2021 Dodge Durango Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Dodge Durango has a complaint index of 63, ranking 8th worst out of 20 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 202 complaints and 8 recalls, with Electrical System issues making up 55% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 63/100
- #8 of 20 Durango years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 202
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 8
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 10
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 14 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2021 Dodge Durango problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle catching fire unexpectedly while parked, with the source traced to an electrical fault.
- Some drivers describe the instrument panel showing a countdown along with unexpected speed reduction while driving on the highway.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during multi-vehicle crashes at low speed.
- Owners describe the infotainment/stereo system emitting a very loud random noise while driving, with volume controls unresponsive until the system reboots.
- Several complaints describe carbon monoxide or overheating issues linked to a fuel system problem that led to a garage fire scare.
- Owners mention the vehicle rolling on its own after being parked on a slope, describing a brake failure to hold the vehicle in place.
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 gives the 2021 Durango a complaint index of 63, which ranks it 8th worst among the 20 model years with data. It carries a Caution verdict relative to other Durango years.
- What is the most common problem with the 2021 Dodge Durango?
- Electrical System complaints dominate, making up 55% of all reported issues, with a median failure mileage of 34,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Dodge Durango have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2021 Durango, covering structure/body (rear spoiler alignment), airbags, engine EGR valve, steering gear rack bar, ABS brakes, and infotainment software.
- How does the 2021 Durango compare to other years?
- The 2021 model's complaint index of 63 is worse than the 2018-2025 Durango years, which range from Good to Best verdicts, but better than the worst years like 2005 (complaint index 100) and 2014 (complaint index 95).
- Are there any do-not-drive recalls for the 2021 Durango?
- No. None of the 8 recall campaigns for the 2021 Durango are listed as do-not-drive recalls.