2018 Jeep Wrangler Oil Capacity, Viscosity & Filter Spec Guide

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler takes exactly 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) of engine oil when performing an oil and filter change, regardless of whether you have the 3.6L V6 or the 2.0L Turbo engine.

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve serviced countless Wranglers. The 2018 model year is unique because it marks the transition from the outgoing JK generation to the all-new JL generation, meaning oil weights and filter types vary depending on your specific engine and generation.

Quick Answer

Here are the essential oil specifications for the most common 2018 Jeep Wrangler (JL) 3.6L V6:

• Oil Capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.7L) with filter replacement.
• Recommended Weight: 0W-20 for the JL 3.6L (Note: older JK 3.6L models use 5W-20).
• Oil Specification: Chrysler MS-6395 (API SP / ILSAC GF-6A certified).
• OEM Oil Filter: Mopar MO-349 (for 3.6L).
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram CH11665, Wix WL10010, Mobil 1 Extended Performance M1C-254A.

Capacity by Engine Option

Because 2018 was a split year featuring both the JK and JL body styles, be sure to verify which engine and generation you have under the hood before buying your supplies.

(Note: The 2.0L Turbo uses a traditional spin-on filter (Mopar MO-339, Fram PH10060, Wix 57060), while the 3.6L uses a drop-in paper cartridge filter).

Oil Change Interval

Jeep utilizes an Automatic Oil Change Indicator System that calculates your oil life based on engine operating conditions. However, here are the hard limits you should follow:

• Normal Duty: Change when the indicator alerts you, or up to 10,000 miles / 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently drive off-road, tow heavy loads, idle extensively, or drive in dusty/sandy conditions, change the oil every 4,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months.

Drain plug torque

• 3.6L V6 Drain Plug Torque: 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm).
• 2.0L Turbo Drain Plug Torque: 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm).

Tech Tip: The factory drain plug features an integrated rubber O-ring seal rather than a traditional metal crush washer. Inspect this rubber seal every time you remove the plug. If it is flattened, torn, or leaking, you must replace the entire drain plug.

How to change the oil

1. Warm up the engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, which helps it drain faster and suspends contaminants.
2. Access the filter (3.6L V6): Using a 24mm socket, loosen the oil filter housing cap located on top of the engine. Doing this first allows the oil trapped in the housing to drain down into the pan. (For the 2.0L Turbo, the spin-on filter is underneath).
3. Drain the oil: Place a catch pan under the 13mm drain plug on the oil pan. Remove the plug and let the oil drain completely.
4. Reinstall the plug: Reinstall the drain plug and torque to 20 ft-lbs.
5. Replace the filter: For the 3.6L, snap the new paper cartridge into the cap, install the new O-ring (lubricate it with fresh oil), and torque the plastic cap to 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm).
6. Refill: Pour exactly 5.0 quarts of the specified oil into the filler neck.
7. Verify: Start the engine, check for leaks under the vehicle, shut it off, and verify the oil level on the dipstick after letting it settle for 5 minutes. Reset your oil life monitor on the dashboard.

Common issues / tips

The most notorious issue on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is a leaking oil filter housing/oil cooler assembly. Because the housing is made of plastic and sits in the valley of the engine, overtightening the filter cap during an oil change can easily crack the housing. Always use a torque wrench set to 18 ft-lbs (or hand-tight plus a slight nudge) on the 24mm cap, and routinely check the engine valley for pooled oil or coolant.

Additionally, if you are servicing a 2018 Wrangler JK 3.6L, make sure you are pouring 5W-20. The newer JL 3.6L engine was updated to use 0W-20 for better fuel economy and emissions. Mixing them up won't destroy the engine immediately, but adhering to the correct viscosity prevents variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid issues.

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