NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Dodge Durango Safety Ratings
The 2021 Dodge Durango scores 66 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 181 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2021 model year, the Dodge Durango posts a NHTSA Safety Index of 67 out of 100, a score that places it in the Below Average band. This rating represents a significant decline from the previous year's model, primarily driven by a near-zero score in crash-avoidance technology and the initiation of seven recall campaigns. These factors merit careful consideration by prospective buyers.
The 2021 Dodge Durango received a NHTSA Safety Index of 67/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Dodge Durango ranks 112 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 66 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.2% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 181 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 112 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Dodge Durango?
A notable safety regression marks the 2021 model year for the Durango. The NHTSA Safety Index for this model year is 67/100, a nine-point decline from the 2020 model's 76/100. This drop shifts the vehicle from the Average safety band to Below Average. The primary factor in this decline is the defect record component, which contributed only 7.5 out of a possible 20 points. This reflects the impact of seven distinct recall campaigns in a single model year. These recalls address structurally varied systems, including the steering rack, the EGR valve, the brake control module, and the backup camera, indicating that quality concerns in this production run were not confined to a single subsystem. The crash-avoidance technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 further compounds this picture. This Durango model includes neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning, leaving electronic stability control as the sole scored avoidance feature. Crash protection itself scored a respectable 57 out of 70, anchored by a 5-star side impact result. However, the 3-star rollover rating and 21 percent rollover risk are meaningful figures for a tall-riding three-row SUV. The 2021 year-specific data present a vehicle with solid passive crash protection offset by a limited active-safety profile and an unusually active recall history.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Dodge Durango perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Dodge Durango's rollover performance merits close examination. NHTSA rated it 3 out of 5 stars, assigning a 21 percent rollover risk probability. However, dynamic tip testing did not result in a tip. In other assessments, the Durango achieved an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash tests also yielded 4 stars, while side impact protection earned a strong 5-star rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15498
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Dodge Durango have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover this model year. Named components include the backup camera sensing system (addressed via OTA fix), rear spoiler structural alignment, the EGR valve emission control system, the steering rack-and-pinion gear bar, and the antilock and traction control module. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the provided campaign data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE26V528000
Risk: A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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
Reported 2026-08-13
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA24V436000
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-06-13
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE23V115000
Risk: A damaged rear spoiler can detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-02-23
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)22V284000
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.
Reported 2022-04-28
STEERING:RACK AND PINION22V154000
Risk: Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-03-14
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE22V140000
Risk: An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-03-10
STRUCTURE:BODY21V842000
Risk: A damaged rear spoiler could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-10-28
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS21V280000
Risk: A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-04-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Dodge Durango?
A total of 181 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, including alleged 8 crashes, 3 fires, and 3 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are Exterior Lighting at 79 reports, Electrical System at 39, and Engine at 21.
181 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Dodge Durango?
The 2021 Durango's record of seven recall campaigns is a notable point, necessitating a VIN check through NHTSA's free lookup tool for any prospective owner. This allows confirmation of completed remedies, a practical safety measure specific to this model year.
- The Safety Index dropped nine points versus the 2020 Durango, from 76/100 to 67/100, driven largely by a defect record sub-score of only 7.5 out of 20 tied to seven recall campaigns specific to this production year.
- The steering rack-and-pinion recall for 2021-2022 Durangos flagged a potential gear bar defect that could affect steering control, making VIN-level remedy verification a priority for used-market buyers.
- The backup camera recall for this model year was designated for an over-the-air software fix, meaning remedy completion depends on whether the prior owner accepted or completed that update.
- With no forward collision warning and no lane departure warning scored for this model year, the crash-avoidance tech sub-score reached only 2 out of 10, one of the most significant contributors to the Below Average Safety Index band.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Dodge Durango places
The 2021 Dodge Durango qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Dodge Durango safety questions
Was the 2021 Dodge Durango crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Dodge Durango, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 66 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Dodge Durango crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Dodge Durango earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Durango have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Dodge Durango. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Dodge Durango?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 181 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Dodge Durango. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Durango years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15498), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Dodge Durango 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 112 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.