I have been around the JK model wranglers for years with friends and family owning models with the 3.8l, 3.6l, manual and auto. I decided it was time for me to finally buy a JK unlimited, but as I searched locally within my budget it seems like the best deals are always the 2012 model. I know they were known to have the head defect so I tried to find a 13+ but it's hard to ignore the price differences. Most of the 12 models have same milage, same features, and are usually 3-4 grand cheaper. Is buying a 2012 still a bad idea? Most of them have close to 100k or more miles so they would not be covered by any warranty. Is there a way to see if they have already had the updated head repair? I plan to buy a stock Jeep and make it what I want as far as lift, wheels, etc. I've found a very nice 12 Rubicon within my budget but I'm afraid the head issue might arise. Should I still be afraid if this issue now that these Jeeps are 7 years old? If it were to arise how costly of a repair would it be? I understand that Jeeps are money pits and I'm ready to empty the bank, but will I be looking at a possible engine replacement in the near future or a minor setback? Thanks for any help guys, don't mean to be such a noob.
DlowJK
According to FCA, about 0.5% have an issue with the left head. FCA also extended the warranty on the left head to 10 years and 150000 miles. I helped my friend find a 12 two summers ago and she hasn't had any head related problems. If you find one you like, have someone run the VIN through DealerConnect for a review of the warranty coverage's.
It's not the head issue that is driving that price difference. As available financing options go, so goes the pricing.
I bought mine used last July, and the head had been replaced back in 12. No Carfax issues since, and only 54k on it when I bought it, nearing 70k now and still no issues except leaking front axle seal that was likely compromised by an axle joint replacement coupled with low miles.
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I bought mine used last July, and the head had been replaced back in 12. No Carfax issues since, and only 54k on it when I bought it, nearing 70k now and still no issues except leaking front axle seal that was likely compromised by an axle joint replacement coupled with low miles.
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The 2012 has the Pentastar 3.6 engine and the WA-580 automatic trans. So why not purchase one. Just check it over and make sure that it is in good shape. Make sure that you get a carfax, so you can review possible past wreck damage and maintenance history.
Mine is a 12 with the NAG1 auto. I had the head replaced a long time ago, around 25K miles. It now has 90K miles on it.
It's really been trouble free as far as vehicles go.
It's really been trouble free as far as vehicles go.
We bought a 2012 summer of 2018. It needed the head replaced, and was done by the dealer (wasn't covered by the warranty, since its a US model imported into Canada).
Some 2013s and even some 2014s had left head issues. Only significant difference vs 2013 is the seats. I prefer the seats in the 2012, so worked in our favour.
Added almost 10k miles on ours and its been a blast! Get it inspected and if it checks out, go for it!
Some 2013s and even some 2014s had left head issues. Only significant difference vs 2013 is the seats. I prefer the seats in the 2012, so worked in our favour.
Added almost 10k miles on ours and its been a blast! Get it inspected and if it checks out, go for it!
I have owned my 12' JK for over 7 years without having to replace a head.
I have a Lifetime Warranty, so I'm not worried.
I have a Lifetime Warranty, so I'm not worried.
Just based the indication of a flaw on this:
"The issue does not disable the engine. Dealers will replace the left cylinder head with a new part with a minor design modification
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"The issue does not disable the engine. Dealers will replace the left cylinder head with a new part with a minor design modification
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I've started searching for my next JKU for my son. It'll be number three for us. Decided I don't want another 3.8. Also decided I'm not looking at '12s. '13-'16 is my search parameter for model year.
I'm 3 for 3 purchasing my last three used vehicles - the '10 JKU, the Suburban 2500 and the Denali. All 3 have been great. Not going to tempt fate by buying a potential problem with a known design flaw. It's the same reason my two trucks don't have engines with AFM (multi displacement).
I'm 3 for 3 purchasing my last three used vehicles - the '10 JKU, the Suburban 2500 and the Denali. All 3 have been great. Not going to tempt fate by buying a potential problem with a known design flaw. It's the same reason my two trucks don't have engines with AFM (multi displacement).
My 12 has 68k on it and no head issues and the heater blows warm... I must have a Monday morning build where everyone was fresh from the weekend.
:rofl2:
With the extended warranty, I wouldn’t have a problem buying another 12.
:rofl2:
With the extended warranty, I wouldn’t have a problem buying another 12.
I bought my 2012 MW3 used and already had the cylinder head replaced. Family member is a mechanic who reassured is if that was done, likely no other major problem besides the usual stuff to worry about.
In my two years, I replaced a bad thermostat which seems common on all Wranglers regardless of year. Other than that, no issue and I'm at 65k miles.
That said, I would disregard most online "reviews" from places like Edmunds and Consumer Reports. People trash ANY car older than 2 yrs, and use those sites as a place to bitch it seems. I am in the process of looking for a new daily driver car and almost every single other brand/make of car has "issues."
In my two years, I replaced a bad thermostat which seems common on all Wranglers regardless of year. Other than that, no issue and I'm at 65k miles.
That said, I would disregard most online "reviews" from places like Edmunds and Consumer Reports. People trash ANY car older than 2 yrs, and use those sites as a place to bitch it seems. I am in the process of looking for a new daily driver car and almost every single other brand/make of car has "issues."
As someone who almost got both. Go pentastar 3.6 you won’t regret it. The power difference doesn’t feel bad on the test drive but believe me it is. I’ve attached two pictures the red one is the older model and mine is the grey one. They don’t look much different but when highway driving and merging you feel so much safer. Excuse the nasty chrome trim, thank god I didn’t buy that.
![Image]()
![Image]()
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Mine is just scratching 100k and everything is operational. Initially, I had to have the transmission line fixed because of a small leak at the fitting. Mech said it was a plastic design fitting which make them prone to premature wear. The other, was the left head misfire. Dealer squared that away at 50k miles and zero issues since. NO issues with heat ever, thank God. This is my daily driver and I wheel about 10% of the time but I’m working on that.
pffffft!
I have a 2012. I love it. It has the best warranty out there. Never had any issues with mine.
Just get a carfax on any used car.
I have a 2012. I love it. It has the best warranty out there. Never had any issues with mine.
Just get a carfax on any used car.
I have a 2012 RHD Sport and haven't had this issue. I am the second owner and it came from a hole in the wall dealership so no Carfax. I have had a litany of other hard postal use failures. Repeated coil failures on #5 and #3. Oil cooler leaking all over. Gaskets only. Oil pressure switch after that, when the Jeep was just sitting there not running. Oil filter relief spring just about took my eye out as it flew past me. Dorman fix. Window regulator right(driver) door. Postal thing. Heavy use. Both front wheel bearings replaced with Timkens. Rear caliper mounts slides rusted. Really love the motor/trans combo despite the little failures.
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