2021 Dodge Durango: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
The 2021 Dodge Durango has 177 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls, with headlight/taillight failures dominating the issues. Current data includes 177 complaints, with Headlight/Taillight Failures as the top reported area.
2021 Dodge Durango Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2021 Dodge Durango trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2021 Dodge Durango Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Dodge Durango SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
21.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
21.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
DODGE DURANGO 2021 has 177 NHTSA complaints, with headlight/taillight failures (75) and electrical faults (38) as top issues. It also has 7 recalls. Buyers should inspect lighting and electrical systems before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Durango
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 177
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 22
- Fuel type
- Midgrade Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Dodge Durango Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Headlight/Taillight Failures, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Dodge Durango?
The 2021 Durango may be worth considering if you can verify that headlight/taillight and electrical issues have been addressed, but the high complaint count warrants caution. Pre-purchase inspection of these systems is essential.
Headlight/taillight failures and electrical faults can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs, making them critical to check before buying.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize the Durango's size and capability and are willing to invest time in verifying repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience with minimal electrical or lighting issues should consider other model years.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Dodge Durango
Inspection Focus
- Inspect headlight and taillight operation for any failures.
- Check for electrical system issues, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Review engine performance and check for any related complaints.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect headlight and taillight function thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and lighting repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Dodge Durango, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Dodge Durango shows a high volume of headlight/taillight failures (75 complaints) and electrical faults (38 complaints). With 7 recalls and only 8 crash-related complaints, the data suggests electrical and lighting issues are the primary concerns for used-car buyers. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2021 Durango has a notably high number of headlight/taillight complaints, though data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: With 7 recalls, it is crucial to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Headlight/taillight failures account for 75 of 177 total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most common issue with 38 complaints.
- There are 7 recalls and 8 crash-related complaints for this model year.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures (75 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (38 complaints)
- Engine Problems (24 complaints)
All 2021 Dodge Durango Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Dodge Durango. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 75 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 38 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 24 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 20 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 4 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | 4 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Dodge Durango. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The DRL failed - seems like it is due to a faulty ground connection on CANBUS.
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…
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
Left headlight assembly running lights failed. The light fixture. is one unit.so the whole light being replaced instead of one lightbulb.
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 w…
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 …
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 …
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 iss…
My 2021 dodge durango rt have issues with front turn signal light on the driver side I have read dodge forums and other owners are experiencing the same problems how isn't this a safety issue or a recall from dodge
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 whe…
Driver side Daytime Running Light (DLR) went out without warning. Another motorist notified me. Fixing requires the entire headlamp assembly to be replaced and the part, alone, is over $1,100.
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
Driver Side Day Time Running Does not work. This is a very common problem with 2021 and up Dodge Durang's . Driving light are a safety feature. Some states require them to be on.
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 …
21 dodge durango driver’s led daytime running light went out, a lot of people having same issues specially with 21’s
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the daytime running lights became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was alerted to the failure by another driver. The contact also confirmed the fail…
Cooling systems failed caused the engine to blow without warning
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side headlight failed to function as intended. In addition, the front passenger side headlight was very dim. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was take…
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
The Durango seems to have a defect that should be a recall. If you look up the issues online everyone has the same issue. It puts yourself and others at risk because you may be unaware that your light is not working properly. Please see description below that is right online: …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Dodge Durango.
2021 Dodge Durango Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Dodge Durango. With 7 recalls, it is crucial to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Dodge Durango Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Dodge Durango reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 177 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Durango may be worth considering if you can verify that headlight/taillight and electrical issues have been addressed, but the high complaint count warrants caution. Pre-purchase inspection of these systems is essential. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Dodge Durango?▾
#1: Headlight/Taillight Failures (75 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (38 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (24 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Dodge Durango?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Dodge Durango?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Dodge Durango, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 177 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Dodge Durango have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Dodge Durango. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY. With 7 recalls, it is crucial to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Dodge Durango?▾
The 2021 Durango may be worth considering if you can verify that headlight/taillight and electrical issues have been addressed, but the high complaint count warrants caution. Pre-purchase inspection of these systems is essential. Headlight/taillight failures and electrical faults can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs, making them critical to check before buying. Pay extra attention to Headlight/Taillight Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Durango reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Dodge Durango based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.