COOLER - ENGINE OIL
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Dodge Durango engine problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
COOLER - ENGINE OIL
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0111-00 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range Performance Bank 1. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0071-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0072-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" Low. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0073-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" High. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0011-00 - Bank 1 Camshaft 1 Position Timing Over Advanced Or. (In Active or Stored status) ● P2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗HOSE - ENGINE COOLANT TO OIL COOLER INTLET
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates **Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● P0300-00 - Multiple Cylinder Misfire - in Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating. ● P0301-00 - Cylinder 1 Misfire - in Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating. ● P0302-00 - Cylinder 2 Misfire - in Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating. ● P0303-00 - Cylinder 3 Misfire - in Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating. ● P0304-00 - Cylinder 4 Misfire - in Active or Stored status set
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2021 Durangos describe a range of engine-related failures with no advance warning. The most common complaint involves the rear coolant hose assembly (PN 55038042AJ) rupturing and spraying coolant onto the engine bay, windshield, and road, sometimes causing steaming and overheating. One owner paid over $1,700 for repair after the warranty expired; another waited six weeks for the part. The owner of that hose also documented the part on its sixth engineering revision across multiple model years, suggesting Dodge has known about the design problem for some time.
Several owners report starting failures—continuous cranking without ignition, stalling after short trips, or complete refusal to start—all without warning lights. Dealerships have diagnosed fuel pump low pressure, EGR valve failure, and frequency module faults. Multiple owners encountered extended parts backordered with no delivery date, leaving vehicles stranded for weeks.
One owner reported oil contaminating the coolant reservoir; another described a cooling system failure that destroyed the engine. A third reported the fuel pump issue creates a real hazard when the car stalls in moving traffic. No owners documented recalls or TSBs addressing these failures.
Same Dodge Durango engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Coolant hose rupture/leak (PN 55038042AJ and revisions)
Rear coolant hose assembly fails and ruptures, allowing rapid coolant loss. Owners report steam rising through hood vents, coolant pouring onto ground, windshield obscured by coolant spray, and risk of engine overheat without warning. Narrative #1 documents multiple occurrences across model years 2011-2025 and notes the part is on its 6th engineering revision, suggesting systemic design issue.
When: Reports range from under 30K miles to mid-life. Narrative #1 at time of failure just past warranty expiration; Narrative #7 unspecified mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Steam rising from engine bay through hood vents; Coolant spraying on windshield and ground; Engine overheating risk; Coolant odor and visible puddles
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #1: Rear coolant hose replacement, over $1700 out-of-pocket (past warranty). Narrative #7: Hose assembly replacement under warranty; vehicle unavailable for 6 weeks waiting on part.
Fuel pump low-pressure condition
Fuel pump delivers fuel at lower than specification PSI, causing extended cranking and starting delays. Narrative #2 reports continuous cranking for ~30 seconds before engine fires; also reports random stalling at traffic lights with auto start feature engaged. Occurs predictably after 30 minutes idle followed by ignition cycle, or randomly. Owner notes no warning lights or OBD codes present despite fuel system fault.
When: Mileage not specified. Issue occurs after ~30-minute idle or at random.
Symptoms owners cite: Extended cranking (30 seconds continuous before starting); Inability to start on first ignition cycle; Random stalling at traffic lights; Engine eventually starts after cycling ignition or waiting; No warning lights or codes
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #2: Dealership diagnosed fuel pump running lower than specified PSI; repair in progress at time of complaint. Exact repair cost and parts not documented.
EGR valve failure causing no-start condition
Engine stalls and refuses to start, with clicking noise on ignition. Narrative #3 documents sudden failure without prior warning lights. Dealership diagnosed EGR valve as failed component; part placed on backorder with no available supply or estimated delivery date. Vehicle immobilized for extended period awaiting parts availability.
When: 16K miles (approximate). Failure occurred after normal shutdown; vehicle would not restart the next day.
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise when attempting to start; Engine cranks but does not fire; Repeated stalling (10-second runs before stalling); No warning lights prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #3: EGR valve replacement required; part on indefinite backorder at time of complaint (11/2023).
Frequency module failure (no-start condition)
Frequency module failure prevents engine start without warning lights. Narrative #4 documents failure at 16K miles with vehicle parked in garage. First dealership replaced module but failure recurred shortly after. Second dealership also diagnosed frequency module as faulty; parts backordered with no delivery estimate. Manufacturer provided no assistance.
When: 16,000 miles; failure occurred while vehicle parked.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; No warning lights illuminated; Failure occurs without advance notice
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #4: Frequency module replacement attempted by first dealership; failure recurred. Second dealership confirmed same diagnosis but unable to procure parts due to backorder status.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but provided no further assistance per Narrative #4.
Oil mixing into coolant system
Oil contamination of coolant reservoir indicates internal engine seal or gasket failure. Narrative #5 reports finding oil pooled on frame rails under coolant reservoir and oil filling the coolant overflow tank. Coolant level dropped two quarts while vehicle parked. No prior symptoms or warning lights reported.
When: Mileage not specified; discovered when vehicle was parked.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil puddle under vehicle on frame rails; Coolant level low (two quarts missing); Oil present in coolant overflow tank; No warning lights or symptoms before discovery
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #5: No repair completed at time of complaint; vehicle not yet inspected by certified mechanic.
Starting issue: continuous cranking without ignition
Engine cranks continuously and will not start under normal conditions. Narrative #8 reports continuous crank without engine firing during normal start attempts; vehicle only starts reliably when using remote start feature. Owner states problem occurs daily despite vehicle being brand new at purchase.
When: Occurred from new; vehicle purchased with 0 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Continuous cranking without engine ignition during normal start; Engine fires reliably only with remote start feature; Problem occurs daily
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #8: No repair documented; owner using remote start as workaround.
Delayed-start condition (stalling and requiring restart cycle)
Engine stalls shortly after starting following short trips and brief parking periods (1-2 hours). Owner must turn engine off and restart to resume operation. Narrative #9 describes pattern of stalling after short-duration operation.
When: Occurs after short trips followed by 1-2 hour parking intervals.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cranks and starts normally initially; Engine stalls after short operation (minutes); Requires ignition cycle (off-then-on) to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #9: No repair information provided.
Cooling system failure causing engine damage
Cooling system failure resulted in engine overheat and catastrophic engine damage without warning. Narrative #10 provides minimal detail but documents total engine loss.
When: Mileage and timing not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating without warning; Total engine failure/seizure
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #10: No repair detail provided.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2021 Dodge Durango?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2021 Dodge Durango?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 16,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Dodge/Durango.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.