2026 Dodge Charger oil type and capacity by engine

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Engine Fluids And Lubricants - Gasoline Models, page 290; Fluid Capacities: Specifications - Gasoline Models, page 292; 3.0L Standard Output Engine and 3.0L High Output Engine, page 287), read October 29, 2026. The capacity table lists one figure for the 3.0L engine. Other model years can differ; check the manual for your year.

The manual says the oil installed at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant, and that oil changes should be consistent with the climate conditions you expect to drive in. For Daytona models, the manual's fluids and capacities tables list coolant, Electric Drive Module (EDM) fluid and brake fluid, and no engine oil (pages 289 and 292).

What the API symbols on the bottle mean

The manual says the symbols mean the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and that the manufacturer only recommends API trademark oils. The API Starburst trademark certifies 0W-20, 0W-30 and 5W-30 engine oils, and the API Donut trademark certifies 0W-40 and 5W-40 engine oil.

Your engine was designed for synthetic engine oils, so use only synthetic, API approved engine oils. Synthetic oils that do not have both the correct API trademark and the correct SAE viscosity grade numbers should not be used. For both 3.0L engines, the certification level must be API-SP or later (API-SN+ is also acceptable).

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Engine Oil: Engine Oil Selection, American Petroleum Institute (API) Approved Engine Oil, Synthetic Engine Oils, page 240; Engine Fluids And Lubricants - Gasoline Models, page 290), read October 29, 2026.

How to check the oil level on a Charger 3.0L

The 3.0L engine does not have a traditional dipstick, and there is no need to check the oil level by hand. The engine oil level can be seen on the instrument cluster display by navigating to the appropriate screen under "Vehicle Info". The manual lists checking the engine oil level once a month or before a long trip.

The oil level system takes measurements only while the engine is off, has warm oil, and the vehicle is parked on reasonably level ground. For a consistent reading, the Start button must be in the ON/RUN position for approximately four minutes, although the system may occasionally take readings with the vehicle OFF during normal use. To refresh the display after a quart of the correct oil has been added:

1. Run the engine until the oil temperature is above 180°F (82°C).
2. Park the vehicle on relatively level ground.
3. Turn the engine off and cycle the Start button to the ON/RUN position. Wait four minutes with the engine off and the button in ON/RUN.
4. Start the engine. The new oil level is available in the Vehicle Info menu, reached with the navigation buttons on the steering wheel.

If the oil level has not changed notably since the previous reading, there may be no notification or change in the display after the system takes another reading. Because the level is only detected after the engine has been off and restarted, the system cannot immediately detect a sudden drop in oil level while driving, for example if the oil pan starts to leak after damage during an off-road event. The manual also notes that a new engine may consume some oil during its first few thousand miles, which is a normal part of break-in; check the level with the engine oil indicator often during that period and add oil as required.

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Engine Break-In Recommendations and Checking Oil Level - 3.0L Engines, pages 238 to 239; Scheduled Maintenance - Gasoline Models, page 232), read October 29, 2026.

Adding oil and the oil level warnings

When the engine oil level is low, the Oil Level Warning Light comes on, and it reappears every time the engine is started until a safe level is detected. Continuing to drive without adding oil may result in a critically low oil level and possible engine damage. The oil filler cap is under the hood on the 3.0L engine.

• Critically Low: add two quarts of manufacturer specified oil as soon as possible. Continuing to operate the vehicle with a Critically Low oil level may damage the engine.
• Critically High: contact an authorized dealer for service. Continuing to operate the vehicle with a Critically High oil level may damage the engine.
• Do not add too much oil; overfilling may damage the engine. If you have added a quart of oil and the indicator is not reading 3/4 or full, contact an authorized dealer for service.
• The oil cap may be hot, so use suitable gloves. After adding oil, reinstall the cap securely by turning it clockwise until it stops, and never run the engine without the oil fill cap.
• Wipe up any oil spilled onto the top of the engine with compressed air or an absorbent cloth.

Do not use any oils that are not manufacturer specified and API approved.

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Underhood Compartment - Gasoline Models: 3.0 Liter Hurricane, page 237; Checking Oil Level - 3.0L Engines, pages 238 to 239), read October 29, 2026.

How often to change Charger oil

Gas Chargers have an automatic oil change indicator. The "Oil Change Required" message shows in the instrument cluster display for five seconds after a single chime, and the system is duty cycle based, so the interval can change with your driving style. When the message appears, have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km). Frequent short trips, trailer tow and extremely hot or cold temperatures influence when it comes on.

Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The manual notes that 350 hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet customers.

An authorized dealer resets the indicator after the scheduled oil change. If someone else does the oil change, the manual's reset is: with the brake pedal not pressed, put the Start button in ON (do not start the engine), use the arrow buttons to go to Vehicle Info, press the down arrow to reach the Oil Life submenu, and push and hold OK until the display shows 100%. If the message comes back when you start the vehicle, the system did not reset; repeat the procedure.

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Engine Oil Life Reset - Gasoline Models, pages 96 to 97; Scheduled Maintenance - Gasoline Models, pages 231 to 232), read October 29, 2026.

Which oil filter the Charger takes

Replace the engine oil filter with a new one at every engine oil change; the gas maintenance plan lists changing the oil and filter at every oil change interval shown by the indicator. Use a full-flow type disposable oil filter.

The manual says the quality of replacement filters varies considerably and only high quality Mopar certified filters should be used. bproauto filters are preferred as an alternative, and if neither is available, use only filters that meet or exceed SAE/USCAR-36 filter performance requirements.

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Engine Oil Filter, page 240; Maintenance Plan, page 232), read October 29, 2026.

What the manual says to avoid

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Engine Break-In Recommendations, page 238; Engine Oil and Materials Added To Engine Oil, page 240; Engine Fluids And Lubricants - Gasoline Models, page 290), read October 29, 2026.

Charger oil changes at Elgin CDJR

Our Mopar Express Lane in Streamwood does Dodge oil and filter changes with the oil your Charger engine calls for and a new filter every time, and can rotate the tires, test the battery and top off fluids on the same visit. Hurricane engine work is part of the Dodge service we do. Appointments are encouraged.

Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. (U.S. 20) in Streamwood. Get directions.

Schedule service online, or see our Dodge oil change page.