2021 Dodge Durango Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Dodge Durango, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Exterior lighting9036.3%
- Electrical4116.5%
- Engine2510.1%
- Driver assistance197.7%
- Body & structure156.0%
- Airbags114.4%
- Fuel system104.0%
- Powertrain (other)93.6%
- Brakes83.2%
- Visibility52.0%
- Steering41.6%
- Suspension31.2%
- Other / unspecified31.2%
- Seat belts20.8%
- Tires & wheels20.8%
- Transmission10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The driver side daytime running lamp no longer works after 55000 miles. The daytime running lamp (DRL) is an led light strip that requires the entire headlamp to be replaced. Anyone can inspect the issue at any time. The issue presents a risk to oncoming traffic who cannot see my entire vehicle especially at dawn / dusk and foggy days. The daytime running lamp is utilized to alert oncoming traffic and pedestrians that a car is approaching. The dodge dealership that I purchased the car from is aware of the issue and has neglected to resolve the issue. An independent auto mechanic has confirmed that the DRL is malfunctioning. There weren't any warning signs or messages. The light just shut off and has not turned back on. A new running lamp is $1200 and requires approximately $500 in labor to install. This is not an issue that is simply solved by changing out a $20 light bulb. The issue began about 2 months ago.
Drivers side running light went out at 65k miles. Hundreds of complaints on same issue online. Not covered after bumper to bumper
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,500.
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
On XXX I had to have the rear window replaced as it shattered on Royal Palm Beach Community High School property in [XXX]. Earlier that morning before heading to work I stopped to get gas and cleaned the rear window at the XXX on the corner of [XXX]. When I went out to my car on break I noticed the rear window had a large hole in it. I contacted school police and they confirmed no one was near my car. I scheduled the fix and Safe Lite came to my work and replaced the windshield in the parking lot, under school surveillance [XXX]. My out of pocket cost was $50.00 which I put on my capital one credit card, even though I could ill afford it. In XXX my husband and I moved to [XXX], during one of the many 3.5 hour trips across the state, the ENTIRE REAR SPOILER ASSEMBLY DETACHED WHILE I WAS MERGING ONTO XXX. I did not know it at the time. Later I realized the assembly was no longer attached and there was a wire hanging down, getting hit by the wiper blade. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 recalls to get them to pay for the repair and they stated that is the dealership decides to charge me or not and their is nothing they can do. I personally think the manufacturer should be held responsible and pay full repair cost due to it being a recall and they did not manufacture a repair part for this specific recall. The vehicle was inspected by Interstate Dodge during the recall but being there was no part to repair it nothing was done. If this would have happened while I was driving it someone could have been injured. The recall stated that it could come off while driving the vehicle or when opening the back hatch. Dodge headquarters should be responsible for the repair and not leave it up to the dealership to decide. The dealership is there to make money not help the consumer. I did speak to the service department at Interstate Dodge and they stated they would not honor the recall. The Stellantis department did try to contact the dealership but no one answered nor tried to contact them back. Stellantis even emailed the dealership and got not response. I think the dealership should honor the recall and fix it free of charge. The dealership has had my vehicle since XXX and still has not picked up the spoiler from where the had it painted. Supposedly they will pick it up today, XXX at 3:30 and attach the spoiler tomorrow before lunch for me to pick up. I have to pay in full when I pick the vehicle up. Can I be reimbursed for this after your office investigates this matter? Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. However, the front passenger airbag appears to have deployed underneath and/or inside the instrument panel rather than fully deploying outward into the front passenger occupant space. The passenger airbag is visibly located behind and underneath portions of the dashboard. During deployment, the upper passenger-side instrument panel was severely displaced and torn. A large portion of the dashboard was pushed upward toward the windshield, and the dashboard covering separated and tore near the windshield. The airbag itself appears to have remained substantially trapped or obstructed behind the instrument panel instead of fully presenting itself in front of the passenger seating position. This raises a serious safety concern because the purpose of the passenger frontal airbag is to provide occupant protection during a qualifying collision. Based on the condition observed after the crash, I am concerned that a passenger seated in this position may not have received the intended protection from the airbag because of the manner in which it deployed. The vehicle and the relevant components are currently available for inspection. Detailed photographs have been taken documenting the condition of the passenger airbag, instrument panel, dashboard damage, driver airbag deployment, and surrounding components. The vehicle has not been repaired in this area since I discovered the condition, and I am preserving the relevant components so they can be examined if requested. At this time, it is UNKNOWN whether there were any airbag/SRS warning lamps or warning messages before the collision because I was not the owner/operator of the vehicle when the collision
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 .
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The heating hose exploded due to unknown pressure and ended up getting steaming, hot coolant, and all the cylinders and causing engine failure on a Dodge Durango that I purchased 80 days ago. and I have manufacturer, the dealer and an extended warranty, and after verbal and written promises, now I’m left with almost a $20,000 bill and no car and wasting money on rentals. I have filed to BBB and other complaints towards the dealership. I have tons of other people who have had similar problems with this year and model and newer.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 replaced
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. Vehicle barely 4 years old. $5k+ repair bill at a Dodge dealer for new calipers, discs and pads and Dodge won't cover it under (now expired) warranty even though the uneven pad wear was missed at last service (so much for safety inspection).
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
On XXX I had to have the rear window replaced as it shattered on Royal Palm Beach Community High School property in [XXX]. Earlier that morning before heading to work I stopped to get gas and cleaned the rear window at the XXX on the corner of [XXX]. When I went out to my car on break I noticed the rear window had a large hole in it. I contacted school police and they confirmed no one was near my car. I scheduled the fix and Safe Lite came to my work and replaced the windshield in the parking lot, under school surveillance [XXX]. My out of pocket cost was $50.00 which I put on my capital one credit card, even though I could ill afford it. In XXX my husband and I moved to [XXX], during one of the many 3.5 hour trips across the state, the ENTIRE REAR SPOILER ASSEMBLY DETACHED WHILE I WAS MERGING ONTO XXX. I did not know it at the time. Later I realized the assembly was no longer attached and there was a wire hanging down, getting hit by the wiper blade. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving in a rainy day on my way from work home, my wipers stopped working. I took it to an auto mechanic and he told me that wiper motor was good and also was the wiper switch. The problem was with the totally integrated power module (TIPM ) . So I could not drive my vehicle when it rains. And the dealership states that I had to purchase the entire fuse module under the hood. So I had no choice but to purchase this item which the dealer charge me $480 plus tax.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 on the highway. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with wheel alignment and steering wheel failure. The wheels were aligned, and the steering wheel was adjusted; however, the failure recurred two more times. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,854.
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 ATTEMPTED TO THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND IT DID NOT ALLOW, I WAITED APPROXIMATELY 5 MIN, AT THAT POINT IT ALLOWED ME TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART AND IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME. AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY 10 MIN. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPAIRED ON 6/13 AND A FEW DAYS LATER CUT OFF AFTER REPAIRS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 MAJOR factory alignment issue causing the front tires to lean in at the top resulting in very abnormal wear to the interior of the tires. We have photo proof of our 2021 Durango with the alignment issue versus our 2018 Durango without it. We notified Dodge of this safety issue especially since they have three brand new Durangos for sale with this same issue. We were unaware of this issue until the tires started coming apart since this was a brand new car and factory alignment should not be set to destroy tires. We filed claim# [XXX] with Chrysler and they denied our claim to assist us with aligning the vehicle and replacing the tires and also showed refused to correct the issue for future customers purchasing their vehicles. We are currently in a battle with our local dealership HW Hunter Dodge (Lancaster, CA) to have the tires replaced and alignment issues corrected yet they are also refusing to help or be liable for the alignment problem on our vehicle and other vehicles they have sold or will be selling. This poses a serious safety hazard for anyone who has purchased a 2021 or newer Durango R/T, SRT, and SRT Hellcat which all have this camber issue at the top of the both front tires. Eventually, someone will experience a massive tire failure with their family in the vehicle and will either be seriously hurt if not worse. A recall should be issued for this problem immediately and replacement of damaged tires but both Dodge and Chrysler will not take any liability nor help with even looking into the issue. In the photos attached our 2021 Durango is White, our 2018 Durango is Red, and the black Durango is brand new for sale. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 MAJOR factory alignment issue causing the front tires to lean in at the top resulting in very abnormal wear to the interior of the tires. We have photo proof of our 2021 Durango with the alignment issue versus our 2018 Durango without it. We notified Dodge of this safety issue especially since they have three brand new Durangos for sale with this same issue. We were unaware of this issue until the tires started coming apart since this was a brand new car and factory alignment should not be set to destroy tires. We filed claim# [XXX] with Chrysler and they denied our claim to assist us with aligning the vehicle and replacing the tires and also showed refused to correct the issue for future customers purchasing their vehicles. We are currently in a battle with our local dealership HW Hunter Dodge (Lancaster, CA) to have the tires replaced and alignment issues corrected yet they are also refusing to help or be liable for the alignment problem on our vehicle and other vehicles they have sold or will be selling. This poses a serious safety hazard for anyone who has purchased a 2021 or newer Durango R/T, SRT, and SRT Hellcat which all have this camber issue at the top of the both front tires. Eventually, someone will experience a massive tire failure with their family in the vehicle and will either be seriously hurt if not worse. A recall should be issued for this problem immediately and replacement of damaged tires but both Dodge and Chrysler will not take any liability nor help with even looking into the issue. In the photos attached our 2021 Durango is White, our 2018 Durango is Red, and the black Durango is brand new for sale. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
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 stripping the thread on the bolts. The contact stated he contacted a local dealer, the manufacturer, and the manufacturer of the lug nuts and was informed that there would be no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
#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 Dodge Jeep Ram" 16400 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, MI 48203 where i was told that it has a seatbelt issue which can cause airbag issue, and due to safety concern, my vehicle will have to stay..
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 seat belts weren't working properly!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had 4 Pirelli tires that were down to 3/32 to the point where the threads were showing near the inner sidewall on the tread in under 15000 miles. Tire information: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All/Season run flat tires Tire Size: 295/45/ ZR20 (110Y) M+S My safety as well as others would've been at severe risk if I wouldn't have replaced my tires. They would've blown out near the inner sidewall on the tread. I brought my vehicle in to the dealership to have an alignment and all specs were in spec which would indicate there shouldn't have been premature or uneven wear on the tire. They did confirm that under 15000 miles is extremely premature for these tires to be worn. The tires have only been inspected by the dealership, nobody else at this time. There were no lights on the dash indicating any sort of issue. I called Pirelli about the issue and they stated that there is no mileage warranty on the tires put on at the time of manufacturing. They stated that this complaint was "definitely not the first they have heard and it is not uncommon for premature wear to occur" but couldn't provide any further comment.
All four tires have worn down after only 18,600 miles. They are bald after only minor use.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving on three separate occasions at highway speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The horn was beeping. Additionally, the windshield wipers, the brakes, and the power steering functionality became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed there was corrosion on part numbers: 68490871AA (PCM, ECM, ECU Control module) and 68499393AA (PCM, ECM, ECU Control module). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .