2021 Dodge Durango engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

25 owners have reported engine problems with the 2021 Dodge Durango, 12% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 30,000 mi.

Engine complaints
25
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
30,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine22
Engine and engine cooling2
Engine and engine cooling:engine:crank/camshaft position sensor1
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)1

Engine complaints across Dodge Durango years

7200522200713520114540201331312015132120172624201972520211052023422026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k310k–30k130k–60k360k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 22V284000Apr 28, 20221,308 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 23, 202690,500 miCAEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while pulling up to the residence, there was a gurgling sound coming from the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked and turned off, the gurgling sound got louder. The contact's husband opened the trunk, and the coolant reservoir exploded. The dealer was contacted by phone. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,500.
    NHTSA complaint #11766455 · source
  2. Filed Aug 5, 2026PAEngine
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11755126 · source
  3. Filed Mar 3, 2026TXCrashElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    I'm having issues with my 2021 Dodge Durango I have a recall on a rear view camera a recall on a rear spoiler a recall on the steering assembly a recall on the ESC light mail function ABS system loose airbags
    NHTSA complaint #11721618 · source
  4. Filed Dec 16, 2025NCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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 the rear HVAC system and transmission. The ruptures caused coolant loss and engine overheating during normal operation. The failure appears related to the routing of the lines near the transmission housing, causing excessive wear not…
    NHTSA complaint #11705425 · source
  5. Filed Jun 11, 2025NYEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The heating hose exploded due to unknown pressure and ended up getting steaming, hot coolant, and all the cylinders and causing engine failure on a Dodge Durango that I purchased 80 days ago. and I have manufacturer, the dealer and an extended warranty, and after verbal and written promises, now I’m left with almost a $20,000 bill and no car and wasting money on rentals. I have filed to BBB and other complaints towards the dealership. I have tons of other people who have had…
    NHTSA complaint #11666371 · source
  6. Filed Mar 29, 2025TXEngine
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11651540 · source
  7. Filed Mar 25, 2025MIElectrical SystemEngine
    I have been having issues with the start button, the engine cranking but not turning over. It will crank for 30 seconds, not start, all the lights come on and usually on the second attempt the car will start. Also I have powered off the radio while driving for a second, then the screen will not turn back on.
    NHTSA complaint #11650387 · source
  8. Filed Mar 12, 2025NCEngine
    Driving in traffic when suddenly a large volume of smoke was pouring out from my vehicle obscuring the view of everyone behind me. Pulled over and shut down, found coolant all over engine bay and had vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership replaced hose assembly under warranty but was without vehicle for 6 weeks waiting on the part.
    NHTSA complaint #11647838 · source
  9. Filed Mar 11, 2025ILEngine
    On [XXX] my Durango started leaking coolant and steaming while I was driving. The steam was rising through the openings in the hood and was getting on the windshield. The coolant was pouring on the ground. I had to stop the car to prevent it from overheating. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer and they told me a coolant hose had broken at the rear of the engine. I did some research on this specific leak. I have a friend with the same year and model/trim as my Durango who…
    NHTSA complaint #11647623 · source
  10. Filed Nov 2, 2024INEngine
    I noticed this morning when approaching the car that there was an oil spot under the car. I checked the oil and it is two courts low. There is oil puddled on the frame rails under the coolant reservoir. When I took the coolant cap off, there's nothing but oil in the tank. We have yet to have the car towed and inspected by a certified mechanic. The car drove normal and was within normal operating range when parked. Car has been serviced by a local certified shop at all…
    NHTSA complaint #11623297 · source
  11. Filed Oct 24, 202480,000 miGATowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to shift from park(P) to drive(D), the gear shifter became stuck in park(P). The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11621705 · source
  12. Filed Sep 10, 202484,000 miFLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission was skipping gear. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move forward or reverse. There were no warning lights illuminated. The check engine message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the transmission. The mechanic informed the contact that the parts to repair the vehicle were on…
    NHTSA complaint #11613808 · source

Other 2021 Dodge Durango problem areas

  • Lighting (90)
  • Electrical System (40)
  • Other / Unknown (25)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (17)
  • Body & Structure (15)
  • Airbags (11)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (11)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (10)
  • Brakes (8)
  • Wheels & Tires (5)
  • Visibility & Wipers (5)
  • Steering (4)
  • Suspension (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (2)

Back to all 2021 Dodge Durango problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology