AI Damage2021 Dodge Durango: common problems
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango filed 205 complaints with NHTSA, most often about exterior lighting and electrical system. The maker issued 562 service bulletins for this year. We found 2 repair videos on YouTube. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 205
- involving a crash
- 10
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 562
- YouTube repair videos
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Exterior lighting 45% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 20% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 11% of all complaints
- 4 Structure 7% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 5% of all complaints
- 6 Air bags 5% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 5% of all complaints
- 8 Backover prevention 4% of all complaints
- Exterior lighting: 92 complaints (45% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 13.
- Electrical system: 41 complaints (20% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 182.
- Engine: 22 complaints (11% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 49.
- Structure: 15 complaints (7% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 53.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 11 complaints (5% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 12.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.6 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- 5.7 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- 6.2 L · petrol · turbo · 8 cyl
- 6.4 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: AWD, RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 205 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 92 | 1 | 13 |
| Electrical system | 41 | 3 | 182 |
| Engine | 22 | 1 | 49 |
| Structure | 15 | 0 | 53 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 11 | 0 | 12 |
| Air bags | 11 | 6 | 1 |
| Powertrain | 10 | 1 | 56 |
| Backover prevention | 9 | 0 | 20 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 4 | 13 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| Visibility | 5 | 0 | 15 |
| Engine and cooling | 4 | 0 | 45 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 7 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 7 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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
Vehicle was parked/backed in on a right slope. Crunk the vehicle and it instantly started rolling and we couldn’t get it to stop. My safety and others safety was at risk because the vehicle could’ve hit anyone walking in the parking lot, incoming vehicle or easily hit the building where people live.
Daytime running LED does not work and headlight is not properly lit in the dark. Headlight assembly is not covered by extended warranty.
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.
The "radio" system has been replaced twice after various electrical problems occurred. The car has also intermittently had a problem where the engine revs excessively and the car does not handle the way it should. It's almost like its a manual transmission that's not being shifted properly.
The air bag failed to deploy and the contact hit their head on the steering wheel. The contact also received whiplash and medical attention was needed. The contact was injured from the neck down the back. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. A police report was filed.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 321 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 15% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Durango has 94 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 205, above average.
What to check before buying
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward…
The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn Transmission Output Shaft Splines (850RE…
- TRANSMISSION KIT - WITH TORQUE CONVERTER
- Engine PNs
MY 24-26 WD/DT (5.7L) Code P00B is being misdiagnosed and incorrect parts are being installed causing over repair. Refer to SOL S2609000006 The IAFM Foam Engine Valley Cover (PN 53013735AB) does not provide sufficient…
- Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star…
- EVAPORATOR - AIR CONDITIONING
- HOSE AND TUBE - HEATER SUPPLY AND RETURN
- Telematics Box Module (TBM) Firmware Over The Air Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp…
Telematics Box Module (TBM) Firmware Over The Air Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ●…
- Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long…
Fuel Delivery Module Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge accuracy and drivability issues, the technician should disconnect the electrical connector at…
- Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge…
Before replacing the fuel module for DTCs P0461 and P062A and other not start, long crank, fuel gauge accuracy and drivability issues, the technician should disconnect the electrical connector at the pump and perform a…
- Extended Crank Condition Due To Loss of Fuel Pressure Customers may experience the following
SYMPTOM: ● Extended engine crank condition. This bulletin involves performing a fuel pressure test and possibly replacing the fuel pressure regulator.
- Uconnect® Screen Turns Blank Or Black Customers may experience the following
SYMPTOM: ● The Uconnect® screen display goes blank/black at times.
- Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
NHTSA lists 562 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- Dodge Durango Hellcat 2021 Restoration: From Crash to Beast! 🚀amount per author: 32,000 UNSPECIFIED_DOLLAR
- Rebuilding a Wrecked 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Pt6
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Dodge Durango?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: exterior lighting, electrical system, engine. Total complaints: 205. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: headlights and tail lights (26%), warning lights, check engine (12%), infotainment or screen glitches (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA lists 562 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Dodge Durango from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.