2018 Dodge Durango Oil Change — 5.7L HEMI (7 Qt) + 3.6L Pentastar (5 Qt) Both Covered

I've done oil changes on both the 3.6L Pentastar and 5.7L HEMI versions of the 2018 Durango, and the most important thing I can tell you upfront: the oil capacity is completely different between the two engines. The HEMI takes 7 quarts; the Pentastar takes 5. Get the wrong amount in there and you're either underfilling or overfilling — both cause problems. Here's exactly how I do each one.

Overview

The 2018 Dodge Durango is available with two engines:

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 — Base GT and SXT trims
• 5.7L HEMI V8 — R/T, Citadel, and higher trims

Both engines use 5W-20 full synthetic meeting Chrysler MS-6395 spec. Mopar 68218895AA filter works for the HEMI; Mopar 68191349AC for the Pentastar. FCA recommends 8,000-mile intervals with full synthetic, but I do 5,000–6,000 miles on any Hemi I own.

Tools & Parts Needed

3.6L Pentastar V6

Item	Spec / Part Number
Oil capacity	5.0 qt with filter change
Oil spec	SAE 5W-20 full synthetic
Oil filter	Mopar 68191349AC
Aftermarket filter	Wix 57035, Purolator PL14459
Drain plug size	15mm hex
Drain plug torque	20 ft-lb (27 Nm)

5.7L HEMI V8

Item	Spec / Part Number
Oil capacity	7.0 qt with filter change
Oil spec	SAE 5W-20 full synthetic
Oil filter	Mopar 68218895AA
Aftermarket filter	Wix 57356, K&N HP-1017
Drain plug size	13mm hex
Drain plug torque	20 ft-lb (27 Nm)

Tools needed for both: floor jack + jack stands, torque wrench, oil filter wrench (74mm cap for HEMI), 6-quart+ drain pan, funnel, nitrile gloves.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Warm the Engine, Then Park

Run the engine for 3–4 minutes to bring oil to working temperature. Park on level ground.

2. Lift and Support the Vehicle

The Durango has decent ground clearance. Use ramps or a floor jack under the front subframe crossmember. Raise and set on stands.

3. Locate and Remove the Drain Plug

3.6L Pentastar: drain plug uses a 15mm socket. 5.7L HEMI: drain plug uses a 13mm socket. Both plugs are on the bottom of the oil pan, toward the rear. Position drain pan, break loose counterclockwise, remove by hand with slight upward pressure. Drain fully (5–10 minutes).

4. Remove the Oil Filter

The HEMI filter is on the driver's side block. Use your filter wrench to break it loose, then remove by hand. Pre-fill the new filter with fresh oil and rub a coat of fresh oil on the rubber gasket.

5. Install New Drain Plug and Filter

Thread the drain plug by hand, torque to 20 ft-lb (27 Nm). Use a new crush washer if your plug uses one — the HEMI drain plug does (Mopar 6508814AA, single-use). Install the filter hand-tight until gasket contacts, then add 3/4 turn.

6. Add Oil

Lower the vehicle. Add:

• 3.6L Pentastar: 5.0 quarts 5W-20
• 5.7L HEMI: 7.0 quarts 5W-20

Add 6.5 (or 4.5) quarts first, start briefly, check dipstick, top off to FULL mark.

7. Reset the Oil Life Monitor

Key to ON, press accelerator fully to the floor 3 times within 10 seconds. Oil life resets to 100%.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting the HEMI drain plug requires a new crush washer every time. The 5.7L HEMI uses a 13mm drain plug with an aluminum crush washer (Mopar 6508814AA). That washer is single-use — it deforms to create the seal. Reusing it almost always results in a slow oil drip within a few thousand miles. A new washer costs $1.50. Don't skip it.

Pro Tips

• Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 or Mobil 1 5W-20 are excellent choices for either engine. Avoid conventional oil in any 2018+ Durango.
• The Durango's oil pan drain plug can be hard to reach — a wobble extension helps on the HEMI where the frame rail is close.
• If you're also doing a transmission service, see the 2018 Dodge Durango transmission fluid change guide — the 8HP70 8-speed takes ATF+4 fluid.

Save Money with OwnerDrop

A shop oil change on the HEMI Durango runs $80–$120 for full synthetic. Doing it yourself costs $35–$45 in parts. That's $50–$80 back in your pocket every service interval.

For additional Dodge maintenance, the 2016 Ram 1500 oil change guide covers the 5.7L HEMI in the Ram platform — same drain plug torque, similar procedure.

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