2021 Dodge Durango problems & reliability
187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Dodge Durango, alongside 7 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
4 complaints report injuries (5 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2021 Dodge Durango vehicles were involved in 33 fatal crashes with 14 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 80 | 43% |
| Electrical System | 39 | 21% |
| Engine | 22 | 12% |
| Unknown OR Other | 22 | 12% |
| Structure | 13 | 7% |
| Air Bags | 10 | 5% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 10 | 5% |
| Power Train | 10 | 5% |
| Back Over Prevention | 9 | 5% |
| Service Brakes | 7 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 31,911 miles (middle 50% between 6,350 and 56,500 miles), based on 27 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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”
Engine · filed Aug 5, 2026
“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…”
Exterior Lighting · filed Jul 31, 2026
“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…”
Unknown OR Other · filed Jul 13, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
554 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Dodge Durango. The 10 most recent:
Telematics Box Module (TBM) Firmware Over The Air Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ●…
08-294-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 25, 2026
Extended Crank Condition Due To Loss of Fuel Pressure Customers may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● Extended engine crank condition. This bulletin involves performing a fuel pressure test and possibly replacing the…
14-007-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 8, 2026
Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge accuracy and drivability issues, the technician should disconnect the electrical connector at…
9100833 REV1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 6, 2026
Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge accuracy and drivability issues, the technician should disconnect the electrical connector at the pump and perform a…
9100857 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 6, 2026
Uconnect® Screen Turns Blank Or Black Customers may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● The Uconnect® screen display goes blank/black at times.
08-256-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 2026
Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
S2208000045 REV.D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 26, 2026
Power Liftgate Intermittently Inoperative. Will Not Open/ Close. Liftgate/Hatch Ajar Message Displayed. Rev A
S2623000041 REV.A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 19, 2026
Radio/ETM is Adding Approximately 27mA Draw to Vehicle When in Logistics Mode
S268A000014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2026
Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge accuracy and drivability issues, the technician should disconnect the electrical connector at…
9100833 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2026
Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
S1623000028 Rev. K · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 12, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2021 Dodge Durango has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2021 Dodge Durango?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 31,911 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.