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FREE VEHICLE RESEARCH

The 2021 Dodge Durango has 8 NHTSA safety recalls on file, 188 owner complaints, and gets about 21 mpg combined. Here's the full free record from NHTSA and the EPA.

FREE PUBLIC RECORD · U.S. GOVERNMENT DATA

2021 Dodge Durango

  • Engine 6-cyl 3.6L
  • Drive All-Wheel Drive
  • Fuel Regular
  • Body Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

Should you worry?

Look closer

Something in the public record needs a closer look before you buy.

Caution

Are there open safety recalls?

8 open

Ask the seller for proof each was fixed. Repairs are free — and there’s also an open investigation.

Caution

What do owners report?

5 injuries reported

5 of 188 reports (~3%). On a high-volume model that alone isn’t unusual — look for patterns below.

Good

How did it score in crash tests?

4 out of 5 stars

5 is best. This model scored well in government crash tests.

Open recalls · nearby years

Same make and model. This car is the 2021.

  • 20194recalls
  • 20202recalls
  • 2021 · this car8recalls
  • 20227recalls

Based on free U.S. government safety data · checked August 26, 2026.

SAFETY

Will it protect people in a crash?

These are government crash-test scores. 5 stars is best. They rate this year and model, not your exact car.

Overall
4 / 5 stars
Frontal
4 / 5 stars
Side
5 / 5 stars
Side pole
5 / 5 stars
Rollover
3 / 5 stars

Factory safety & driver-assist equipment

Stability control
Standard
Government crash-test photo
Photo from a government crash test of this model

Tested as: 2021 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD · 2 versions tested

Open safety recalls

8 open

A recall means the manufacturer must fix a safety problem for free at a dealer. Ask the seller for proof the work was done.

  1. Structure

    28/10/2021

    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.

    How they fix it: 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.

  2. Air Bags

    22/04/2021

    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.

    How they fix it: 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.

  3. Service Brakes, Hydraulic

    10/03/2022

    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."

    How they fix it: 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.

  4. Steering

    14/03/2022

    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.

    How they fix it: 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.

  5. Engine And Engine Cooling

    28/04/2022

    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.

    How they fix it: 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.

  6. Structure

    23/02/2023

    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.

    How they fix it: 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.

  7. Back Over Prevention

    13/06/2024

    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."

    How they fix it: 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.

  8. Structure

    13/08/2026

    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.

    How they fix it: The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning September 10, 2026. 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.

The government also has an open investigation on this model. Look it up on nhtsa.gov before you buy.

From NHTSA (U.S. safety agency) · checked August 26, 2026.

OWNERS

What problems do owners report?

People file these with the government when something goes wrong. They show patterns, not a diagnosis of any one car for sale.

Owner reports · nearby years

Same make and model. This car is the 2021.

  • 2019140reports
  • 202054reports
  • 2021 · this car188reports
  • 202256reports

188 owner reports on file

9 crash mentions 4 fire mentions 5 injury mentions

Parts mentioned most often. Longer bar = more reports. Counts are out of 188 total reports.

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING 62 of 188

    Drivers side daytime running lights out. I’ve noticed about a dozen more dodge durangos running lights are also out. Seems to be a manufactured problem. A lot of forums and conversations on Reddit complaining of the same. It cost about

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 40 of 188

    There is a daytime running light (DRL) malfunction with both headlights, it started with the drivers side slowly going out and now the passenger side is slowly going out. This is happening to several Dodge Durango owners of the 2021 model a

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER 13 of 188

    The component that failed is the rear spoiler of the Durango. There is already a recall in place. The vehicle was inspected a few years ago and passed. Then, the issue happened where it fell off while driving, damaging the back hatch of the

  • ENGINE 12 of 188

    Started having problems with the engine losing power and sputtering was told by a repair shop that the engine needs replaced it has been sitting since

  • STRUCTURE 11 of 188

    I was driving at around 45 MPH when my rear spoiler suddenly detached from my 2022 vehicle. It was only held on by one latch and the wire for the rear camera. This could have caused a serious accident — even a fatal one — if it had come com

  • POWER TRAIN 10 of 188

    The engine cooling system on my 2021 Dodge Durango GT failed due to ruptured coolant lines, including the rear coolant tubes supplying the rear air conditioning system and both transmission heater hoses. These lines carry engine coolant to

Bars are sized relative to the most-mentioned part on this list, not to 100% of all cars.

From NHTSA owner complaints · checked August 26, 2026. Anyone can file a report; they are not verified repairs.

FUEL COST

What does it cost to drive?

EPA estimates for this year and model. Your real cost depends on gas prices, how you drive, and how far you go.

Sold in 3 versions

They range from 15 to 21 mpg combined. Figures below are the base version. Pick yours to see its own numbers.

Combined MPG · nearby years

Same make and model. This car is the 2021.

  • 201921mpg
  • 202021mpg
  • 2021 · this car21mpg
  • 202217mpg

$2,950

estimated fuel cost per year if you drive about 15,000 miles

Miles per gallon. Higher is cheaper to drive.

City driving 18 mpg
Highway driving 25 mpg
Combined (typical mix) 21 mpg

Over 5 years, compared to an average new car

This model is estimated to cost about $3,750 more on fuel.

Spends more Saves more

From EPA fueleconomy.gov · checked August 26, 2026.

HOW IT WAS BUILT

Factory details

What’s on the build record for this VIN or model.

Engine

6-cyl 3.6L

Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Transmission

Automatic 8-spd

Fuel

Regular

See all factory details (7)
Engine
6-cyl 3.6L
Cylinders
6
Displacement
3.6 L
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Automatic 8-spd
Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel
Regular

From EPA and NHTSA vehicle records · checked August 26, 2026.

What this free check does not include

We only show free U.S. government data: safety recalls, owner reports, crash tests, and fuel economy. We do not show prior accidents, flood or salvage titles, odometer rollback, insurance history, or a “should you buy” verdict on a specific listing. For that kind of check on one car for sale, use the VINly app.

BEFORE YOU BUY

What to check on this car

Confirm the recalls were fixed

This model has 8 open NHTSA recalls (including the structure). Recall repairs are free at the dealer, so ask the seller for proof the remedy was performed, or verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy.

Have a mechanic check the exterior lighting

Owners report problems with the exterior lighting more than anything else on this model. Call it out specifically during a pre-purchase inspection.

Watch for a pending investigation

NHTSA has an open investigation covering this model. A recall can follow an investigation, so check nhtsa.gov for the latest before you commit.

  • Test-drive the basics

    Cold start, full-lock steering both ways, firm brakes with no pulsing, smooth shifts, and every electronic feature. Warning lights should come on at key-on, then go out.

  • Check the title and the VIN

    Confirm the title status in hand matches the listing, and that the VIN matches across the dash, door jamb, and title. VINly does not show ownership or accident history, for that, run a paid report like Carfax.

  • Ask the seller the right questions

    Why they are selling, any service records, accident or panel-repaint history, how many owners, and whether any open recalls were completed.

See the full used-car inspection checklist. None of this replaces a hands-on inspection by a mechanic.

FOR SALE NEAR YOU

2021 Dodge Durango listings

    Quick answers

    What is recalled on the 2021 Dodge Durango? +

    NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls for the 2021 Dodge Durango, including the structure. See the full list above, and confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov.

    What gas mileage does the 2021 Dodge Durango get? +

    The EPA rates the 2021 Dodge Durango at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 25 highway), about $2,950 a year in fuel.

    How safe is the 2021 Dodge Durango? +

    NHTSA's NCAP program gives the 2021 Dodge Durango 4 out of 5 stars overall, with 3 stars for rollover resistance.

    What do owners complain about on the 2021 Dodge Durango? +

    Owners have filed 188 complaints with NHTSA for the 2021 Dodge Durango, including 9 involving a crash. The most-reported area is exterior lighting.

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