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, a 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.