2021 Dodge Durango: common problems and reliability
· 3rd generationOne of the worst Durango years.
One of the Dodge Durango years to avoid. All Durango years
606 owner complaints, most about exterior lighting. 8 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Durango?The 2021 Dodge Durango has 606 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are exterior lighting and electrical system. Owners most often flag pentastar v6 "tick" developing over 100,000 miles, attributed to rocker arm and camshaft wear.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Dodge Durango vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Durango years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Durango?
Across the 27 Durango model years we track, complaint volume runs from 48 (2023) to 2,043 (1999). With 606 complaints, the 2021 Durango sits above the model's median of 436.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Durango
structure:body
Campaign 21V842000Chrysler (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.
air bags:critical fasteners
Campaign 21V280000Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Campaign 22V140000Chrysler (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."
steering:rack and pinion
Campaign 22V154000Chrysler (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.
Show 4 more recalls
engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Campaign 22V284000Chrysler (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.
structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
Campaign 23V115000Chrysler (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.
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 24V436000Chrysler (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:body:hatchback/liftgate
Campaign 26V528000Chrysler (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.
What owners report on the 3rd generation Durango
Owner sentiment for the third-generation Durango is genuinely split, and the split runs along powertrain and model-year lines rather than being uniform.
- RecurrentPentastar V6 "tick" developing over 100,000 miles, attributed to rocker arm and camshaft wear
- RecurrentPlastic oil cooler failure on the V6
Leaking oil or coolant into the valley and risking engine damage.
- RecurrentRadiator failure requiring replacement
- RecurrentElectrical and computer faults
Including Uconnect head unit failures, PCM replacement, and unexplained electrical issues on low-mileage vehicles.
- RecurrentPower lift gate motor or hydraulic lift gate strut failure
Owner insights for the 3rd generation Durango. Read the full 3rd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Durango listings typically run $17,400–$32,197.
Other Durango model years
Compare every Durango year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Durango against its rivals
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