Whoa... I know this is agitating but the dealer sounds really confused, exactly why do they believe that the engine needs to be replaced? Does it crank at all? Is it frozen? What was the coolant level? What was the oil level? What do they believe caused the failure? If you don't have answers then you will need some before you can figure out how to move forward.

 

Thanks for your reply. That’s a helpful point. I will need to go get whatever written record they have of the issue with the engine. But I do trust the service crew at the dealer and they have gone out of their way to help me.

Oil is fine. I understood that the coolant tank was releasing smoke from the open cap when they started the engine, and then it shut off and would not start again. I was a bit distracted by the situation to ask for further details.

 

I would hire a lawyer get my money back and go buy something that will last (not a jeep)

 

Also considering this. Definitely would love a 4Runner or Tacoma but would miss the shorter 2 door wheel base and ability to remove roof and doors which I do often. If I stick with wrangler I’m not planning to keep one without a warranty.

 

Probably best to get a pre Stellantis one as well.

Fiat was not any better

 

While I think this is a terrible situation and I wish you the best, I really dont like when threads like this turn into an anti-jeep circle jerk. No automobile brand or dealership is perfect, while Toyota is great they aren't flawless either. Lest we forget Tacoma's literally rotting and splitting in half, even still this doesn't make Toyota a shit brand all of the sudden. I wish you the best and hope you can get it all sorted out.

 

Lest we forget Tacoma's literally rotting and splitting in half.

I have had countless jeeps do the same thing and jeep never replaced the frames lol. Such is life in the rust belt.

 

Jesus... threads like this make me wonder if I made a mistake buying my 2022 2-door White Willys ... :::knock on wood::: it's running ok so far.. but damn! .. you guys have me nervous!!!

 

Be happy you bought it new with a warranty and stop worrying lol. I would advise against heavily modifying your car before the warranty is up as that would potentially cause serious hiccups for a situation like mine (from what I have read).

 

My question is: what experiences have people here had with FCA buy back program? I prefer not to involve an attorney but absolutely would if needed.

Is this under warranty? With pre-owned prices being where they are right now, wait for the company to repair it and then sell it yourself. That should yield a better pay-off than any OEM buy-back.

 

1. IDK what the lemon law stipulates in AZ but in NY, you’d qualify right now. I’d just tell the dealer to put you in touch with the regional manager and start the process. You should be provided a free rental throughout.

2. If you end up getting another new JL, IMO, consider the 3.6L. There haven’t been many reports of issues with the 2.0L but the 3.6 is an undeniably proven motor.

3. I have a Tundra and I’ve had a bunch of Toyota products over the years. My 1984 reg cab p/u with the 22R motor was the best truck I ever owned. My 1996 T100 was a lemon law buyback. My 2013 JK and 2020 JL were great vehicles. I’m sorry for your issues, really blows, but unusual. Toyota/Lexus have been good to me, but they’re not a Hilux anymore.

4. @JeepCares

Good luck!!

 

Sorry to hear about your Jeep troubles.

Having a good dealer is half the battle during a buyback process. When FCA does the investigation of events, it helps tremendously when you and the dealer are on the same page.

First you will need to open up a case with FCA. There are two general channels: (1) the regular 1-800 customer number everyone goes through; and (2) the internal channel through which executives, employees, friends and family go. The first channel is slow, tedious and a waste of time. You want to get on the second, internal channel.

To do this, you will need to write a nice, very professional letter to someone high up at FCA, like the VP of Quality, explaining your situation and have him/her refer your case internally to a resolution team. Or perhaps the principal at your dealer can hook you up through his connections at the FCA regional office.

Good luck!

 

Just could be the dealer saying first your differential was bad and now your engine is bad that sure seems strange

 

I’m really sorry to hear about what happened to you and your Jeep.
My dealer experiences with my JKU were horrible.
I finally got the Jeep mostly squared away at another dealer (who was only marginally better), then sold it to Carmax.
Whatever you end up doing, I really hope you come out of this happy in the end.

 

Probably best to get a pre Stellantis

Pre Fiat. Stellantis has done nothing more than use bigger guns than FCA to kill Jeep. It's only a matter of time before the brand gets passed on to some other conglomerate who will build its own platform. We are in the age of sell outs. Buyer beware. Not being able to repair something you own and yet must maintain is the first axiom for avoidance. Why would anyone want to further empower a manufacturer which just sold you a $60,000 vehicle? I wouldn't count on supply chain dependent, computer driven transportation holding its resale value compared to older, understandable and refurbishable product. Five year old computers sell for one tenth of their list prices. So, the fair question that no one has the balls to ask: what will computer dependent Wranglers sell for when their operating systems change and are no longer supported?

 

Eventually all modern vehicles with FI will have PCM/ECU/ECM…etc issues of some type. They are all much better quality now than they were 30+ years ago with the first systems. Most of the jeeps will end up in the junkyard before the ‘computer’ wears out / breaks down.

My guess is there’s enough jeeps out there, with enough of a following and market, that the aftermarket (SIA for example) will pick up on it and build / repair replacements, Im sure they do now. Or mod/performance places (Stinger Performance for an example) will build better systems…

OP.
What was the resolution?

 

What has Stellantis done to “kill” Jeep...?

Stellantis is only one year old. In that time, Jeep has launched Wrangler 392 and XR, a mid-cycle Compass redesign, all-new Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer. With the exception of XR, everything else was developed before Stellantis was even formed.

Jeep’s nonstop price increases and deterioration in the dealer experience have been going on for at least 10 years, way before these shortages and inflation kicked in.

 

Jeep has launched Wrangler 392 and XR, a mid-cycle Compass redesign, all-new Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer

In case you're not up on current events, pal...https://www.manufacturing.net/video/video/22288514/stellantis-to-begin-indefinite-layoff-at-stamping-plant

 

I find this pretty amusing. Especially the toyota folks. I swear, the Tacoma owners are nearing CULT status.

I own a 2015 JKU-R Hard-Rock and a 2016 Tacoma TRD Off-Road. They started out life pretty comparable. JEEP - 3.6L V-6, 5-speed Auto and 4.10 axles. Jeep is doing fine on 35" KO2s. It struggles to tow our trailer on really high mountain passes, otherwise itis fine. Tacoma is a 3.5L V-6, a 6-speed Auto and 3.9 Axles. Don't even consider oversize tired without a re-gear. And even running empty is lacks low-end power and the transmission can't seem to pick a gear and hold it, constantly shifting up-down-up-down-up-down on the slightest uphill grades. Don't even try attaching the trailer! That is the end of where they compare. The JKU beats the crap out of the Taco in every way except one. The JKU has a better F/R weight balance, handles better in all road conditions, gets better fuel economy and tows our trailer far better. Places where the JKU motor tows steady at 2500 to 3000 RPM the Taco needs 3500 to 4000 RPM to deliver the same performance. Adding a 4.5" AEV lift to the JEEP was reasonable and easy. Getting the Taco to the same level would be twice the cost and twice the work. Neither has an edge in comfort in my opinion. And the JKU gets better fuel economy across the board, another point that the Tacoma cult seems obsessed with.

THE ONLY PLACE there Toyota "claims" a better rating is in engine longevity. Perhaps, and all very well. In my opinion that is tantamount to choosing to live with a mean ankle-biting Chihuahua for 30 years because it will outlive a loving golden Retriever lost at 15 years. Taco owners can keep their chihuahua!

The only reason the Tacoma lives on here is because the wife likes it and it makes a good trash hauler to the dump once a month. Nothing to argue with, my-EXPERIENCE-.....and no words you can offer will change my position. Having boty, I can't be fooled into what isn't true.

 

Yes, Tacomas drive terribly. But I found it impossible to make anyone in the Tacoma Forums see it.

Most Tacoma owners own nothing but Toyotas, so they are used to the way Toyotas drive. Worst, they are absolutely convinced that Toyota makes the best vehicles on earth, so it is impossible for them to accept that another automaker can build anything that drives better. Least of all a dowdy Jeep.

 

@aldo: "Layoffs are an all-American tradition." No argument, but the trend is not good, especially at the beginning of stagflation. This one's gonna make the Carter years look good by comparison. I hope things go well for Eich. I wouldn't like living with the itch I'd have after his experience.

 

I've owned two Toyotas. I was not impressed.
Dowdy Jeeps were fine by me; it's the JLs that concern me. I drove one and liked it, but not convinced that I could live with it. If a 2 door Rubicon pick up showed up, I'd probably jump on it. It's what I need.

 

I've owned two Toyotas. I was not impressed.

I have a 25 y/o Corolla. That is an impressive vehicle. Especially so as anyone who borrows it gets a speeding ticket. It is just a happy little car that is so fun to drive! But that's another stork, and no comparison off the roads at all.

 

My JL drives great. The engine is smooth and responsive, the transmission is quick, refined and is always in the right gear. With the exception of the vague steering, the vehicle is surprisingly nimble for a 4,400-lb body-on-frame SUV on solid axles and four coils!

 

FWIW, I still find Tacoma a handsome truck.

 

FWIW, I still find Tacoma a handsome truck.

It is indeed, especially as it goes downhill. Sorry, couldn't resist 🤣 I owned an FJ55, had to back it going up hill to get gasoline to flow toward the engine. Owned it for 18 months and sold it for twice what I paid for it...... a lot of Toyota lovers out there.

 

Considering my experiences with Jeep dealers, I would fully expect the OP's dealer to bumble around like idiots, then tell him his overheated engine was "normal", and to just drive it that way (even though it doesn't run).
LOL

 

One of the biggest problems with jeeps is most dealers not diognising correctly If they made a jeep you could diagnosis and repair yourself
I would probably buy a new one. Oh better keep my TJ 62 K miles and running strong no problems just maintenance so far

 

After a fellow Fiat 124 Spider owner complained about a poorly done oil change, the response of the technician was:

“I don’t have time for this shit. I don’t get paid enough to care.”

Sadly, that pretty much sums up the attitude at most FCA dealers.

 

What is with the Yota trolls?

You bout a Turbo diesel. I haven't heard any good about them or the Hybrids. Get the 3.6l which has proven itself and get back to Jeeping.

As for a Toy? If you wanted one you would have bought one. But you wanted a Jeep and that's that.

Just stay away from the faulty diesels and hybrids, thise appear to be fir city driving people Get the gasser and enjoy Jeepin

 

Yeah, right now everything appears to have questionable quality.

For instance, I bought a T-Fal non-stick frying pan the other day. I have been buying the exact same fryer for 10+ years. But now, for the first time ever, everything sticks onto it!

Quality control is out the window and no one seems to care.

 

I don't really know a whole lot about the JL or JK. I got in at the TJ stage and haven't made it out. My advice is pick the year you're most comfortable with and roll with it. I like mine, it was a daily for several years and i've wheeled it very hard with 0 issues. But on the flip side, i do all my own work (ujoints, ball joints, upgrades, general maintenance) so that saves a boat load of money. I suspect the newer ones aren't as fun to work on but still have the same basic mechanics to them. As for engines and tranny -- the inline 6 on the TJ was simply a beast. absolutely bullet proof and mine does stand up to that. it only has 123k miles on it today but it's been nothing but regular oil changes this whole time. The jeep is reliable but no i probably won't take it across the country anymore (i have).

I'd trust my jeep more than any other vehicle but only because i've done all the work and know the ins and outs. Without the knowledge and willingness to work on it....i feel like vehicles are a crap-shoot. especially today.

Depends solely on your wallet, newer is costly to buy and maintain and older is cheaper and easier to maintain BUT lacks a lot of the features of newer stuff aaaand without doing the work could cost the same or more maintenance wise.

These aren't investments enjoy!

 

Our 2dr JL was purchased with the 3.6l to avoid your situation. Most inventory was the 4cyl turbo.

Check your state lemon laws. Every state is different. Keep well written notes of when everything happened. Logs of who you talked with and summary of every conversation. Log every repair of the vehicle. Log every conversation with any employee including the mechanics.

Lemon Law process is in your owners manual. Probably starts with snail mail to a designated address that depends on your location. Did you buy the Jeep in the state you reside? We had a strong case for Lemon Law per our state laws. No attorney necessary. Again, check the strength of your case versus your state laws. You might not be able to initiate Lemon Law until the vehicle is sitting at the dealer for 30days. Starting a Lemon Law is not a quick process. Could easily take 3 to 6 months. Again, depends on your state laws and Regional Jeep leadership for your geographical area.

We had to pay mileage for all miles upto first repair. This meant way more money in our pocket versus trade in. When you Lemon Law the regional leadership will likely call you. You could ask for a trade for a new Jeep. You might have to pay for your mileage to date and any upgrades on the next JL. Recommend the 3.6l, no Etorque. If they trade it allows the current Jeep title to stay clean. Branded title vehicles are less value.

Be sure to keep current on payments. Never yell at Reps. They didn't build it.

We have three 4runners in the family. They are better built than the JL. However, the 2dr JL definitely has a great turning radius.

 

I'm starting to be more and more content with my '22 Willys with my plain Jane (a 'unicorn' someone called mine, lol..) 3.6l Pentastar and 8-Spd tranny after reading about all the issues with the Turbo's and eTorque stuff.. Side note: found this link about the 3.6l Pentastar while researching stuff.. not sure how accurate or applicable, but just sharing in case any new 3.6l Pentastar owners are interested.

Four Common Problems With the 3.6L Pentastar V6 Engines that We Can Repair - Nerger's Auto Express

The 3.6 L FCA Pentastar V6 Engine is an overwhelmingly durable and reliable engine. That’s why it’s been used in in more than ten million ...

www.nergersautoexpress.com