The Lemon Index2021 Dodge Durango.
The 2021 Dodge Durango is worse than average by owner complaints: 95 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 149, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about lights, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 13 to 21 mpg combined. The best Dodge Durango year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 203 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Durango year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 57K miles on the car (30 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 8
- body structure 2026
The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, possibly resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
- back over prevention 2024
The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying.
- body structure 2023
The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
Show all 8 recalls
- engine 2022
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may stick open, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
- steering 2022
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.
- brakes 2022
The ABS control module software may prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction indicator light from illuminating during certain conditions.
- body structure 2021
The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
- airbags 2021
The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 565 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- GLASS, Sunroof If these parts are being ordered to fix a Sunroof wind noise or water leak…
- Battery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination After Key Off
- Rattle Buzz Noise From Door Area
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Durango SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Dodge Durango SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Dodge Durango Pursuit SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–6150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Water intrusion into the rear taillights causing LED assembly to burn out. This potentially renders the vehicle not visible to other drivers at night time without running lights.
2021 Dodge Durango owner · NHTSA complaint 11569121
More owner reports
Forward collision service warning came on me vehicle when there was nothing near my car and the weather was only slight rain. Why hasnât this issue been a recall when Iâve read dozens of other complaints for this same issue.
NHTSA complaint 11562011
Driver's side daytime running light burned out after 3 years.
NHTSA complaint 11588795
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Dodge Durango reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 149; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Durango year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2021 Dodge Durango problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (31%), electrical (19%) and body structure (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Durango have?
8 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Dodge Durango get?
13 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Dodge Durango safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Dodge Durango problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,700 and 57,300 miles. The middle report was at 31,200 miles, from 30 complaints.
Does the 2021 Dodge Durango have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Dodge Durango cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $6150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Dodge Durango have?
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
What Dodge Durango year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2022 and 2019.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works