Jeep Grand Cherokee · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Jeep Grand Cherokee Air Filter Guide
When does a Jeep Grand Cherokee need a new engine air filter or cabin air filter, and how do you change them? Here is what the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual says about the replacement intervals, the engine air filter steps and the cabin air filter steps behind the glove compartment.
30,000 miEngine air filter replacement, or 3 years
12,000 miCabin air filter replacement
Glove boxCabin filter sits in the fresh air inlet behind it
Arrow downCabin filter airflow arrow points toward the floor
The short answer
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintenance plans for the 2.0L Hurricane-4 engine and the 2.0L hybrid engine both call for replacing the engine air cleaner filter at 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, 120,000 and 150,000 miles (or 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 years, whichever comes first), and replacing the cabin air filter every 12,000 miles (19,000 km). In dusty or off-road use, the manual says to inspect the engine air cleaner filter at every oil change and replace it as necessary.
Grand Cherokee air filter replacement intervals
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintenance plans for the 2.0L Hurricane-4 and 2.0L hybrid engines (mileage or time passed, whichever comes first):
| Filter | What the maintenance plan says |
|---|---|
| Engine air cleaner filter | Replace at 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, 120,000 and 150,000 miles (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 years) |
| Engine air cleaner filter, dusty or off-road use | Inspect at every oil change interval shown by the oil change indicator; replace as necessary |
| Cabin air filter | Replace every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) |
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual (Maintenance Plan, 2.0L Hurricane-4 Engine and 2.0L Hybrid Engine), read November 8, 2026.
The manual says the quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters varies considerably and only high quality Mopar filters should be used.
Replacing the Grand Cherokee engine air filter
The manual warns that the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can provide a measure of protection in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove it unless removal is necessary for repair or maintenance, and make sure no one is near the engine compartment before starting the vehicle with the air induction system removed.
To remove the engine air cleaner filter, the manual lists these steps:
- With a suitable tool, fully loosen the fasteners on the engine air cleaner cover.
- Lift the engine air cleaner cover and rotate the hinge to access the air cleaner filter.
- Remove the engine air cleaner filter from the housing assembly.
- Inspect and clean the housing assembly if significant dirt or debris is present, then install the new engine air cleaner filter into the housing with the filter inspection surface facing downward.
- Install the engine air cleaner cover onto the housing assembly locating tabs.
- Tighten the fasteners on the engine air cleaner cover. The manual cautions not to overtighten the cover screws or damage may result.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual (Engine Air Cleaner Filter), read November 8, 2026.
Replacing the Grand Cherokee cabin air filter
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the vehicle is running or while the ignition is in the ON/RUN mode. The manual warns that with the filter removed and the blower operating, the blower can contact hands and may propel dirt and debris into your eyes.
The cabin air filter is located in the fresh air inlet behind the glove compartment. The manual lists these steps:
- Open the glove compartment and remove all contents.
- Partially close the glove compartment door and pull the travel stop on the right side of the door toward you to release it.
- With the door loose, remove the tension tether and tether clip by sliding the clip toward the face of the glove compartment door and lifting the clip out of the door.
- Lower the glove compartment door to the floor.
- Squeeze together the retaining tabs that secure the cabin air filter cover to the HVAC housing, and unhinge the cover on the right side to remove it.
- Remove the cabin air filter by pulling it straight out of the housing.
- Install the new cabin air filter with the arrow on the filter pointing toward the floor. When installing the filter cover, make sure the retaining tabs fully engage into the HVAC housing.
- Lift the glove compartment door up and reattach the tension tether by inserting the tether clip in the glove compartment and sliding the clip away from the face of the door.
- Push the door to the near closed position to reengage the glove compartment travel stops, and make sure they are fully engaged.
The cabin air filter is marked with an arrow that shows the airflow direction; the manual cautions that installing it the wrong way will mean it needs to be replaced more often. In its climate control section, the manual also says you can contact an authorized dealer to service your cabin air filter and have it replaced when needed.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual (Cabin Air Filter Replacement; Climate Controls), read November 8, 2026.
Grand Cherokee air filter service at Elgin CDJR
Want us to handle it? Our Jeep service center and Express Lane handle air filters along with oil changes and checkups. See the Jeep maintenance schedule, the Grand Cherokee oil type and capacity or the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Schedule service or see our service specials.
Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.
Jeep Grand Cherokee air filter FAQ
How often should I change the engine air filter on a Grand Cherokee?
The 2026 maintenance plans list engine air cleaner filter replacement at 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, 120,000 and 150,000 miles, or 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 years, whichever comes first. In dusty or off-road use, inspect it at every oil change and replace it as necessary.
How often should I change the Grand Cherokee cabin air filter?
Every 12,000 miles (19,000 km), according to the 2026 Grand Cherokee maintenance plans.
Where is the cabin air filter on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
In the fresh air inlet behind the glove compartment. You lower the glove compartment door to the floor and remove the filter cover to reach it.
Which way does the Grand Cherokee cabin air filter go in?
With the arrow on the filter pointing toward the floor, according to the manual.
Which way does the engine air filter go in?
The manual says to install it with the engine air cleaner filter inspection surface facing downward.
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
Bring your Grand Cherokee to Streamwood
Visit Elgin CDJR at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood.
Sources
The replacement intervals, filter guidance and replacement steps are from the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual on Mopar (PDF dated November 6, 2025), read November 8, 2026. Our address and service hours are from our own website, checked the same day.