Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2021 Dodge Durango: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2021 Dodge Durango, most recently filed August 2026. Owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the exterior lighting. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 4 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 8campaigns 3 structure · 1 rear camera · 1 engine Source: NHTSA Complaints 202filed Owner reports, 2017–2026 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 4★overall ★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 3★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 21mpg combined $3,110/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 3.6 L 6-cyl· 8-speed automatic 6 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (8)

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2021 Dodge Durango. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2021 Dodge Durango. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V528000 Filed Aug 13, 2026

Rear Spoiler May Detach While Driving

Structure · body · hatchback/liftgate
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace or repair the spoiler and align the liftgate as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 10, 2026. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. 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.
Repair progress not yet reported74,578 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V528000
Listed for 2021 Dodge Durango. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V436000 Filed Jun 13, 2024

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111

Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
91.4% repairedof 1,033,433 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V436000
Listed for 2021 Dodge Durango. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V115000 Filed Feb 23, 2023

Rear Spoiler May Detach While Driving

Structure · body · hatchback/liftgate
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A damaged rear spoiler can detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
83.1% repairedof 139,019 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V115000
Listed for 2021 Dodge Durango. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V284000 Filed Apr 28, 2022

Stuck EGR Valve May Cause Loss of Drive Power

Engine and engine cooling · exhaust system · emission control · gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
89.9% repairedof 1,308 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V284000
Listed for 2021 Dodge Durango. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V154000 Filed Mar 14, 2022

Steering Assembly Bar May Bind Inside Rack

Steering · rack and pinion
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
89.3% repairedof 931 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V154000
Listed for 2021 Dodge Durango. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V140000 Filed Mar 10, 2022

ESC Light May Not Indicate Malfunction/FMVSS 126

Electronic stability control (esc)
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
87.3% repairedof 370,437 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V140000
Listed for 2021 Dodge Durango. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V842000 Filed Oct 28, 2021

Rear Spoiler May Detach While Driving

Structure · body
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A damaged rear spoiler could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
83.8% repairedof 4,837 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V842000
Listed for 2021 Dodge Durango. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V280000 Filed Apr 22, 2021

Loose or Missing Side Curtain Air Bag Fastener

Air bags · critical fasteners
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
85.1% repairedof 2,721 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V280000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Durango years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Dodge DurangoAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (202)

202 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The exterior lighting is mentioned most often.

10involved a crash
4involved a fire
5injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Dodge Durango, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 202.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2021 compares with other Durango years

Best and worst Durango years →
213 232 143 55 202 58 31 14 8 13
2017201820192020202120222023202420252026
This year (2021)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 4 stars overall

Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 21.2%★★★☆☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2021 Dodge Durango suv 4wd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 21 mpg combined

21
mpg combined
19
city
26
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,200
CO₂ tailpipe
414 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$3,110per year
$259per month
714gallons a year

Miles ÷ 21 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2021 Dodge Durango configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21$3,200414
3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21$3,200427
5.7 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17$4,450525
5.7 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17$4,450533
6.4 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15$5,500584
6.2 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive12 / 17 / 13$6,300659

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2021 Durango for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Durango years

Where to next

Which Durango years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2022 Dodge Durango report58 complaints · 7 campaigns →2020 Dodge Durango report55 complaints · 2 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2021 Dodge Durango FAQ

How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Durango have?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns: 26V528000 (structure), 24V436000 (rear camera), 23V115000 (structure), 22V284000 (engine), 22V154000 (steering), 22V140000 (brake), 21V842000 (structure), 21V280000 (air bag). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2021 Dodge Durango problems?

Owners filed 202 complaints with NHTSA. Exterior lighting (90), Electrical system (40), Unknown or other (24) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2021 Dodge Durango get?

EPA rates the 3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic version at 19 city, 26 highway and 21 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2021 Dodge Durango get?

NHTSA rated the 2021 Dodge Durango suv 4wd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 3 stars rollover (21.2% rollover risk).

How does the 2021 Durango compare with other years?

Among the 2017–2021 Dodge Durango model years at least five years old, the 2020 drew the fewest complaints (55) and the 2018 the most (232). The 2021 drew 202. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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