Dodge · NHTSA safety record

2021 Dodge Durango

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 202 safety complaints about the 2021 Dodge Durango with the US government. Of those, 10 describe a crash, 4 mention a fire, 5 people were injured and no death is recorded. 8 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the exterior lighting, named in 90 complaints, 45% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 31,206 miles, the median across the 30 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers January 2021 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

202 complaints on file

202

Complaints

Describe a crash

Mention fire

People injured

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 90 · 45% 90 45%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 40 · 20% 40 20%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 24 · 12% 24 12%

ENGINE 22 · 11% 22 11%

STRUCTURE 15 · 7% 15 7%

AIR BAGS 11 · 5% 11 5%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 10 · 5% 10 5%

POWER TRAIN 10 · 5% 10 5%

BACK OVER PREVENTION 9 · 4% 9 4%

SERVICE BRAKES 7 · 3% 7 3%

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 6 · 3% 6 3%

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4 · 2% 4 2%

0 38 77

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 202.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 55.

60 45 30 15

21 2021 22 2022 23 2023 24 2024 25 2025 26 2026

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2021 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2021 Dodge DURANGO, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test	SUV 4WD	SUV RWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover	21.2%	19.8%

Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

8 on file

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

26V528000 · August 13, 2026

The defect: 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.
The risk: A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning September 10, 2026. 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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 74,578 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

24V436000 · June 13, 2024

The defect: 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."
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 1,033,433 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

23V115000 · February 23, 2023

The defect: 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.
The risk: A damaged rear spoiler can detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 139,019 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

22V284000 · April 28, 2022

The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may stick open, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z31.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 1,308 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

22V154000 · March 14, 2022

The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango and 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The steering gear rack bar may have been insufficiently hardened during manufacturing, possibly allowing it to bind within the steering rack, and resulting in difficulty steering or a loss of steering control.
The risk: Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 12, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-852-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z18.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 931 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

22V140000 · March 10, 2022

The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 2021-2022 Dodge Durango vehicles, and 2019-2022 3500 cab chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs. The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
The risk: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z20.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 370,437 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY

21V842000 · October 28, 2021

The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
The risk: A damaged rear spoiler could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear spoiler, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y73.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 4,837 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

21V280000 · April 22, 2021

The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.
The risk: A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will tighten or replace the fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent on May 7, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y16.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 2,721 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS Filed July 2, 2026

2 injured · crash · towed · 7,700 miles

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

NHTSA complaint 11747956, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS Filed March 8, 2023

1 injured · crash · towed · 44,722 miles

The contact owned a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and turning in an exit veering to the right when the vehicle began reducing in speed and the vehicle was displaying numbers counting down on the instrument panel. The contact pulled to the side of the road where they turned the vehicle off and waited approximately 5 - 10 minutes before turning the vehicle back on and driving to the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure therefore they were unable to diagnose the cause. The vehicle had not been repaired. Approximately 3 weeks after while driving approximately 40 mph when attempting to go on a roundabout when the vehicle began

NHTSA complaint 11510847, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS Filed November 28, 2023

1 injured · crash · towed · 57,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while her mother was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle that had slammed on its brakes. The contact stated that the proceeding vehicle then crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that her mother was involved in a four-car pileup. The air bags did not deploy. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a lot. The contact's mother sustained arm and neck inquires. Medical attention was needed. The contact's mother received medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.

NHTSA complaint 11557257. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS Filed December 15, 2025

1 injured · crash

Was in a major car crash and air bags did not deploy

NHTSA complaint 11705096. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY Filed September 24, 2026

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

NHTSA complaint 11766613, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Filed September 23, 2026

90,500 miles

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.

NHTSA complaint 11766455. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS Filed September 21, 2026

crash

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.

NHTSA complaint 11765958, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING Filed August 31, 2026

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

NHTSA complaint 11761144, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER Filed August 30, 2026

The vehicle’s manufacturer-installed infotainment system repeatedly displays an intrusive error message while the vehicle is being operated. The message obstructs the navigation display and requires the driver to manually interact with the touchscreen to dismiss it. This creates visual and manual driver distraction. The manufacturer/dealer has been notified at Carvana Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Sacramento.

NHTSA complaint 11760767. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING Filed August 29, 2026

Drivers side running light went out at 65k miles. Hundreds of complaints on same issue online. Not covered after bumper to bumper

NHTSA complaint 11760600. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Dodge Durango

Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Deaths
2023	31	2	—
2022	58	7	—
2020	55	2	—
2019	143	4	—
2018	232	5	—
2017	213	2	—
2016	161	3	—
2015	503	4	—
2014	782	11	—
2013	640	11	—
2012	640	10	—
2011	800	8	—

Other 2021 Dodge models

Charger 35 Challenger 19

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Dodge on this site — 105 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

Complaints: NHTSA's ODI complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed August 13, 2026.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI investigation file, published October 2, 2026.

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by guarledes
Independent developer and analyst