2021 Dodge DURANGO
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Dodge DURANGO has 250 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 250. The most common issue is lighting problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: my rear tail lights are filling with water due to the fact the dodge durango tail lights are not fully sealed. inevitably there will be a short and the lights will no longer work. please look into this common problem thanks. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
250
Total Complaints
7
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
LIGHTING
78 complaints- • My rear tail lights are filling with water due to the fact the Dodge Durango tail lights are not fully sealed. Inevitably there will be a short and the lights will no longer work. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS COMMON PROBLEM thanks
- • On my '21 Durango, the backup camera has been so horribly bright at night that I have come to putting my hand or a towel over the screen so that I can look at my side mirrors when backing up. I have visited the dealer and their resolution was to lower the brightness setting which had no effect on th
- • Auto leveling headlights are pointed too low, not providing enough lit view of the road at night. This is a constant issue and not intermittent. Not being able to see far enough ahead of a vehicle travelling at the speed limit, could cause harm or even death to the operator, passengers or objects in
“My rear tail lights are filling with water due to the fact the Dodge Durango tail lights are not fully sealed. Inevitably there will be a short and the lights will no longer work. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS COMMON PROBLEM thanks”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2021 Dodge DURANGO
Based on 42 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 26K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
AIR BAGS
BODY/STRUCTURE
ELECTRICAL
TRANSMISSION
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (7)
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.
Risk: A damaged rear spoiler could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Dodge DURANGO
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Dodge DURANGO
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Dodge New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Dodge. If you're buying a used 2021 DURANGO, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Dodge dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 250 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐LIGHTING: My rear tail lights are filling with water due to the fact the Dodge Durango tail lights are not fully sealed. Inevitably there will be a short and the lights will no longer work. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS COMMON PROBLEM thanks
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: I PURCHASED A 2021 DODGE DURANGO GT FROM ARRIGO DODGE- FT PIERCE ON 12/31/20. THE PICTURE THEY HAD IN THE ADVERTISEMENT SHOWS A SPORT HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS IN ANOTHER COUNTY SO THEY DELIVERED IT AT NIGHT TO MY HOME. BEFORE PURCHASING IT, I ASKED THE MANAGER TO DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE HOOD WAS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, THERE IS A CONTINUOUS CRANK BUT ENGINE NEVER STARTS. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW WITH 0 MILES. THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY. ONLY WAY TO AVOID THIS IS TO START IT WITH THE REMOTE START.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: I PURCHASED A 2021 DODGE DURANGO GT FROM ARRIGO DODGE- FT PIERCE ON 12/31/20. THE PICTURE THEY HAD IN THE ADVERTISEMENT SHOWS A SPORT HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS IN ANOTHER COUNTY SO THEY DELIVERED IT AT NIGHT TO MY HOME. BEFORE PURCHASING IT, I ASKED THE MANAGER TO DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE HOOD WAS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Dodge dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Dodge DURANGO — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 250
- Recalls
- 7
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 12
- Injury reports
- 4
- Segment avg
- 250
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Dodge DURANGO