9.8

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$5,380
Average Mileage:
63,550 miles
Total Complaints:
10 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. new motor (9 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Jeep dealer.

problem #10

Aug 302019

Wrangler Sport 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

I bought this Jeep new and never had a problem with it till the Motor Blew up with no warnings at all.

The check engine light never came on, it never said to check the oil. I was not due for my oil change for another 1,000 miles. I have all the receipts of all the maintenance I've done on this vehicle. I come from a mechanic family and know all the sounds and noises a car makes when not running right. None of those sounds or noises were ever present until I was driving home from work on a Friday night and all of a sudden I lost power and the motor started ticking loudly, then it died just as I was pulling into my drive way. A neighbor help pushed it into my parking spot.

I had it towed to a AAA rated garage, who called and told me that I needed a new motor and it would cost $7,500 for a used motor with 80,000 miles on it and they wanted to use all the old parts from the blown motor, I was also told that the "Y" pipe had to be replaced as well as the transmission lines because they were leaking. I knew that the price was way too high for a used motor, so I called the dealership and talked to them. I then had the Jeep towed to the dealership and they told me the same thing that a rod had gone thru the motor and sliced the spark plugs.

The total cost for the motor, "Y" pipe, transmission lines and flush was $8,898, which I find ridiculous. I have seen here that a lot of people have has similar problems. The new motor has been running rough since I picked it up, I have been back to the dealership and they could find nothing wrong. I have put 500 miles on the motor and am taking it back to the dealership again to see what they are going to do about this problem. I'm so fed up with this problem!

- Annette C., Nashua, US

problem #9

Apr 122017

Wrangler Sahara V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

I have owned 5 Jeeps in my life time and never had an issue like this one. I used this Jeep to take me to my many doctor appointments after being blown up 2 times while overseas fighting for my country. I am a 100% disabled Special Forces veteran and Jeep HQ told me nicely to get bent. I did not even have the Jeep paid off yet when the engine blew. I am on a fixed income as a disabled vet. I think they should put a new engine in since the Jeep dealer it was towed to took the engine apart and found out that it was a factory defect.

I have never been treated this poorly by jeep or anyone else in my whole life. They are the MOST DISRESPECTFUL COMPANY I have ever dealt with in my whole life!!! If any one can provide me with some help regarding dealing with this situation, I would be very grateful!! Sorry about the spelling but shrapnel in the head has given me brain damage which makes things even harder when dealing with Jeep.

Thanks again, Michael

- Michael C., Villas, US

problem #8

Jan 092018

Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,540 miles

I remote started the Jeep in the afternoon, after work to warm it up. 10-15 minutes later, I when outside to go home and the engine was ticking like every lifter in it was bad! I went over to it and checked the dash for any check engine light, low oil light or any sign that tells me why the engine was making all the noise. None the less, their was none.

Now to the fun part. I check the oil level and it was 4 quarts low and after having the lifters replaced and mechanic letting it run for about 20 minutes, it started to ticking again. According to the mechanic, a rod bearing must be bad too.

Well, I took it back to the dealership that had to replace the number one rod bearing when it almost blow up at 31000 mile and complained that it has the same problem again. I wanted to know why I don't not have any warning that the engine was about to crash. The Wrangler can "detect" 618 error codes and not one has ever been set since they updated the PCM back at ~12000 miles because of a throttle body error that they couldn't fix until but they claimed they found "fresh air vacuum hose that was loss and causing it.

When the mechanic tore down the top of the engine, he showed me that both O2 sensors had broken tips. So I asked the dealership why I was not getting O2 sensor errors (26 error codes to monitor both O2 sensors) and was told that if the sensor was working, what does it mater if the tip is broken off. Also was told that the oil pressure switch (not pressure sensor) would not show on the dash until the oil pressure was below 4 PSI and would clear as soon as it got back above 4 PSI. Also was told that the engine knock sensor would not detect the noice in the engine because it monitors a different frequency and was told that the engine spitting, sputter and missing would not show a error code till it was driven for some amount if time. I guess 20-50 miles ain't long enough!!

Long story short, I'm replacing the whole engine, like it should have been done the first time and adding a analog oil pressure gauge so I know that the hell is going on with the oil pressure to try and prevent this from happening a third time!!

SO, PISS on Jeep, if they can't help me out on a lemon of an engine!!!

- buckshotlee, Bluefield, US

problem #7

May 062017

Wrangler Sport 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

I took my Jeep in for a 3000 mile oil change. I have all the oil change paper work sense new. I have taken it too the same oil change shop since new. I had the oil changed, took it home and noticed a slight ticking. I called the oil shop and asked if they had noticed it he said he noticed it at start up. He said he did and to bring it back which I did. By the time I got back, it sounded like parts rattling around in the engine. They listen and said it sounds like the engine is blowing up and said to take to a Jeep dealer. I had it towed for 79 dollars.

They looked at it and said it didn't sound like it was blowing up, that it was in the head. Had it for a week, then got a call. He said they would like to take the pan off for 240 dollars. They then said there was metal in the oil and the motor was blown.. they called Jeep and they said they wouldn't cover it due to the fresh oil change. The maintenance person looked for a crank and said they would rebuild it at my cost, but he couldn't find a new crank in the USA. He tried after market with no luck.

They then said the engine would have to be replaced for 5800 dollars. I then called Jeep myself with no luck. They said I should have had the oil changed at the dealer. I then called my oil change place to see if they would help. They were shocked Jeep wouldn't do anything. I had it towed back to the oil change place another 79 dollars. They called Jasper engines and got a rebuild engine for 4800 dollars. This was my 3rd Jeep and I never had a problem with any till this. Jeep no help.

- Jim K., Kalamazoo, US

problem #6

Jun 012017

Wrangler Unlimited 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,540 miles

My 16 year old son drove 2 miles home from school several weeks ago complaining about his Jeep making a knocking noise, noticed that the dipstick was dry and no dash lights on the dash or any smoke from tailpipe. Put in 5 quarts before it registered normal. Had it towed to dealer for them to tell me the good news it needs a $6500 engine. Also was told from the service writer and several mechanics that this model has an oil consumption issue, so I called Chrysler and got a case # to see if they could help out. Should have known the big Corp wants to put blame on the small guy when it's known by the 1000's of complaints online their is a problem. This will be the last Jeep/Chrysler product I will ever buy and I will spread the word that this manufacturer is not worth the headaches. Does anyone know if their is a recall that comes out down the road for the oil consumption issue, that I would be reimbursed, do I get stepped on again by the Goliath??

- Mike R., Allen, US

problem #5

Aug 122015

Wrangler Sport Unlimited 3,8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Here is a link to the story:

https://www.evernote.com/l/AAUafDQIxdNJxaL3KKHh_0__lWuVc1WhYUg

- Rob M., San Jose, CA, US

problem #4

Sep 162016

Wrangler V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

Blew out my engine with $58,000 miles. I read about a problem with Jeep Wrangler's V6 engines and the cylinder heads, also read that the warranty was extended and Chrysler knows this is a problem but never received a recall. Called Chrysler, they claim that they do not know anything about the cylinder heads extended warranty, although I read numerous articles on it. Please help, extended service plan will not cover completely and wants me to pay $1,700.

- Valerie C., Oceanport, NJ, US

problem #3

Sep 262016

Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,386 miles

I was driving back from a weekend in the mountains when my 2011 Jeep Wrangler started making some unpleasant noises and the engine had lost all power. No warning lights, no indicators anything at all was wrong.

Fearing the worst, I pulled over and checked the oil. Nothing at all on the dipstick (!!) I crawled under the jeep looking to see if there was any damage to the oil pan. Nothing. No evidence of leaked oil anywhere, not on the oil pan, not around the filter, not on the top of the engine.

I got a lift into the nearest town and bought 4 quarts of oil, Not really believing I'd need that much. I got a lift back out to my stranded jeep. Put in one quart. Two quarts. THREE Quarts. FOUR QUARTS!!! Finally showed something on the dipstick. Unfortunately, the damage was already done.

Just heard from the mechanic I had it towed to. Blown engine (rod bearing blown, damaged rod, possible cam damage) $6000+ repair. I had an oil change 4000 miles ago. I've done some research now and found that many people with my model of Jeep are seeing their engine's burn 1 quart of oil ever 1000 miles. Being amazing at math (ha) I realize I was 4 quarts low after an oil change 4000 miles ago. Not a single indicator light, warning chime, anything.

This is UNCONSCIONABLE JEEP/Chrysler. To have to replace the engine on a 5 year old vehicle that had REGULAR MAINTENANCE is unreal.

- Jason K., Fort Collins, CO, US

problem #2

Jun 022015

Wrangler

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

Bought 2011 jeep Wrangler new. Last summer the motor started ticking so I brought it to the dealer.

They told me the oil was very low and the motor is damaged.

They asked for all of my oil change paperwork which I provided. They then replaced the motor for free.

Now less than 1 year later I found that the motor was leaking oil so back to the dealer.

Dropped the jeep off Friday and didn't hear a thing till I called Tuesday night.

Now I'm told that I have a pours engine block and it will need to be replaced.

- Mike A., Carol Stream, IL, US

problem #1

Jun 262015

Wrangler Wrangler 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,766 miles

Driving in fast lane at 70-75mph slowing to merge on another Frwy with kids in car and wife driving. Without warning, heard loud noise, massive smoke from under the vehicle. Was able to pull to right shoulder. Exited vehicle, massive smoke and fire under vehicle. Luckily was able to extinguish fire and later determined engine on driver's side behind the oil pan had a large hole where bearing or other engine part had torn through casing.

Obvious catastrophic failure of 3.8 minivan engine. Drive train under warranty so either Jeep or Ins will provide repairs.

However, I do not want an underpowered poor motor that spontaneously fails and catches fire under normal use reinstalled in my Jeep.

Love Jeeps, am fearful to use this motor again and Jeep will likely want the same minivan engine reinstalled.

What is my best recourse?

- Mark B., Rancho Cordova, Pacific Islands (US)