What oil does a Dodge Durango 3.6 L take?
The Dodge Durango 3.6 L typically uses synthetic 5W-20 motor oil that meets Chrysler’s MS-6395 specification; in some climates or model years, 0W-20 may be acceptable if the owner’s manual allows it. Always verify for your vehicle by checking the oil fill cap and the manual.
What you should know about the Durango’s 3.6 L oil requirements
Beyond the short answer, owners should understand that oil choices for the 3.6 L Pentastar engine follow a common core standard across many model years. The default viscosity is usually 5W-20, and the oil must meet Chrysler MS-6395 along with API SN (or newer) and ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 classifications. In very cold climates or specific year-by-year specifications, 0W-20 may be permitted if the manual explicitly allows it. Synthetic oil is generally recommended for longevity and easier cold starts, and the fill capacity varies slightly by year and filter. Always confirm with your exact vehicle year and trim from the owner’s manual and the cap on the engine.
Before selecting oil, note that the Durango’s fill recommendations can change with updates to the engine design or service standards. The following lists summarize the core guidance and practical tips you’ll need to follow for most 3.6 L Durangos, while encouraging you to verify against your vehicle’s documentation.
Below you will find the primary specifications and practical guidelines for maintaining the correct oil in a 3.6 L Durango.
- Viscosity: 5W-20 is the default for most 3.6 L Durango engines.
- Alternative viscosity: 0W-20 may be allowed only if your owner’s manual explicitly specifies it for your climate/year.
- Certification: Oil should meet Chrysler MS-6395 and API SN (or newer) with ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6 compatibility.
- Type: Synthetic or synthetic blend is commonly recommended; full synthetic offers the best protection and cold-start performance.
- Capacity: Approximately 5 quarts plus a new filter (verify exact capacity for your year/model in the manual).
Official oil grade and specification you should use
Concluding note for this section: Use the oil grade and spec that your manual calls out, and avoid mixing brands that don’t clearly meet MS-6395 and the API/ILSAC standards.
- Follow the owner’s manual for oil-change intervals; with synthetic oil, typical guidance often falls in the 7,500–10,000 mile range under normal driving, with shorter intervals in severe service.
- Choose a quality oil filter and ensure proper drain-plug torque when performing changes.
- Confirm the correct oil grade by inspecting the engine oil fill cap or the vehicle’s documentation for year-specific notes.
- Stay aware of any service bulletins or year-specific updates that might adjust recommended oil specs or intervals.
Maintenance reminders and practical tips for oil changes
Concluding note for this section: Adhering to the official intervals and using MS-6395-compliant 5W-20 oil (or the manual-specified alternative) helps protect the 3.6 L engine across varying driving conditions.
Summary
For most Dodge Durango 3.6 L models, the standard recommendation is synthetic 5W-20 oil that meets Chrysler MS-6395, API SN (or newer), and ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6. Always verify your exact year and climate in the owner’s manual and on the engine cap, and follow the recommended oil-change intervals suited to your driving conditions. When in doubt, consult a dealer or trusted service professional to confirm the precise specification for your specific Durango.
