Owners have reported 7 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Dodge Durango. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints50
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango frequently report issues with the exterior lighting, particularly involving the daytime running lights (DRLs) and racetrack tail LED lights. Common symptoms include the failure of the driver's side DRL and the accumulation of water in the tail light assembly, leading to corrosion and subsequent failure of multiple rear lighting components. These issues often emerge around 40,000 to 80,000 miles. Some complaints highlight significant repair costs, as the entire headlight or tail light assembly needs replacement due to non-serviceable LED components. Safety concerns are noted, with one report involving a crash linked to turn signal failure, and several owners express difficulty driving at night due to headlight malfunctions. This information is pertinent for potential used car buyers evaluating the reliability and maintenance costs of this vehicle.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints34
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several common electrical issues with the 2021 Dodge Durango, particularly involving the daytime running lights (DRL) and taillights. Complaints frequently mention premature failure of the driver-side DRL, requiring costly replacement of the entire headlight assembly, often occurring around 50,000 to 55,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe water intrusion in the rear taillight assemblies, leading to malfunction and potential fire hazards. Some reports also highlight broader electrical system malfunctions, including infotainment system failures and intermittent issues with power windows and locks. These issues have safety implications, with two complaints involving crashes and one mentioning a fire risk.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints11
STRUCTURE
Owners report that the rear spoiler on the 2021 Dodge Durango frequently detaches while driving, often at highway speeds, with multiple instances occurring between 5,000 and 49,000 miles. Complaints commonly describe the spoiler either fully detaching or hanging by a wire, and in some cases, striking the rear windshield or the road. This issue is associated with a recall, but several owners indicate their vehicles are not covered, leaving them without a resolution. Additionally, one owner reports a power liftgate issue that fails to recoil upon obstruction, posing a potential safety hazard. The detachment of the spoiler presents a risk of road debris, which could lead to accidents or injuries.
Owner complaints10
ENGINE
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango frequently report engine-related issues, with several complaints highlighting problems with coolant leaks and starting difficulties. Common symptoms include vehicles cranking but not starting, misfires related to the EGR valve, and significant coolant loss leading to overheating and smoke. Reports often mention these issues occurring after short trips or when the vehicle is turned off and restarted shortly after. Some complaints note that these problems have led to vehicles stalling in traffic or being undrivable, with one owner mentioning waiting weeks for parts. Mileage at which these issues occur varies, but some owners experience problems close to or just beyond the warranty period. Safety concerns are evident, as sudden engine shutdowns and coolant leaks can obscure visibility and create hazardous driving conditions.
Owner complaints10
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving transmission failures and related components. Common symptoms include the vehicle failing to accelerate properly, transmission skipping gears, or the vehicle becoming stuck in park. Some reports detail ruptured coolant lines leading to engine overheating, with issues often emerging around 38,000 to 84,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one incident involving a crash and an injury due to unexpected acceleration and loss of control. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly as they may result in costly repairs and impact vehicle safety.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango frequently report issues with the vehicle's electronic systems, particularly involving the UConnect system and navigation screen. Complaints describe the navigation screen being stuck in Night Time Mode, making streets difficult to see during the day, and UConnect radio connections dropping intermittently, even after multiple repair attempts. The rear backup camera freezing and the SOS emergency notification service failing to function are also noted. Safety concerns are raised in one report of a crash where the vehicle rolled unexpectedly while parked on a slope, and another where a spoiler detached while driving. Some owners mention experiencing these issues shortly after recall fixes or at varying points of ownership, without specifying mileage. These patterns suggest potential electronic and structural reliability issues that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report several issues with the service brakes on the 2021 Dodge Durango. Complaints frequently mention problems with the hydraulic control unit and ABS module, with one owner noting these components required replacement around 50,000 miles. Another common issue involves the optional Brembo brakes, where front calipers reportedly seize around 40,000 miles, leading to uneven pad wear and costly repairs, although no accidents are reported. Additionally, multiple owners describe a brake pedal that goes to the floor, necessitating repeated attempts to engage the brakes effectively, with this issue persisting despite attempts at repair. There are no reports of crashes or loss of control, but these symptoms indicate potential safety concerns for prospective buyers, especially in vehicles with higher mileage.
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango report issues with air bags not deploying during crashes, with two complaints specifically involving collisions and injuries. One incident describes a four-car pileup at approximately 20 MPH where the air bags failed to deploy, resulting in arm and neck injuries to the driver. Another complaint mentions intermittent dashboard warnings related to the air bag system, including "Air bag!" notifications and an "SOS" message, which a dealership attributed to a seatbelt issue affecting air bag function. These problems are reported at various mileage levels, with one specific instance occurring at around 57,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these air bag deployment failures and related warning indicators as they consider this vehicle.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints4
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango report steering-related issues, primarily involving steering wheel stiffness and vehicle pulling to one side. Common symptoms include difficulty turning the steering wheel, vibrations, and the vehicle drifting left or right, often occurring at highway speeds. Complaints frequently mention these issues arise at low mileages, with some reports noting problems as early as 1,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with some owners experiencing a total loss of control, including an inability to steer or shift gears, leading to abrupt stops. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring steering concerns, which may affect driving safety and require multiple dealer visits for resolution.
Owner complaints3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango report issues related to the fuel/propulsion system, with multiple complaints indicating problems with the fuel pump. One owner describes a fire incident suspected to be caused by a faulty fuel pump, resulting in significant damage and prolonged repair time. Another owner reports a sudden loss of power while driving, attributed to a blown fuel pump fuse, which required towing and subsequent repair. A third complaint mentions difficulty starting the vehicle. These issues suggest potential safety risks, including fire hazards and sudden power loss, with no specific mileage or timeline patterns emerging from the complaints.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
