Fix for Chrysler leaking oil filter housing problems

Understanding the Issue: Chrysler Leaking Oil Filter Housing

The Chrysler Pentastar engine has had a persistent issue with the oil filter housing. Cracks in the plastic housing cause these oil leak failures and can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed promptly. The problem has been widespread across various models equipped with the Pentastar engine, resulting in costly repairs and frustrating experiences for owners. Chrysler designed the oil filter housing to hold an oil cooler and the oil filter. So hot engine oil flows through the oil cooler and is cooled by the lower-temperature engine coolant. The housing also contains several sensors.

When it fails, it leaks oil, lowering the oil level in the sump and compromising the engine’s ability to stay lubricated, leading to potential overheating and, in severe cases, engine failure. Despite efforts to address the issue, the frequency of these failures has sparked ongoing concerns among drivers and mechanics alike.

Chrysler Has Tried Many Fixes, But There They Still Fail

Chrysler has acknowledged the issues with its leaking oil filter housings, and in response, they have made several changes to address them. Chrysler has issued multiple recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to filter housing failures, offering repairs, part replacements, and updated components. In some cases, Chrysler has redesigned the oil filter housing to be more durable and resistant to cracking or leaking. These updated parts feature supposedly stronger materials and improved sealing to prevent leaks.

However, while these updates have helped mitigate the problem, some owners still report experiencing issues, particularly in vehicles that have high mileage or have not had the updated parts installed. As a result, the problem hasn’t been eliminated in all cases, and many mechanics continue encountering oil filter housing leaks in older models. For those with affected vehicles, it’s important to stay up-to-date on recalls and service advisories from Chrysler and consider proactive repairs if necessary.

A leaking oil filter housing and oil cooler assembly is a common problem on Chrysler vehicles with the Pentastar 3.2L and 3.6L engines. The housing is injection molded using polypropylene and it’s located in the valley between the engine banks. The location is great because the oil filter sits right in the center of the engine. All the technician has to do is unscrew the cap, pull the filter and swap in a new one. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work out that way in real life.

The housing bolts to the top of the block. Oil circulates in and out of the cooler from the bottom. Coolant circulates through ports on each side of the sensors.

Why the Chrysler Oil Filter Housing Fails

1) Plastic Failure— The plastic ages quickly because it sits in such a hot place. It becomes brittle, warps, and cracks. The leak usually shows up weeks after the last oil change, and the shop that did the oil change usually gets blamed for “over-tightening the oil filter cap.” But that’s not the cause. It’s a bad design and is not caused by over-tightening the oil filter cap.

2) Seal Failure— Chrysler originally replaced the housings with a replacement made with minor modifications. But they didn’t fix the problem. Then Chrysler claimed the problem wasn’t the housing itself but the O-ring seals that are designed to seal the unit to the engine block. The replacements failed at the same rate as the original housings.

Aftermarket replacements fix the problem

Several companies sell replacement oil filter housings. However, they vary in price and quality. One popular aftermarket brand is made by Dorman Products. I’m not normally a fan of Dorman products, but in this case, I think they make the best replacement, better even than the Chryler part. The Dorman oil filter housing shown below is made of metal and comes with everything needed to fix the problem. The complete assembly costs around $315 and is available at most auto parts stores like Advance Auto Parts.

The Dorman 926-959 assembly is a permanent fix for the leaking oil filter housing problem. The assembly comes with a new filter cap, oil cooler, filter, all gaskets and seals and new bolts.

Several other manufacturers make replacement oil filter housings, but beware!

If you enter the Dorman part number into a search engine, you’ll find comparable-looking units for a LOT less. This unit from Gledewen on Amazon is a perfect example. It sells for $55. However, it has a whopping 17% negative rating.

Here’s a sampling of the negative reviews:

• Worse than OEM
• Not good
• FAILED IN FOUR MONTHS
• Did not quite fit and started to leak again after 2 weeks
• This replacement broke within a week.
• Started leaking right away.

Gledewen Oil Filter Housing Replacement

Installing the oil filter housing

Alldata lists the job at 2.2 hours, so it will take you every bit of the morning to do this yourself.

Drain the coolant
Remove engine cover and the air intake ducting
Disconnect vacuum lines and all electrical connectors to the throttle body and upper intake
Remove the upper intake.
Remove the lower intake
Remove the housing and swap in the new unit.
Use a torque wrench to torque the bolts to the housing. This is critical. Don’t guess and don’t reuse the old bolts
Reinstall everything in reverse order

Vehicles using the defective Leaking Oil Filter Housing Cooler Assembly

3.2L & 3.6L V6 engines in

Chrysler 300
Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Voyager
Chrysler Town and Country
Dodge Challenger
Dodge Charger
Dodge Durango
Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Wrangler
Ram 1500
Ram 1500 Classic
Ram Promaster

©, 2022 Rick Muscoplat