2021 Dodge Durango: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Dodge Durango: 8 recalls, 203 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
8 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V280000 · 2021 · 2,721 vehicles
What's wrong: The side air bag inflatable curtain (sabic) fastener May be loose or missing.
Why it matters: A loose or missing fastener May cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will tighten or replace the fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent on May 7, 2021.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #21V842000 · 2021 · 4,837 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear spoiler May not be aligned properly with the roof, resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
Why it matters: A damaged rear spoiler could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear spoiler, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2021.
Stability control, Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #22V140000 · 2022 · 370,437 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: An esc malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the ABS control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2022.
Steering Vehicle recall #22V154000 · 2022 · 931 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 12, 2022.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #22V284000 · 2022 · 1,308 vehicles
What's wrong: 6l engines. The exhaust gas recirculation (egr) valve May stick open, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Why it matters: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the egr valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #23V115000 · 2023 · 139,019 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear spoiler May not be aligned properly with the roof, resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
Why it matters: A damaged rear spoiler can detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear spoiler, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 9, 2023.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #24V436000 · 2024 · 1,033,433 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #26V528000 · 2026 · 74,578 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear spoiler May not be aligned properly with the roof, possibly resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
Why it matters: A damaged rear spoiler May detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Exterior lights (90): the most common themes are electrical failure (16), stalls / loses power (5), warning light on (4).
- Electrical (40): the most common themes are electrical failure (14), warning light on (6), stalls / loses power (4).
- Other / unknown (24): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), warning light on (4), stalls / loses power (4).
- Engine (22): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), leaks (4), fire / smoke (3).
The 2021 Dodge Durango has 203 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 29 Durango model years for complaints (well below the 475 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (55 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 31,205 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (55 complaints, 2 recalls), 2022 (58 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 17 | Midgrade |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 17 | Midgrade |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Dodge Durango.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Dodge Durango have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Dodge Durango. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Dodge Durango problems?
Owners have filed 203 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (90), electrical (40), other / unknown (24).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Dodge Durango get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic 8-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Dodge Durango repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.