The Dodge ESF is a 3,596 cc, V6 gasoline engine produced between 2015 and 2020. Developed as part of the Chrysler Pentastar engine family, it features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT), and direct fuel injection. In standard tune, it delivers 292 kW (395 PS) and 420 Nm of torque, providing strong acceleration and towing capability in full — size SUV and light — truck applications.
Fitted to the Dodge Durango SRT and Ram 1500, the ESF was engineered fo…
Production years 2015–2020 meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 6 standards .
The Dodge ESF is a 3,596 cc V6 gasoline engine engineered for high-performance SUVs and trucks (2015–2020). It combines direct fuel injection with variable valve timing to deliver strong mid-range torque and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 6 standards, it balances performance with regulated emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,596 cc | |
Fuel type | Gasoline | |
Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 96.0 mm × 83.0 mm | |
Power output | 292 kW (395 PS) @ 6,400 rpm | |
Torque | 420 Nm @ 4,100 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 / Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 10.2:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Valvetrain | DOHC, dual VVT (intake and exhaust) | |
Timing system | Timing chain (dual-row, front-mounted) | |
Oil type | Mopar SAE 5W-20 (MS-6395) | |
Dry weight | 205 kg |
The Dodge ESF was used across Dodge's Durango SRT and Ram 1500 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-tuned exhaust manifolds in the Durango SRT and reinforced engine mounts in the Ram 1500-and from 2018 the updated actuator hardware introduced revised vacuum diaphragm materials, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The ESF offers strong performance and towing capability, but early models (2015–2017) are prone to intake manifold actuator failure. Later revisions (2018+) improved actuator durability with revised materials. Regular maintenance, strict oil changes (10,000 km max), and use of 87 AKI (RON 91) fuel significantly improve long-term reliability. Well-maintained units can exceed 200,000 km.
Key issues include intake manifold runner actuator failure (especially pre-2018), timing chain tensioner wear, carbon buildup on intake valves, and catalytic converter degradation. These are documented in Dodge SIB 18-014-17 and field service reports. Fuel quality and maintenance intervals are critical factors.
The ESF was used in the Dodge Durango SRT (2015–2020) and Ram 1500 (2015–2020) in North American and select international markets. It was not offered in compact models. Both vehicles use the 395 PS variant, with model compatibility strictly defined by emissions hardware and VIN.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the ESF platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
In a Dodge Durango SRT 3.6L, real-world consumption averages ~13.5 L/100km (17.4 mpg US) in mixed driving. Highway runs can achieve ~10.2 L/100km (23 mpg US). Expect 16–20 mpg US depending on driving conditions, load, and terrain. Stop-and-go traffic reduces efficiency significantly.
Yes, the ESF is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact will occur, resulting in severe internal damage. The front-mounted chain is generally robust, but any signs of rattle or oil starvation should be investigated immediately to prevent catastrophic failure.
Dodge specifies Mopar SAE 5W-20 synthetic oil meeting MS-6395 standard. This formulation ensures proper VVT and chain lubrication. Oil changes must not exceed 10,000 km or 12 months. Using non-compliant oil can accelerate actuator and chain wear and void extended warranty coverage.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.