Structure: hatchback
Remedy pending
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.
Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 2 NHTSA variants
2021 Dodge DurangoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 208 owner complaints for the 2021 Dodge Durango. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (94) and electrical system (41). The EPA rates it 17–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
17–21mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
8campaigns
Latest Aug 2026
Owner complaints
208
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
8 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Back over prevention: camera
Over-the-air fixFree remedy
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."
Structure: hatchback
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
208 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2021 – Oct 2026
- Exterior lighting94
- Electrical system41
- Engine22
- Structure15
- Fuel/propulsion system11
- Air bags11
- Back over prevention10
- Power train10
- Service brakes7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Durango model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 976 |
| 1999 | 2,012 |
| 2000 | 1,097 |
| 2001 | 665 |
| 2002 | 434 |
| 2003 | 339 |
| 2004 | 1,115 |
| 2005 | 1,567 |
| 2006 | 852 |
| 2007 | 275 |
| 2008 | 97 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2011 | 800 |
| 2012 | 640 |
| 2013 | 640 |
| 2014 | 786 |
| 2015 | 505 |
| 2016 | 161 |
| 2017 | 214 |
| 2018 | 234 |
| 2019 | 145 |
| 2020 | 56 |
| 2021 | 208 |
| 2022 | 61 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 15 |
- Crashes reported
- 10
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Exterior lighting
94 reports1 crash
“Dodge Durango daytime running lights are a known problem. Running lights commonly stop working on 2020+ Dodge Durango’s. It is not a replaceable bulb, the entire headlight assembly must be replaced. This is a safety concern as many people do not turn their lights on while driving in fog. Dodge needs to be held responsible for this faulty part.”
Electrical system
41 reports3 crashes1 fire
“The rear license plate light burned out and I was pulled over. I ordered 2 new lights and installed them. Neither worked. I put the old lights back in and then both stopped working. Then the race track light failed. Additionally, the front headlight race track also failed. This is a know manufacturing defect in these cars and nothing is being done about it. Took the vehicle to a repair shop and they said the entire rear race track needs replaced. The part is 1800 and back ordered until 2027. The labor is an additional 1500. This is totally unacceptable and the car should be repaired at no cost. There is literally a class action law suit going on over this well documented issue.”
Engine
22 reports1 crash1 fire
“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”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 8-spd
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive · Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durango AWD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 427 |
| Durango RWD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 414 |
| Durango AWD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 17 | $4,200 | 533 |
| Durango RWD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 17 | $4,200 | 525 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
3 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Dodge Durango SUV 4WD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.2%
Overall
4 / 5
Dodge Durango SUV RWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 19.8%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 Durango questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Durango have?
8 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2021 Dodge Durango problems?
Owners filed 208 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (94), electrical system (41), engine (22). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Dodge Durango get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Dodge Durango at 17–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2021 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Dodge Durango 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026