Dodge Durango Used Engines

The Durango has been three different vehicles. The 1998-2003 and 2004-2009 trucks are body-on-frame with the Magnum and PowerTech V8s. The 2011-onward Durango shares its platform and its engines with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which makes the pool much deeper - a correctly coded Grand Cherokee engine of the same year fits, and that is the single most useful thing to know when sourcing one. The splits that matter are 2009 to 2011 (platform change) and the 2009 revision of the 5.7 HEMI to variable valve timing.

Dodge Durango Used Engines — engine options by generation

How to pick the right one

Generation first. The 2009 to 2011 line is a complete platform change and nothing crosses it. On the 5.7 HEMI, the 2009 move to variable valve timing matters as much as the platform: a 2008 Eagle engine and a 2011 VVT engine differ in camshaft, heads and front cover even though both are 5.7 HEMIs. On the 2011-onward truck, Grand Cherokee engines of the same year are the same parts, so check that page as well. Tell us whether the truck has Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation and whether it is two-wheel or four-wheel drive, since the sump and the accessory drive differ. Send the VIN and we confirm the eighth character.

What usually fails on these engines

The 4.7 PowerTech is the one with the reputation on the older trucks - it is sensitive to overheating and to oil-change intervals, and when it is neglected the result is a sludged engine and a cracked head. If you are replacing one, buy a tested unit rather than a cheap one. On the 5.7 and 6.4 HEMI, lifter and roller failure on the cylinder-deactivation cylinders is the known item, and the exhaust manifold bolts shear and sound like an exhaust leak. On the 3.6 Pentastar, the left-bank cylinder head on the 2011-2013 build range had a documented failure Chrysler covered under extended warranty, so a later revision is the better buy. Every engine is compression and leak-down tested with the sheet in the box.

What ships with every unit

• Compression and leak-down tested before it is listed, with the test sheet in the box.
• VIN matched fitment — send us your VIN and we confirm the engine code against your vehicle before the order ships.
• Written warranty on every engine, with labour coverage available.
• Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, shipped on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.

Related reading: Chrysler 5.7L HEMI engine guide, Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar engine guide, all engine guides.

Dodge Durango used engines - frequently asked questions

Which engines did the Dodge Durango use?

Across 1998 to today the Dodge Durango was built with 3.9L Magnum V6 / 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8, 4.7L PowerTech V8, 3.7L PowerTech V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 6.4L 392 HEMI V8. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the engine family and VIN character that identifies it.

How do I know which engine is in my Dodge Durango?

The eighth character of the VIN encodes the engine on almost every US vehicle, and that is the only reliable way to settle it - two cars of the same year and trim can carry different engines. Send us the VIN and we check the engine code against your vehicle before anything ships.

Will an engine from a different year fit my Dodge Durango?

Generation first. The 2009 to 2011 line is a complete platform change and nothing crosses it.

What usually fails on these engines?

The 4.7 PowerTech is the one with the reputation on the older trucks - it is sensitive to overheating and to oil-change intervals, and when it is neglected the result is a sludged engine and a cracked head. If you are replacing one, buy a tested unit rather than a cheap one.

What comes with a used Dodge Durango engine?

Every engine is compression and leak-down tested before it is listed and the test sheet ships in the box. Fitment is VIN matched before the order goes out, every engine carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.