The cabin air filter on your Jeep Grand Cherokee is the barrier between outside air and the air you breathe inside the vehicle. It traps pollen, dust, exhaust particles, mold spores, and other airborne contaminants before they enter the cabin through the HVAC system. A clogged or deteriorated cabin air filter reduces airflow from the vents, causes musty odors when the AC or heater runs, and forces the blower motor to work harder — shortening its lifespan. Replacing the cabin air filter is one of the simplest and most affordable maintenance items on any vehicle, and it makes an immediate difference in air quality and HVAC performance. This guide covers the Jeep Grand Cherokee (2005-2021) with filter specifications, location, replacement steps, and current pricing.
Signs Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Cabin Air Filter Needs Replacement
A cabin air filter does not fail suddenly — it gradually clogs over time. Watch for these symptoms:
- Reduced HVAC airflow even on high fan speed — The Grand Cherokee's dual-zone HVAC system relies on adequate airflow through the cabin air filter. A clogged filter restricts this airflow and makes the blower motor work harder. On the highest fan setting, if air output is noticeably lower than when the vehicle was new, the cabin air filter is the first thing to check.
- Musty or moldy odor from the vents — The Grand Cherokee's evaporator is directly adjacent to the cabin air filter housing. Moisture from the AC condenses on the evaporator and keeps the filter area damp. A dirty filter in this environment develops mold, producing a musty smell that is most noticeable when the AC or heater first starts.
- Increased pollen and dust inside the cabin — The Grand Cherokee's HVAC pulls in a large volume of outside air. When the cabin air filter is saturated, fine particles — pollen, road dust, and exhaust soot — pass through and circulate inside the cabin. Drivers with allergies will notice this before other symptoms.
- Foggy windows that are slow to defog — A restricted cabin air filter reduces the volume of air the defroster can push across the windshield. In cold or humid conditions, the windshield and side windows take significantly longer to clear. This is a safety issue, especially during winter driving.
- Blower motor running louder than normal — The blower motor compensates for reduced airflow by drawing more current. The additional load produces more motor noise. Over time, a clogged filter can cause the blower motor to overheat and fail — a repair that costs $200-$350 on the Grand Cherokee.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Cabin Air Filter Specifications
Filter dimensions and part numbers vary by generation. Use this table to identify the correct filter for your Jeep Grand Cherokee:
| Year Range | Filter Size | OEM Part Number | Compatible Aftermarket |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005-2010 (WK) | 10.6 x 7.5 x 1.2 in | Mopar 05013595AB | Fram CF10747, Wix WP10155, K&N VF2013 |
| 2011-2021 (WK2) | 9.5 x 7.6 x 1.2 in | Mopar 68079487AA | Fram CF11966, Wix WP10234, K&N VF2040 |
Always verify the part number against your owner's manual or the filter currently installed in the vehicle. Some model years had mid-year changes.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Cabin Air Filter Cost: OEM vs Aftermarket
Cabin air filters are one of the least expensive maintenance items. Here is a realistic cost comparison:
| Option | Filter Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OEM Brand Filter | $25–$40 | Exact factory spec, branded packaging |
| Quality Aftermarket (Fram, Wix, K&N) | $8–$15 | Meets or exceeds OEM filtration; K&N offers washable/reusable filters |
| Budget Aftermarket | $6–$13 | Basic filtration, shorter lifespan — adequate for infrequent drivers |
| Dealer Installed | $45–$75 | Includes labor; most dealers charge $20–$40 labor for a 5-minute job |
Current market average for a Jeep Grand Cherokee cabin air filter: $15. This is a DIY-friendly replacement that requires no tools on most Jeep Grand Cherokee models — dealer labor charges are unnecessary for most owners.
OEM vs Aftermarket Cabin Air Filter Quality
OEM filters are manufactured to the exact specification the vehicle was designed for. They fit precisely and filter to the rated micron level. For the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the OEM filter is the baseline standard.
Fram Fresh Breeze: Includes an activated carbon layer that absorbs odors and exhaust fumes in addition to particle filtration. A popular upgrade over the standard OEM filter. Typically $2–$5 more than a basic aftermarket filter.
Wix: Reliable OEM-equivalent filtration with consistent quality. No carbon layer on the standard model, but they offer a carbon-activated version (WP series) at a slight premium.
K&N VF-series (washable): A reusable cabin air filter that can be washed and reinstalled. Higher upfront cost ($25–$35) but lasts the life of the vehicle if maintained. Best value for owners who keep vehicles long-term. Filtration is comparable to OEM for particles but does not include a carbon odor layer.
Budget filters (EPAuto, ECOGARD): Functional particle filtration at the lowest price. Adequate for most drivers. The trade-off is a shorter effective lifespan — replace every 10,000 miles instead of 15,000.
2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee Cabin Air Filter (WK, 3.7L V6 / 4.7L V8 / 5.7L HEMI / 3.0L CRD)
The WK generation Grand Cherokee uses a cabin air filter behind the glovebox. The Mopar OEM part number is 05013595AB. At 15+ years old, many WK Grand Cherokees have neglected cabin air filters. The WK filter is larger than the WK2 filter — they are not interchangeable between generations. Aftermarket options from Fram and Wix are widely available and affordable.
Find a 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee cabin air filter
2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Cabin Air Filter (WK2, 3.6L Pentastar V6 / 5.7L HEMI / 3.0L EcoDiesel / 6.4L SRT)
The WK2 uses a different (slightly smaller) cabin air filter than the WK. The Mopar OEM part number is 68079487AA. All WK2 engine variants (3.6L, 5.7L, 3.0L EcoDiesel, 6.4L SRT) use the same cabin air filter. The WK2 HVAC system has improved sealing around the filter housing, which means a clogged filter has a greater impact on airflow compared to the WK — the system is more efficient but also more sensitive to filter condition.
Find a 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee cabin air filter
Where Is the Cabin Air Filter Located on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Location: Behind the glovebox on all 2005-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee models. The WK (2005-2010) and WK2 (2011-2021) generations both place the cabin air filter behind the glovebox, though the filter size and housing differ between the two platforms.
Access steps:
- Open the glovebox and remove all items.
- On the WK2 (2011-2021): Press inward on the right side wall to release the damper arm. Then squeeze both side walls to disengage the stop tabs. The glovebox drops down, revealing the filter housing.
- On the WK (2005-2010): The procedure is similar — squeeze the glovebox sides past the stop tabs to drop it.
- Locate the filter housing cover. It has a tab or clip. Release the tab and swing the cover open.
- Slide the old filter straight out. Note the airflow direction arrow on the filter edge.
- Insert the new filter with the airflow direction arrow pointing downward (toward the floor).
- Close the housing cover, snap it shut, and push the glovebox back into its normal position. Reconnect the damper arm if applicable.
Total time: 3-5 minutes. No tools required on the WK2. The WK may benefit from a trim panel removal tool but is generally tool-free.
How Often to Replace the Jeep Grand Cherokee Cabin Air Filter
Mopar recommends replacing the Grand Cherokee cabin air filter every 20,000 miles or at least once per year. For vehicles driven on unpaved roads, in dusty conditions, or in areas with heavy pollen, Mopar recommends every 12,000-15,000 miles. The WK2 generation does not include a cabin air filter reminder in the EVIC — it is a mileage-based maintenance item.
If you drive in dusty conditions, unpaved roads, heavy traffic, or areas with high pollen counts, replace the filter more frequently — every 10,000 miles or 6 months. A visual inspection tells you immediately whether the filter needs replacement: hold it up to light. If you cannot see light through the filter media, it is clogged and restricting airflow.
Where to Buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee Cabin Air Filter
We aggregate cabin air filter inventory from suppliers nationwide, with fitment confirmed by year and trim level.
Browse all Jeep Grand Cherokee cabin air filters in stock
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have a cabin air filter?
Yes. All 2005-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee models (WK and WK2) have a cabin air filter behind the glovebox. Some earlier WJ models (1999-2004) did not come equipped with one from the factory, though retrofit kits exist.
How often should I change the Grand Cherokee cabin air filter?
Every 20,000 miles or once per year under normal conditions. If you drive on dirt roads or in dusty/high-pollen areas, every 12,000-15,000 miles. Visual inspection is the most reliable test — if the filter is visibly dirty or you cannot see light through it, replace it.
Are the WK and WK2 Grand Cherokee cabin air filters the same?
No. The WK (2005-2010) uses a larger filter (Mopar 05013595AB) than the WK2 (2011-2021, Mopar 68079487AA). They are not interchangeable. Always verify by generation before purchasing.
Is the Mopar OEM filter worth the extra cost over aftermarket?
The Mopar OEM filter provides factory-spec filtration and fit. However, quality aftermarket filters from Fram, Wix, and K&N provide equivalent or better filtration at a lower price. Activated carbon versions from Fram and K&N add odor absorption that the standard Mopar filter does not include.
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