Why Is My Jeep Wrangler Leaking Oil?
Quick Answer:
Which Jeep Wranglers Are Affected by Oil Filter Housing Leaks?
This issue is most common on Jeep Wranglers equipped with:
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3.6L Pentastar engines
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3.2L Pentastar engines
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Model years roughly 2012–2018 (though later years have also been reported)
If your Wrangler has one of these engines and shows oil near the rear of the engine or bellhousing, the oil filter housing adapter should be checked first.
Regular maintenance is so important for your Jeep. However, sometimes these types of failures are unavoidable.
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| Selfie with my new oil filter housing |
How I Discovered the Oil Filter Housing Leak
I first noticed oil spots on my driveway and garage floor. After crawling under my Jeep, my heart sank oil was clearly leaking.
I shared photos with a trusted Jeep friend who immediately recognized the issue:
“That looks like the oil filter housing adapter.”
A local mechanic here in Minnesota confirmed it. Unfortunately, this is not a rare issue.
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| Underneath my Jeep with oil leaking |
Why the Pentastar Oil Filter Housing Fails
According to my mechanic and supported by years of owner reports the problem comes down to design and material choice.
Common Causes:
• The factory housing is plastic
• It’s over-torqued during oil changes
• Repeated heat cycles weaken the plastic
• Cold temperatures accelerate cracking
Once it fails, oil leaks down the engine valley and can look much worse than it initially is. This was one of those Jeep maintenance lessons I wish I’d known earlier.
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| Oil Leak |
Parts Availability (A Real Problem)
This is where things got frustrating.
I called three major auto parts stores, all of which told me:
• The OEM Mopar plastic housing is discontinued
• It had been unavailable for over a year
• The Dorman aluminum upgrade was also backordered
If you suspect this issue:
👉 Start sourcing parts immediately
What I Ended Up Using:
• Standard aftermarket plastic oil filter housing: ~$260
• Intake manifold gasket set: ~$52
This wasn’t my first choice but availability made the decision for me.
A Known Design Issue (With No Recall)
The Pentastar oil filter housing and cooler assembly is a widely documented failure point.
Known problems include:
• Warping from heat
• Brittleness over time
• Cracking that causes oil and coolant leaks
• Risk of engine damage if ignored
Despite the high number of complaints, Chrysler has never issued a recall, and has quietly discontinued the original part.
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| Inside the Jeep engine |
Why This Matters for Jeep Owners
Regular maintenance is critical but some failures aren’t preventable.
This is one of those:
• Even properly maintained engines fail here
• Oil leaks can escalate quickly
• Early detection saves money and stress
If you see oil pooling near the bellhousing or running down the engine block—check the oil filter housing first.
Jeep Momma Takeaway
This repair was frustrating, expensive, and stressful—but it reinforced why:
• Knowing common failure points matters
• Community knowledge is powerful
• Preventive awareness beats roadside surprises
If you own a Pentastar Jeep Wrangler, this is a repair you should know about even if you haven’t had the issue yet.
Related Reading
👉 Jeep Wrangler Maintenance Guide.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of a Jeep oil filter housing leak?
Oil pooling under the engine, burning oil smell, oil on the transmission housing, or visible leaks near the top rear of the engine.
Can I drive with a leaking oil filter housing?
Short distances, maybe—but it’s risky. Oil loss and contamination can lead to serious engine damage if ignored.
Is the aluminum oil filter housing worth it?
Yes. Aluminum housings eliminate the plastic failure point and are considered the long-term fix when available.
Can a Jeep oil filter housing leak coolant too?
Yes. The oil filter housing and oil cooler are part of the same assembly. When the housing cracks, it can cause both oil and coolant leaks, which is why this failure should be addressed quickly.
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