2021 Dodge Durango

Exterior Lighting

The 2021 Dodge Durango has generated 212 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “Driver side Daytime Running Light (DLR) went out without warning. Another motorist notified me. Fixing requires the entire headlamp assembly to be replaced and the part, alone, is over $1,100.” (NHTSA Complaint #11723453)

Electrical System,Exterior Lighting

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2021 Dodge Durango include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 60 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “This specific year and all models in 2021 Durango’s including SRT, GT, GT Plus , TnG , vehicle has a known issue with the driver side DRL ( Daytime Running Lights) completely going out and not working very early into its life . I believe this is a safety issue that the manufacturer should fix themselves as it’s a defect wiring / headlight issue that is affecting thousands of customers. SECONDLY, this car comes with an issue in the taillight not being properly sealed and allowing water into the LEDS , burning them out and being needed replaced . Both of these issues comes from the manufacturer/ factory and are safety issues/risk known in thousands of Durangos which should definitely be recalled .” (NHTSA Complaint #11704629)

Body & Structure

The 2021 Dodge Durango has generated 44 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “I was driving at around 45 MPH when my rear spoiler suddenly detached from my 2022 vehicle. It was only held on by one latch and the wire for the rear camera. This could have caused a serious accident — even a fatal one — if it had come completely off. I looked online and saw that this issue has happened to other owners, and that there is a recall related to this defect. However, when I called Dodge, I was told that since my VIN isn’t listed under the recall, they can’t assist me. This seems incredibly unsafe and unfair, considering the potential for serious injury or death. I will gladly have anyone inspect the spoiler if needed. My car has had no warning or prior issues at all. I bought it new in 2022, and I believe this is a significant safety concern that needs to be addressed. Please advise how Dodge can resolve this issue and ensure my safety. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.” (NHTSA Complaint #11665511)

Other Systems

The 2021 Dodge Durango has generated 36 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “Vehicle Fire 2021 Dodge Durango GT Blacktop AWD VIN: [XXX] On around [XXX] somewhere between [XXX]pm to [XXX]pm a fire broke out in my 2021 Dodge Durango. The vehicle was parked for the evening and had been unattended for at least4 to 5 hours. At some point during the night the vehicle caught fire from underneath the dash and did severe damage to the vehicle and will most likely be a total loss. The fire melted the dash severely and the flames reached the front windshield and interior roof of the vehicle. It appears the lack of oxygen smoldered the fire and eventually extinguished itself from all windows being closed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)” (NHTSA Complaint #11721456)

Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2021 Dodge Durango have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 32 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “Cooling systems failed caused the engine to blow without warning” (NHTSA Complaint #11720004)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Dodge Durango

The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Dodge Durango by the NHTSA or Dodge. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2021 Dodge Durango:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Dodge to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Dodge must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2021 Dodge Durango qualifies as a lemon under California law, Dodge may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Dodge pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Dodge willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2021 Dodge Durango Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Dodge a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Dodge dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Dodge pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Dodge a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2021 Dodge Durango Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2021 Dodge Durango as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Dodge pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Dodge is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2021 Dodge Durango?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.