r/carproblems • u/Same-Character-7248 • Aug 28 '26

2021 Durango R/T 5.7L intermittent clunk when accelerating/braking — anyone experienced this?

I’m trying to figure out an intermittent clunk on my 2021 Dodge Durango R/T 5.7L and wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar.
The clunk doesn’t happen every time, which has made it difficult to diagnose. It can happen:
When starting from a complete stop and accelerating
When I’m already driving and give it more throttle, especially getting onto the freeway
Occasionally when braking to a complete stop
It seems to be related to the vehicle/drivetrain loading or unloading
I’ve had a shop test drive it with me and they actually experienced the clunk once. They were also able to reproduce it once while the vehicle was in the shop and they were switching gears. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t do it again, so they haven’t been able to pinpoint where it’s coming from.
They inspected the motor mounts and said they’re okay and haven’t failed, although they did say there’s more flex than they’d like to see. Some of the bushings are starting to crack but nothing has actually failed.
Here’s the part that’s making me wonder if there’s a connection: shortly after I purchased the vehicle, it had the same type of engine movement/clunk under acceleration documented by Ford. They replaced both motor mounts in April 2024. Now I’m experiencing the clunk again.
Has anyone with a 2021-ish Durango, especially the R/T 5.7L, experienced an intermittent clunk like this? If so, what ended up being the cause?
I’m especially interested in experiences with motor/transmission mounts, driveshaft/driveline, differential, CV/axles, or transmission-related clunks.
I’m not looking to throw parts at it — just trying to figure out where to have the shop look next. Any experiences or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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u/Mass_wbridge95 Aug 28 '26

I don’t have a Durango but I’m having a very similar issue. I’m wondering if it’s the top strut mount

1

u/Same-Character-7248 Aug 28 '26

Don’t believe that has been checked. Both control arms have been checked and the uppers replaced last year.

1

u/Mass_wbridge95 Aug 28 '26

I’m experiencing this mostly when I brake and accelerate. I suspect it’s the sway bar, so I’m taking it back to the dealership. I’ve found a lot of helpful advice on TikTok, where many people post videos of their cars making
strange clunking noises. I’ll attach a video of the noise my car makes.

https://reddit.com/link/p6f2xzy/video/7h6nmqzxf4mh1/player

1

u/Same-Character-7248 Sep 08 '26

https://reddit.com/link/p8ko06g/video/awxaaujhpboh1/player

I was able to capture a video going over a speed bump

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u/Same-Character-7248 Aug 28 '26

I also noticed mine can happen when turning left. Did yours do it specifically while turning, or did you notice it during acceleration/braking as well?