Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side headlight failed to function as intended. In addition, the front passenger side headlight was very dim. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the LED ballast had failed. The contact was informed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front LED headlight was flickering. The driver was unable to drive at night. The Police had made the contact aware of the situation. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the lamp housing assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 58,359.
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver-side headlight would not illuminate during nighttime conditions. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as needing both front headlights to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that he noticed that water was leaking into the taillights on inclement weather days. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. Additionally, the contact sent photos of the failure to the dealer; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not replace the taillights under warranty because no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
In my 2021 Dodge Durango, I noticed my daytime running light on the drivers side was out. I thought that's weird because I have had the car for less than 3 years. When I googled the problem to find the part to replace, I quickly learned there were thousands of complaints about the same problem. This part costs $1,400 for one single headlight replacement because it's not possible to just replace a bulb. I called the dealership and they let me know that I can bring it in with a $250 fee for checking the problem. I will be required to pay the fee if it is not covered under warranty. In their words, if a fuse is loose or malfunctioning then I have to pay $250 plus however much it costs to fix the problem. If the headlight needs to be replaced then I do not have to pay the $250 fee because it's apart of my 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. …
The driver's side Daytime Running Lights (DRL) no longer operate. It is available for inspection. DRL have become a regular safety feature to improve visibility in daylight hours. I have not taken it to a dealer, as I do not want to be charged hundreds of dollars in "labor" for them to tell me it doesn't work. I have done research online in Forums and on YouTube, and have confirmed that there are numerous people with the same year, make and model who's driver's side DRL have stopped working just before or just after the 36,000/3 years. For example, my car has 46,000 miles on it when the DRL stopped working. Other's on the Forums who have had their vehicle inspected by the dealerships have confirmed that the entire light assembly needs to be replaced, at a cost of $1300, not including labor. …
its going to cost me $2,120+ in parts PLUS LABOR at the dealer to replace my front left turn signal. unless I come up with close to $3,000 I am forced to drive around without a functioning front left turn signal. this is dangerous and very concerning to me. the headlights on the 2021+ Dodge Durango are a totally integrated unit. each headlamp contains the DRL and Turn Signal units as LED's. once the LED or its electronics fail, the ENTIRE headlamp assembly must be replaced. AND you have to remove the front fascia pieces of body work to remove the headlight units. this is not a job the average person can do reliably, even if they have the money. I even purchased a Dodge/Chrysler Mopar factory extended warranty when I bought the Durango, that is good for 7 yrs/125k miles. my 2021 Dodge Durango has 69,420 miles on it as of today. Dodge is refusing to cover this part under the warranty. …
My vehicle experienced failure of both the driver-side DRL (Daytime Running Light) and the passenger-side front turn signal within a short period of time. On this model year, both components are part of a sealed LED headlight assembly with no replaceable bulbs. The only repair option is full headlight assembly replacement, quoted at $800-$1,200 per side plus labor. This is a safety issue because front DRL and turn signal failure reduces vehicle visibility to oncoming traffic. Online reports show numerous other 2021-2023 Durango owners experiencing the same problem with the LED DRL/turn-signal assemblies, suggesting a pattern of premature failure. Stellantis has also faced known issues with sealed LED lighting on the Durango's 'racetrack' taillight assemblies, indicating a broader LED reliability issue on these vehicles. …
My vehicle experienced failure of both the driver-side DRL (Daytime Running Light) and the passenger-side front turn signal within a short period of time. On this model year, both components are part of a sealed LED headlight assembly with no replaceable bulbs. The only repair option is full headlight assembly replacement, quoted at $800-$1,200 per side plus labor. This is a safety issue because front DRL and turn signal failure reduces vehicle visibility to oncoming traffic. Online reports show numerous other 2021-2023 Durango owners experiencing the same problem with the LED DRL/turn-signal assemblies, suggesting a pattern of premature failure. Stellantis has also faced known issues with sealed LED lighting on the Durango's 'racetrack' taillight assemblies, indicating a broader LED reliability issue on these vehicles. …
The driver side daytime running lamp no longer works after 55000 miles. The daytime running lamp (DRL) is an led light strip that requires the entire headlamp to be replaced. Anyone can inspect the issue at any time. The issue presents a risk to oncoming traffic who cannot see my entire vehicle especially at dawn / dusk and foggy days. The daytime running lamp is utilized to alert oncoming traffic and pedestrians that a car is approaching. The dodge dealership that I purchased the car from is aware of the issue and has neglected to resolve the issue. An independent auto mechanic has confirmed that the DRL is malfunctioning. There weren't any warning signs or messages. The light just shut off and has not turned back on. A new running lamp is $1200 and requires approximately $500 in labor to install. This is not an issue that is simply solved by changing out a $20 light bulb. …
Headlight complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2021 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 91 complaints about the lights of the 2021 Dodge Durango, 45% of the model year's 204 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Dodge Durango headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2021 Dodge Durango, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2021 Dodge Durango headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.