COOLER - ENGINE OIL
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Dodge Durango engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Dodge Durango have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 92,100 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Durango | 72 |
| 2012 Durango | 75 |
| 2013 Durango | 56 |
| 2014 Durango | 44 |
| 2015 Durango (this page) | 23 |
| 2016 Durango | 5 |
| 2017 Durango | 13 |
| 2018 Durango | 13 |
| 2019 Durango | 12 |
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
COOLER - ENGINE OIL
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0111-00 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range Performance Bank 1. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0071-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0072-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" Low. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0073-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" High. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0011-00 - Bank 1 Camshaft 1 Position Timing Over Advanced Or. (In Active or Stored status) ● P2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On "
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗COOLER Engine Oil Please be aware that the oil cooler seal is serviceable as a standalone part and should be considered for replacement as a remedy for fluid leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2015 Dodge Durango owners report multiple distinct engine failures on the 3.6L Pentastar V6, most at relatively low mileage for a nine-year-old vehicle.
Valve train wear is the most frequent complaint: ticking or clicking noises appearing between 49,000 and 122,000 miles, traced to premature wear on rocker arms, roller followers, and camshaft lobes. One owner at 49,237 miles found worn rockers on cylinder #5 intake and a worn camshaft lobe; the dealer covered the repair but the vehicle was out of powertrain warranty. Others report the noise audible only from outside the vehicle, with no drivability impact initially. Multiple owners cite this as a known defect the dealership diagnostician immediately recognized by engine type alone.
Complete engine failure requiring full block replacement has occurred; one owner paid $14,400 out-of-pocket after the dealer found leaking intake and exhaust valves and block flatness issues at unknown mileage. Another owner heard abnormal engine noise while parked and was told by an independent shop the engine failed, though the VIN was not included in a related recall.
Oil leaks emerge from the plastic oil cooler reservoir base and oil filter housing. The cooler sits directly atop the hot engine; owners report the plastic warps or cracks, leaking oil and coolant that pools on the engine (fire hazard concern). One owner at 33,386 miles had the valve gasket repeatedly serviced with silicone by a dealer without lasting resolution. Two owners report the oil filter housing cracking at 120,000+ miles, one resulting in engine knock and lifter replacement.
Cooling system issues include an antifreeze smell and radiator cracks reported around 30,000 miles; a manufacturer did not assist. Overheating on hard acceleration without warning lights appeared in one case; the temperature gauge stays mid-range while the engine actually overheats.
Misfires (codes P0306, P0302) on individual cylinders persist after coil pack and spark plug replacement; one owner suspects injector issues and faced a $4,000+ repair denial despite lawsuits regarding Pentastar warranty exclusions.
Owners repeatedly note the defects occur outside recall VINs and warranty coverage, and several mention numerous other owners experiencing identical problems online.
Same Dodge Durango engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Premature rocker arm and valve train wear
Rocker arms, roller followers, and camshaft lobes wear prematurely, causing audible ticking or clicking from the valve train. Owners report the noise is recognized by dealers as a characteristic 3.6L Pentastar defect.
When: 49,237 miles to 122,088 miles; one owner at 104,000 miles noted the issue is well-known
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or clicking noise from engine, audible at idle and under acceleration; Noise sometimes only heard from outside the vehicle; No warning lights initially; drivability unaffected early on; Rough idle reported in one case
Codes mentioned: P0302
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's camshaft replacement at 49,237 miles was covered by dealership; appears to require camshaft and/or rocker arm/roller follower replacement. Another owner attempted multiple oil changes without success. No cost figures given by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership recognized the defect immediately in at least one case. Owners report VINs excluded from extended warranty programs and related recalls despite knowing of the issue.
Complete engine failure—block flatness and valve leakage
Engine block develops flatness issues and intake/exhaust valve leakage, resulting in catastrophic failure requiring full engine block replacement. One owner's engine was replaced; it is unclear whether the same design was reinstalled.
When: At unknown mileage; owner purchased vehicle in 2016 with 22 miles and the failure occurred before significant mileage accumulated
Symptoms owners cite: Engine warning light illumination without other warning; Vehicle drove normally with no indication of failure; Compression test revealed leaking valves and block flatness
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine block replacement cost $14,400 out-of-pocket. Owner states this is a known issue without a recall and expresses concern about future failure on the replacement engine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for this known defect despite owner awareness of multiple similar failures. Owner was required to replace engine at full personal expense.
Engine failure—abnormal noise and mechanical breakdown
Engine develops abnormal noise while parked; independent mechanic diagnosed complete engine failure. Vehicle was not included in available recall (NHTSA Action 10239957).
When: Failure mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound from engine while vehicle parked; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not repaired; owner was directed to NHTSA after confirming VIN exclusion from recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed VIN not included in recall NHTSA 10239957 (Engine and Engine Cooling).
Oil cooler reservoir plastic base cracking and leaking oil/coolant
Plastic oil cooler reservoir base warps or develops stress cracks under engine heat and thermal cycling, leaking oil and antifreeze onto the engine. Owner notes fire hazard as leaked fluids pool on hot surfaces.
When: Discovered April 17, 2024; vehicle mileage and exact onset unclear
Symptoms owners cite: Oil and antifreeze leaking from oil cooler reservoir; Liquids pooling on top of engine; No warning lights triggered; Owner notes this is a well-known issue among dealers and repair shops
Repairs/costs cited: Owner estimates $800–$1,200 repair cost; part to be replaced. Owner notes original plastic base is unsuitable for direct exposure to Pentastar engine heat.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; owner states the leak issue is well-known to dealers and repair shops.
Oil filter housing cracking and major oil leak
Oil filter housing cracks, causing major oil leaks. Two owners report this occurred after 120,000+ miles; one experienced engine knock and required lifter replacement as a result.
When: 120,000 miles and 125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Major oil leak from cracked filter housing; Engine knock (in one case); Owner notes this is the second Durango with this same defect
Repairs/costs cited: One owner required all lifter replacement following engine knock caused by low oil from the leak.
Valve gasket oil leak—persistent despite multiple repairs
Valve gasket leak causes persistent oil leakage. Dealer attempted repair twice using silicone sealant application, but leak continued; no defect found on third service visit.
When: 33,386 miles (discovery and multiple service visits from this point)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from engine area
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer filled engine with silicone, then repaired valve gasket with silicone on second visit. No permanent repair achieved; leak persisted after both attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified.
Cylinder misfire—persistent after component replacement
Cylinder #6 misfire (code P0306) continues after coil pack and spark plug replacement. Owner moved the injector to a different cylinder head and misfire remained on cylinder #6, suggesting a deeper mechanical issue.
When: Vehicle age and mileage at failure not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (code P0306 — cylinder #6 misfire); Strong smell of gasoline reported in one related case (P0302 misfire)
Codes mentioned: P0306
Repairs/costs cited: Coil pack and spark plug replaced without resolving misfire. Owner suspects injector issue. Repair estimate or denial from dealer: $4,000+ for warranty denial.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge refuses to repair under warranty; VIN not listed in extended warranty covering known 3.6L Pentastar defects. Owner cites ongoing class-action lawsuit in Montana regarding warranty denial on Pentastar ticking defect.
Antifreeze odor and radiator cracking
Vehicle emits abnormal antifreeze odor; both dealer and independent mechanic diagnosed a cracked radiator. No repair was completed despite diagnosis.
When: Approximately 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal antifreeze odor from engine area; No warning light or other indication of failure
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement recommended by both dealer and independent mechanic; repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and did not assist.
Engine overheating on hard acceleration without warning
Engine overheats during hard acceleration, with temperature gauge rising to the H position and triggering an overheating warning. Owner reports the gauge stays at mid-point during normal driving despite actual overheating.
When: Started 2–3 months prior to complaint; exact mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge rises to H (hot) position during hard acceleration; Overheating warning light triggered; During normal driving, gauge remains mid-range despite actual overheating; No diagnostic indication when hooked up to diagnostic equipment, which instead triggers separate issues
Repairs/costs cited: No repair action documented; owner suspects a deeper issue given lack of clarity from diagnostics.
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2015 Dodge Durango?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2015 Dodge Durango?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 49,237 and 113,000 miles, with the median around 92,100. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,237; a quarter make it past 113,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Dodge/Durango.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.