Mopar oil filters are made by Chrysler for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, and they meet the specifications that those engines require
Mopar is Chrysler's parts division, and a Mopar oil filter is engineered to fit your vehicle's engine bay and work with your engine's oil circulation system. The filter removes contaminants — metal particles, dirt, carbon — that accumulate as oil circulates. A filter that does not fit properly or does not have the right flow rating can reduce oil pressure, cause leaks, or let unfiltered oil bypass the filter media entirely.
When you buy a Mopar filter, you are buying a part designed for your specific engine, not a generic filter that happens to thread on. The filter housing, bypass valve setting, and anti-drainback valve are calibrated to your vehicle's oil system. Using the correct part matters because oil pressure and flow are not the same across all engines — a filter rated for a 3.6-liter V6 may not work the same way in a 5.7-liter V8.
Key Takeaways
- Mopar filters are made by Chrysler for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles and are engineered to match your specific engine's oil system.
- The filter part number is printed on your owner's manual, on the old filter itself, or on the Mopar website when you enter your vehicle's year, make, and model.
- Mopar filters cost more than some aftermarket options but carry a warranty and are may provide to fit without leaks or pressure loss.
- You can buy Mopar filters from Chrysler dealerships, online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto, and some independent shops that stock OEM parts.
- The bypass valve inside the filter opens if the filter becomes too clogged, allowing unfiltered oil to flow rather than starving the engine — this is a safety feature, not a sign of failure.
How to find the right Mopar filter for your vehicle
The easiest way is to look at your owner's manual, which lists the filter part number in the maintenance section. If you do not have the manual, you can find it on the Mopar website by entering your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. The website will return the correct part number and show you where to buy it.
If you already have an old filter on your engine, the part number is usually printed on the side or top. You can also call a Chrysler dealership parts department with your vehicle identification number (VIN) — they can tell you the correct filter in seconds and often have it in stock.
Do not assume that all Mopar filters are the same. A filter for a 2020 Jeep Wrangler with a 3.6-liter engine is different from a filter for a 2020 Wrangler with a 2.0-liter turbo engine. The part numbers look similar but are not interchangeable. Forcing the wrong filter onto your engine can crack the filter housing or damage the threads on the engine block.
Where to buy Mopar oil filters and what they cost
Chrysler dealerships stock Mopar filters and can install them during a service appointment. Dealership prices vary by location and by filter type, but a Mopar filter typically costs between $8 and $18 before installation labor.
Online retailers including Amazon, RockAuto, and Walmart carry Mopar filters and often charge less than dealerships. Shipping is usually fast for in-stock items. Some retailers offer free shipping on orders above a certain amount, which can offset the price difference if you are ordering other parts at the same time.
Independent repair shops and quick-lube facilities sometimes stock Mopar filters, especially in areas with high concentrations of Chrysler vehicles. Calling ahead is worth the time — not all shops carry OEM filters, and some will charge a markup for ordering one if they do not have it on hand.
Mopar filters versus aftermarket alternatives
Aftermarket filters from brands like Fram, Motorcraft, and Bosch are cheaper and widely available. They fit Chrysler engines and meet basic filtration standards. The trade-off is that aftermarket filters are not engineered specifically for your engine's oil system — they are designed to fit a range of vehicles and may not have the exact bypass valve pressure or anti-drainback valve design that Mopar uses.
In practice, many owners run aftermarket filters without problems. The risk is small but real: an aftermarket filter with a bypass valve set too high might allow more contaminants to pass through before opening; one set too low might open too early and reduce filtration efficiency. Mopar filters eliminate this guesswork because they are calibrated to your engine.
Mopar filters also come with a warranty from Chrysler. If a Mopar filter fails and damages your engine, Chrysler may cover the repair. Aftermarket filters typically do not carry this protection — the manufacturer of the filter may warrant the filter itself, but not the engine damage it causes.
What the bypass valve does and when it opens
Inside every oil filter is a bypass valve, a spring-loaded flap that opens when oil pressure gets too high. If your filter becomes clogged — usually after many thousands of miles without an oil change — the bypass valve opens and lets unfiltered oil flow directly to the engine. This is a safety feature, not a failure. An engine starved of oil will seize in seconds; an engine running on unfiltered oil will wear faster but will keep running.
The bypass valve pressure is set during manufacturing and varies by filter type. A Mopar filter for your engine opens at a pressure that matches your engine's design. If you use an aftermarket filter with a different bypass pressure, the valve might open at the wrong time — too early and you lose filtration; too late and you risk oil starvation if the filter clogs faster than expected.
You should never see the bypass valve open during normal driving. If your oil pressure warning light comes on and you suspect the filter is clogged, change the filter when ready. Continuing to drive on a clogged filter that has opened its bypass valve will accelerate engine wear.
How often to change your Mopar filter
Chrysler's recommended oil change interval varies by engine and model year. Newer vehicles with synthetic oil often go 10,000 miles between changes; older vehicles or those using conventional oil may need a change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. The oil filter should always be changed at the same time as the oil.
Your owner's manual lists the exact interval for your vehicle. If you drive in severe conditions — towing, frequent short trips, dusty environments — Chrysler recommends changing the filter more often. Some owners change the filter every other oil change as a cost-saving measure, but this is not recommended; the filter degrades over time and loses efficiency even if the oil is still clean.
Installing a Mopar filter yourself versus having it done at a shop
Changing an oil filter is one of the simplest maintenance tasks and requires only a filter wrench, a drain pan, and a few minutes. Most Mopar filters are accessible from under the vehicle or from the engine bay without removing other parts. Before you install a new filter, hand-tighten it until the rubber gasket on the filter touches the engine block, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Over-tightening can crack the filter or damage the threads; under-tightening can cause leaks.
If you do not have the tools or space to change the filter yourself, a dealership or independent shop will do it for $20 to $50 in labor, depending on how accessible the filter is on your vehicle. Some quick-lube shops offer filter changes for less, but confirm that they will use a Mopar filter if that is what you want — many default to aftermarket filters to keep costs down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an aftermarket filter instead of a Mopar filter?
Yes, aftermarket filters fit Chrysler engines and work. The difference is that Mopar filters are engineered specifically for your engine's oil system, while aftermarket filters are designed to fit multiple vehicles. Mopar filters carry a warranty; most aftermarket filters do not cover engine damage if the filter fails.
What happens if I use the wrong Mopar filter part number?
Using the wrong filter can cause leaks, reduce oil pressure, or damage the filter housing. Always verify the part number in your owner's manual or with a dealership before buying. The part number is specific to your engine size and model year.
How do I know if my oil filter is clogged?
A clogged filter usually triggers the oil pressure warning light on your dashboard. If the light comes on, change the filter when ready. You should not see this warning during normal driving if you follow the recommended oil change interval.
Is it worth buying Mopar filters online instead of at a dealership?
Online retailers often charge less than dealerships for the same Mopar filter. The trade-off is that you have to install it yourself or pay a shop to install it. If you change your own oil, buying online saves money; if you use a dealership for service, the dealership price may be competitive once you factor in labor.
Do Mopar filters come with any warranty?
Mopar filters carry a warranty from Chrysler against defects in materials and workmanship. If a Mopar filter fails and damages your engine, Chrysler may cover the repair. The warranty terms vary by region and by the specific filter, so check the documentation that comes with the filter or contact a dealership for details.