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Persistent Oil Leak on my 2018 Durango GT - Common Problem?

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Jason D. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:49 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Dodge Durango GT

Hey everyone,

I've been noticing a pretty consistent oil smell and recently spotted some fresh oil drips under my 2018 Dodge Durango GT with the 3.6L Pentastar engine. It's got about 75,000 miles on it, and I've been pretty good with maintenance, regular oil changes and all.

I'm seeing oil around the top of the engine, near the intake manifold, and it seems to be dripping down the back. No warning lights on the dash yet, but the smell is getting stronger. I'm worried this could be a bigger issue than just a loose drain plug.

Is this a common problem for these Durango models or the Pentastar engine in general? What should I be looking for, and how much am I realistically looking at for a repair? Any advice on what parts usually fail here would be greatly appreciated.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:49 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're describing a very common issue with the 3.6L Pentastar engine found in your 2018 Dodge Durango GT: a leaking oil filter housing assembly. This is a frequent point of failure and definitely impacts the reliability aspect of ownership.

Here's what you need to know:

  1. Common Cause: The oil filter housing assembly on these engines is made of plastic and is located under the intake manifold. Over time, due to heat cycles and material degradation, the plastic housing can crack, or the gaskets (for the oil cooler or the housing itself) can fail, leading to oil leaks.
  2. Symptoms: Besides the visible oil drips and burning oil smell you've noted, other symptoms can include:
    • A noticeable drop in oil level between changes.
    • Check Engine Light (CEL) illumination, potentially with codes like P0520, P0522, or P0523, which relate to the oil pressure sensor circuit, as the sensor is integrated into this housing.
    • In severe cases, a low oil pressure warning on the dash.
  3. Diagnosis: A qualified technician will typically remove the intake manifold to visually inspect the oil filter housing for cracks or gasket leaks. They will also check for any associated diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
  4. Repair: The repair usually involves replacing the entire oil filter housing assembly, which often includes a new oil cooler and oil pressure sensor. It's crucial to use quality replacement parts, ideally an updated design if available, to prevent recurrence. The job is labor-intensive due to the intake manifold removal.
  5. When to See a Shop: You should get this inspected by a professional as soon as possible. While a small leak might seem minor, a significant oil leak can lead to dangerously low oil levels, potentially causing severe engine damage. If you see a low oil pressure warning light, stop driving immediately and have the vehicle towed to a shop.
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