2021 Dodge Durango Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2021 Durango
5
Exterior Lighting complaints Red flag
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (90 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 90 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (40 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 40 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (22 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 22 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Check
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (15 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 15 NHTSA complaints
Air Bags complaints Red flag
Check that no airbag warning lights are on, and ask the seller for proof that any airbag recalls were completed. (11 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 11 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
12 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
8
Structure Check
A damaged rear spoiler could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
An ESC malfunction indicator light that fails to illuminate during an electronic stability control problem can increase the risk of a crash.
Steering Red flag
Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Structure Check
A damaged rear spoiler can detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Structure Check
A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2021 Durango–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Dodge Durango have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2021 Durango. The most serious involve Air Bags (21V280000) and Service Brakes, Hydraulic (22V140000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 Durango?
The top complaint areas are Exterior Lighting (90 complaints) and Electrical System (40 complaints), out of 202 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Durango?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Exterior Lighting, which drew 90 complaints for this model-year.