Blown Engine, But No Mopar Oil Filter = No Warranty Coverage.

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

So long story short, my 2015 JKU with 15k on it needs a new motor at a cost to me of over $6,000 and Jeep is refusing to pay for it.

There is a spring/mechanism under the oil filter cap. That mechanism broke on my Jeep, causing a loss of oil pressure, increased friction, resulting in the need for a new engine.

My Jeep was towed in to my local Jeep dealer and has been there (so far) for nearly a month. Just yesterday they finally called me with an "update" saying that they're not covering it and I should see if my insurance company will. I called many many times and every time either got told "we don't know" or "we're waiting to hear from Chrysler" or just put on an indefinite hold only to be hung up on. So again, long story short, they said that they're not covering it because I don't have a Mopar oil filter in the Jeep despite the fact that that's not even the part that caused the failure. I am beyond livid and it's ridiculous that they're trying to pin this on me. Even in the owners manual it only says that the Mopar brand filter is "recommended" but nothing about the Mopar branded one being required.

Just figured I'd put this BS of a story out there for those of you who care and/or are trying to decide if you should use a Mopar filter or not.

I'm currently in talks with the Chrysler Customer Assistance Group and have an open case. So we'll see what happens. In the last year and a half my immediate family alone has bought over $160,000 worth of new FCA vehicles, plus the literally dozens of ones we and I have owned in the past. The fact that the dealer would give me such poor treatment and FCA doesn't seem to care about a customer's family who is about as loyal as it gets, and that they're looking for any way out of paying for what should be a no-brainer of a warranty repair is a disgrace.

I don't know if they'll do the right thing and honor their warranty, but this may very well be my last FCA product. It's a shame to find out this way that they don't care about their customers.

derf · Oct 1, 2015

Get a lawyer involved quickly.

JeepGuy425 · Oct 1, 2015

^^^ x2

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

Already working on that, unfortunately. I really didn't want it to have to come to that.

derf · Oct 1, 2015

It already has.

Their part broke.

Their oil pressure monitoring system did not alert you to the issue and give you the information you needed to service the engine before damage was done.

They are responsible for the engine failure.

h22lude · Oct 1, 2015

Agreed. Get a lawyer right away. What I would do is talk to a lawyer and see what they say. That is usually a free consultation. After that, call Chrysler back and tell them you have hired a lawyer and will be bringing them to court. That may get them to change their mind. If it doesn't and your lawyer thinks you have a straight forward case, bring them to court. I would sue them for the new engine, lawyer fees and loss of use of your Jeep for the time they have had it.

WaltA · Oct 1, 2015

Fallen33 said:
There is a spring/mechanism under the oil filter cap. That mechanism broke on my Jeep, causing a loss of oil pressure, increased friction, resulting in the need for a new engine.

....

So again, long story short, they said that they're not covering it because I don't have a Mopar oil filter in the Jeep despite the fact that that's not even the part that caused the failure.

I am a bit confused. How this this spring mechanism related to the oil filter itself? Is it in the oil filter? Is it exposed when the oil filter is removed, but not part of the oil filter itself?

If its part of the oil filter, I would think that the manufacturer of the non-Jeep oil filter would be responsible.

If its not part of the oil filter, is FCA claiming the spring mechanism was damaged while the oil filter was being (clumsily, improperly) replaced? If so, then possibly the person who did your oil change is responsible?

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

WaltA said:
I am a bit confused. How this this spring mechanism related to the oil filter itself? Is it in the oil filter? Is it exposed when the oil filter is removed, but not part of the oil filter itself?

If its part of the oil filter, I would think that the manufacturer of the non-Jeep oil filter would be responsible.

If its not part of the oil filter, are they claiming the spring mechanism was damaged while the oil filter was being replaced? If so, then possibly the person who did your oil change is responsible?

It's not a part of the filter, it rests in the cap that covers the oil filter (attached to the Jeep, a Jeep part). That piece failed. They're claiming that somehow the oil filter caused this despite the fact that it's identical to the Mopar filter. From my POV, the filter has absolutely nothing to do with it since it was the JEEP part that failed, not the filter. I think they're just grasping at straws to not have to pay $6k and to put it on me.

Also, the last oil change before this was 3k+ miles ago, so it's not like I got an oil change and then this happened the next day.

JeepGuy425 · Oct 1, 2015

This story turns my stomach in a knot. You would think a loyal customer and his family would have their asses kissed no questions asked. The fact that we're all obviously just a # in Jeep's eyes is sickening. I really do hope this is a rare and isolated incident. Losing your Jeep this way is equivalent to losing the family pet. Good luck, please post updates if you don't mind, would like to see how this turns out.

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

It's genuinely a shame. I really did love my Jeep and always recommended the brand to others (I've had 3 friends who have bought Wranglers because of my recommendation since I got mine). The dealership didn't seem to care at all and basically told me "tough luck" when I tried to get a rental car. Thankfully I have a family member who has been loaning me one, otherwise I'd be spending huge money at Enterprise or something renting one.

The woman I talked to at CAG was actually trying to be helpful and even she was surprised when I told her why Jeep was trying to not honor the warranty. Everyone I've told this story to so far has been baffled. Who knows, maybe it'll work out.

SloW8 · Oct 1, 2015

Jeesh, this is awful. I thought that as long as the part you use meet the manufacturers specs, then you don't have to buy from the manufacturer and that was part of the consumer protection act.

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

That's basically exactly what our owners manual says but apparently "recommended" means "required" to the powers that be at Jeep.

ZiggyJeep · Oct 1, 2015

they cant deny warrenty based on use of filter, you changed your oil regularly and im assuming have records you took care of the vehicle as manufacturer recommends. sounds like your dealer is shit they have no basis to void your warrenty the filter did not cause the failure.'

threaten lawyer or get it towed to a different dealer.

Gogogordy · Oct 2, 2015

ZiggyJeep said:
they cant deny warrenty based on use of filter, you changed your oil regularly

Sure they can....the Magnuson-Moss warranty act will come to play here but if its deemed an oil-related failure (and the oil filter is part of that system) and someone installed a non conforming filter, or oil then yes it can be denied.

Now, the OP MAY have some leverage with the filter manufacturer....

The devils going to be in the details....filter testing, labs, etc.

Who installed this filter?

JeepGuy425 · Oct 1, 2015

I just forwarded this thread to Jeep's customer care team. Maybe if they see this issue is getting exposure they'll be more likely to act. Worth a shot...

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

^^Can't hurt, I guess.

jadmt · Oct 1, 2015

what kind of filter were you using?

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

For the time being, I'm going to keep that to myself. But let's just say it's a brand I'm sure you've probably heard of. I showed a Mopar filter and the filter that I've been using to a buddy of mine (not saying who, but he's a certified mechanic who knows Jeeps very well) and he couldn't find a difference between the two.

Tweak · Oct 1, 2015

I feel like you have a very good chance of winning this. Don't give up.

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

I just want to get my Jeep back and love it again, but FCA seems determined to not let that happen.

pwain · Oct 1, 2015

Do you have a diagram? Having trouble wrapping my head around how a spring can kill an engine in so few miles. Even more as to how a non OEM filter would be the source of the failure.

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

Welcome to my life right now

Rich Z · Oct 1, 2015

Print this out and slap it onto the desk of the OWNER of that dealership...

Keeping Your Mod's Warranty Intact - For Dummies

They could be involving themselves in CRIMINAL violations of federal law.

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

Rich Z said:
Print this out and slap it onto the desk of the OWNER of that dealership...

Keeping Your Mod's Warranty Intact - For Dummies

They could be involving themselves in CRIMINAL violations of federal law.

Thank you sir. Gonna give that a very close read

flash1034 · Oct 1, 2015

Something smells fishy.....just sayin....

Flash

STLJKUS · Oct 1, 2015

Lawyer up. You might also try contacting your local news stations. They all have those consumer reporters with stories about people getting screwed over by contractors etc. They run your story, that dealer will swap motors in the blink of an eye.

jadmt · Oct 1, 2015

I would be getting the oil filter manufacturer on board as they have better lawyers and deeper pockets than most individuals.

TakHardRock · Oct 1, 2015

I guess you're talking about the spring in the oil filter housing that failed because there is no spring in the cap. Anyway, sorry to hear about your story, but keep us updated. Good luck to you!

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

That sounds correct, sorry for the bad description.

Thanks!

MarkyMark117 · Oct 1, 2015

Subscribed hope everything works out, don't stop pressing them until they replace your engine under warranty

U04601 · Oct 1, 2015

Fallen33 said:
There is a spring/mechanism under the oil filter cap. That mechanism broke on my Jeep, causing a loss of oil pressure, increased friction, resulting in the need for a new engine

.

Does anybody know what this spring/mechanism thingy is called and what it's function is? Can it be broken by changing out a filter? By catching with a rag when wiping the area?

yacc · Oct 1, 2015

Something is fishy here. It is very well established that you can get your car serviced wherever you want without losing warranty coverage. It also seems that's a design defect as well if a little around can fail and blow an engine.

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

yacc said:
Something is fishy here. It is very well established that you can get your car serviced wherever you want without losing warranty coverage.

Preaching to the choir

ohioviper · Oct 1, 2015

2012 -2013 3.6 filter on left 2014 and up on right.
The 2014+ filter has an anti drain back valve .
My 2 cents you could run without a filter and not loose oil pressure.What makes them think the filter caused a oil pressure loss. If it was plugged then yes. but a broken spring would not stop the flow ?

.

Resist · Oct 2, 2015

ohioviper said:
My 2 cents you could run without a filter and not loose oil pressure.What makes them think the filter caused a oil pressure loss. If it was plugged then yes. but a broken spring would not stop the flow ? .

My thoughts exactly! Even if the oil pressure momentarily dropped, it would build back up very quickly and certainly not be enough to blow the engine. You can drain the oil in and engine and it will still function normally for quite a while before failing. Even if the filter did fail, oil would still be pumped into the engine.

I'm having a hard time believing JEEP won't cover this. Seems like we're missing some information.

Fallen33 · Oct 1, 2015

^^We can play "find the difference" with that bottom picture

m998dna · Oct 2, 2015

I think you should buy a 2014 WIX oil filter and MOPAR oil filter immediately and cut them apart and compare.... post photos.

WHY?

I think I found the reason they changed the oil filter housing between 2013 and 2014.

See photos...

1. The 2013 MY has a plastic stem that protrudes from the housing .. it has a spring and keeper. Well, when this breaks you have to replace the entire housing at $220.. and its known to break.

2. The 2014 MY it's my understanding they eliminated this plastic stem and spring from the housing. I believe the spring may be designed into the filter now... per your feedback from the dealer and FCA.

You need to understand if there are design differences between the MOPAR and WIX filters.

Take the oil filters apart and post!

.

Rich Z · Oct 1, 2015

BTW, where are you located and who is the dealer?

You might even want to consider contacting the local newspaper to see if they want to print up a human interest story around your plight. The thought of a lot of bad press in their local selling area might put a cattle prod to their butts.

Depends on the newspaper, though. They might value the dealer's advertising revenue more than they will be interested in a good story for their readers. But it would be worth a shot to try.

And don't assume that dealership actually went to the factory about this. They think they have you over a barrel. I believe that dealers make more money on cash repairs than they do on warranty repairs.

Also find out what the maximum limit is on a small claims lawsuit. They are normally pretty cheap to file for a private party instead or retaining an attorney. Truth be told, most attorneys aren't going to be interested in taking a case that isn't worth at least potentially $100K or more. For a small claims lawsuit, you don't need an attorney, but you will need to present your case yourself before a judge. If you win, the dealership will have a judgement against them.

Also contact the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint. Start making the biggest stink you can to make the cost of replacing that engine under warranty seem much cheaper than the alternative. But you have to show them that you are dead serious about standing your ground. If you act like low hanging fruit, they will treat you like that.

IMHO, of course.

lossforgain · Oct 2, 2015

One thing you're wrong about Rich Z - dealerships get paid just fine on warranty work. They WANT to do the work. If they are unmotivated to talk to Chrysler and get a specialist out there to look at the motor, they are shooting themselves in the foot. I would agree to make a stink about them if they are the ones mistreating you, OP. The BBB is pretty useless though - it's all about social media and the court of public opinion these days.

BUT I think it's unlikely that the dealer is the one to blame right now. I think Chrysler is trying to give some push back to see how much they can get away with not paying for. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't yell and scream - be reasonable but firm that you are not satisfied until they replace the defective motor for you. You are in the right and I don't see how you can lose on this.

I saw someone go through that with a Cherokee - she was the sweetest and kindest lady, and she just remained firm while the process happened, and at the end Chrysler bought the car back from her and she owed nothing.

ohioviper · Oct 1, 2015

Well if they have determined that the filter caused the problem then you will have to go after the filter maker. And then they will go after FCA.One way or the other one of the two will have to pay.

2014+ part numbers

Mopar oil filter (68191349AA) USA Dealer/$8.85
Wix oil filter (WL10010) South Korea O’Reilly/$6.99
Fram Extra Guard oil filter (CH11665) USA Walmart/$6.44

Pic of 2013 oil filter housing.

2014+ Oil filter housing pic.
So where is the spring they are referring to ?

FireGuy1 · Oct 2, 2015

I am no genius but would the jeep give u some warning?? Please tell me it would??? No oil pressure? Do you know how many guys on this forum are using WIX filters? So is he saying that if it was a mopar filter he wouldn't be dealing with this??

Fallen33 · Oct 2, 2015

According to Jeep/FCA a Mopar filter would have avoided this, but it's not the filter that failed, it's the mechanism in the engine, so IMO, the filter argument is BS.

Blown Engine, But No Mopar Oil Filter = No Warranty Coverage.

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