Understanding P0175 on Your 2020 Dodge Durango
The P0175 code on your 2020 Dodge Durango means that bank 2 of your engine is receiving more fuel than the ideal 14.7:1 air-fuel ratio demands. The 2020 Durango comes with either the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or the 5.7L HEMI V8, and both engines can trigger this code though the causes and severity differ between them. On the V6, bank 2 is the rear cylinder bank; on the V8, it's the passenger side.
Symptoms You May Experience
- Check engine light on the instrument cluster
- Noticeably worse fuel economy — the Durango already averages 19-21 MPG highway, so further drops are painful
- Black or dark gray exhaust smoke
- Rough idle, especially when cold
- Fuel smell from the exhaust
- Possible engine misfires at higher RPMs
Primary Causes for the 2020 Durango
1. MAF Sensor Contamination or Failure
The mass airflow sensor on the 2020 Durango measures incoming air for the PCM to calculate fuel delivery. On the 3.6L Pentastar, the MAF sits in the airbox assembly and is prone to dust and oil contamination. On the 5.7L HEMI, aftermarket air filter oils are the biggest offender. A contaminated MAF underreports airflow, causing the PCM to over-fuel. Cleaning costs $10–$15 for MAF cleaner spray; sensor replacement runs $85–$200.
2. Worn or Leaking Fuel Injectors
By 2020, many Durangos with moderate mileage (40,000–80,000 miles) can develop injector issues. The 3.6L Pentastar is particularly known for injector seal degradation that allows fuel to seep past when the engine is off, leading to a rich condition on startup. HEMI injectors can develop spray pattern issues. Cleaning service runs $120–$220; replacement is $50–$100 per injector plus $200–$400 labor.
3. Bank 2 Upstream O2 Sensor Degradation
The 2020 Durango uses heated oxygen sensors that can degrade over time, especially if exposed to a rich exhaust environment. A slow-responding O2 sensor on bank 2 causes delayed fuel trim corrections, maintaining a rich condition. O2 sensor replacement on the Durango costs $130–$280 at an independent shop.
4. Fuel Pressure Regulator Sticking High
Both the Pentastar and HEMI use returnless fuel systems with an in-tank pressure regulator. If the regulator sticks in a high-pressure position, excess fuel is pushed through all injectors. On the Durango, this typically requires fuel pump module replacement at $300–$550 including labor.
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
- Scan for all codes — look for companion codes like P0172 (bank 1 rich), P0101 (MAF range), or P013x (O2 sensor codes)
- Check freeze frame data for the conditions when P0175 set
- Review fuel trim data — LTFT bank 2 below -8% confirms a consistent rich condition
- Inspect the air filter and MAF sensor visually — look for oil residue or debris
- Test fuel pressure — the 3.6L should read 58 psi, the 5.7L should be 58 psi at idle
- Smoke test the intake system for vacuum leaks that might affect MAF readings
Can You Keep Driving?
Yes, for short trips. The Durango is a family SUV often used for daily driving and towing, so getting this fixed promptly matters. A rich condition increases fuel costs significantly on an already thirsty vehicle, and prolonged rich running will damage the catalytic converters — a repair that can exceed $1,200 on the Durango. Schedule a diagnosis within the next week.
DIY Repair Considerations
The MAF sensor on the Durango is easily accessible and cleaning it is a straightforward 15-minute DIY job. O2 sensor replacement is moderately difficult due to the Durango's ride height giving reasonable underbody access. Fuel injector work on either engine requires more skill and time — budget 3–4 hours for a full bank of injectors on the HEMI.