Are there any recalls on 2021 Dodge Durango?
As of February 27, 2025, there have been several recalls issued for the 2021 Dodge Durango. The most significant recall involves a potential issue with the vehicle's electrical system that could lead to a fire hazard. Owners of affected Durango models should contact their local Dodge dealership to schedule a free repair.
Electrical System Recall
In June 2022, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the parent company of Dodge, issued a recall for certain 2021 Dodge Durango models due to a potential issue with the electrical system. The recall affects approximately 270,000 vehicles in the United States, Canada, and other global markets.
The problem stems from a wiring harness that may have been improperly routed during the manufacturing process. This could lead to the wiring harness chafing against other components, potentially causing a short circuit and increasing the risk of a fire. FCA has received several reports of fires related to this issue, prompting the recall.
Remedy and Affected Models
Dodge Durango owners affected by this recall will need to take their vehicle to an authorized dealership, where technicians will inspect the wiring harness and, if necessary, reroute it to prevent any potential chafing. This repair will be performed free of charge to the vehicle owner.
The recall affects 2021 Dodge Durango models manufactured between November 2020 and March 2021. Owners of these vehicles should have received a notification from Dodge regarding the recall and instructions on how to schedule the repair.
Importance of Addressing Recalls
- Recalls are issued to address safety-related issues that could pose a risk to drivers, passengers, or the general public.
- Ignoring a recall can lead to serious consequences, such as the potential for a fire or other dangerous situations.
- Owners should promptly schedule a repair appointment with their local Dodge dealership to have the issue addressed.
- Recalls are a normal part of the automotive industry, and manufacturers work to identify and resolve problems quickly to ensure the safety of their vehicles.
By addressing the electrical system recall for their 2021 Dodge Durango, owners can help ensure the continued safe operation of their vehicle and protect themselves and others on the road.
What is the transmission problem in the 2021 Dodge Durango?
Common 2021 Dodge Durango transmission problems include hard shifting, slipping, and overheating. Other issues reported by owners are the "service shifter" message, transmission fluid leaks, and grinding or strange noises. These problems can be caused by issues ranging from low or old transmission fluid and faulty filters to potential electrical issues or design flaws like coolant line rubbing.
This video explains some of the potential causes and symptoms of transmission issues in the 2021 Dodge Durango: 53sEastCoastJeepSRTYouTube · Mar 11, 2022
Common symptoms
- Hard shifting or slipping: The vehicle hesitates, shifts abruptly, or fails to engage gears properly.
- Overheating: The transmission may overheat during operation.
- "Service Shifter" message: A chime sounds and the message appears, sometimes fading in and out, often after driving for a short period.
- Fluid leaks: Reddish or brown fluid leaks on the ground are a sign of a transmission fluid leak.
- Strange noises or smells: Grinding, crunching, or burning smells from the transmission are also indicators of a problem.
- Unexpected movement: The vehicle may unexpectedly move into neutral.
Potential causes
- Transmission fluid issues: Low, old, or contaminated transmission fluid can cause many of these problems. A transmission fluid flush and filter change is often recommended.
- Faulty filter: The transmission filter may be clogged or faulty, requiring replacement.
- Electrical or module problems: The issue could stem from a problem with the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM), potentially related to wiring or grounds.
- Design flaw: Some owners have reported that the transmission coolant lines may be rubbing against the frame, which could lead to a coolant leak.
What to do
- Check for leaks: If you see a puddle of fluid, check the transmission fluid level and have it serviced promptly.
- Look for warning lights: Pay attention to any warning lights on the dashboard, especially a transmission warning light.
- Get it diagnosed: If you experience any of these symptoms, especially electrical issues or hard shifting, it is best to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or the dealership.
- Consider warranty: If the vehicle is still under the factory or extended warranty, be sure to take it to the dealership for diagnosis and repair to cover the costs.
What is the recall on the Dodge Durango?
Recent Dodge Durango recalls include issues with the rear spoiler detaching (2021-2023 models), a shifter possibly losing drive power (2023 models), a software malfunction that can disable the electronic stability control (2022 models), and a rearview camera that may not display (2021-2022 models). Other recalls exist for different model years. The best way to check if your specific vehicle is affected is to use the VIN on the Mopar recalls site or the NHTSA website.
Recent recalls
- 2021-2023 Dodge Durango: Rear spoiler detaches
- Problem: The rear spoiler may not be properly aligned, and the liftgate can damage it. The damaged spoiler can then detach from the vehicle while driving, creating a road hazard.
- Fix: Dealers will inspect the spoiler and replace it if necessary.
- 2023 Dodge Durango: Shifter can lose drive power
- Problem: The shifter boot may interfere with the shifter, causing it to slip out of the "drive" position.
- Fix: Dealers will replace the shifter boot.
- 2022 Dodge Durango: Stability control can be disabled
- Problem: A software malfunction in the ABS control module can disable the electronic stability control system, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix: Dealers will perform a software update.
- 2021-2022 Dodge Durango: Rearview camera may not display
- Problem: A radio software issue can prevent the rearview camera from showing an image.
- Fix: Dealers will update the radio software to fix the problem.
How to check your vehicle
- Use your VIN: The most accurate way to check for recalls is to use your vehicle's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Mopar recalls site or the NHTSA website.
- Contact a dealer: You can also contact a local Dodge dealer to have them check for any open recalls on your vehicle.
- Free repairs: All recall repairs are performed for free by the manufacturer at a dealership.
How do I check for recalls on my Dodge Durango?
To check for Dodge Durango recalls, use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website or the RepairPal recall checker and enter your vehicle's 17-character VIN. You can also find your VIN on the lower-left corner of the windshield or on your registration/insurance card. For general information by model, you can search the NHTSA website, but the VIN is the most accurate way to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
How to check for recalls
- Use a VIN checker: The most reliable method is to enter your 17-character VIN into the official NHTSA recall search tool or other checkers like RepairPal.
- Find your VIN: The VIN is located on the dashboard near the driver's side of the windshield, on your registration or insurance card, or on the driver-side doorframe label.
- Check by year, make, and model: You can also search for general recalls by year, make, and model on sites like Kelley Blue Book, but this may not apply to your specific vehicle.
- Contact a dealer: If your check shows an open recall, contact a local Dodge dealer to schedule a free repair.
Is there a recall on the 2021 Durango?
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.
