2021 Dodge Durango Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
64/100
#6 most-complained of 15 Durango years
The 2021 Dodge Durango has a Complaint Index of 64, ranking 6th worst out of 15 model years, with 202 complaints, 8 recalls, and 10 crashes reported to NHTSA. That earns it a Caution verdict relative to other Durango years.
- Complaints
- 202
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes / fires
- 10 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 14 city / 22 hwy
Top 2021 Dodge Durango problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System111 (55%)
- Engine26 (13%)
- Other25 (12%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras15 (7%)
- Structure & Body15 (7%)
- Airbags11 (5%)
- Fuel System10 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (5%)
- Brakes8 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners describe the vehicle catching fire unattended while parked, with the source traced to an electrical fault.
- Drivers report the instrument panel showing a countdown of numbers while the vehicle unexpectedly loses speed on the highway.
- Several owners say airbags failed to deploy during multi-vehicle collisions at low speeds.
- The stereo/Uconnect head unit is reported to emit a sudden loud noise while driving that volume controls cannot stop, only resolved when the system crashes and reboots.
- Some owners report the vehicle rolling on its own after being parked, even when set to park.
- A garage fire tied to the fuel system was reported, triggering a carbon monoxide detector before the vehicle was towed.
2021 Dodge Durango recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V528000Aug 13, 2026Structure & Body74,578 vehicles
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
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.
Risk: A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace or repair the spoiler and align the liftgate as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 10, 2026. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 61D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 20, 2026. Vehicles in this recall were previously recalled under 21V842 or 23V115. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will need the new repair completed.
- NHTSA 24V436000Jun 13, 2024Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,033,433 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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."
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.
- NHTSA 23V115000Feb 23, 2023Structure & Body139,019 vehicles
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
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.
Risk: A damaged rear spoiler can detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. This recall is an expansion of recall number 21V-842.
2021 Dodge Durango fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,350
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Dodge Durango reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 202 complaints and 8 recalls for the 2021 Durango, giving it a Complaint Index of 64 and a rank of 6th worst among 15 model years, so it carries a Caution verdict relative to other Durango years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Dodge Durango?
- Electrical System issues dominate, accounting for 111 complaints, or 55% of all reports, with a median failure mileage of 34,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Dodge Durango have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2021 Durango, covering the rear spoiler alignment, radio software, EGR valve, steering gear rack bar, ABS control module software, and a side airbag curtain fastener.
- How does the 2021 Durango compare to other years?
- Its Complaint Index of 64 is better than 2011-2014 (indexes of 79 to 100, all rated Avoid) but worse than 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, which range from a Complaint Index of 0 to 29 and rate Good or Best.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Dodge Durango?
- The 2021 Durango is EPA-rated at 17 mpg combined (14 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,350.