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

- 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
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD V6 | 200 in | 76 in | 70.9 in | 119.7 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,987 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV AWD V8 | 200 in | 76 in | 70.9 in | 119.7 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 5,331 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durango RWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | +7% | $3,200 | 414 |
| Durango AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 427 |
| Durango RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -13% | $4,450 | 525 |
| Durango AWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -10% | $4,450 | 533 |
| Durango SRT AWD | 6.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 584 |
| Durango SRT AWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 13 | -31% | $6,300 | 659 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Dodge Durango SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 21.2% |
| 2021 Dodge Durango SUV RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |


Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Dodge Durango (this car) | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 27 |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 GMC Yukon | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2021 Ford Expedition | 19 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.
Not every 2021 Dodge Durango is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Dodge Durango buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 91 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 41 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 22 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 31,911 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Durango | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Durango | 20 | 200 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2025 Durango | 20 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 8 |
| 2024 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 14 |
| 2023 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 38 |
| 2022 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 60 |
| 2020 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 56 |
| 2019 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 145 |
| 2018 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 233 |
| 2017 Durango | 21 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 215 |
| 2016 Durango | 21 | 200 in | Not rated | 3 | 161 |
| 2015 Durango | 20 | 200 in | Not rated | 4 | 504 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →