The terms ‘spoiler’ and ‘wing’ are often, but incorrectly, used interchangeably when referring to an aerodynamic appendage guiding airflow from a vehicle — usually at the rear end. The two are actually very different, as we dig into here, but it’s the former that has now become a potential issue for tens of thousands of Dodge Durango owners from the last few years, and it might not even be the first or second time they’ve suffered the same problem.
Three Model Years And Thousands Of SUVs Affected
2022 Dodge Durango White Rear AngleStellantis
According to a recall notice (NHTSA campaign number 26V528000) issued on August 13, 2026, certain Dodge Durango models from the 2021 through 2023 model years may be affected. The recall covers 74,578 vehicles, all of them built between July 13, 2020, and March 28, 2023, but less than one percent of these are estimated to actually have the defect. Dodge didn’t mention specific trims, which means any Durango with a roof spoiler, from the base trim (SXT for 2021 to 2023 model years) right up to the SRT Hellcat could be affected.
On the Durango, the roof spoiler sits at the top of the tailgate, and on affected vehicles, it may sit slightly too high. As a result, the spoiler can scrape or bump the roof edge when the tailgate is opened and closed, which over time can cause the spoiler to loosen, potentially detach completely, and become a road hazard.
Dodge said in the recall that owners may hear the spoiler hitting the roof when opening or closing the tailgate. A rattling sound while driving may also indicate that the spoiler has become loose. But owners thinking, “I’ve already had this recall, I’m good,” might be frustrated to learn that previous fixes might not have actually fixed the problem.
Hopefully The Third Time’s The Charm
This is actually the third time Durangos from the 2021 to 2023 model years have been recalled for the issue. The first was in 2021, though with fewer than 5,000 Durangos affected. The second recall was issued in 2023, and that one involved almost 140,000 SUVs. While a fix was implemented for those earlier recalls, it has proven insufficient, as many of the same vehicles involved are now being recalled again.
The problem isn’t with a specific part but with the way the spoiler is installed on the production line, according to Dodge. The automaker said it is still working on a new, and hopefully final, way to remedy the issue and will contact affected owners by mail starting September 10, 2026. Anyone seeking additional information can contact Dodge’s customer service line at 1-800-853-1403.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
2022 Dodge Durango White Front AngleStellantis
Despite its age, the Durango, which is now entering its 17th year on the market, is selling better than ever. These quality niggles clearly haven’t slowed its momentum. If anything, Dodge’s decision to keep the Durango fresh while continuing to offer relatively affordable V8 power appears to be working, proving there’s still plenty of appetite for old-school muscle in a modern SUV.
But it is concerning that the same part has been causing a problem for so long that is still not fixed. We’ve spoken at length about new vehicles having teething issues, but the Durango is anything but new, and by now, Dodge should’ve got a handle on this. While it’s hardly likely to cause serious loss of control, and poses more of a risk to your duel economy and other road users, it’s a problem that should’ve been dealt with the first time around.
Sources: NHTSA
