2021 Dodge Durango exterior lighting problems

Aug 31, 2026 · failed Jun 1, 2026 · WI

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. The issue began about 2 months ago.

Aug 29, 2026 · failed Jun 1, 2026 · MA

Drivers side running light went out at 65k miles. Hundreds of complaints on same issue online. Not covered after bumper to bumper

Aug 25, 2026 · failed Apr 10, 2026 · GA

The driver side headlight is malfunctioning causing the daytime running light to not work.

Aug 25, 2026 · failed Jan 1, 2026 · CO

Driver side DRL went out at 50k miles.

Aug 25, 2026 · failed Nov 30, 2025 · IA

Half my taillight went out randomly, causing only half of it to work at night.

Aug 25, 2026 · failed Aug 7, 2026 · MA

My vehicle is 5 years old with 54,000 miles on its and my driver's side headlight has failed. The headlamps are LED and in order to repair them, the entire housing needs a replacement, not just a bulb. My headlights need to be operational in order to drive safely at night. I have an appointment with the dealership to confirm the issue. There were not any warnings or failure symptoms.

Aug 24, 2026 · failed Jun 13, 2026 · TN

Drivers side running lights are not working. So you are forced to turn off daytime running lights or have one out. This seems to be a very common issue with dodge Durango for some reason.

Aug 24, 2026 · failed Aug 20, 2026 · IL

It’s known that the DRL and race track tail lights go out faster than what they should. Also the tail lights once the lift gate is open on the edges of both sides are very sharp. My DRL on my 21 Durango with only 59k miles just went out. That is way to fast and the price to fix is insane

Aug 24, 2026 · failed Aug 18, 2026 · KY

I am submitting this complaint regarding an ongoing headlight/turn signal failure on my 2021 Dodge Durango involving the factory LED turn signals that are sealed/encased within the headlight assemblies. The driver-side front LED turn signal failed first, and now the passenger-side front LED turn signal has also failed. Because these LED turn signals are integrated into the sealed headlight assemblies, this is not a simple situation where a standard turn signal bulb can be replaced. The failure can require replacement of the headlight assembly, making what should normally be a basic safety-related lighting repair significantly more expensive. I am concerned that this may be a widespread defect affecting Dodge vehicles equipped with this style of LED headlight/turn signal assembly, rather than normal wear. Both sides failing on the same vehicle raises concerns regarding the durability and expected service life of the integrated LED turn signal components. Turn signals are an important vehicle safety feature used to communicate a driver's intentions to other motorists and pedestrians. When an integrated LED turn signal fails, other drivers may not be able to clearly see that the vehicle is turning or changing lanes, increasing the potential for an accident. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate complaints involving premature failure of the integrated/encased LED turn signals and headlight assemblies on the 2021 Dodge Durango and other similarly equipped Dodge vehicles. If these failures are determined to be caused by a common defect in the LED components, wiring, electronics, or headlight assembly design, I believe the manufacturer should be required to provide an appropriate remedy rather than requiring vehicle owners to bear the expense of replacing complete headlight assemblies for failed safety lighting components.

Aug 20, 2026 · failed Feb 5, 2025 · TX

There is a daytime running light (DRL) malfunction with both headlights, it started with the drivers side slowly going out and now the passenger side is slowly going out. This is happening to several Dodge Durango owners of the 2021 model and can be found in the Dodge Durango forum online. The dealer stated it’s an out of pocket expense because the DRL is out and the entire component needs replaced. This is inaccurate because when I turn off the DRL settings the turning signal flashes orange fast so this tells me it’s not completely out and the headlights themselves work. My car has been this way for over a year because I can’t afford to spend $1500+ per light replacement and for the dealer to claim it has to be an out of pocket expense is not okay because the point of LED lights are because they use less energy while lasting 25x as much so it doesn’t make sense that they stopped turning on versus the non LED. While driving around I’ve seen SEVERAL Dodge Durango with a DRL out or both or one out and the other half way out so this confirms it’s a manufacture issue. I came across forums of people with this issue and full extended warranty coverages where they’re being told it’s not covered. Dodge(Mopar) needs to address this for the consumer as it causes a safety issue when the left/right turning signals are not properly displayed. The car wouldn’t pass a safety test. Myself and several Dodge Durango owners are currently at risk of being in a car accident due to this malfunction. The full assembly does not need replaced. Please look this over and issue a safety recall as my family and I are at risk because I can’t afford a $3000 headlight replacement that isn’t even needed. That’s just the dealer and Mopar trying to make more $$$ while not worried about the safety of their customers.

Jul 31, 2026 · failed Mar 1, 2026 · CT

Drivers side daytime running lights out. I’ve noticed about a dozen more dodge durangos running lights are also out. Seems to be a manufactured problem. A lot of forums and conversations on Reddit complaining of the same. It cost about 500 dollars to replace the headlight and takes all day due to dismantling the whole front bimper and plastic components to get access. A really bad design

Jun 26, 2026 · failed Apr 14, 2026 · OH

Rear racetrack style taillight assembly had faulty gaskets when purchased, allowing for water intrusion of the taillight assembly, causing water damage to the electrical components in the light assembly and shorting the LED Lights.

May 29, 2026 · failed May 4, 2026 · TX

Daytime running lights works intermittently. Vehicle only has 44,000 miles

May 27, 2026 · failed May 13, 2026 · 56,000 miles · KY

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.

May 25, 2026 · failed May 10, 2026 · OH

The Driver side Daytime Running Light (DRL) has stopped working. This is not a replaceable bulb, an entire head lamp assembly must be purchased, its also not really a user replaceable item. It involves removing the from bumper cover an other body parts. Im reporting this because this is a common occurrence on 2021 and up model year Dodge Durango and Im hoping you get enough reports to force a recall. Lighting is required for safety, it should not be something thats so difficult and expensive to repair, AND it should not be happening so frequently on this specific DRL in this vehicle.

May 16, 2026 · failed Nov 1, 2025 · TX

The DRL failed - seems like it is due to a faulty ground connection on CANBUS.

May 14, 2026 · failed Mar 16, 2026 · PA

The driver's side LED headlight has gone out. It is LED and suppose to outlast the vehicle. Headlight works but turn signal doesn't in the front. This unit is over $1,000 to have replaced and multiple people are complaining about it happening to their Dodge Durango RT's as well.

May 6, 2026 · failed Feb 13, 2026 · NJ

My life turn signal and parking light stopped working, my problem is the whole headlight assembly needs to be replaced just because these two items don’t work. The dealer wants over $800 for the part. Why don’t they issue a warranty or a recall on this item? It’s too much to pay just because turn signal and parking light doesn’t work.

Apr 21, 2026 · failed Apr 18, 2026 · CA

Drivers side Daytime Running Light (DRL) failed. Bulb cannot be replaced, instead entire headlight must be replaced for over $1000. DLR is a safety feature which alerts other vehicles and pedestrians that a vehicle is on or in motion. Due to poor craftsmanship of this critical Dodge part, it is reasonable to recall Dodge’s defective safety equipment.

Apr 19, 2026 · failed Dec 23, 2025 · CA

The SUV has been experiencing electrical issues that started first one of the headlights stopped working, the white light around it, then it was the tailgate got a liftgate open error on the display even when the liftgate was closed, then we started to notice other electrical issues with the vehicle but the major problem that happened now is that while we were driving, all of the lights of the dashboard started to light up and the car was not responding to the accelerator pedal was not responding at all and we stalled in the middle of the street, we were lucky this didn't happen while we were on the freeway, we are afraid to use the car anymore because of this, the dealer refuses to take care of this issue because the warranty has passed but this is a major safety issue that can cause injury or death

Apr 13, 2026 · failed Apr 3, 2026 · NY

My 2021 dodge durango rt have issues with front turn signal light on the driver side I have read dodge forums and other owners are experiencing the same problems how isn't this a safety issue or a recall from dodge

Mar 10, 2026 · failed Mar 2, 2026 · GA

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.

Mar 3, 2026 · failed Feb 10, 2026 · OK

Driver Side Day Time Running Does not work. This is a very common problem with 2021 and up Dodge Durang's . Driving light are a safety feature. Some states require them to be on.

Feb 27, 2026 · failed Jan 20, 2026 · CO

21 dodge durango driver’s led daytime running light went out, a lot of people having same issues specially with 21’s

Feb 19, 2026 · failed Oct 19, 2025 · 37,000 miles · PA

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.

Feb 11, 2026 · failed Feb 1, 2023 · NY

The Durango seems to have a defect that should be a recall. If you look up the issues online everyone has the same issue. It puts yourself and others at risk because you may be unaware that your light is not working properly. Please see description below that is right online: Symptoms: Water inside the housing, dimming, flickering, or total failure of the light bar. Causes: Defective sealing allows water from rain, snow, or car washes to enter the assembly. Safety Risk: The issue is subject to a class-action lawsuit (2014-2023 models) alleging the failed lights create a safety hazard. I only found out because someone was behind me and said that my lights seem to be going bad. There are forums all over with all durango's being effected. This needs to be a safety recall.

Jan 29, 2026 · failed Jan 29, 2026 · SC

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. I was told this today by the local dealer in Myrtle Beach, SC. this is not right that consumers have to pay thousands of $$$ to replace a turn signal. very dangerous.

Jan 27, 2026 · failed Jan 13, 2026 · MT

The rear tail lights are not properly sealed. It allows rain, snow or car wash water to accumulate inside the assembly. The lights then short out and do not work.

Jan 19, 2026 · failed Jan 8, 2026 · ME

This complaint is for the tail light center light, race track light. Water has built up inside the lens after multiple times draining. The water has cased the racetrack light to completely burn out.

Jan 7, 2026 · failed Jan 6, 2026 · NY

Rear tail light not working filled with water and burned out led

Jan 6, 2026 · failed May 9, 2025 · CA

known issue with Driver side DRL going out and whole headlight unit has to be replaced according to dealer.

Jan 5, 2026 · failed Jan 27, 2025 · OH

Driver side daytime running light failure. The entire headlight assembly must be replaced. There is reduced visibility, which is a safety concern. The cost to repair is $1,800, which is outrageous for a single headlight assembly. LEDs should not fail at 80K mileage on a car that is less than six years old. This appears to be a known defect on Dodge Durangos.

Dec 14, 2025 · failed Aug 20, 2025 · CA

Driver side DRL (daytime running light) quit functioning. This a known issue with the LED lamps. The attached photos are: 1. Rockauto description 2. Email showing order # and total for both Headlamp assemblies. 3. The removed, old OEM Headlamp assemblies. 4. Rockauto shipping bill.

Dec 11, 2025 · failed Nov 13, 2025 · NY

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 .

Dec 1, 2025 · failed Jun 1, 2024 · MI

My 2021 Dodge Durango drivers side daytime running light went out around 55,000 miles. I do have an extended warranty through the manufacturer, but was informed that this is not a covered part despite it being a known issue and a “max care warranty”. The reason being that it is considered a “bulb” however to replace it requires the entire new left headlamp assembly to be replaced, per the dealership. This is a high cost of around $1650. Regardless of the cost, This is a safety issue and a concern for myself as well as others on the road. I understand that this is a known and ongoing problem with the 2021 dodge durangos in particular the drivers side daytime running light which does not have a safe, cost effective fix. I ask for you to take a look at the many people who have been impacted and the safety concern associated with this.

Dec 1, 2025 · failed Dec 1, 2025 · OH

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. I am requesting NHTSA review this as a potential safety-related defect, as owners are forced into high-cost headlight replacements due to non-serviceable LED modules failing early.

Dec 1, 2025 · failed Dec 1, 2025 · OH

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. I am requesting NHTSA review this as a potential safety-related defect, as owners are forced into high-cost headlight replacements due to non-serviceable LED modules failing early.

Nov 12, 2025 · failed Oct 1, 2025 · AL

2021 Dodge Durango failing headlight assembly, specifically the driver side turn signal. Numerous Durango owners are experiencing the same issue with the Dodge Durango headlight malfunction, I've have more than one close accident incident due to the failed turn signal. It's like Dodge don't want to stand behind their product and address the concern of millions of Dodge Durango owners who are having these issues. Not even a simple acknowledgement of the issue and any potential effort to help fix the problems for the owners. I must say Dodge has lost a future buyer due to their lack of support on their own product.

Nov 4, 2025 · failed Oct 15, 2025 · OH

My driver's side Daytime Running Light quit working a few weeks ago, however last week when I used remote start the DRL came on, but sadly it is out again. I have 80,000. miles on the vehicle. DRL's should last for life of car but blogs on the 21-24 models indicate many owners having the same issue with driver's side DRL's. I went to Dodge dealer and was quoted $1,953.00 to repair! Manufacturers should not be permitted to engineer this kind of equipment for a vehicle that makes repairs prohibitive economically. NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED BUT SHOULD BE. BTW, the repair includes removing the front bumper with grille just to get to the headlight for repair.

Oct 14, 2025 · failed Oct 1, 2025 · SC

Daytime Running Lights- the drivers side daytime running light has stopped working-like many other people have reported repair under warranty is being denied by Dodge FCA as a wear item, it is an integrated system and not a bulb as they are saying. It creates a safely issue that they refuse to repair under warranty.

Oct 13, 2025 · failed Oct 12, 2025 · VA

2021 Dodge Durango with 40K miles on it. Like many other drivers of this specific SUV and year the front driver side LED Daylight Running Lights have suddenly stopped working. The same applies to the rear 3rd brake light. Based on discussion boards this seems to be a common issue.

Sep 25, 2025 · failed Sep 1, 2023 · FL

The Driver's Side headlight Daytime Driving Light and Blinker stopped working at around 40k miles. We currently have have about 85k miles on it. The dealership stated is till cost over $1,000 to replace the headlight as the LED DRL and Blinker is not replaceable and the entire unit must be replaced.

Sep 25, 2025 · failed Sep 17, 2025 · 58,359 miles · MD

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.

Sep 24, 2025 · failed Aug 1, 2025 · MA

My 2021 Dodge Durango drivers side daytime running light went out around 55000 miles. I do have an extended warranty through the manufacturer, but was informed that this is not a covered part despite it being a known issue and a “max care warranty”. The reason being that it is considered a “bulb” however to replace it requires the entire new left headlamp assembly to be replaced, per the dealership. This is a high cost of around $1650. Regardless of the cost, This is a safety issue and a concern for myself as well as others on the road. A quick search shows this is a known and ongoing problem with the 2021 dodge durangos in particular the drivers side daytime running light which does not have a safe, cost effective fix. I ask for you to take a look at the many people who have been impacted and the safety concern associated with this.

Sep 21, 2025 · failed Sep 1, 2025 · DE

Drivers side daytime/nighttime running lights failed after 35789 miles.

Sep 11, 2025 · failed Sep 5, 2025 · NJ

Left turn signal stopped working. I learned to find out that it’s not replaceable. The whole headlight assembly needs to be replaced the cost of it over $1000. My vehicle is only four years old. Why isn’t it on a recall or replaceable by the manufacturer on the warranty?

Aug 27, 2025 · failed Jan 1, 2025 · LA

Rear tail light has water intrusion which causes malfunction. Driving at night, can be extremely dangerous as the rear lights are damaged and do not light up, making the vehicle more difficult to see

Aug 27, 2025 · failed May 1, 2025 · LA

Vehicle has less than 50k miles on it, DRL-driver went out and the entire head unit needs to be replaced which costs over 1k. Common problem with this vehicle. Poses a safety risk while driving with the lighting failure

Aug 15, 2025 · failed Jun 1, 2025 · NY

The daytime running lights are out only on the drivers side of my vehicle. There are multiple other 2021 Durango's in my town that have the exact same issue.

Jul 25, 2025 · failed Jun 1, 2025 · MO

2021 Dodg Durango Daytime Running Light (DRL-driver side) failure. Daytime safety lighting affected. Thousands of reported issues (forums, etc.). Happening within only a couple years of purchase/low miles. Light (bulb or LED) cannot be replaced, only $1300 entire headlight assembly.