Complete Oil Specifications
Your 2021 Jeep Gladiator 3.0L EcoDiesel requires full synthetic SAE 5W-40 oil meeting Stellantis MS-10902 and API CK-4 standards.
Quick Reference
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-40 |
| API Rating | CK-4 (MS-10902) |
| Capacity (with filter) | 8.5 quarts |
| Oil Filter | Mopar 68457720AA |
| Normal Interval | 8000 miles |
Why 5W-40 (Not 5W-30) Is Now Required
Some early 2021 Gladiator EcoDiesel owner’s manuals listed 5W-30 as acceptable. A subsequent Stellantis Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) updated this to mandate 5W-40 meeting MS-10902 exclusively, after reports of bottom-end bearing wear under sustained load with 5W-30. The 3.0L VM Motori diesel — a medium-duty derived engine — requires the higher viscosity grade to maintain adequate oil film thickness at the main and rod bearings under the Gladiator’s off-road and towing duty cycles.
If you have an early 2021 Gladiator and have been using 5W-30: Switch to 5W-40 MS-10902 at your next oil change. The TSB applies to all 2021 EcoDiesel Gladiators.
Using incorrect oil will:
- ❌ Risk premature main and connecting rod bearing wear under sustained towing or off-road loads
- ❌ Allow oil film breakdown in the turbocharger at high EGT (exhaust gas temperature) conditions
- ❌ Invalidate warranty claims related to bottom-end failures on affected vehicles
Jeep-Approved Oil Brands
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✅ Pennzoil Platinum Euro Full Synthetic 5W-40
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✅ Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40
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✅ Mobil 1 ESP Full Synthetic 5W-40
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✅ Liqui-Moly Diesel Synthoil 5W-40
Look for MS-10902 certification on the label, or oils marketed for European diesel standards (ACEA C3/A3-B4) that also list MS-10902. Several European diesel oils meet this spec.
Severe Service Check
You need the 4000-mile interval if you:
- Tow a trailer on trails or mountain grades
- Operate in sustained off-road conditions (rock crawling, trail driving)
- Drive primarily short trips under 5 miles (diesel engines do not reach full temperature on short runs)
- Use the vehicle in extreme heat above 100°F with heavy payload
Important for off-road use: Diesel engines run particularly dirty when idling at low speed on trails. Consider 4,000-mile intervals if the Gladiator sees regular trail use.
Installation Details
Drain Plug Torque: 20 ft-lbs
OEM Filter: Mopar 68457720AA
Aftermarket Filters:
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Purolator L25288
-
Wix 57621
-
Mann W 712/93
Pro Tip: The EcoDiesel’s oil filter is a cartridge-style element mounted on the engine block. Unlike spin-on filters, it requires an oil filter cap socket (typically 36mm). Have the correct tool before starting the job — the cap is torqued and does not loosen by hand.
FAQs
What oil does a 2021 Jeep Gladiator 3.0L EcoDiesel take? Full synthetic SAE 5W-40 meeting Stellantis MS-10902 and API CK-4. Do not use 5W-30 — a Stellantis TSB updated the requirement to 5W-40 after early field reports of bearing wear.
How many quarts does it need? 8.5 quarts with a new filter element, 8.0 without.
My manual says 5W-30 — which is correct? The TSB supersedes the early printed manuals. 5W-40 meeting MS-10902 is the current Stellantis mandate for the 3.0L EcoDiesel in all Gladiator applications. Use 5W-40.
Is this the same oil as the EcoDiesel Wrangler? Yes — the Wrangler EcoDiesel uses the same 3.0L VM Motori engine with the same MS-10902 / 5W-40 oil requirement.
How often should I change the oil? Every 8000 miles or 1 year under normal conditions. For heavy off-road or towing duty, use the 4000-mile interval.
Can I use a gasoline engine oil like 5W-40 SP? No. The EcoDiesel requires a diesel-rated oil (API CK-4). Gasoline engine oils lack the anti-soot additive package and high-sulfur tolerance required for diesel combustion byproducts.
Need these specs on your phone? Download OilFinderPro app for offline access and oil change reminders.
Last verified: 2026-04-22 | Source: 2021 Jeep Gladiator Owner’s Manual / Stellantis TSB