running lights commonly stop working on 2020+ Dodge Durango’s. It is not a replaceable bulb, the entire headlight assembly must be replaced. This is a safety concern as many people do not turn their lights on while driving in fog. Dodge needs to be held responsible for this faulty…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding the defective rear liftgate LED taillamp assembly (“racetrack” lighting) on my 2021 Dodge Durango GT. Sections of the LED lighting have burned out and no longer illuminate, reducing rear visibility and creating a potential collision hazard, particularly at night or during poor weather conditions.…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
41 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 1,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Left headlight assembly running lights failed. The light fixture. is one unit.so the whole light being replaced instead of one lightbulb.Owner complaint, filed 2026
My rear racetrack light on my 2021 Durango rt tow n go has water in it from not being sealed and it’s burnt out was quoted astronomical amounts of money to fix along with getting pulled over and was told it’s a safety issue by police and said it can cause a electrical fire and it’s a hazardOwner complaint, filed 2026
Engine and cooling
25 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 38,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 90,500 miles
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 sinceOwner complaint, filed 2026
Driver assist systems
17 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Warnings (8).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V436000 (Back Over Prevention); and parts were available; however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair. The contact was informed that the denial was due to the vehicle not being at factory specifications upon inspection. The…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V436000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Body, doors and structure
15 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 29,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (10).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
Rear Spoiler Recall in 2022 on Dodge Durango GT. Recall was not fixed due to part not available. I opened my rear hatch on Monday August the 18th and the rear spoiler detached on the left side. I took it to Interstate Dodge in [XXX] on Tuesday XXX due to rear spoiler problem could raise risk of a crash. I called Stellantis who handles…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I was driving at around 45 MPH when my rear spoiler suddenly detached from my 2022 vehicle. It was only held on by one latch and the wire for the rear camera. This could have caused a serious accident, even a fatal one, if it had come completely off. I looked online and saw that this issue has happened to other owners, and that there is…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Fuel system
11 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Driving down the I-10 early morning there was a loud bang, didnt notice anything in the road ahead of me so I kept driving for another mile or so until I heard something dragging. Activated my trunk camera and saw sparks flying. Pulled off the freeway and found my fuel line dragging on the ground and fuel spilling out the bottom of my…Owner complaint, filed 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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Air bags
11 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 8,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The vehicle was involved in a collision that resulted in deployment of the frontal airbag system. After obtaining the vehicle following the collision, I observed what appears to be an abnormal deployment of the front passenger airbag. The driver frontal airbag deployed outward from the steering wheel into the driver occupant area.…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH downhill, the driver swerved to the left to avoid crashing into the vehicle ahead, and the vehicle struck a fire hydrant and then crashed into a pole, where the vehicle came to a stop. The fire hydrant detached, causing water to spread.…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 7,700 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 63,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message "Switch to Park and select a Gear" was displayed with an audible alarm. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 63,000 miles
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.Owner complaint, filed 2022
Brakes and stability control
8 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
Around 50,000 or trailer brake service and traction control warning came on. Took into dealership was told it was hydraulic control unit and abs module that need replacedOwner complaint, filed 2026
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.…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Wheels and tires
5 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with two-piece lug nuts. The contact stated that he had been working on the vehicle changing the tire and damaged the lug nuts causing lug nuts to bulge. The contact stated that he was concerned about removing the damaged lug nuts for fear of…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 30,500 miles
The Durango Hydroplaned and after I inspected the tires I noticed very bad wear patterns on the front tires at 17,500 miles both the inside treads on the front tires are completely worn off. I brought the car to the dealer and they confirmed the durangos alignment is out causing the tires to wear. They inspected the back tires and those…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Steering
4 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to pull to the left, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact felt a vibration in the steering wheel, and the vehicle pulling to the left or the right while driving downhill or…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 1,854 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 63 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became firm. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found. The dealer suggested that…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 1,000 miles
Suspension
3 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
Our 2021 Dodge Durango Citadel with only 46,000 miles on it and purchased brand new has had the left driver side CV boot replaced and now the left driver side motor mount is leaking hydraulic fluid and needs to be replaced. Have read online of other owners having similar issues with the driver side suspension and powertrain.Owner complaint, filed 2026
We own a 2021 Dodge Durgano SRT Hellcat which we received from the dealership on [XXX]. It has only 17,083 miles on it and the 50,000 mile stock Pirelli run flat tires are cording and coming apart at the interior of the tire. The vehicle has had recommended tire rotations every year at 5,000 to 6,000 mi. They have advised there is a…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Cruise control and acceleration
2 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
I'm having issues with my 2021 Dodge Durango I have a recall on a rear view camera a recall on a rear spoiler a recall on the steering assembly a recall on the ESC light mail function ABS system loose airbagsOwner complaint, filed 2026
I was driving 45 MPH when my vehicle told me put my car into park. I lost control of my steering and control of my ability to put my car into or our of gear. I had started to slow down due to loss of controls and my car halted to an adrupt stop and would not allow me to have any control of its functions. Due to being in traffic I…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Seats and seat belts
2 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 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…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Dodge Durango complaints by year
Compare the 2021 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2021 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Dodge Durango | About average | 8 |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | Among the worst years | 4 |
| 2021 Honda Pilot | About average | 10 |
| 2021 Kia Telluride | About average | 5 |
2021 Dodge Durango recalls
Body and structure Hatchback / liftgate
- Risk
- A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace or repair the spoiler and align the liftgate as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Backup camera
- Risk
- A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge.
Full recall 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."
Body and structure Hatchback / liftgate
- Risk
- A damaged rear spoiler can detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rear spoiler, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Engine and cooling Gas recirculation valve
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the EGR valve assembly, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Steering Rack and pinion
- Risk
- Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Brakes Control unit / module
- Risk
- An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge.
Full recall 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."
Body and structure
- Risk
- A damaged rear spoiler could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rear spoiler, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
Air bags Critical fasteners
- Risk
- A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will tighten or replace the fastener, free of charge.
Full recall 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.
2021 Dodge Durango questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Dodge Durango?
The most reported problem areas on the 2021 Dodge Durango are the lights, wipers and visibility (100 complaints), the electrical system (41 complaints) and the engine and cooling (25 complaints).
Is the 2021 Dodge Durango a good year to buy?
About average for the Durango. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Durango year. The main thing to watch is the lights, wipers and visibility, which half of owners reported by about 56,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Durango years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Durango have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2021 Dodge Durango. The most recent, from Aug 2026, covers the hatchback / liftgate. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2021 Dodge Durango problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the lights, wipers and visibility gave a mileage of about 56,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 1,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Dodge Durango years should I avoid?
The Durango years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012, 2013 and 2014. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2019 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2021 Dodge Durango?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model