2021 Jeep Gladiator Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator takes either 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) of 0W-20 oil for the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, or 9.0 quarts (8.5 liters) of 5W-40 synthetic oil for the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service these JT-generation Gladiators, and ensuring you use the correct oil viscosity and filter is crucial for the longevity of your Jeep's engine, whether you are daily driving or hitting the trails.

Below is your comprehensive oil change reference guide for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator.

Quick answer

If you have the standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 (the most common engine), here are your quick specs:

• Oil Capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.7L) with filter replacement.
• Recommended Weight: 0W-20
• Oil Specification: API SP / ILSAC GF-6A (Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395).
• OEM Oil Filter: Mopar MO-349 (Part number 68191349AC)
• Aftermarket Cross-References: Fram CH11665, WIX WL10010, Mobil 1 M1C-254A. (Note: This is a cartridge-style filter).

If you have the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, your specs are:

• Oil Capacity: 9.0 quarts (8.5L) with filter replacement.
• Recommended Weight: 5W-40 Full Synthetic
• Oil Specification: API SN or newer / ACEA C3 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-10902).
• OEM Oil Filter: Mopar 68507598AA
• Aftermarket Cross-References: WIX WL10459.

Capacity by engine option

Oil change interval

Your 2021 Jeep Gladiator is equipped with an Automatic Oil Change Indicator System that calculates oil life based on your driving conditions. However, here are the hard rules:

• Normal Duty: Follow the oil life monitor. Never exceed 10,000 miles, 12 months, or 350 hours of engine run time between oil changes, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow heavy loads, drive off-road in dusty conditions, idle extensively, or drive in extreme heat, you should change your oil every 4,000 to 5,000 miles or every 6 months.

Drain plug torque

• 3.6L V6 Drain Plug Torque: 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm).
• 3.0L EcoDiesel Drain Plug Torque: Consult dealer for exact spec, generally around 20 ft-lbs.
• Note: The 3.6L uses a standard 13mm drain plug. It does not typically use a separate replaceable crush washer (it features a built-in rubber seal). If the rubber seal is torn or flattened, replace the entire drain plug.

How to change the oil

The 3.6L Pentastar is one of the easiest engines to service thanks to its top-mounted oil filter.

1. Warm up the engine: Let the vehicle run for a few minutes to warm the oil, which helps it drain faster and suspend contaminants.
2. Access the drain plug: Position a drain pan under the 13mm oil drain plug located on the oil pan.
3. Drain the oil: Remove the plug and let the oil drain completely. Inspect the rubber seal on the drain plug. Reinstall and torque to 20 ft-lbs.
4. Replace the oil filter: Locate the oil filter housing on top of the engine under the hood. Using a 24mm socket, loosen the plastic cap. Pull the cap straight up—the paper cartridge filter will come with it. Remove the old filter from the cap, replace the O-ring on the cap (lubricate it with fresh oil), and snap the new filter into the cap. Torque the cap to 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm). Do not overtighten.
5. Refill and check: Pour 5.0 quarts of 0W-20 oil into the oil filler neck. Run the engine for a minute, shut it off, wait five minutes, and check the dipstick to ensure the level is correct.
6. Reset the oil life monitor: Turn the ignition to the RUN position (without starting the engine). Navigate to the "Vehicle Info" menu on your dash, go to the "Oil Life" screen, and press and hold the "OK" button to reset.

Common issues / tips

• Oil Filter Housing Leaks (3.6L): The most common issue on the 3.6L Pentastar is overtightening the plastic oil filter cap. Doing so can crack the entire oil cooler/filter housing assembly sitting in the valley of the engine. Always use a torque wrench (18 ft-lbs / 25 Nm) on the plastic cap, or simply tighten it until it firmly bottoms out.
• Diesel Soot: If you have the 3.0L EcoDiesel, don't be alarmed if your fresh oil turns pitch black almost immediately after starting the engine. This is completely normal for modern diesels due to soot suspension.
• Skid Plates: If your Gladiator has heavy-duty factory or aftermarket skid plates, you may need to remove an access panel to cleanly reach the oil drain plug.

Need an oil change? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.