Lighting & electrical system issues are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The design of the original Dodge Durango SUV, launched in 1998, was based on a pickup truck. Manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), it is now in its third generation and the only SUV still produced by the company. But every generation has been plagued with numerous complaints and recalls.
Lemberg Law’s article, 2020 Dodge Durango Problems and Top Complaints highlighted electrical, exterior lighting, and engine issues. You will see from this article that these components and systems still have problems.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019 2020
There are currently 9 problems areas reported by 2021 Dodge Durango in a total of 16 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The electrical system is a primary problem with 5 complaints. A total of 4 complaints address the structure of the vehicle, 1 of which includes electrical system problems.
Similarly, 4 complaints focus on exterior lighting, 1 listed as unknown or other. Of the 3 that focus on forward-collision avoidance problems, 2 also refer to the electrical system. Engine and airbag problems also combine electrical system issues.
In addition to these, there is 1 complaint about equipment, specifically a faulty infotainment system. There is also 1 complaint about seat belts.
We’re going to look at the 3 most common problems, the first of which is clearly the electrical system.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Air Bags | |
| Engine | |
| Structure | |
| Structure:body | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Power Train |
Electrical system problems combine with engine, airbag, and forward-collision avoidance issues.
One complaint about the electrical system that also relates to the engine describes how the car caught fire while it was parked. It was parked close to the house, which also caught fire. The fire department helped to put the fire out and said that the source of the fire was electrical.
Airbag issues relate to the SOS system that warns the airbags may inflate in a collision – or may inflate even if there isn’t a collision. Apart from being very distracting, a complaint says the driver must connect to the SOS system and contact a dealer. Then, a “red light comes on the dash and on the rearview mirror. Almost caused me to wreck.”
A different issue relates to the stereo system that emits a very loud random noise while the Durango is moving.
A structural defect complaint says the black hose that covers electrical wiring “is pulled away from the vehicle and the wires are hanging” on a new vehicle.
We've fixed thousands of lemon problems. Message or call 877-795-3666 today.
The exterior lighting problems highlighted in NHTSA complaints are varied. For example, one says the rear tail lights of the car fill with water because the Durango’s tail lights aren’t fully sealed.
Another cites the extreme brightness of the backup camera as a safety issue. “I have visited the dealer and their resolution was to lower the brightness setting, which had no effect on the backup camera. This is a huge safety issue backing up at night whether it’s in a parking lot or driveway.”
A third problem cites that auto leveling headlights are pointed too low so the road isn’t lit up sufficiently at night. “This is a constant issue and not intermittent.”
This Dodge Durango owner’s concern is that it could lead to a fatal accident. The complaint states that the dealer confirms the lights are pointed too low. “I just purchased this vehicle and it was like this when I purchased it.”
Yet another quite different problem relates to faulty dashboard lights. Ultimately, the “car lost power and shut off everything and lost power steering.” According to the complaint, the dealer couldn’t determine the fault so simply reset th e on-board diagnostic trouble (error) code . Unsurprisingly, the problems recurred that same night and there is no resolution listed in the NHTSA complaint.
The problems reported to NHTSA range from the rear roof spoiler detaching to a car with incorrect and damaged parts.
A consumer who bought a 2021 Durango in December 2020, says the car he ordered had a sport hood. “It was delivered with a different hood. I believe this is false advertising.”
The same complaint also highlights what are described as “even bigger issues.” These include a crimped rubber section on the driver’s side passenger door and a paint defect around a window. The door is crooked and doesn’t line up, and there are parts missing on the driver’s door panel.
There is a recall relating to rear spoilers that potentially affects as many as 4,837 vehicles. The reason, according to Dodge, is that the rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof. This may result in damage to the spoiler when the liftgate is used.
Another complainant believes the power liftgate issue is severe enough to warrant a recall too. “The liftgate will squeeze upon (an) object and try to latch, and then it just stalls.”
According to the complaint, FCA, which manufactures Dodge vehicles, says this is normal.
“If this was a child’s hand or an animal’s paw, it would be crushed, until it stalls. The owners’ manual clearly states if anything obstructs the “power liftgate while it’s closing or opening the liftgate will automatically reverse to the closed or open position after multiple obstructions in the same cycle to liftgate will automatically stop and must be opened or closed manually. This happens on the first attempt, not multiple attempts. There is nothing in the owners’ manual warning customers about this safety hazard.”
The complaint states that the problem can be simulated using rolled up towels. The dealer says it isn’t an issue.
This article will give you an idea of the kinds of problems that may indicate your 2021 Dodge Durango is a lemon. If you think you’ve bought a lemon, don’t delay, call our Helpline so that we can assess your problems and advise what your options are.
We have negotiated many replacement vehicles, cash settlements, buybacks, and trade-ins for our clients. The law will make FCA pay if you’ve got a lemon, so you don’t have to worry about legal bills.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones
Rack and pinion went out at 5,000 miles, brakes make a popping sound ( dealership says it’s normal), transmission does a surge at low speed (dealership says it don’t know if I’m pushing gas or brakes and the computer is confused it’s normal), now the ac does not blow at all in front of car but blows in the back.
I have had nothing but issues since I purchased my Durango in 2021.. truck turned off while driving on expressway and couldn’t get it started had to be towed… transmission went had to get that repaired… most recently ac stopped working… now my driver side door won’t lock when touching the handle. I am so livid this shouldn’t be happening
I just had my touchscreen in my 2021 durango stop responding to touch commands! I can power it on and off and use buttons in the car itself to operate CERTAIN features, but I cannot even set it to “max ac” when I live in an area that is regularly over 100°F, AND my car is BLACK with BLACK interior! 🥵😭