Industrial activities and human practices have led to serious problems with oil pollution. A significant concern is the discharge of oily wastewater from sources such as oil fields, refineries, automobile industries, palm oil production, and other sectors. Membrane filtration technology has emerged as a pivotal method for the separation of oil–water mixtures, offering advantages in terms of efficiency and selectivity. However, membrane fouling remains a significant challenge that hampers performance and increases operational costs. This review provides a comprehensive examination of ceramic membrane fouling in oil–water filtration systems, addressing its causes, effects, and mitigation strategies. Key factors influencing fouling include the characteristics of the oil–water emulsion, membrane properties, and filtration conditions. It will cover the fundamental mechanisms of fouling, the types of fouling encountered in oil–water systems, and the impact of operational parameters on fouling behavior. This paper seeks to offer valuable insights into improving ceramic membrane performance and extending the operational lifespan of filtration systems in challenging oil–water separation applications.