Owners have filed 261 complaints
about the 2021 Dodge Durango with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 of 28 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 19
Against the median year of the Dodge Durango. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 57
11.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
60% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
838.1%
Warnings
523.8%
Warnings
29.5%
Adaptive Cruise Control
29.5%
Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm)
14.8%
Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
14.8%
Warning
14.8%
Rearview System Braking
14.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
37.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1331.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
511.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1126.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
614.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
49.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2021 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD
21.2% risk
2021 Dodge Durango SUV RWD
19.8% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2021peak 13Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2021 Dodge Durango
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202639210,029 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the recall repairs completed by an FCA dealer during recalls Y73 and 20A (Transport Canada recall nos. 2021-663 and 2023-090) may not be effective. As a result, another repair is required. On certain vehicles, the rear spoiler could hit the body when opening and closing the liftgate. This could damage the spoiler and cause it to detach from the vehicle. Safety Risk: A spoiler that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.
Recall 2024548314,717 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 2024338126,530 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Note: For the Grand Cherokee model, this recall affects 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Grand Cherokee L models. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the radio software.
Recall 202309018,163 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear spoiler could hit the body when opening and closing the liftgate. This could damage the spoiler and cause it to detach from the vehicle. Note: This is an expansion of Transport Canada Recall 2021-663. Safety Risk: A spoiler that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear spoiler.
Recall 202221740 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve could stick open. Under certain driving conditions, this could cause the engine to stall and result in a loss of power to the wheels. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 3.6 L engine. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the EGR valve.
Recall 202211348 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: On certain vehicles, the steering gear rack bar could bend. If this happens, it may be difficult to steer the vehicle or you could lose steering control. Safety Risk: A sudden increase in steering effort or a loss of steering could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the steering gear assembly.
Recall 202210829,656 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the warning lamp for the electronic stability control (ESC) system may not turn on when there is a problem with the ESC system. Safety Risk: A driver that is not aware of a problem with the ESC system could have an increased risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the antilock brake system (ABS) control module software.
Recall 2021663502 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear spoiler could hit the body when opening and closing the liftgate. This could damage the spoiler and cause it to detach from the vehicle. Safety Risk: A spoiler that detaches from the vehicle could create a hazard for other drivers and nearby people. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the rear spoiler. It will be replaced, as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Pembroke Pines, FLFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle had been parked and unused for approximately 24 hours. We drove it home after staying elsewhere overnight and arrived home about one hour before the incident. About an hour after parking, I asked my fiancé to retrieve our belongings from inside the vehicle. He immediately noticed smoke filling the interior of the vehicle. I opened the hood to try to determine where the smoke was coming from but did not see any visible fire. As I continued looking for the source of the smoke, the vehicle suddenly caught fire. Within approximately 10 minutes, the fire spread rapidly, completely destroying the vehicle and reducing it to a total loss. The flames then spread to my home, causing part of the house to catch fire. Thankfully, we discovered the smoke when we did. Had it gone unnoticed for even a short time longer, our entire house could have caught fire. Firefighters arrived just as the fire began spreading to the house and were able to prevent further damage. Thankfully, no one was injured.
NHTSA complaint #11748841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,700 milesAkron, OHCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
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. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage; however, the air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated after the crash. The driver’s head struck the steering wheel and sustained headaches and a swollen nose. The front seat passenger struck their head and had headaches. The driver did not seek medical assistance, and it was unknown whether the front passenger seat occupant had sought medical assistance. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location by the insurance company, pending an evaluation. The dealer and the manufacturer were not yet contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,700.
NHTSA complaint #11747956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conroe, TXCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 airbags
NHTSA complaint #11721618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conroe, TXCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 airbags
NHTSA complaint #11721618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conroe, TXCrash
ENGINE
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 airbags
NHTSA complaint #11721618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elgin, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle Fire 2021 Dodge Durango GT Blacktop AWD VIN: [XXX] On around [XXX] somewhere between [XXX]pm to [XXX]pm a fire broke out in my 2021 Dodge Durango. The vehicle was parked for the evening and had been unattended for at least4 to 5 hours. At some point during the night the vehicle caught fire from underneath the dash and did severe damage to the vehicle and will most likely be a total loss. The fire melted the dash severely and the flames reached the front windshield and interior roof of the vehicle. It appears the lack of oxygen smoldered the fire and eventually extinguished itself from all windows being closed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11721456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
San Antonio, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. This is happening to several Dodge Durango owners of the 2021 model and can be found in the Dodge Durango forum online. The dealer stated it’s an out of pocket expense because the DRL is out and the entire component needs replaced. This is inaccurate because when I turn off the DRL settings the turning signal flashes orange fast so this tells me it’s not completely out and the headlights themselves work. My car has been this way for over a year because I can’t afford to spend $1500+ per light replacement and for the dealer to claim it has to be an out of pocket expense is not okay because the point of LED lights are because they use less energy while lasting 25x as much so it doesn’t make sense that they stopped turning on versus the non LED. While driving around I’ve seen SEVERAL Dodge Durango with a DRL out or both or one out and the other half way out so this confirms it’s a manufacture issue. I came across forums of people with this issue and full extended warranty coverages where they’re being told it’s not covered. Dodge(Mopar) needs to address this for the consumer as it causes a safety issue when the left/right turning signals are not properly displayed. The car wouldn’t pass a safety test. Myself and several Dodge Durango owners are currently at risk of being in a car accident due to this malfunction. The full assembly does not need replaced. Please look this over and issue a safety recall as my family and I are at risk because I can’t afford a $3000 headlight replacement that isn’t even needed. That’s just the dealer and Mopar trying to make more $$$ while not worried about the safety of their customers.
NHTSA complaint #11758224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
There is a daytime running light (DRL) malfunction with both headlights, it started with the drivers side slowly going out and now the passenger side is slowly going out. This is happening to several Dodge Durango owners of the 2021 model and can be found in the Dodge Durango forum online. The dealer stated it’s an out of pocket expense because the DRL is out and the entire component needs replaced. This is inaccurate because when I turn off the DRL settings the turning signal flashes orange fast so this tells me it’s not completely out and the headlights themselves work. My car has been this way for over a year because I can’t afford to spend $1500+ per light replacement and for the dealer to claim it has to be an out of pocket expense is not okay because the point of LED lights are because they use less energy while lasting 25x as much so it doesn’t make sense that they stopped turning on versus the non LED. While driving around I’ve seen SEVERAL Dodge Durango with a DRL out or both or one out and the other half way out so this confirms it’s a manufacture issue. I came across forums of people with this issue and full extended warranty coverages where they’re being told it’s not covered. Dodge(Mopar) needs to address this for the consumer as it causes a safety issue when the left/right turning signals are not properly displayed. The car wouldn’t pass a safety test. Myself and several Dodge Durango owners are currently at risk of being in a car accident due to this malfunction. The full assembly does not need replaced. Please look this over and issue a safety recall as my family and I are at risk because I can’t afford a $3000 headlight replacement that isn’t even needed. That’s just the dealer and Mopar trying to make more $$$ while not worried about the safety of their customers.
NHTSA complaint #11758224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. This is happening to several Dodge Durango owners of the 2021 model and can be found in the Dodge Durango forum online. The dealer stated it’s an out of pocket expense because the DRL is out and the entire component needs replaced. This is inaccurate because when I turn off the DRL settings the turning signal flashes orange fast so this tells me it’s not completely out and the headlights themselves work. My car has been this way for over a year because I can’t afford to spend $1500+ per light replacement and for the dealer to claim it has to be an out of pocket expense is not okay because the point of LED lights are because they use less energy while lasting 25x as much so it doesn’t make sense that they stopped turning on versus the non LED. While driving around I’ve seen SEVERAL Dodge Durango with a DRL out or both or one out and the other half way out so this confirms it’s a manufacture issue. I came across forums of people with this issue and full extended warranty coverages where they’re being told it’s not covered. Dodge(Mopar) needs to address this for the consumer as it causes a safety issue when the left/right turning signals are not properly displayed. The car wouldn’t pass a safety test. Myself and several Dodge Durango owners are currently at risk of being in a car accident due to this malfunction. The full assembly does not need replaced. Please look this over and issue a safety recall as my family and I are at risk because I can’t afford a $3000 headlight replacement that isn’t even needed. That’s just the dealer and Mopar trying to make more $$$ while not worried about the safety of their customers.
NHTSA complaint #11758224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
ENGINE
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 complaint #11755126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newtown, CT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Drivers side daytime running lights out. I’ve 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. It cost about 500 dollars to replace the headlight and takes all day due to dismantling the whole front bimper and plastic components to get access. A really bad design
NHTSA complaint #11754067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Village, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11750152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Airy, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 .
NHTSA complaint #11749878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pembroke Pines, FLFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle had been parked and unused for approximately 24 hours. We drove it home after staying elsewhere overnight and arrived home about one hour before the incident. About an hour after parking, I asked my fiancé to retrieve our belongings from inside the vehicle. He immediately noticed smoke filling the interior of the vehicle. I opened the hood to try to determine where the smoke was coming from but did not see any visible fire. As I continued looking for the source of the smoke, the vehicle suddenly caught fire. Within approximately 10 minutes, the fire spread rapidly, completely destroying the vehicle and reducing it to a total loss. The flames then spread to my home, causing part of the house to catch fire. Thankfully, we discovered the smoke when we did. Had it gone unnoticed for even a short time longer, our entire house could have caught fire. Firefighters arrived just as the fire began spreading to the house and were able to prevent further damage. Thankfully, no one was injured.
NHTSA complaint #11748841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,700 milesAkron, OHCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
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. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage; however, the air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated after the crash. The driver’s head struck the steering wheel and sustained headaches and a swollen nose. The front seat passenger struck their head and had headaches. The driver did not seek medical assistance, and it was unknown whether the front passenger seat occupant had sought medical assistance. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location by the insurance company, pending an evaluation. The dealer and the manufacturer were not yet contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,700.
NHTSA complaint #11747956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New London, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Rear racetrack style taillight assembly had faulty gaskets when purchased, allowing for water intrusion of the taillight assembly, causing water damage to the electrical components in the light assembly and shorting the LED Lights.
NHTSA complaint #11746753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New London, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rear racetrack style taillight assembly had faulty gaskets when purchased, allowing for water intrusion of the taillight assembly, causing water damage to the electrical components in the light assembly and shorting the LED Lights.
NHTSA complaint #11746753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frisco, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 44,000 MILES
NHTSA complaint #11740803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesOwensboro, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11740337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11739953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Magnolia, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The DRL failed - seems like it is due to a faulty ground connection on CANBUS.
NHTSA complaint #11738225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The driver's side LED headlight has gone out. It is LED and suppose to outlast the vehicle. Headlight works but turn signal doesn't in the front. This unit is over $1,000 to have replaced and multiple people are complaining about it happening to their Dodge Durango RT's as well.
NHTSA complaint #11737899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hilltop, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My durango been having issues starting after seating over night also there has been a couple times when the durango loses power and is very sluggish it has to be a fuel pump issues
NHTSA complaint #11736717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hilltop, MN
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My durango been having issues starting after seating over night also there has been a couple times when the durango loses power and is very sluggish it has to be a fuel pump issues
NHTSA complaint #11736717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hilltop, MN
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
My durango been having issues starting after seating over night also there has been a couple times when the durango loses power and is very sluggish it has to be a fuel pump issues
NHTSA complaint #11736717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sierra Madre, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Left headlight assembly running lights failed. The light fixture. is one unit.so the whole light being replaced instead of one lightbulb.
NHTSA complaint #11736548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Park, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My life turn signal and parking light stopped working, my problem is the whole headlight assembly needs to be replaced just because these two items don’t work. The dealer wants over $800 for the part. Why don’t they issue a warranty or a recall on this item? It’s too much to pay just because turn signal and parking light doesn’t work.
NHTSA complaint #11736018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfax, VA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11736015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Park, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My life turn signal and parking light stopped working, my problem is the whole headlight assembly needs to be replaced just because these two items don’t work. The dealer wants over $800 for the part. Why don’t they issue a warranty or a recall on this item? It’s too much to pay just because turn signal and parking light doesn’t work.
NHTSA complaint #11736018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Drivers side Daytime Running Light (DRL) failed. Bulb cannot be replaced, instead entire headlight must be replaced for over $1000. DLR is a safety feature which alerts other vehicles and pedestrians that a vehicle is on or in motion. Due to poor craftsmanship of this critical Dodge part, it is reasonable to recall Dodge’s defective safety equipment.
NHTSA complaint #11732873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Banos, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The SUV has been experiencing electrical issues that started first one of the headlights stopped working, the white light around it, then it was the tailgate got a liftgate open error on the display even when the liftgate was closed, then we started to notice other electrical issues with the vehicle but the major problem that happened now is that while we were driving, all of the lights of the dashboard started to light up and the car was not responding to the accelerator pedal was not responding at all and we stalled in the middle of the street, we were lucky this didn't happen while we were on the freeway, we are afraid to use the car anymore because of this, the dealer refuses to take care of this issue because the warranty has passed but this is a major safety issue that can cause injury or death
NHTSA complaint #11732184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
