Dodge Durango Engine Oil Pan Gasket Guide (2011-2020)
An oil leak on your Durango could be a simple fix or a major repair—here’s how to tell the difference.
- The replacement job is drastically different for the 3.6L V6 (easy) versus the 5.7L V8 (very difficult and expensive).
- For the 5.7L V8, labor is the biggest expense, so use a high-quality OEM or top-tier aftermarket gasket to ensure the repair lasts.
- A 2016 Durango with a 5.7L V8 may be covered by a TSB for oil weepage from the pan.
- If your low oil pressure light comes on, stop driving immediately to avoid severe engine damage.
Is Your Durango Leaking Oil? Signs of a Bad Oil Pan Gasket
A failing oil pan gasket is one of the most common sources of oil leaks on any vehicle. For the 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, the signs are straightforward. Look for oily patches on your driveway, which will be dark brown or black. You might also notice a burning oil smell, especially when the engine is hot, as dripping oil hits the hot exhaust components. In some cases, you may see smoke coming from the engine bay. If the leak is severe, oil can be blown back while driving, coating the entire underside of the vehicle. This can trigger the low oil level or low oil pressure warning light on your dashboard; if you see this, pull over immediately and check your oil level.
Known Issue: 2016 Durango 5.7L V8 Oil Weepage
Dodge issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 09-011-16, later RRT 16-066) for some 2016 Dodge Durango models with the 5.7L V8 engine. This TSB addresses oil "weepage" at the rear of the oil pan. The fix involves a detailed inspection and potentially replacing the entire oil pan assembly under warranty. If you have a 2016 model, it's worth checking with a dealer to see if your vehicle is covered.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Gasket: V6 vs. V8
The most important factor in this repair is knowing which engine you have. The job is vastly different between the V6 and V8 models.
- 3.6L V6 Models: These engines have a two-piece oil pan. The lower pan gasket is the most common failure point and is relatively easy to replace. 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing the V6 lower oil pan. While the factory uses a specific RTV sealant, many high-quality aftermarket gaskets are available that make the job cleaner.
- 5.7L HEMI V8 Models: This is a much more difficult job. Replacing the oil pan gasket requires supporting the engine and lowering the front subframe to get access. It is a labor-intensive repair, often taking a professional mechanic 8 hours or more. 🎬 Watch: A DIY guide to the 5.7L oil pan gasket replacement. Because the labor is so expensive, it is critical to use a high-quality gasket to avoid having to do the job twice.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers
For a part like a gasket, aftermarket quality is often excellent. Brands like Victor Reinz are known as original equipment suppliers to many European automakers and are considered a reliable choice. Cometic is well-regarded in the performance and engine-building communities for making very high-quality gaskets. While some owners prefer the peace of mind of a Mopar OEM gasket for a difficult job like the V8, a top-tier aftermarket brand will provide a reliable seal.
Pro Tip: Don't Use Only RTV Sealant
Some mechanics may try to use only RTV liquid gasket maker instead of a proper molded gasket to save money. This often fails and leads to more leaks. Always use the correct one-piece gasket for your application, with a small dab of RTV only in the corners or where engine joints meet, as specified by the repair manual.
Cost to Replace a Dodge Durango Oil Pan Gasket
The cost varies dramatically based on your engine. For the 5.7L V8, expect to pay significantly more for labor.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Gasket Set | $36.49 - $39.04 |
| New OEM Mopar Gasket | $150 - $200 |
| Shop Labor (3.6L V6 Lower Gasket) | $150 - $300 |
| Shop Labor (5.7L V8) | $700 - $1,500+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the oil pan gasket myself?
For a 3.6L V6 lower oil pan gasket, a DIY replacement is very feasible with basic tools. For the 5.7L V8, it is not recommended for beginners. The procedure involves supporting the engine, lowering the subframe, and loosening motor mounts, which can be dangerous without proper equipment and experience.
Why is the labor cost so high for the V8?
On the 5.7L HEMI V8, the front subframe and steering rack block access to the oil pan. Mechanics must spend several hours removing these components to get to the pan, and then reinstalling everything and performing a front-end alignment, which drives up the labor time to 8 hours or more.
Is it safe to drive with a leaking oil pan gasket?
You can drive with a minor leak, but you must check your oil level frequently and top it off as needed. If the leak is large enough to cause the oil pressure light to come on, stop driving immediately to prevent catastrophic engine damage. Remember that leaking oil can be a fire hazard if it drips onto hot exhaust parts.
🎬 Watch: See how a severe oil leak can become a fire hazard.Do I need any special sealants?
Yes. Even when using a pre-molded gasket, you will need to apply a small amount of oil-resistant RTV sealant at the points where engine components meet, such as where the timing cover and rear main seal cover meet the engine block. This ensures a leak-proof seal in the corners.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 68218890AB
The 5.7L V8 uses a one-piece molded rubber gasket. The 3.6L V6 uses a combination of gaskets and RTV sealant for its two-piece pan design. Torque specs are low (around 93 in-lbs for the V6 lower pan, 9 ft-lbs for the V8) and bolts should be tightened in a star pattern to ensure even sealing.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Dodge Durango:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Durango Leaking Oil? Signs of a Bad Oil Pan Gasket
- Known Issue: 2016 Durango 5.7L V8 Oil Weepage
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Gasket: V6 vs. V8
- Aftermarket Brand Tiers
- Pro Tip: Don't Use Only RTV Sealant
- Cost to Replace a Dodge Durango Oil Pan Gasket
- Frequently Asked Questions
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