2017 Dodge Durango Oil Capacity: Engine Specs, Types, and Maintenance Guide

The 2017 Dodge Durango oil capacity depends on the specific engine under the hood. Models equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine require 5.9 quarts (5.6 liters) of engine oil, while models powered by the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine take 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters). Both engines require oil that meets Chrysler MS-6395 specification standards.

2017 Dodge Durango Oil Capacity & Specifications Table

Knowing the exact oil volume and viscosity rating for your vehicle prevents engine wear, maintains fuel economy, and protects sensitive internal components like hydraulic valve lifters and variable valve timing solenoids.

The table below summarizes the key fluid capacities, recommended viscosities, filter types, and mechanical torque specs for both powertrain options available in the 2017 Dodge Durango.

Engine Breakdown: Capacity and Viscosity Requirements

3.6-Liter Pentastar V6 Engine

The standard engine for the 2017 Dodge Durango (found across SXT, GT, and Citadel trims) is the upgraded 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Starting in the 2016 model year, Chrysler updated the Pentastar engine architecture to incorporate Two-Stage Variable Valve Lift (VVL), cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), and redesigned oil passages.

• Oil Capacity: 5.9 US quarts (5.6 liters).
• Viscosity Grade: SAE 0W-20.
• Filter Design: Top-mounted plastic oil filter housing utilizing a replaceable paper cartridge filter and rubber O-ring.

Using the specified 0W-20 weight oil ensures rapid lubrication during cold starts while maintaining low viscosity to optimize fuel economy. The 5.9-quart capacity includes the volume held within the oil filter housing assembly. When performing a standard oil change without replacing the filter (not recommended), the oil pan holds approximately 5.4 to 5.5 quarts.

5.7-Liter HEMI V8 Engine

Available as an option on the Citadel and standard on the R/T trim, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 features Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which deactivates four of the eight cylinders under light engine loads to conserve fuel.

• Oil Capacity: 7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters).
• Viscosity Grade: SAE 5W-20.
• Filter Design: Traditional canister-style spin-on filter mounted on the underside of the engine block near the front axle.

The 5.7L HEMI relies on oil pressure to actuate the hydraulic solenoids that deactivate the cylinder lifters. Using an unapproved oil weight—such as 5W-30 or 10W-30—can disrupt solenoid operation, triggering diagnostic trouble codes (such as P0521 or P1521) and leading to valve train noise or hesitation during MDS activation.

Chrysler MS-6395 Standard and Oil Selection Guidelines

When purchasing engine oil for a 2017 Dodge Durango, checking the viscosity on the bottle is only the first step. Chrysler specifies that all engine oils used in their vehicles must meet Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.

Why MS-6395 Matters

Chrysler MS-6395 is a proprietary specification testing procedure that evaluates oil stability, oxidation resistance, sludge prevention, and protection against timing chain wear. Oil manufacturers formulate specific additive packages to satisfy this test. Major lubricant brands such as Pennzoil, Mobil 1, Valvoline, and Castrol print MS-6395 approval on their product labels.

Synthetic vs. Synthetic Blend

While standard conventional oils may technically meet MS-6395 in specific formulations, full synthetic engine oil is strongly recommended for the 2017 Dodge Durango. Full synthetics offer key advantages:

1. Thermal Stability: Synthetic oils resist thermal breakdown under the higher operating temperatures typical of towing or heavy payload driving.
2. Cold-Weather Flowability: Synthetic 0W-20 flows immediately upon ignition in sub-zero climates, preventing dry engine starts.
3. Sludge Resistance: Synthetic basestocks reduce carbon deposits around piston rings and inside variable valve timing actuators.

Required Tools and Materials for an Oil Change

Performing a DIY oil change on a 2017 Durango requires specific tools depending on whether you drive a V6 or V8 model.

Essential Tools and Parts

• Drain Plug Socket: 13 mm socket (V6) or 13 mm / 16 mm socket (V8, depending on drain plug aftermarket replacement status).
• Ratchet Wrench and Torque Wrench: Capable of measuring low torque values (15 to 30 lb-ft).
• Oil Drain Pan: Minimum 8-quart capacity.
• Funnel and Clean Shop Towels.
• Nitrile Gloves and Safety Glasses.

Specific to the 3.6L V6 Engine

• 24 mm Socket: Required to unbolt the plastic top-side oil filter housing cap.
• 3/8-inch Extension Bar: Helps reach the filter cap located near the back driver-side of the upper intake manifold.
• Cartridge Oil Filter Kit: Includes the replacement filter element and a new rubber O-ring gasket (e.g., Mopar 68191349AC or equivalent).

Specific to the 5.7L V8 Engine

• Oil Filter Wrench: End-cap socket wrench or strap wrench to remove the spin-on canister.
• Spin-On Oil Filter: Heavy-duty oil filter (e.g., Mopar MO-899 or equivalent).

Step-by-Step 2017 Dodge Durango Oil Change Procedure

Follow this comprehensive procedure to change the engine oil safely and correctly.

Step 1: Vehicle Preparation and Safety

1. Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake.
2. Run the engine for 3 to 5 minutes to warm up the fluid. Warm oil drains faster and holds suspended debris in solution.
3. Turn off the ignition, open the hood, and remove the oil filler cap on top of the valve cover. This eliminates vacuum tension and allows the oil to drain smoothly.
4. If necessary, elevate the front of the vehicle using a hydraulic floor jack and secure it with rated jack stands. Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Step 2: Draining the Used Engine Oil

1. Position the drain pan directly beneath the oil pan drain plug.
2. Using the appropriate socket, carefully loosen the drain plug counterclockwise.
3. Remove the plug by hand for the final threads, keeping upward pressure on it so oil does not leak prematurely onto your hands.
4. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan for 10 to 15 minutes until it slows to a sporadic drip.
5. Inspect the drain plug and its crush washer/rubber seal. Replace the sealing washer if it is flattened, distorted, or damaged.
6. Reinstall the drain plug by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten it with a torque wrench:
   • 3.6L V6: Torque to 20 lb-ft (27 N·m).
   • 5.7L V8: Torque to 25 lb-ft (34 N·m).

Step 3: Replacing the Oil Filter

For the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (Top-Mount Cartridge):

1. Locate the black plastic filter cap on the top left (driver side) of the engine bay.
2. Fit a 24 mm socket onto the cap nut. Rotate counterclockwise to unscrew the cap. Unscrew it slowly so oil drains back down into the crankcase inside the filter housing.
3. Lift the cap and attached filter element straight out of the housing.
4. Pull the old paper filter element off the stem of the cap.
5. Use a small flathead screwdriver or pick tool to remove the old rubber O-ring from the bottom thread groove of the plastic cap.
6. Clean the cap threads and stem with a shop towel.
7. Install the new rubber O-ring into the cap groove and coat it with a thin film of clean engine oil.
8. Push the new cartridge filter onto the cap stem until it clicks securely into place.
9. Insert the assembly into the engine housing and thread it in by hand.
10. Tighten the cap with your 24 mm socket and torque wrench to exactly 18 lb-ft (25 N·m). Do not overtighten, as the plastic housing can crack under excessive force.

3.6L V6 Top-Mount Filter Cap Tightening Guide

1. Plastic Cap Threaded Hand-Tight
2. Torque Wrench Set to 18 lb-ft (25 N·m)
3. Stop Immediately Upon Click - Do Not Overtighten

For the 5.7L HEMI V8 (Bottom-Mount Spin-On):

1. Move the drain pan underneath the filter location on the underside of the engine block.
2. Turn the old filter counterclockwise using an oil filter wrench to break it loose, then unscrew it by hand.
3. Inspect the mounting pad on the engine block to ensure the old rubber gasket did not stick to the metal housing. A doubled gasket will fail under pressure and pump out engine oil rapidly.
4. Wipe the mounting surface on the block clean.
5. Take the new filter, pour approximately 0.5 quarts of clean 5W-20 oil into its core to pre-lube the filter media, and smear a thin coat of fresh oil around the rubber sealing ring.
6. Thread the new filter onto the engine stem by hand until the gasket makes contact with the base flange.
7. Tighten an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn by hand. Do not use a wrench to tighten a spin-on filter.

Step 4: Refilling with Fresh Oil

1. Insert a clean funnel into the oil fill port on top of the valve cover.
2. Pour in the exact measured volume for your engine:
   • 3.6L V6: Add 5.5 quarts initially (leaving 0.4 quarts to check via dipstick).
   • 5.7L V8: Add 6.5 quarts initially (leaving 0.5 quarts to check via dipstick).
3. Reinstall the oil filler cap.
4. Start the engine and let it idle for 30 to 60 seconds while watching the instrument cluster. Verify that the low oil pressure warning light turns off within 3 to 5 seconds.
5. Inspect the drain plug and oil filter area for any active leaks.
6. Turn off the ignition and let the vehicle sit on level ground for 5 minutes to allow oil to drain back down into the oil pan.

How to Accurately Read the 2017 Durango Dipstick

Checking the dipstick correctly prevents both underfilling (which leads to starvation and oil pressure loss) and overfilling (which leads to oil aeration and crankshaft drag).

• MIN / SAFE HOLE (ADD)
• MAX / SAFE HOLE (FULL)
• SAFE OPERATING RANGE: Between the MIN and MAX holes

1. Park on Level Ground: A slight slope will tilt the oil pool inside the oil pan and give a false reading.
2. Wait for Drain-Down: Wait at least 5 minutes after shutting off a warm engine. If the engine is completely cold, wait 1 minute after running it briefly to ensure fluid distribution.
3. Pull and Wipe: Remove the yellow-handled dipstick, wipe it completely clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel, and reinsert it fully into the dipstick tube until the handle seats against the seal.
4. Inspect the Fill Line: Pull the dipstick back out and hold it horizontally:
   • The oil level should fall firmly between the lower notch/hole (Minimum/Add) and upper notch/hole (Maximum/Full) within the cross-hatched area.
   • If the oil line sits at or below the lower hole, add 0.5 quarts of oil, wait 2 minutes, and recheck.
   • If the oil level sits above the upper hole, drain out the excess fluid. Operating an overfilled engine can foam the oil and cause high crankcase pressures.

How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator Light

The 2017 Dodge Durango is equipped with an Automatic Oil Change Indicator System. This system calculates oil deterioration based on engine RPM, operating temperature, idle time, ambient conditions, and trip distance. When maintenance is due, the instrument cluster displays "Oil Change Required".

After completing an oil change, you must reset the system manually. You can use either of the two methods detailed below.

Method 1: The Accelerator Pedal Procedure (Fastest)

This manual sequence works on all trim levels of the 2017 Dodge Durango without using diagnostic tools.

1. Sit in the driver seat and leave the brake pedal untouched.
2. Push the Engine Start/Stop button twice to switch the ignition to the RUN position (do not start the engine; the gauge cluster lights will illuminate).
3. Within 10 seconds of reaching the RUN position, slowly depress the accelerator pedal fully to the floor 3 times over a 5-second window.
4. Push the Engine Start/Stop button once to turn the ignition back to OFF.
5. Start the engine and verify that the "Oil Change Required" message has cleared from the display screen. If the message reappears, repeat the sequence.

Pedal Reset Method - Quick Flowchart

1. Ignition RUN (Engine OFF)
2. Depress Accelerator 3 Times (within 10 sec)
3. Turn Ignition OFF
4. Start Engine & Confirm Clear

Method 2: Instrument Cluster Display Menu

If your Durango is equipped with the 7-inch Driver Information Display (DID), you can reset the system directly through the steering wheel menu controls.

1. Turn the ignition to the RUN position without starting the engine.
2. Use the Up/Down arrow buttons on the left side of the steering wheel to scroll through the cluster menu until you reach Vehicle Info.
3. Use the Left/Right arrow buttons to navigate horizontally to the Oil Life screen.
4. Press and hold the OK button on the steering wheel control pad for 2 to 3 seconds until the indicator resets to 100%.
5. Turn the ignition off, then start the engine to confirm the updated status.

Common Maintenance Mistakes and Troubleshooting

1. Cracking the 3.6L Pentastar Plastic Oil Filter Housing

The housing cap on the 3.6L V6 is constructed from thermoplastic. A common error made by technicians and home mechanics alike is using an impact gun or an over-torqued breaker bar to re-tighten the 24 mm nut.

• Consequence: Overtightening fractures the threaded base of the housing, resulting in oil leaks down the valley of the engine block.
• Solution: Always use a calibrated torque wrench set to 18 lb-ft (25 N·m). Apply fresh engine oil to the new rubber O-ring so it glides smoothly without binding during installation.

2. Using Incorrect Oil Viscosity in the 5.7L HEMI (MDS Issues)

Using heavier weight oils such as 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 in the 5.7L HEMI engine is a common point of failure.

• Consequence: The hydraulic solenoids responsible for engaging and disengaging cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7 rely on precise fluid dynamics calibrated for 5W-20 oil. Thicker oil slows down solenoid actuation speed, triggering check engine light codes (such as P0521) and causing rough engine acceleration when transitioning out of four-cylinder eco-mode.
• Solution: Always use API-certified SAE 5W-20 oil meeting MS-6395 specifications.

3. Double-Gasketed Oil Filters on the 5.7L V8

When removing an old spin-on canister filter, the original rubber gasket can stick to the metal engine block mating flange instead of staying attached to the old filter.

• Consequence: If you thread a new filter on top of the old stuck rubber ring, the high oil pressure generated upon starting the engine will blow out the double seal, rapidly draining your engine oil onto the ground.
• Solution: Look at the underside of the engine with a flashlight and wipe the mounting surface clean before screwing on the new filter.

4. Overfilling the Crankcase

Pouring a full 6-quart bottle into a 3.6L V6 engine (which requires 5.9 quarts) or pouring 8 quarts into a 5.7L V8 (which requires 7.0 quarts) causes overfilling.

• Consequence: Excess oil fills the oil pan high enough to make contact with the rotating crankshaft counterweights. This whips the oil into a thick foam filled with microscopic air bubbles. Air compresses easily, causing a drop in oil pressure to the top-end lifters and camshaft bearings.
• Solution: Use exact fluid measures and verify the level on the dipstick before putting the vehicle back into service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I put 6 quarts of oil in my 3.6L Dodge Durango?

Putting 6 quarts into a 3.6L Pentastar V6 exceeds the factory capacity by 0.1 quarts (about 3.2 fluid ounces). This slight overage is generally harmless and falls within the acceptable margin of safety on the dipstick. However, adding more than 0.5 quarts above capacity can cause oil aeration, high crankcase pressure, or oil entering the intake manifold via the PCV valve.

Can I use 5W-20 instead of 0W-20 in a 3.6L V6 2017 Dodge Durango?

While 5W-20 and 0W-20 share the same operating viscosity at high temperatures (20-weight), 0W-20 flows significantly better during cold engine starts. Using 5W-20 will not destroy the engine immediately, but it can cause subtle valve-train chatter during cold starts in winter conditions and slightly reduce fuel economy. Stick to 0W-20 to ensure compliance with factory requirements.

How often should I change the oil in a 2017 Dodge Durango?

Under normal driving conditions, change your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (or 12 months, whichever comes first) when using full synthetic oil. If you drive in severe conditions—such as frequent short trips under 5 miles, heavy towing, extended idling, or dusty off-road environments—change the oil every 3,500 to 5,000 miles. Always follow the vehicle's "Oil Change Required" message on the dash.

How much oil filter torque is required for a 2017 Durango V6?

The plastic oil filter cap on the top of the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine should be torqued to exactly 18 lb-ft (25 N·m). Overtightening can crack the cap or the underlying oil filter housing assembly, leading to severe oil leaks down the engine valley.

Does the 2017 Dodge Durango require full synthetic oil?

Chrysler requires oil that meets the MS-6395 standard for both the 3.6L V6 and 5.7L V8 engines. While synthetic blend oils meeting this standard technically satisfy baseline warranty requirements, using a full synthetic oil provides better protection against engine thermal stress, keeps variable valve timing solenoids clean, and ensures proper lubrication over extended service intervals.

Practical Next Steps for Durango Owners

To keep your 2017 Dodge Durango performing reliably, follow these recommendations:

1. Verify Your Engine Type: Look at your registration, owner manual, or engine cover badges to confirm whether you have the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or 5.7L HEMI V8 before purchasing maintenance supplies.
2. Buy the Right Quantity: Purchase a 5-quart jug plus one individual 1-quart bottle for the 3.6L engine (5.9 quarts total). Purchase a 5-quart jug plus two individual 1-quart bottles for the 5.7L engine (7.0 quarts total).
3. Keep Maintenance Records: Record the mileage, date, oil brand, viscosity, and filter part number in your service logs. Retain receipts for oil and filters to protect your vehicle value and support warranty verification needs.
4. Monitor Fluid Levels Regularly: Check your oil level on the dipstick once a month or every second fuel fill-up to catch minor consumption before it leads to low oil pressure.