Makes›Dodge›Durango›2021

2021 Dodge Durango

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Dodge Durango
Pictured: 2021 Dodge Durango GT (facelift), front 6.21.22. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD V6, 4dr SUV AWD V8
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Horsepower
295–360 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
Length
200 in
Curb weight
4,987–5,331 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 21.2% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
  • Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Dodge Durango is a standard SUV offered with 4 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 200 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 120-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,987 lb (4dr SUV AWD V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 7% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 205 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.

What changed for 2021

  • Engine added: 6.2L 8-cyl

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Durango →

Trims, performance & features

Engine360 hp5.7L 8-cyl
Engine295 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

R/TGTSXT

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingOptional
Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Rear cross-traffic alertOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsSome trims
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Detroit, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Durango configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD V6200 in76 in70.9 in119.7 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,987 lb56/44
4dr SUV AWD V8200 in76 in70.9 in119.7 in63.8 / 64.2 in5,331 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Durango RWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21+7%$3,200414
Durango AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+12%$3,200427
Durango RWD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17-13%$4,450525
Durango AWD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17-10%$4,450533
Durango SRT AWD6.4L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15-20%$5,500584
Durango SRT AWD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive12 / 17 / 13-31%$6,300659
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.6 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★21.2%
2021 Dodge Durango SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD
Side crash test — 2021 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Dodge Durango (this car)21 MPG★★★★★8
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser14 MPGNot rated0
2021 Ford Explorer27 MPG★★★★★27
2021 Toyota Highlander36 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Kia Telluride23 MPG★★★★★5
2021 GMC Yukon23 MPG★★★★★14
2021 Ford Expedition19 MPG★★★★★12

Recalls (8)

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · Aug 13, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V528000 · 74,578 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. 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.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jun 13, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V436000 · 1,033,433 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. 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.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · Feb 23, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V115000 · 139,019 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A damaged rear spoiler can 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 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Apr 28, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V284000 · 1,308 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Steering › Rack And Pinion · Mar 14, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V154000 · 931 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Mar 10, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V140000 · 370,437 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Structure › Body · Oct 28, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V842000 · 4,837 vehicles

Problem
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.
Air Bags › Critical Fasteners · Apr 22, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V280000 · 2,721 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Dodge Durango is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

205Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
31,911 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting91
Electrical System41
Unknown Or Other24
Engine22
Air Bags11
Fuel/Propulsion System11
Structure › Body10
Power Train9
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 524/12: 225/01: 525/02: 225/03: 925/04: 525/05: 325/06: 525/07: 225/08: 525/09: 625/10: 225/11: 225/12: 926/01: 726/02: 626/03: 426/04: 426/05: 926/06: 126/07: 526/08: 1326/09: 326/10: 324/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 13

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Dodge Durango buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Exterior Lighting — 91 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Electrical System — 41 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 22 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 31,911 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Dodge Durango. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Durango years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Durango20–Not rated00
2026 Durango20200 inNot rated114
2025 Durango20200 in★★★★★08
2024 Durango21200 in★★★★★014
2023 Durango21200 in★★★★★338
2022 Durango21200 in★★★★★760
2020 Durango21200 in★★★★★256
2019 Durango21200 in★★★★★4145
2018 Durango21200 in★★★★★5233
2017 Durango21200 in★★★★★2215
2016 Durango21200 inNot rated3161
2015 Durango20200 inNot rated4504

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →