How-to · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Dodge Durango Maintenance Schedule
The Durango uses an oil change indicator rather than one fixed oil change mileage, and the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual has two Maintenance Plans: one for the 3.6L and 5.7L engines, and an SRT plan for the 6.4L and 6.2L engines. Here is what each plan lists, item by item.
10,000 mi / 12 mo2026 maximum between oil changes, 3.6L and 5.7L
6,000 mi / 6 mo2026 maximum between oil changes, SRT
12,000 mi2026 cabin air filter, both plans
500 mi2026: to get service after the oil message
The short answer
Per the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual, on a 3.6L or 5.7L Durango, change the oil and filter when the oil change indicator says so, and never more than 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time apart, whichever comes first. The plan adds inspections every 10,000 or 20,000 miles; an engine air filter replacement, a transfer case drain and refill, and an axle fluid inspection every 30,000 miles; a cabin air filter every 12,000 miles; spark plugs and the PCV valve at 100,000 miles; and the accessory drive belt at 150,000 miles. On the SRT 6.4L and 6.2L engines, oil changes should never exceed 6,000 miles or six months, and the SRT plan runs in 6,000-mile steps, with spark plugs at 60,000 and 120,000 miles.
How the Durango oil change indicator works
The 2026 Durango has an automatic oil change indicator system that reminds you when it is time to take the vehicle in for scheduled maintenance. Based on engine operating conditions, the oil change indicator message will illuminate; the manual says operating conditions such as frequent short trips, trailer towing, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures and E85 fuel usage influence when the "Oil Change Required" message is displayed. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles. An authorized dealer will reset the message after completing the scheduled oil change.
There are hard limits too. For the 3.6L and 5.7L engines, the manual says oil change intervals should under no circumstances exceed 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first, and notes the 350 hours is generally only a concern for fleet customers. For the SRT (6.4L and 6.2L engines), it says oil change intervals should never exceed 6,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first; the SRT section also notes the indicator does not monitor the time since the last oil change, says to change the oil if it has been six months even if the message is not illuminated, and says to change the oil more often if you drive off-road for an extended period of time.
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Scheduled Maintenance: Description, pages 217 and 218; Scheduled Servicing — SRT, page 221), read October 28, 2026.
Once a month or before a long trip
For the 3.6L and 5.7L engines, the manual lists these owner checks once a month or before a long trip:
- Check the engine oil level.
- Check the windshield washer fluid level.
- Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage.
- Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and brake master cylinder, and fill as needed.
- Check the function of all interior and exterior lights.
The SRT section splits these up: at each stop for fuel, check the engine oil level and the windshield washer solvent; once a month, check tire pressure and wear, inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals as required, check the coolant reservoir, engine oil and brake master cylinder levels, and check all lights and other electrical items for correct operation.
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip, page 218; Scheduled Servicing — SRT, page 221), read October 28, 2026.
At every oil change
The 3.6L and 5.7L Maintenance Plan lists these items at every oil change interval, as indicated by the oil change indicator system:
- Change the oil and filter.
- Rotate the tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
- Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
- Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
- Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and parking brake.
- Inspect the engine cooling system protection and hoses.
- Inspect the exhaust system.
- Inspect the engine air cleaner filter if using in dusty or off-road conditions, and replace it if necessary.
The SRT plan lists the same items at every oil change interval.
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Maintenance Plan — 3.6L and 5.7L Engines, page 218; Maintenance Plan — 6.4L and 6.2L Engines, pages 221 and 222), read October 28, 2026.
3.6L and 5.7L Durango maintenance schedule by mileage
The plan runs by mileage or time passed, whichever comes first, from 20,000 miles (2 years) to 150,000 miles (15 years). Every 10,000-mile step includes inspecting the CV/Universal joints. The table lists what the plan adds at each step.
| Miles (or years) | Items the Maintenance Plan adds |
|---|---|
| 20,000 (2 years) | Inspect front suspension and tie rod ends, replace if necessary; inspect the brake linings and parking brake function |
| 30,000 (3 years) | Inspect the front and rear axle fluid (change it for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing use); drain the transfer case fluid and refill; replace the engine air cleaner filter |
| 40,000 (4 years) | Front suspension, tie rod end, brake lining and parking brake inspections |
| 60,000 (6 years) | Front suspension, tie rod end, brake lining and parking brake inspections; axle fluid inspection; transfer case drain and refill; engine air cleaner filter |
| 80,000 (8 years) | Front suspension, tie rod end, brake lining and parking brake inspections |
| 90,000 (9 years) | Axle fluid inspection; transfer case drain and refill; engine air cleaner filter |
| 100,000 (10 years) | Front suspension, tie rod end, brake lining and parking brake inspections; replace spark plugs; replace the PCV valve; flush and replace the engine coolant (due at 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first) |
| 120,000 (12 years) | Front suspension, tie rod end, brake lining and parking brake inspections; axle fluid inspection; transfer case drain and refill; engine air cleaner filter |
| 140,000 (14 years) | Front suspension, tie rod end, brake lining and parking brake inspections |
| 150,000 (15 years) | Axle fluid inspection; transfer case drain and refill; engine air cleaner filter; flush and replace the engine coolant; replace the accessory drive belt; inspect the accessory drive belt tensioner and pulley, replace if necessary |
| Every 12,000 miles | Replace the cabin air filter |
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Maintenance Plan — 3.6L and 5.7L Engines, pages 218 to 220), read October 28, 2026. The spark plug interval is mileage based only; yearly intervals do not apply.
SRT (6.4L and 6.2L) maintenance schedule
The SRT plan runs in 6,000-mile (6-month) steps from 6,000 to 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
| Interval | Items in the SRT Maintenance Plan |
|---|---|
| Every 6,000 miles (6 months) | Change the engine oil and engine oil filter; rotate the tires (rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before scheduled maintenance); inspect the CV/Universal joints |
| Every 12,000 miles (12 months) | Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary; inspect the exhaust system; inspect front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play, replace if necessary; inspect the engine air cleaner filter if you drive in dusty or off-road conditions, replace if necessary |
| Every 12,000 miles | Replace the cabin air filter (mileage only, per the plan) |
| 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, 120,000 and 150,000 miles | Replace the engine air cleaner filter; drain the transfer case fluid and refill; change the front and rear axle fluid; adjust the parking brake on vehicles equipped with four wheel disc brakes |
| 60,000 and 120,000 miles | Replace the spark plugs (6.4L/6.2L Supercharged engine; mileage based only); inspect the accessory drive belts, replace if necessary |
| 90,000 miles | Inspect and replace the PCV valve if necessary |
| 120,000 miles (120 months) and 150,000 miles | Flush and replace the engine coolant at 120 months if not done at 150,000 miles; the plan marks it in both the 120,000-mile (120-month) and 150,000-mile columns |
From the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Maintenance Plan — 6.4L and 6.2L Engines, pages 221 to 225), read October 28, 2026. The SRT section also says more frequent maintenance may be needed in severe operating conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip driving.
Durango maintenance 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, and follows the maintenance schedule in your Dodge owner's manual for your engine and how you drive.
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.
Dodge Durango maintenance schedule FAQ
How often does a Dodge Durango need an oil change?
When the oil change indicator says so. On the 3.6L and 5.7L, the 2026 manual says never more than 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time apart; on the SRT 6.4L and 6.2L, never more than 6,000 miles or six months. When the message appears, have it serviced within the next 500 miles.
When should Durango spark plugs be replaced?
At 100,000 miles on the 3.6L and 5.7L engines, and at 60,000 and 120,000 miles on the 6.4L/6.2L SRT engines, per the 2026 manual. The spark plug interval is mileage based only.
How often should the Durango engine air filter be replaced?
The 2026 plans list replacing the engine air cleaner filter at 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, 120,000 and 150,000 miles, and inspecting it more often if you drive in dusty or off-road conditions.
When is the Durango transfer case fluid changed?
Both 2026 plans list draining and refilling the transfer case fluid at 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, 120,000 and 150,000 miles.
When is the Durango coolant changed?
On the 3.6L and 5.7L, the 2026 plan says to flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. The SRT plan says to flush and replace it at 120 months if not done at 150,000 miles.
How often should the cabin air filter be replaced on a Durango?
Every 12,000 miles, in both the 3.6L/5.7L and SRT plans in the 2026 manual.
Is your Durango due for service?
Book a visit with the Mopar service department at Elgin CDJR in Streamwood.
Sources
Maintenance intervals are from the 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual, read on October 28, 2026; other model years can differ, so check your own manual. Our services, address and hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- 2026 Dodge Durango Owner's Manual (Scheduled Maintenance; Maintenance Plan — 3.6L and 5.7L Engines; Scheduled Servicing — SRT; Maintenance Plan — 6.4L and 6.2L Engines), Dodge / Mopar
- Dodge Service Center in Streamwood: services and service hours, Elgin CDJR
- Home page: dealership name, address and location data, Elgin CDJR