The complete Jeep Wrangler JK maintenance schedule for 2007–2018—covering the 3.8L V6 (2007–2011) and the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (2012–2018) with service intervals, verified Mopar part numbers, and how trail dust, mud, and water crossings change the chart. Track engine-specific items in Carmainty so a 3.8L filter never ends up on a 3.6L.
Quick reference
JK charts mix mileage and time, and Jeep’s own severe-use list covers dusty roads, off-road driving, and frequent short trips—which describes most Wranglers. Treat the “normal” column as a ceiling, not a target, and see the severe and off-road section if you wheel.
| Interval | Service item | Notes & Mopar |
|---|---|---|
| Every 5,000–8,000 mi (8,000–13,000 km) / 6 mo | Engine oil & filter | 3.8L: 04105409AE · 3.6L: 68191349AC |
| Every oil service | Tire rotation | Match tread depth · protects transfer case & axles |
| Every oil service | Brake inspection | Pads, rotors, lines · check after water / mud |
| Every 15,000–30,000 mi (24,000–48,000 km) | Engine air filter | 68257791AB · supersedes 53034018AE · inspect early in dust |
| Every 15,000–30,000 mi (24,000–48,000 km) | Cabin filter (later JK) | 68535613AA · supersedes 68233626AA · confirm housing exists |
| Every 30,000–60,000 mi (48,000–96,000 km) | Transfer case fluid | Sooner if severe · confirm fluid by VIN |
| Every 30,000–60,000 mi (48,000–96,000 km) | Front / rear axle fluid | Sooner after deep water or rock crawling · confirm by VIN |
| Per engine chart | Spark plugs | 3.8L and 3.6L differ · confirm plug number by VIN |
| Per engine chart | Coolant | Time- and mileage-based · check level and condition each oil change |
| Every 2–3 years | Brake fluid | Sooner if you wade or wheel often |
| After deep water / mud | Axles, breathers & fluids | Inspect for milky fluid · clear axle and transfer-case vents |
| Every oil service | Underbody & driveline inspection | Skid plates, boots, U-joints, steering linkage on lifted trucks |
Engine-specific — don’t mix up your parts
Two V6 engines mean two different oil filters and different capacities. Ordering by “Jeep Wrangler” alone is the easiest way to buy the wrong filter—match the engine first, then the part number.
2007–2011 · X · Sahara · Rubicon · Unlimited
04105409AESpin-on Mopar filter. Do not use on the 3.6L Pentastar.
2012–2018 · Sport · Sahara · Rubicon · Unlimited
68191349ACCartridge-style Mopar filter. Use the correct cap/seal hardware per your service manual.
Detailed schedule
Expand each item for OEM numbers, capacities, and owner notes. Always confirm fitment for your year, engine, and drivetrain.
Every 5,000–8,000 miles (8,000–13,000 km) / 6 months (typical)
The 2007–2011 3.8L JK commonly uses 5W-20 and takes roughly 6 qt (5.7 L) with the filter. The 2012–2018 3.6L Pentastar often specifies 0W-20 or 5W-20 and takes about 5 qt (4.7 L)—confirm the filler cap and owner’s manual for your exact year.
Most Wranglers see conditions Jeep lists as severe: dusty roads, frequent short trips, towing, and off-road use. If that sounds like your JK, lean toward the short end of the interval, and change sooner after trail dust and water crossings.
04105409AEMopar spin-on for 3.8L JK (supersedes 04105409AC).
68191349ACCartridge-style Mopar filter for Pentastar 3.6L JK.
Every oil service
Rotate and measure tread at every oil change. Uneven tires on 4x4 Wranglers stress the transfer case and axles—especially after oversized rubber, lift kits, or mixed on/off-road use. Replace tires in sets, or keep tread depths closely matched.
Inspect pads, rotors, and brake lines at the same visit. Mud and water packed around calipers accelerate wear and can hide leaks, so rinse the undercarriage after trail days before you inspect.
Every 15,000–30,000 miles (24,000–48,000 km) (sooner in dust)
Engine air filters clog fast on dusty trails—inspect at every oil change and replace sooner than the chart if the element is packed. Early JK years often had no factory cabin filter; later JK models added one behind the glove box.
Before ordering a cabin filter, open the glove-box area and confirm the housing exists. Many 2007–2010 JKs do not have one.
68257791ABCurrent supersession for many 2007–2018 gas JK elements (replaces 53034018AE). Confirm diesel separately if equipped.
68535613AACommon later-JK cabin element (supersedes 68233626AA). Many 2007–2010 JKs have no cabin filter housing—verify before ordering.
Every 30,000–60,000 miles (48,000–96,000 km) (severe sooner)
JK 4x4 hardware needs timed fluid changes—especially after deep water, mud, or rock crawling. Use the correct Mopar gear oil and transfer-case fluid for your axle and case type; Dana 30, Dana 44, and different transfer cases do not all share the same fluid or fill procedure.
We intentionally do not list fluid part numbers here: confirm the exact Mopar fluid on store.mopar.com or with your dealer using your VIN before you buy.
Per engine chart
Plugs, coolant, and brake fluid still have calendars even if you live on oil changes. Spark plug type and interval differ between the 3.8L and 3.6L—follow the maintenance chart in your owner’s manual and confirm the plug number by VIN.
Check coolant level and condition at every oil change. After water crossings, inspect brakes and fluid condition sooner, and replace brake fluid every couple of years if you wade or wheel frequently.
Every oil service
Lifted or modified JKs add wear points: steering linkage, track bar and tie-rod ends, driveshaft U-joints and CV boots, and skid-plate hardware. A quick under-vehicle inspection at each oil change catches loose or damaged parts before a trail day does.
If you actually use your Jeep
Normal intervals assume pavement and mild climate. Dust, mud, rock crawling, towing, and water crossings all count as severe use—and the schedule shortens. This is the section most Wrangler owners need.
Water is the biggest hidden risk: axle and transfer-case vents can pull in water, turning gear oil milky and quickly destroying bearings and gears. When in doubt after a deep crossing, change the fluid.
Master reference
| Service | OEM / Mopar | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oil filter 3.8L | 04105409AE | 2007–2011 · supersedes 04105409AC |
| Oil filter 3.6L | 68191349AC | 2012–2018 Pentastar cartridge |
| Engine air filter | 68257791AB | Gas JK · supersedes 53034018AE |
| Cabin filter (later JK) | 68535613AA | Supersedes 68233626AA · confirm housing exists |
| Oil — 3.8L | 5W-20 | ~6 qt (~5.7 L) w/ filter typical |
| Oil — 3.6L | 0W-20 / 5W-20 | ~5 qt (~4.7 L) · confirm filler cap |
| Transfer case fluid | Confirm by VIN | Varies by case · check store.mopar.com |
| Axle / differential fluid | Confirm by VIN | Varies by axle · check store.mopar.com |
| Spark plugs | Confirm by VIN | 3.8L and 3.6L differ |
The real math
Neglected axle / transfer fluids after water → unit failure
Vs. timed fluid services
$2,000–$5,000+
Wrong oil filter for 3.8 vs 3.6 → poor filtration
Vs. matching engine filter
Engine wear risk
Packed air filter after trails → power / MPG loss
Vs. $20–$40 elements
Hundreds wasted
Worn steering / driveline parts on a lifted JK → failure on trail
Vs. routine inspection
$500–$2,000+
People also ask
Many owners change every 5,000–8,000 miles (8,000–13,000 km) or 6 months—sooner with dusty trails, towing, or short trips. Follow the severe schedule if you wheel regularly; 3,000–5,000 miles (5,000–8,000 km) is common for hard use.
2007–2011 3.8L: Mopar 04105409AE (supersedes 04105409AC). 2012–2018 3.6L: 68191349AC. Confirm engine and look up on store.mopar.com with your VIN.
The 3.8L typically uses 5W-20 and takes about 6 qt (5.7 L) with the filter. The 3.6L Pentastar commonly uses 0W-20 or 5W-20 and takes about 5 qt (4.7 L). Always confirm on the filler cap and in your owner’s manual.
Engine air filter for many gas JKs: 68257791AB (supersedes 53034018AE). Later JK cabin filter: 68535613AA (supersedes 68233626AA). Many 2007–2010 JKs have no cabin filter housing, so check before ordering.
Typically every 30,000–60,000 miles (48,000–96,000 km), and sooner with severe use. After deep water crossings or heavy mud, inspect immediately and change milky or contaminated fluid. Confirm the exact Mopar fluid for your axles and transfer case by VIN.
Yes. Shorten oil intervals, inspect the air filter every oil change, service axle and transfer-case fluids sooner (especially after water), clear breathers, grease and inspect driveline and steering parts, and rinse the undercarriage after mud or salt.
Both were sold in 2018. JK is the prior body; JL is the redesign. Check the VIN / build sheet before ordering filters—numbers differ. See the JL page if yours is the redesigned truck.
Yes—Carmainty lets you log mileage, set reminders for each interval on this page, attach receipts, and track multiple vehicles. Free to download on the App Store and Google Play.