Short answer: The biggest problems with the 2021 Dodge Durango are electrical system problems, engine issues, and exterior lighting problems.
Exterior lightning problems are the most common, while electrical system problems and engine issues aren’t as common.
Some of these problems have even resulted in recalls: Dodge has issued seven for this vehicle.
The Dodge Durango is an SUV type vehicle well suited for both commuting and road tripping. While most consumers get to enjoy problem free ownership, some get stuck with defective vehicles that were incorrectly manufactured.
In this article, we go over the problems most reported by real 2021 Durango owners.
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Common 2021 Dodge Durango Problems
2021 Dodge Durango Electrical System Problems
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango mentioned their infotainment systems suddenly shutting off or otherwise being blank.
Infotainment System Glitches
- Severity: Mild to moderate; depending on what functions are tied to the screen, the driver may lose access to important controls or visibility features.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Dodge released Recall 24V-436 for radio software that may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. Dodge also issued radio software bulletins such as NHTSA ID 10215962 for radio reset and black-screen issues and NHTSA ID 10198452 for radio enhancements.
- Fix: The recall and tsb remedies for this issue involve updating the car’s radio software. Some drivers note that this update impacted their radio’s functionality negatively.
2021 Dodge Durango Engine Issues
2021 Durango owners described their push button starts not working properly, where the engine does not turn over.
Engine Doesn’t Turn Over
- Severity: Moderate; a vehicle that will not start is frustrating and can leave the driver stranded, though it is not a moving hazard at the time of failure.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Dodge issued NHTSA ID 10215912 for a crank-no-start condition with no DTCs. Another related STAR case, NHTSA ID 10188727, addresses undercharging or a loose ground that can cause intermittent no-start and ESS problems.
- Fix: The bulletin/STAR guidance directs technicians to inspect the affected circuits and connections, including fuse and ground integrity, and repair any loose or damaged connections before replacing parts.
2021 Dodge Durango Exterior Lighting Problems
Vehicle owners overwhelmingly mentioned water being able to seep into the exterior lights around the Durango, eventually shorting them out.
Water Intrusion into Exterior Lighting
- Severity: Moderate; exterior lights affected by water intrusion can become dim or inoperative, reducing visibility and making the vehicle harder for others to see.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Dodge issued multiple bulletins related to moisture in exterior lighting, including NHTSA ID 10239948 for license plate LED light inoperative due to moisture visible within the lens, and NHTSA ID 10251854 for headlamp condensation clearing procedure.
- Fix: For headlamp condensation, Dodge instructs dealers to evaluate whether the moisture clears after the lamps are operated; if it does not clear or heavy water intrusion is present, the lamp assembly should be replaced. For the license plate LED issue, the repair is to replace the LED and install an additional O-ring and foam gasket.
What Dodge Durango Drivers Note
“Vehicle cranking but not starting until after turning off car and then starting it again. Happens after short trips and I go to start my car again after 1-2 hrs.”
“This complaint is for the tail light center light, race track light. Water has built up inside the lens after multiple times draining. The water has cased the racetrack light to completely burn out.”
“My rear racetrack light on my 2021 Durango rt tow n go has water in it from not being sealed and it’s burnt out was quoted astronomical amounts of money to fix along with getting pulled over and was told it’s a safety issue by police and said it can cause a electrical fire and it’s a hazard.”
Legal Steps for Troubled Car Owners
Lemon laws protect consumers when a vehicle develops substantial defects during the warranty period that are not corrected after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
When problems affecting safety, performance, or reliability continue despite dealership repairs, or when the vehicle remains out of service for an extended period, the manufacturer may be required to provide a refund, replacement, or monetary compensation.
Common qualifying issues include persistent engine or transmission defects, recurring electrical failures, braking system concerns, and other malfunctions that materially impair the vehicle’s use or value.
Accurate service records and repair documentation are often critical in determining eligibility under applicable lemon law standards.
| Affected Model | Average Lemon Law Settlement |
| 2021 Dodge Durango | $85,627 |
*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.
Don’t Suffer in Silence: Call the Lemon Law Experts!
If your vehicle has been repeatedly repaired for the same issue or has spent significant time in the shop, have your repair history reviewed to determine whether you may qualify for a buyback, replacement, or other compensation.
The Lemon Law Experts would love to assist you. Our team has the experience you want to bring your case. Call us today at (877) 885-5366 or fill out a contact form here on our website!
