2021 Dodge Durango 5.7L HEMI Oil Change — DIY Guide

Dodge dealers charge $130–$180 to service the Durango's 5.7L HEMI; the DIY cost is around $55. The 5.7L Eagle HEMI in the 2021 Durango is one of the more satisfying DIY oil changes in the full-size SUV segment — the filter and drain plug are both easily accessible, and the whole job takes 30–35 minutes.

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Parts & Tools

Item	OEM / Spec	Detail
Oil filter	Mopar MO-090	Spin-on, front of engine block
Drain plug washer	Mopar 6510089	Single-use, replace every service
Motor oil	5W-20 full synthetic	Chrysler MS-6395 spec
Capacity	7.0 qt (6.6 L) with filter	5.7L Eagle HEMI
Drain plug torque	20 lb-ft (27 Nm)	18mm hex

Additional tools: 18mm socket, strap-type oil filter wrench, drain pan (8-quart minimum), funnel, torque wrench.

Oil note: The 2021 Durango 5.7L HEMI specifies 5W-20 full synthetic meeting Chrysler MS-6395. The HEMI's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) cylinder deactivation requires shear-stable 5W-20 to manage the solenoid-controlled valve lifters. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-20, Mopar MaxPro 5W-20, and Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-20 all meet the MS-6395 specification.

Filter note: The Mopar MO-090 is a standard spin-on filter shared across the 5.7L HEMI family (Durango, Grand Cherokee, 1500 RAM). Alternatives: WIX 57356 or Purolator PL14610.

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DIY vs. Shop Cost

Item	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
5W-20 full synthetic (8 qt)	$36–$52	—
Mopar MO-090 filter	$8–$13	—
Drain plug washer 6510089	$1–$2	—
Total parts	~$45–$67	—
Labor	$0	$75–$110
Total	~$45–$67	$130–$180

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Step-by-Step Oil Change

1. Warm the Engine

Run the Durango for 5–7 minutes. Park level and apply the parking brake. The 5.7L HEMI holds 7 quarts — warm oil drains noticeably faster and more completely.

2. Raise and Support the Vehicle

Use a floor jack at the front frame crossmember and support with jack stands on the frame rails, or drive up on ramps.

3. Locate the Drain Plug and Filter

The 18mm drain plug is at the rear of the oil pan, easily visible from below. The Mopar MO-090 spin-on filter is at the front of the engine block, low and toward the passenger side.

4. Drain the Oil

Position your 8-quart drain pan under the plug. Loosen counterclockwise. Allow 10–12 minutes for full drainage. Remove and discard the Mopar 6510089 drain plug washer.

5. Remove the Old Filter

The MO-090 may be hand-tight or require a strap wrench. Turn counterclockwise. Position a rag beneath before it fully releases.

6. Install the New Filter

Apply a thin coat of fresh 5W-20 to the new MO-090 gasket. Thread clockwise until gasket contact, then 3/4 turn further by hand.

7. Reinstall the Drain Plug

Install the new 6510089 washer. Torque to 20 lb-ft (27 Nm). The partially aluminum oil pan casting requires this specific torque — overtightening strips the pan threads.

8. Add Oil

Pour 6.5 quarts of 5W-20 through the oil filler cap (front of driver-side valve cover). Start the engine — oil pressure light extinguishes within 5 seconds. Idle 90 seconds. Shut off, wait 5 minutes. Check the dipstick and top up. Final capacity with filter is 7.0 quarts.

9. Inspect for Leaks

Idle 2–3 minutes. Check drain plug and filter from below.

10. Reset the Engine Oil Life Monitor (EOLM)

Use the steering wheel controls to navigate the EVIC to "Oil Life." Hold the OK button until "Oil Life Reset" appears. Confirm.

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MDS Cylinder Deactivation Notes

The 5.7L HEMI's Multi-Displacement System deactivates 4 of 8 cylinders during light-load highway driving. Maintain 5W-20 viscosity and avoid extending oil change intervals beyond 7,500 miles on the HEMI MDS — contaminated oil is the primary cause of MDS lifter failure, which is a $3,000–$6,000 repair.

For more HEMI oil change guides, see the 2016 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI oil change guide and the full OwnerDrop oil change guide library.

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