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Need Advice, should I keep or sell my 2012 JK Unlimited?

3K views 24 replies 12 participants last post by  Slither302 
#1 ·
Hi,

This is my first post here, so sorry if it is a bit long but I wanted to share my experience so maybe you guys can help me.

Four years ago, I bought my 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Sport brand new and I loved it from the beginning. I haven’t taken it off road or anything crazy, just driving it to go to work every day, and a side form the transmission being a bit sluggish, I didn’t experience anything bad. I live in the Los Angeles area and had been taking my Jeep to Hooman for all the services except for a couple of times that I went to a third party because it was more convenient.

October 2015. I had only 36,727 miles at this point, and the warranty just expired:

1. I noticed that my Engine check light kept coming in and out. I contacted the dealer and they told me it was probably the gas cap. So I changed it, and for a bit I didn't get the signal again until one day it came back. So then right when I was about to take it to the dealer, the car wouldn't start.

2. I took it to the dealer, this time I went to the new one in Santa Monica. And they find:

-The battery failed to load, so it had to be replaced__$263.22
-The problem with check engine was because of loose gas cap, they tightened it__$0
-All my freedom top had leaks when it rained, they replaced all the sealing__0$
-The cooling system was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$130.80
-Power Steering fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$68
-Transmission fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$194.96
-Brake fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$68
-They performed a Synthetic differential service__$188.62
-Oil change and tire rotation__$66
-Air filter replacement__$15
-The power steering high-pressure hose was leaking, they replaced it__$572.60

TOTAL_$1677.95

I obviously could not believe that a 3 1/2 year old car with only 36k miles would have that many problems but I went on and paid for all that hoping that I would not have any problems at least for a long time.

3. After a few days my "Check Engine" light came back on. I contacted the dealer they told me to bring it back. But I was busy and by the time I could make it, the signal turned off.

4. January 2016 (just about 3 months later and 38,413 miles) next maintenance was due. This time I took it to a 3rd party because I wanted to make sure Jeep wasn´t over selling anything.

They found:

-A leak on the Power Steering
-A leak on the gear fluid, gear fluid was dirty
-A leak from the timing chain cover
-A leak on the Thermostat housing

So I went back to the Jeep dealer in SM and told them all this. I have to say they were super nice and fixed all this for free:

-Repaired the leak on front timing cover
-Repaired leak on drive belt Tensioner and replaced belt tensioner
-Repaired leak from gearbox due to bad internal sealing
-Repaired leak from water pump coolant

At this point I was a bit lost because every place I went they called things differently (I am not very good with cars). But I wanted to believe the Jeep dealer and the fact they took care of all this for free made me happy and proud to be a Jeep owner.

but...

5. August 2016, 41,824 miles. I am taking my car for another regular service. I wanted to go to Jeep, but I didn’t have much time because of work so I took it to a 3rd party mechanic that had amazing reviews online. They found all this:

-Power Steering pump is leaking
-Transmission pan gasket is leaking
-Front differential is leaking
-Thermostat is leaking
-Brake rotors are worn

I am facing another $1,600 in repairs for about the same issues (except the brakes and thermostat) in about 6 months. That means I would be spending $3,200 in the period of 8 months.


So now I do not know what to do. I am not sure if the Jeep dealer I am going aren’t doing their job correctly or if my car is a lemon and no matter what I do, from now on I will have problems. I could took it back to Jeep and make them fix everything again hopefully under repair warranty, but I will not be confident after the experience.

I took it to CarMax and they appraised it for $23,000. What do you guys think I should do? Should I get rid of it and get a new car? Or fix it and stay on top of it, risking the fact that I might be spending a lot of money in repairs?

Thank you so much.
 
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#2 ·
Here are my thoughts......first, you don't mention if you have been maintaing your Jeep regularly.

Replacing the original battery is not bad, but $262 is ridiculous unless you got a deep cycle battery, which I assume you did not bc you would not use it for its intended purpose. Also, some fluids need to changed at regular intervals, but brake and power steering fluids do not. Had you changed any fluids except oil since you bought your Jeep? If not, some needed doing and I am betting that the leaks that you are experiencing are at least partly due to the overdue fluid changes that have now hit your wallet all at once, which makes it feel worse than it actually is. Every car, truck, Jeep needs regular maintenance.
 
#3 ·
-The battery failed to load, so it had to be replaced__$263.22 Don't know what that means, but four year life from original battery is normal.
-The problem with check engine was because of loose gas cap, they tightened it__$0
-All my freedom top had leaks when it rained, they replaced all the sealing__0$
-The cooling system was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$130.80That's a do-it-yourself job.
-Power Steering fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$68Does not get dirty, does not need service.
-Transmission fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$194.96Transmission fluid does not get dirty or need service at 36K.
-Brake fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$68Again, does not get dirty, never needs replacing.
-They performed a Synthetic differential service__$188.62What is that?
-Oil change and tire rotation__$66
-Air filter replacement__$15
-The power steering high-pressure hose was leaking, they replaced it__$572.60I'd want to see that before authoring the work. I suspect BS

TOTAL_$1677.95


-Power Steering pump is leaking should not be
-Transmission pan gasket is leakingFirst tighten the bolts, otherwise not a difficult or expensive job.
-Front differential is leaking as above
-Thermostat is leakingThermostats don't leak, housing maybe. Why should never have been touched
-Brake rotors are wornRotors? pads maybe

I am facing another $1,600 in repairs for about the same issues (except the brakes and thermostat) in about 6 months. That means I would be spending $3,200 in the period of 8 months.
You got hosed the first time.
Start learning about vehicles, even if you can't do the repairs, you can be aware of what is and isn't wrong. Especially when it comes to leaks.
 
#4 ·
Thank you for your reply,

I did in fact take it to all my maintenance appointments, I am very strict when it comes to that. But like I mentioned earlier I am not very good with cars and every time I took it to Hooman it didn't seem they knew what they were doing. This is why I switched to the new dealer in Santa Monica, and that was when all the problems started. There is a chance that the first dealer didn't flush the fluids when it was due and this has caused all these problems now.

I forgot to mention that also found that the shocks are worn and might need to be replaced.
 
#5 ·
Thank you Sparky for your reply. I should in fact learn more about cars, I am pretty handy when it comes to fixing things around the house but I just do not have the time. But it is true that at least I should have more knowledge so I could avoid the BS.

I have already changed the Thermostat (with housing) because the guy told me that was the most critical problem and I didn't want to risk it. But I am still facing the rest of stuff. I could tighten myself the bolts for the transmission and differential but I would fear that the problem would still be there. I know they want to rip me off with the brake rotors, It is frustrating when they try to oversell me on something, I will tell them to replace the pads only. Btw, I haven taken it to another mechanic and they have confirmed all the leaks. So the problems are there.

In any case, knowing all this. Should I repair it and keep it or sell it?

Thanks again!
 
#6 ·
Coming from a dealer technician, GM, but they are all the same... The maintenance service are a joke. If Im guessing its a BG product, and service writers get a $5 bonus for everyone they sell.

Im sorry, but a vehicle with under 40K should not need those services done. Especially if you do some digging and see what Mopar recommends for service intervals.

GM has 150K mile on coolant and close to 100K on transmission fluid. Yet the writers sell that shit at 30k miles. It pisses me off and makes us look bad.

As for leaks on the engine and transmission, those should be covered under the 100,000 mile powertrain. Granted that don't cover steering, but anything on that engine should be covered.

We had a 2012 JKU with 35,000 miles, had SES light pop on occasionally, found it out was misfire on #4 cylinder and got a new cylinder head out of it. That is special coverage BTW.

And no way do brake rotors need replaced due to "worn" Again, this isn't 20 years ago where every rotor would warp, just by looking at them.
All day long I see vehicles 3, 4,6 yrs old and still have 50% plus brake pad left.

There are some crooked SOBs at the dealer, I have some that work next to me, so I see the stuff they "upsell" on the regular. And I have no problem calling them out as thieves.

Like that other guy said, get familiar with your rig, have them point it out while its at the shop. Just cause the surface is "wet" or grime is built up, don't mean its necessary to get it repaired right away, due to a leak.

Most manufactures define a leak as it has to be dripping and component is covered in it. Seep does not count.
 
#8 ·
Thank you guys for your replies. JKU.12, what you are saying makes a lot of sense. I wish I had called them out when they listed all the problems. I know now that I have to be more careful and aware.

When I bought the Jeep I did it not only because I love the car but also because I thought it was reliable and tough. I told this to the guy at the Jeep Maintenance Service, his reply:

"This is not an everyday car. It is a weekend car. If you want a reliable car get a Toyota or a Honda."

I left very frustrated as you can imagine.

Thanks for the advice Xena1, it might not be a bad idea to get a new one. I do not want to give up on Jeep! By the way, sorry for my ignorance but what is the AA head?
 
#9 ·
There was a serious engineering design issue on the early 3.6L engines. The left head gets a much higher heat load due to the design of the exhaust port and the original design did not address this issue. The original head part number had an AA suffix. On 7/26/12 they re-deigned them to AB then AC and I believe a final redesign to AD. All 2012's are effected and a few 2013's which were built in July 2012. I know some will disagree, but ALL 2012's heads will eventually fail. Chrysler has extended the warranty to 150K miles (I believe) to cover this problem, but who wants their new Jeep ripped apart at some dealer for something that never should have happened in the first place. Other issues were bad water pumps, sand in the block casting and bad rear seals.
 
#10 ·
Now I will add, we did trade our 2012 JKU Sport in for a 2016 JKU Rubicon Hard Rock. Nothing was wrong with our 12, was a great jeep and our first ever. Took us to Yellowstone, moab 4 times, Colorado, and Grand Canyon.
All on 35s and 2.5 lift. It was not a daily driver back home, but a mall crawler cruiser on the weekends.

Now the 2016, definitely like the little upgrades they did and got options that was not available on the Sport. Even the seats feel better.
But it also is not a DD. It stays top less and door less from May to October. Then after that, it don't see snow in the wintertime.

My opinion, to fully enjoy a jeep, it can not be a DD... Otherwise you'll be taking doors and roof on and off constantly. Then add a lift and tired...
I'll keep our Craigslist cars for DD duty
lol
 
#14 ·
My opinion, to fully enjoy a jeep, it can not be a DD...
I understand that it might not be a car to abuse, but when I take it to work I only drive an average of 12 miles a day, and a car that is meant for off roading which is pretty intense should be ok for something like this. If we were talking about a sports car I would understand this argument, but this is supposed to be a tough car.
 
#11 ·
Hi, This is my first post here, so sorry if it is a bit long but I wanted to share my experience so maybe you guys can help me. Four years ago, I bought my 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Sport brand new and I loved it from the beginning. I haven’t taken it off road or anything crazy, just driving it to go to work every day, and a side form the transmission being a bit sluggish, I didn’t experience anything bad. I live in the Los Angeles area and had been taking my Jeep to Hooman for all the services except for a couple of times that I went to a third party because it was more convenient. October 2015. I had only 36,727 miles at this point, and the warranty just expired: 1. I noticed that my Engine check light kept coming in and out. I contacted the dealer and they told me it was probably the gas cap. So I changed it, and for a bit I didn't get the signal again until one day it came back. So then right when I was about to take it to the dealer, the car wouldn't start. 2. I took it to the dealer, this time I went to the new one in Santa Monica. And they find: -The battery failed to load, so it had to be replaced__$263.22 -The problem with check engine was because of loose gas cap, they tightened it__$0 -All my freedom top had leaks when it rained, they replaced all the sealing__0$ -The cooling system was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$130.80 -Power Steering fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$68 -Transmission fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$194.96 -Brake fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$68 -They performed a Synthetic differential service__$188.62 -Oil change and tire rotation__$66 -Air filter replacement__$15 -The power steering high-pressure hose was leaking, they replaced it__$572.60 TOTAL_$1677.95 I obviously could not believe that a 3 1/2 year old car with only 36k miles would have that many problems but I went on and paid for all that hoping that I would not have any problems at least for a long time. 3. After a few days my "Check Engine" light came back on. I contacted the dealer they told me to bring it back. But I was busy and by the time I could make it, the signal turned off. 4. January 2016 (just about 3 months later and 38,413 miles) next maintenance was due. This time I took it to a 3rd party because I wanted to make sure Jeep wasn´t over selling anything. They found: -A leak on the Power Steering -A leak on the gear fluid, gear fluid was dirty -A leak from the timing chain cover -A leak on the Thermostat housing So I went back to the Jeep dealer in SM and told them all this. I have to say they were super nice and fixed all this for free: -Repaired the leak on front timing cover -Repaired leak on drive belt Tensioner and replaced belt tensioner -Repaired leak from gearbox due to bad internal sealing -Repaired leak from water pump coolant At this point I was a bit lost because every place I went they called things differently (I am not very good with cars). But I wanted to believe the Jeep dealer and the fact they took care of all this for free made me happy and proud to be a Jeep owner. but... 5. August 2016, 41,824 miles. I am taking my car for another regular service. I wanted to go to Jeep, but I didn’t have much time because of work so I took it to a 3rd party mechanic that had amazing reviews online. They found all this: -Power Steering pump is leaking -Transmission pan gasket is leaking -Front differential is leaking -Thermostat is leaking -Brake rotors are worn I am facing another $1,600 in repairs for about the same issues (except the brakes and thermostat) in about 6 months. That means I would be spending $3,200 in the period of 8 months. So now I do not know what to do. I am not sure if the Jeep dealer I am going aren’t doing their job correctly or if my car is a lemon and no matter what I do, from now on I will have problems. I could took it back to Jeep and make them fix everything again hopefully under repair warranty, but I will not be confident after the experience. I took it to CarMax and they appraised it for $23,000. What do you guys think I should do? Should I get rid of it and get a new car? Or fix it and stay on top of it, risking the fact that I might be spending a lot of money in repairs? Thank you so much.
they see somebody that knows nothing, believes everything and take your money. Your being screwed.
 
#17 ·
The guy that told u that a Wrangler can't be a 7 day a week DD is a dumb ass. I drive mine 122 mile r/t to Salt Lake City 2-3 times a week for work and go wheeling with the Jeep club twice a month.
It's all about how you choose to build your Jeep.
I can spend the day on some pretty gnarley rocks and drive to work the next day.
And I'd move up to a newer Jeep if I were you.
 
#18 ·
Wow, that dealer really took advantage of you. Can't believe those people could be so dishonest, and then go home and sleep fine at night.

Definitely pull out your manual, take a look at what service intervals require what fluid changes (some of that info is in this thread), and leave a negative review on every review site you can for the dealership (Google, Yelp, etc).

Dealerships HATE bad reviews, and luckily for consumers many dealership employees these days are held to a higher standard by upper management because of the fear of bad reviews. If you also get a survey by phone after dealing with a terrible dealer, leave them the lowest rating possible. Those affect them with the manufacturer big time. Again, they're very afraid of these bad survey results.
 
#19 ·
Wow, that dealer really took advantage of you. Can't believe those people could be so dishonest, and then go home and sleep fine at night. Definitely pull out your manual, take a look at what service intervals require what fluid changes (some of that info is in this thread), and leave a negative review on every review site you can for the dealership (Google, Yelp, etc). Dealerships HATE bad reviews, and luckily for consumers many dealership employees these days are held to a higher standard by upper management because of the fear of bad reviews. If you also get a survey by phone after dealing with a terrible dealer, leave them the lowest rating possible. Those affect them with the manufacturer big time. Again, they're very afraid of these bad survey results.
Chrysler dealerships want the 5 star ratings. But I'd be careful giving a bad review or survey if you plan to or need to continue using that dealership.
It may be best to speak with the owner or as high up in the dealership ladder that you can get. Then I'd give a bad review after you've made an effort to remedy the problem with upper management.
 
#23 ·
Hi,



This is my first post here, so sorry if it is a bit long but I wanted to share my experience so maybe you guys can help me.



Four years ago, I bought my 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Sport brand new and I loved it from the beginning. I haven’t taken it off road or anything crazy, just driving it to go to work every day, and a side form the transmission being a bit sluggish, I didn’t experience anything bad. I live in the Los Angeles area and had been taking my Jeep to Hooman for all the services except for a couple of times that I went to a third party because it was more convenient.



October 2015. I had only 36,727 miles at this point, and the warranty just expired:



1. I noticed that my Engine check light kept coming in and out. I contacted the dealer and they told me it was probably the gas cap. So I changed it, and for a bit I didn't get the signal again until one day it came back. So then right when I was about to take it to the dealer, the car wouldn't start.



2. I took it to the dealer, this time I went to the new one in Santa Monica. And they find:



-The battery failed to load, so it had to be replaced__$263.22

-The problem with check engine was because of loose gas cap, they tightened it__$0

-All my freedom top had leaks when it rained, they replaced all the sealing__0$

-The cooling system was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$130.80

-Power Steering fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$68

-Transmission fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$194.96

-Brake fluid was dirty, they flushed it and replaced it__$68

-They performed a Synthetic differential service__$188.62

-Oil change and tire rotation__$66

-Air filter replacement__$15

-The power steering high-pressure hose was leaking, they replaced it__$572.60



TOTAL_$1677.95



I obviously could not believe that a 3 1/2 year old car with only 36k miles would have that many problems but I went on and paid for all that hoping that I would not have any problems at least for a long time.



3. After a few days my "Check Engine" light came back on. I contacted the dealer they told me to bring it back. But I was busy and by the time I could make it, the signal turned off.



4. January 2016 (just about 3 months later and 38,413 miles) next maintenance was due. This time I took it to a 3rd party because I wanted to make sure Jeep wasn´t over selling anything.



They found:



-A leak on the Power Steering

-A leak on the gear fluid, gear fluid was dirty

-A leak from the timing chain cover

-A leak on the Thermostat housing



So I went back to the Jeep dealer in SM and told them all this. I have to say they were super nice and fixed all this for free:



-Repaired the leak on front timing cover

-Repaired leak on drive belt Tensioner and replaced belt tensioner

-Repaired leak from gearbox due to bad internal sealing

-Repaired leak from water pump coolant



At this point I was a bit lost because every place I went they called things differently (I am not very good with cars). But I wanted to believe the Jeep dealer and the fact they took care of all this for free made me happy and proud to be a Jeep owner.



but...



5. August 2016, 41,824 miles. I am taking my car for another regular service. I wanted to go to Jeep, but I didn’t have much time because of work so I took it to a 3rd party mechanic that had amazing reviews online. They found all this:



-Power Steering pump is leaking

-Transmission pan gasket is leaking

-Front differential is leaking

-Thermostat is leaking

-Brake rotors are worn



I am facing another $1,600 in repairs for about the same issues (except the brakes and thermostat) in about 6 months. That means I would be spending $3,200 in the period of 8 months.





So now I do not know what to do. I am not sure if the Jeep dealer I am going aren’t doing their job correctly or if my car is a lemon and no matter what I do, from now on I will have problems. I could took it back to Jeep and make them fix everything again hopefully under repair warranty, but I will not be confident after the experience.



I took it to CarMax and they appraised it for $23,000. What do you guys think I should do? Should I get rid of it and get a new car? Or fix it and stay on top of it, risking the fact that I might be spending a lot of money in repairs?



Thank you so much.

I,d ask if that second dealer used lubricant but the answer is obvious. Seriously, other than the battery replacement virtually all of the fluid services they sold you were unnecessary, just a scam to separate you from your money. I made my living in the service end of the auto industry and its stuff like this that makes my blood boil.

My advice, keep your JK, but get out your owners manual and read the service schedule carefully. Stick to the recommended services at the recommended mileages and your sheep will live a long, happy life. Any time a dealer recommends a long list of stuff like that get out of there FAST.




I'd ask if they used lubricant,


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
 
#24 ·
Thank you so much guys! At the time I didn't know better and I thought I was doing the right thing, I really wanted to trust the dealer because I wanted the best for my car. But now I regret not joining this forum earlier, it would have saved me a lot of money and I would be a happy Jeep owner.

After all this, I have no other option but to sell it and I will look into the newer 2016 models. To be honest, even after all this, once you have been a Jeep owner you just can't go with any other brand, at least I can't! :)

Thanks again for everything and I look forward to seeing you around this forum!
 
#25 ·
First I'm sorry they seemingly took advantage of you due to your lack of maintenance knowledge. It shouldn't matter if you are an expert or a novice, a dealer should treat all customers with respect and honesty. As far as the the daily driver comment the dealer/mechanic made; yes a honda or toyota may be a more comfortable DD, but these are modern, regular production cars. Their is no reason they can't be a regular DD as long a general maintenance is followed. I drive 70 miles a day for work in my jeep and have put 6K miles on it in the past 4 months. If a dealer made that comment/excuse to me about buy a honda/toyota if I want reliable DD I think I would have to restrain myself from not cussing them out :censored:
 
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