2021 Dodge Durango Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

21Engine complaints

11.4%Of all 184 complaints

#4Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

EXTERIOR LIGHTING78 · 42.4%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM39 · 21.2%

Unspecified / other21 · 11.4%

ENGINE21 · 11.4%

AIR BAGS10 · 5.4%

Share of the 184 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Dodge Durango overview page.

What owners report

“Vehicle cranking but not starting until after turning off car and then starting it again. Happens after short trips and I go to start my…”NHTSA complaint 11651540 — filed 03/29/2025

“I have been having issues with the start button, the engine cranking but not turning over. It will crank for 30 seconds, not start, all…”NHTSA complaint 11650387 — filed 03/25/2025

“Driving in traffic when suddenly a large volume of smoke was pouring out from my vehicle obscuring the view of everyone behind me. Pulled over…”NHTSA complaint 11647838 — filed 03/12/2025

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Dodge Durango have engine problems?

Engine is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Dodge Durango: 21 of 184 complaints on file (11.4%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2021 Dodge Durango have in total?

184 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 9 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, 5 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.