2018 Dodge Durango
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2018 Dodge Durango maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Dodge Durango.
For oil changes, the 2018 Dodge Durango takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 7 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet), and transmission fluid is ATF+4. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Dodge Durango, torque the lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Durango have reported 5 common issues including "5.7L HEMI Engine Tick and Lifter Failure", "ZF 8-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting" and "Engine Stalling and eTorque Malfunctions". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 5 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Dodge Durango. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2018 Dodge Durango uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (7 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 130 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Dodge Durango. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Dodge Durango.
Common problems reported by 2018 Dodge Durango owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
5.7L HEMI Engine Tick and Lifter Failure
The 5.7L HEMI V8 in the Durango develops the well-known 'HEMI tick' from worn hydraulic roller lifters, particularly those in the MDS (Multi-Displacement System) cylinders. The ticking noise starts on cold startup and may become constant as wear progresses. Severe cases result in camshaft lobe damage, misfires, and loss of power.
Replace lifters and camshaft with updated parts. TSB 09-002-22 covers HEMI lifter noise diagnostics. Use updated 'AD' suffix lifters with improved bearings. Maintain strict oil change intervals with OEM 0W-20 synthetic. Some owners install MDS delete kits to prevent recurrence.
Est. Cost: $2,000 - $5,000ZF 8-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting
The ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission exhibits rough shifts at low speeds, hesitation during acceleration, and occasional transmission shudder. Owners report the D-Clutch assembly failing, causing slipping between gears and triggering the Malfunction Indicator Lamp with DTC P0733 (Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio).
Perform a D-Clutch repair per TSB 21-021-22. Reflash the TCM with updated calibration software. Replace the transmission fluid with ZF Lifeguard 8 specification ATF. Valve body replacement for persistent shifting complaints.
Est. Cost: $500 - $3,000Engine Stalling and eTorque Malfunctions
Vehicles equipped with the eTorque mild hybrid system experience sudden engine stalling while driving, loss of motive power, and difficulty restarting. The engine may also surge during acceleration. The ESS (Engine Stop-Start) system fails to restart the engine after stopping at traffic lights, leaving the vehicle stranded in intersections.
Update the PCM and eTorque control module software. TSB 14-010-22 addresses eTorque communication faults. Replace the 48V battery if it cannot maintain charge. Check the 12V battery condition, as a weak 12V battery exacerbates eTorque system issues.
Est. Cost: $200 - $3,000Fuel Pump and Refueling Difficulties
Some 2022 Durangos experience fuel pump failures causing stalling while driving and difficulty refueling. Owners report the fuel pump nozzle clicking off prematurely and metal debris found in the fuel system. The fuel pump module may fail, resulting in sputtering, loss of power, and the vehicle stranding the driver.
Replace the fuel pump module assembly. TSB 14-006-22 addresses fuel system diagnostics and fuel fill concerns. Inspect the fuel tank for debris contamination. Replace the fuel filter and clean fuel lines if metal debris is found.
Est. Cost: $500 - $1,200Infotainment and Electrical System Faults
The Uconnect infotainment system becomes unresponsive, freezes, or displays a black screen. Dashboard gauges malfunction, door locks operate erratically, and warning lights illuminate without cause. Some owners report the vehicle's electrical system not properly entering sleep mode, causing parasitic battery drain.
Update Uconnect firmware and BCM software. TSB 08-045-22 covers infotainment diagnostics. Diagnose parasitic draw with ammeter testing. Replace the radio module or BCM if they fail to enter sleep mode properly. Check for TSB updates regularly as Stellantis continues to release fixes.
Est. Cost: $0 - $1,5005 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Dodge Durango. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V-426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-426 will need to have the new remedy completed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle.
This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase Campaign remedy schedule. Phase 1 began November 17, 2022. Phase 2 begin date has not been determined yet. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed July 28, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z48.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
