What coolant does a Dodge Durango use?

From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Fluids And Lubricants, page 274; Adding Coolant, page 240), read October 28, 2026. Other model years can differ; check your own manual.

The 2026 manual cautions that OAT coolant is different from Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) coolant and should not be mixed with HOAT or any "globally compatible" coolant; if a non-OAT coolant is put in during an emergency, an authorized dealer needs to drain, flush and refill the system with fresh OAT coolant as soon as possible. It also says not to use water alone or alcohol-based coolant products, not to use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, which may plug the radiator, and that the Durango has not been designed for propylene glycol-based coolant.

Dodge Durango cooling system capacities

The 2026 manual lists cooling system capacities by engine; the figures include the heater and the coolant recovery bottle filled to the MAX level.

From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Fluid Capacities, pages 276 and 277), read October 28, 2026.

How to check Durango coolant level

The 2026 manual says the coolant expansion bottle gives a quick visual check. With the engine off and cold, the coolant level in the bottle should be between the "MAX" and "MIN" lines marked on the bottle. As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the bottle need only be checked once a month.

When additional coolant is needed to keep the proper level, the manual says it should be added to the coolant bottle, and not to overfill. Never add coolant when the engine is overheated, do not loosen or remove the pressure cap to cool an overheated engine, and do not remove the pressure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.

The manual also notes that if frequent coolant additions are required, the cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.

From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Cooling System Pressure Cap; Coolant Level; Cooling System Notes, page 241), read October 28, 2026.

Mixing and adding Durango coolant

The 2026 manual's rules for adding coolant:

• Mix ratio. Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT coolant meeting MS.90032 and distilled water. Use higher concentrations, not to exceed 70%, if temperatures below −34°F (−37°C) are anticipated.
• Water. Use only high purity water, such as distilled or deionized water. Lower quality water reduces corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
• Do not mix coolant types. Mixing coolant types is not recommended and can damage the cooling system. If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency, have an authorized dealer drain, flush and refill with OAT coolant as soon as possible.
• Same coolant for life. To keep the extended maintenance period, use the same OAT coolant throughout the life of the vehicle.
• Special tools. Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant properly, and filling those systems wrong could lead to severe internal engine damage. The manual says to contact an authorized dealer if any coolant needs to be added to the system.

The manual adds that keeping the right level of freeze protection for local temperatures is the owner's responsibility, and that the coolant concentration should stay at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant for proper corrosion protection of an engine with aluminum components.

From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Selection Of Coolant; Adding Coolant; Cooling System Notes, pages 240 and 241), read October 28, 2026.

When to replace Durango coolant

From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Adding Coolant and Engine Coolant Checks, page 240; Maintenance Plan — 3.6L and 5.7L Engines, pages 218 to 220; Maintenance Plan — 6.4L and 6.2L Engines, pages 221 to 225), read October 28, 2026. The Maintenance Plans run by mileage or time, whichever comes first.

If your Durango overheats

The 2026 manual lists these potential signs of overheating: the temperature gauge is at HOT (H), a strong smell of coolant, white smoke coming from the engine or exhaust, and bubbles in the coolant in the coolant bottle. It says an overheating vehicle will need to be serviced by an authorized dealer.

If the temperature gauge is moving towards or close to HOT (H), the manual says you can reduce the potential for overheating: on highways, slow down; in city traffic, while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase the engine idle speed while preventing vehicle motion with the brakes; turn the A/C off, since it adds heat to the engine cooling system; and turn the temperature control to maximum heat with the blower on high, so the heater core acts as a supplement to the radiator.

If the gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop, and idle the vehicle with the A/C turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on HOT (H) and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off immediately and call for service. Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot: you or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or steam.

From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (If Your Engine Overheats, pages 209 and 210), read October 28, 2026.

Durango cooling system service at Elgin CDJR

Our Mopar service department services every Dodge, wherever it was bought, including routine maintenance, Express Lane oil changes, brakes, tires, batteries, recalls and warranty repairs. If your coolant looks dirty, the level keeps dropping or the temperature gauge climbs, schedule a visit and tell us what you are seeing.

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 service center page.