NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Dodge Durango
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Dodge Durango is a three-row, body-on-frame-adjacent midsize SUV that has carved out a distinct identity as one of the few performance-leaning family haulers in its segment. Aimed at buyers who want genuine V8 muscle alongside people-mover practicality, the Durango competes in a crowded space but stands apart through its rear-wheel-drive roots and available high-output engines. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years.
The 2021 Dodge Durango earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 67 out of 100, an below average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 7 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally praise the Durango for its rare combination of V8 performance, genuine three-row seating, and towing capability in a segment that has largely moved toward crossover-style platforms. Most acknowledge the interior and technology have aged relative to newer competitors, and the ride and efficiency are frequently flagged as trade-offs for the model's performance-oriented character.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // RECALLSRecall record
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
181 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.