Recall 21V280 affects 2,721 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles for loose or missing side curtain air bag fasteners. Repair is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.
Dodge is recalling 2,721 2020-2021 Durango SUVs because a side curtain air bag fastener can be loose or missing. If the fastener is not secure, the side curtain air bag can deploy incorrectly and increase injury risk; Dodge dealers will inspect and repair the fastener free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side air bag inflatable curtain in the 2020-2021 Dodge Durango is the air bag stored along the roof rail above the side windows. During a crash when side protection is needed, it is designed to deploy downward from the headliner and help cover the window area. A C-pillar fastener helps hold that curtain air bag assembly in the correct position at the rear side pillar.
On affected Durangos, that fastener was installed with the wrong torque during assembly, or it was left loose or missing. This is an assembly problem, not a defective air bag part. If the fastener is not secure, the curtain air bag assembly can move in the headliner area and fail to stay mounted as designed.
An occupant can notice a noise or rattle from the headliner area before the repair. That sound is the warning sign tied to a loose side curtain air bag assembly.
Who's affected?
The same C-pillar fastener issue appears under both the air bag system and side curtain air bag labels.
| 2020 Dodge Durango | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Dodge Durango | side curtain air bag |
| 2020 Dodge Durango | side curtain air bag |
| 2021 Dodge Durango | air bag system |
| Units affected | 2,721 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose or missing fastener can make the side curtain air bag deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury. A noise or rattle from the headliner area is a reason to schedule service soon and avoid delaying the repair. Repair is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Dodge Durango is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Dodge dealer to schedule the free side curtain air bag fastener inspection and repair, which secures the fastener so the air bag deploys correctly.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V280 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the Durango is safe to drive before the appointment if you are concerned about the side curtain air bag fastener.
- Call Dodge customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dodge technician tightens the Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain fastener or replaces the fastener if needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Dodge's reimbursement process covers owners who already paid to repair the same problem before the recall. The owner letter asks customers to send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company so the expense can be confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 22, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 7, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 11, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 11, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 11, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 11, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V280?
Recall 21V280 covers 2,721 2020-2021 Dodge Durango SUVs with a side curtain air bag fastener that is loose or missing. That fastener problem can make the side curtain air bag deploy incorrectly and raise injury risk. Dodge dealers will tighten or replace the fastener for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Dodge Durango is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Durango is included in recall 21V280. If it is, contact a franchised Dodge dealer to schedule the side curtain air bag fastener repair. Reference recall 21V280 or Dodge recall Y16 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V280, a franchised Dodge dealer will tighten or replace the affected side curtain air bag fastener free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is an incorrectly deploying side curtain air bag during a crash. The loose or missing fastener affects the air bag curtain system, and an incorrect deployment raises injury risk for people inside the vehicle. The dealer repair fixes the fastener issue for free.
What if I bought my Dodge Durango used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2020-2021 Dodge Durango is included, then contact a franchised Dodge dealer and reference recall 21V280.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V280000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V280 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V280000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →