Trouble codes › Known problems › Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar oil filter housing leak and oil pressure sensor
Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar oil filter housing leak and oil pressure sensor
On the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Ram 1500, Dodge Grand Caravan and Durango and others), the plastic oil filter housing in the engine valley commonly leaks, and the oil pressure sensor mounted in it often fails with it (P0520, P0521).
Check the oil level. A leaking housing can drop oil onto hot parts and run the engine low. If the oil light comes on with noise, stop the engine. A false sensor reading with full oil is less urgent, but fix the leak soon.
Which vehicles
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011-2021
- Jeep Wrangler 2012-2023
- Ram 1500 (3.6L) 2013-2023
- Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country 2011-2020
- Dodge Durango 2011-2023
- Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger (3.6L) 2011-2023
Why it happens
The oil filter housing (which includes the oil cooler) is plastic and sits in the hot valley between the cylinder heads. Over time it can crack or its seals leak, often dripping oil down the back of the engine onto the transmission bellhousing.
The oil pressure sensor screws into that housing. Oil leaking into its connector and heat cause it to read wrong or fail, setting P0520 or P0521. Replacing only the sensor while the housing leaks usually means doing it again.
Symptoms
How to confirm it
- Look for oil around the top of the engine valley (under the upper intake) and down the back of the engine.
- Compare a mechanical oil pressure gauge with the dash or scan tool reading: steady normal pressure on the gauge with a bad reading on the scan tool means the sensor or wiring has failed.
- Check the sensor's wiring and connector for oil.
- Check for bulletins for your VIN; Chrysler issued a revised oil pressure sensor for some 2013-2014 models.
The repair
- Replace the oil filter housing (the updated design) and the oil pressure sensor together, with new seals. Use a quality OE sensor: cheap ones often fail early.
- The upper intake has to come off, so it's typically a 3-5 hour job; doing both parts at once saves paying that labor twice.
Recalls, bulletins and warranty programs
- Chrysler bulletin 09-003-13
- A Pentastar oil filter adapter reference covering a change to the 3.6L oil filter adapter for 2014 vehicles (2011-2014 models listed). It's a parts reference rather than a repair program.
- Related: 3.6L left cylinder head extended warranty
- A separate known 3.6L problem on 2011-2013 vehicles (misfires on cylinders 2, 4 or 6); see the Pentastar cylinder head note on the misfire page and ask a dealer about warranty bulletin D-14-12.
Programs can expire or depend on your VIN. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a dealer to run your VIN for open recalls, bulletins and extended coverage.
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Researched October 2026 from service bulletins, recall records and repair-industry reporting. Your vehicle may differ; confirm with your service information and a dealer before paying for major repairs.