IS THE JEEP WRANGLER JKU RELIABLE?? 4 YEAR OWNERSHIP REVIEW
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Is the Jeep Wrangler JKU reliable? How does it stack up against some of the other great offroad platforms out there? It’s been a minute since we’ve taken a deep dive with the Wrangler and today, I’m going to be sharing some of the big-ticket, long-term maintenance items on this thing as well as my overall thoughts on its reliability over the last 4 years.
Full Walkaround Video: • MY THREE YEAR WRANGLER...
What You Actually Need for 37s: • WHAT YOU (ACTUALLY) NE...
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I've had my JKUS 2013 for 7 years now, did all mods and suspension myself. However in 2020 at 53,180 miles, I got the infamous 'engine tick' which the dealership fixed. So far so good (fingers crossed) Please keep your Jeep no matter what, like any other vehicle if you take care of it, it will take care of you ;)
Love it!
What’s the fix for that problem?
Thanks for the video. I subscribed and look forward to seeing and learning more from your experiences. Here’s the story of my recent experience:
I bought a 2017 JKU Rubicon just over a week ago. It has the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 2 weeks before my purchase it received a tuneup at the dealership including the replacement of all spark plugs, fuel injection service, and throttle body service. The day after I brought it home I drove over to the auto parts store to buy a drop in K&N air filter (basic first upgrade). I noticed the coolant was extremely low to empty so I purchased a jug of coolant and filled it up, replaced the filter, then cranked up and watched for a leak. After a few minutes all looked well so I took off back to the house. About 3 blocks away from the store my check engine light came on. I turned right back around and had them run computer diagnostics and it came back with both cylinder (2) and cylinder (multi) misfire codes. Since everything else had recently been serviced I assumed it must be coil packs and dropped it back off at the same dealership that did the tuneup. The next day I get a text that it’s going to be a $3,300 repair to replace the left (driver’s) side cylinder head and gaskets. After doing some research I found that this is more or less a “known” issue and I think even was a recall on the 2012-2014 models. I asked the service manager why they hadn’t noticed this during the $1,200 repair that was performed less than 200 miles ago. He said they do not perform a compression test until after first trying the spark plugs and fuel injectors… I have no idea if this is standard practice for mechanics/service departments. Either way I was not at all pleased with the situation. At 58k miles (decently low mileage for a 2017) it is still just under the 60k mile drivetrain warranty, however that warranty actually expired in Apr 2022 due to the 5 year expiration date clause. I checked and the previous owner’s extended warranty was non-transferable and he was absolutely not interested in helping to pay for the repair after having done his due diligence with the recent 60k service check and tuneup. The check engine light had been off since then (about 50 miles of driving before my purchase). So… WTF do you do in this situation???!!!
Well, after taking a moment to breathe 🧘 and ensure I didn’t just snap off at the entire world, I proceeded to call the Jeep Cares Warranty Customer Service line, 1 (800) 992-1997. I gave this same play by play to the intake rep. FYI, he didn’t initially ask for the full story/explanation but when I asked he said he could take it down so the case representative would have it as early as possible. The very next day I received a phone call from my case rep explaining that they were going to offer “goodwill support” and cover all parts and labor costs!!! I don’t know what to say other than I was ecstatic and it was a huge relief to know I wasn’t going to start off my ownership of this awesome and not at all inexpensive vehicle by additionally forking out several thousand dollars in repairs.
I previously owned a 2000 Wrangler TJ 4-cylinder SE which I bought brand new (8 miles) and owned for 17 years. It was purchased as an absolute base model with manual transmission, 2 doors, soft top, no bells, no whistles, no carpets, no back seat or seat belts, power nothing, no radio, etc. It was basically a highway friendly lawn tractor on 4 spare doughnuts. As far as I have found you can no longer buy them like that from the factory unless maybe you’re going to use it as a LHD mail truck. That thing had nearly zero maintenance issues outside of normal wear and tear, and being that I bought it when I was teenager I did not treat it the way I treat my vehicles now. I once tried to use it as a battering-ram to flip over a beached boat that had floated up after a hurricane. Several times I took the top off during tropical storms to go joyriding. I got it stuck on a one vehicle 2am mud ride and 3 of us slept in muddy seats while one buddy used the hood as a futon (don’t do this it will leave a dent). At 55mph in 4H I drove it through 2 miles of marsh grass and mud along side a South Mississippi bayou. (Not at all proud of that one, I was just young and dumb.) Somehow it held strong for almost 300k miles despite all my trips, moves, crazy antics, punishment, and on top of that it still sold for over $5k after almost two decades. So to me it was a no brainer what to buy when I started looking for a new vehicle early this year. I read many good things and a few horror stories about the Pentastar. As mentioned in the video, it is a bit discerning that an engine Jeep/Chrysler has installed for so many years still has some known design flaws they’ve seemingly not addressed, but regardless I am extremely happy with the result of my call to Jeep Cares Customer Service and highly recommend you give them a call before opening your wallet. Don’t feel the need to argue your case, just present them with the facts and see what they have to say. After my experience it seems they are going to do what they can to help and they actually do care that you get to enjoy the ride as much as I have. I pick up my Rubicon on Monday and I am very much looking forward nice summer evening drives through the woods, camping, and even my morning commute to the office. Cheers and hope to see y’all out there!
Thanks for sharing your experience! Hope you enjoy the Jeep!
147k 37s 3.8. zero mechanical issues besides a minor oil leak and I abuse and neglect it. i broke 3 power steering pumps and the sector shaft before upgrading to a psc big bore xd2. youll never have another steering issue
Love it, thanks for the comment! I went with the full PSC hydro swap for the JT, looking forward to it. And yeah, I’ve heard good things about the durability of the older 3.8s 💪🏼👏🏼
I always thought 3.8s caused some or another problem but I'm happy to hear about a 3.8 with zero issues. BTW what's better, the 3.8 or the 3.6?
I have a 2014 JK Wrangler Polar edition (which is basically a Sahara with a few cosmetic things added), now have 154K miles, had to replace the alternator, O2 sensor and starter, that is basically it, I have not taken it on rough trails. Did all of the scheduled maintenance.
Good to see that you still have the Wrangler! I’ve gone back and forth a lot about getting rid of mine for something that handles the freeway better (3.8) but so far it hasn’t actually happened. After that fall colors trip we shoulda schedule some kind of viewer ride! 👊
I’ve been thinking about that too, would be a blast! And yeah man, I’ve heard great things about the reliability of those 3.8s!
2018 2dr JK here. I beat the bajesus out of mine. 60,000 miles, zero issues. And I’ve been 3/4 of the way under water, on the windows, not the motor. Drove through like a submarine. Wouldn’t get rid of mine for anything. Nice video sir …
Thanks for the comment - keep rockin and rollin! 👊🏼👏🏼
2011 JKU with 74k mi, 5" lift with 35" Nitto MT, basically all stock and have not had any major issues. Been all over Arizona and love the Jeep.
Great to hear, Bret! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
I have a similar 2013 jkur stick shift on 37"s, 3.5" lift. I recomend the PSC big bore box with the stock pump. It steers 37"s easier, and will not break a sector shaft and leave you stranded. I run that setup with a JKS flipped draglink, and Teraflex High Steer Knuckles, synergy track bar brace.
Love it, thanks for the comment Charles!
Hey Jacob, I drive a 2012 Wrangler 2 door 6 speed manual. It's been awesome so far. I haven't had any problems with that oil cooler in my Jeep, but man my wife's vehicle is a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan. It's got that same plastic crap oil cooler! I'VE REPLACED THREE OF EM SO FAR and ended up with a blown head gasket after that last one. That oil cooler is a pile of crap. If you ever have to get another, just take my advice and spring for the all metal version! Buy cheap buy twice (thrice)!
Wow man, so crazy! I didn’t know they made a metal version either. That’s helpful to know. Glad your JK is going strong for you! Thanks for the comment 👊🏼
Dorman oil cooler housing is metal and about 100$ on Amazon. When I replace spark plugs I’m going to just get that done too.
Glad to see the Wrangler back out. Lots of awesome trips in that thing!!
Yes bro! Hopefully more to come 👏🏼
@@4XTRAIL 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Awesome video Kaleb! Been super happy with my 2008 JKU. Owned since 2015, No major issues. Lack of funds for more upgrades is my issue😂
Haha that’s awesome man, cool to hear you’ve had such a good run with it!
Interesting comments on your build I have a 2016 jk manual 81k on 37's I have blown three power steering pumps. Never had and oil cooler problem still on the stock plastic one. I've had one thermostat fail do to a check engine light. Never left me stranded!
I hesitated to post this since it reads like a Jeep fanboy rant .. haha.
08 JKX 3.8 Manual, 71k. Conservative 2” lift with 33’s on stock gearing. Owned it since 50k miles and it’s been a reliable light off-roader but mostly my A to B in punishing stop and go L.A traffic. Yes, you gotta push that weak 3.8 hard to get any power and drive at lower gears for longer but all around a super reliable platform on account of its simplicity. Except for a coolant leak from the thermostat housing, which was an inexpensive breeze to replace, no leaks or issues ever since. Coming from devout BMW ownership, this JK is the most user serviceable vehicle I’ve ever owned with its easy and accessible oil/fluid changes and all-around fanatical support base. With 1.6 Million JK’s sold it also bodes well for used parts access for years to come. I have absolutely no compelling reason to go with a JL when JK’s are just better in terms of build potential and aftermarket support. My next vehicle will probably be a low miles first gen JKUR to modify into a more serious off roader.
Love it! Thanks for sharing man!
We have 250K miles on our JKU, original engine, trans, and running on 37s.
Love it Darren! That’s a pretty solid example of how these Jeeps CAN provide a good long run without a lot of issues. Any secrets to your maintenance regimen??
@@4XTRAIL oil changes every 5K miles. Videos of this JK are on channel Papa Surf Off-roading.
Yep, never go beyond 5K miles between oil changes, and I always use Pennzoil Ultra Synthetic 5W20 and either Mopar or K&N oil filter. I swap out 2 quarts of ATF every other oil change, to keep fresh ATF In my trans. 20K drain and fills for Diffs and Xfer case. Coolant flush at 50K, new air filter every 10k miles. Will drop pan on my trans at 60-70k miles to swap out filter.
@@queensapphire7717 but you also replied this above "My 2016 JKU “75th”, 55k miles, thermostat failed (53k), front calipers failed (40k) radiator failed (22k) & rear axle seal failed (42k) so far." is it just luck of the draw?
@@IaMCdN1 yep, luckily all, except TStat, covered by warranty. I also think for many things I took it in for, such as the axle seal, many non mechanical owners would not have noticed, I only found it because I do my own brakes, and when I took it in for the warranty service (Dealer),they said they could not find any leak in the rear axle. I told them to take the rotor off and look at the tone ring, it’s covered in hardened grease, and they argued with me “I gotta take off the rotor”, I said, “I’ll come down there and do it in 5 minutes”. 10 mins later, I get the call “Oh sorry, you’re correct, you have a small leak”. Same for the oil cooler, during that December 2022 cold blast, I would check my wife’s Jeep every morning, and noticed a small spot of oil, and a motor oil covered transmission pan. None caused a CEL, except the TStat, and all found as I check closely for any spots on my driveway. Funny, 2 of my friends that have wranglers, who do not do any of their own maintenance, I told them check under your Jeep (After the cold spell), and both ended up having failed oil coolers too.
Owner of a 2015 JKUR. Got it used and love it. At about 80k I got the engine tick, got it fixed at the dealer for $100 under the cpo warranty. Also, the coolant reservoir got a leak at 90k but that was an easy fix. Other than that, it's been great and waiting to put a bunch more miles.
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2017 JKUR Recon here, only major problems have been rear passenger window motors, the blend door actuator (AC/Heat motor underneath the dashboard), and had to replace the windshield twice. Prior to my 2017 I've owned a couple 2-door JKs and only wish I had went with the Unlimited 4-door from the get go as it offers so much more room for hauling passengers and gear.
For sure! Yes my HVAC does weird things sometimes lol. So far still works though
I had a brand new 2010 JK 2 door for seven years up to 2017. Mostly daily driver use, limited dirt track, no heavy rock rolling. Two problems experienced, overheating, and the "Death wobble" Shortage of spares in the early days meaning I had to wait for USA imports. Loved the car, stock Sahara auto, will do it again soon but not the overdose, over expense new ones! TM. S.Africa.
In 2011 I bought a JKU , I traded it in on a 2016 Ram 1500 because I needed a Pickup , in 2021 I traded my Pickup in on a 2018 JK Sport S, my Jeeps have been very reliable, I have zero complaints, and in the Minnesota Winters ? Reliability is a must....
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Had my for 3 years now. I had 1 Oil cooler replacement and 3 thermostat. At 120k now. All oil changes up to date. Still sounds quite and runs smooth engine.
Nice! Not bad 🤙🏼
Bought a 2014 recently, 50k miles, clean service records, no rust, looks mint inside and out. Week after purchase oil cooler failed, first rain showed door seals leaked both sides (2door), HVAC control module failing, tailgate hinges badly worn out, rear track bar issues and the headlights randomly "blink". So basically in the first 5 weeks it has been in my garage, at some point I may get to actually take it out camping, until then I just keep driving my Tundra lol.
I didn’t want to heart this message - that’s rough man! Hopefully those issues get resolved and you can start having fun with the Jeep.
Everybody is changing the oil cooler on all jeeps basically, I can’t believe they designed the piece of garbage with plastic not only that, the place where they put it inside the engine. Unbelievable it’s a complete failure.
Great video, you pretty much covered everything a first time buyer needs to know before buying a Wrangler, I’ve been lucky so far with my 2012 jk and haven’t gotten the lifter tick but did haftoo change the front driveshaft and oil cooler, if anyone has to change that part upgrade to the aluminum cooler and housing not much of a difference in price.
Great advice, thanks Chris!
Love your jeep bro ❤
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ahhhh the dreaded tick! had to replace the rockers, lifters and phasers.
Ugh!
I have a 2014 Sahara with 55k miles. Haven't had any major issue yet. I'm gettin nervous after reading all the comments. 🤞
Hopefully you won’t have any!
2015 Unlimited Sport here with 58,000 miles. It had the radiator replaced prior to me owning it. No issues so far. Runs great. I'm going to change the fluid out from the differential's and the transfer case myself. Changing to Mobile 1 oil on next oil change. Just make sure you use the proper antifreeze and oil weight in your jeep.
07-11 JKs had the 3.8 pushrod engine, never will buy anything with the 3.6. as a master mechanic, I fix them all. the. time. sucks that it happened to you brother
I believe it! Yep, heard pretty good things about the 3.8 from a reliability standpoint.
@@4XTRAIL I agree they are far more reliable but.... they have no power. I'm running 5.13 with 35s and still have power issues lol
@@4XTRAIL I see you're in az? Been here pretty much my whole life. I love the trails out here. Hope I see you on one of them!!
Thanks for sharing ! Great video!!!
Does the lifters knocking happens at all range of rpm or more noticable at higher rpm ?
I have a 2015 JKU Sport (almost a Rubicon) :D I've added a rear locker...and lots of MetalCloak! Mine has been great mechanically. I did just have to do the oil cooler though. I had my mechanic do it. I want 37's next but thought I would have to upgrade to a Dana 44 front. I did have gussets welded on, but not a truss.
Hey Julia! That sounds like a great build. I’ve been impressed with how well my D30 has held up to 37s with a truss, gussets and chromoly shafts. Thanks for the comment and stay in touch!
Been running a 2011 JKU 70th Anniversary with the 3.8 now for 13 years. It's up to 88,000 miles now and the only thing I had to replace was the rear brakes. Front brakes are still 50%. I'll knock on wood now......but I've never had a rig go this many miles without problems?
I have a 2017 jku i had two issues only frist was the oil filter housing like you said it made out of Plastic and second one was the radiator stated licking from the side that is also made out of Plastic. But no real issue .
Not too bad! Thanks for watching
The oil cooler and thermostat, were replaced this year 2014 Sahara.
Hey Caleb, I had the same issue with my oil filter housing….mine started leaking from the actual oil cooler……I wish they would have used higher quality materials for that piece….plastic just isn’t good enough…..it wasn’t super expensive but it was a bit of a pain to replace….
Totally agree!
I replaced mine with the aftermarket dorman aluminum
My 2010 jku with a 3.8 has 200k with no issues.
Love it!
15 jku with 91k miles and other then the axle seals needing replacing.. *knock on wood* no issues. I daily and wheel it
That’s awesome! Hoping for a stronger run with the 3.6 in the new JT 🙌🏼
Received my 2015 JKU back this past Saturday for the engine tick. 45,100 miles. Also power steering pump had a small leak and replaced.
Wow man, that’s crazy. Hopefully it’s good for you for a while now 😬
Hope so. Thankfully purchased an extended warranty as we are not the original owners. The ext. warranty paid off!
My 2016 JKU “75th”, 55k miles, thermostat failed (53k), front calipers failed (40k) radiator failed (22k) & rear axle seal failed (42k) so far.
Not sure I wanted to “heart” this comment! Sorry to hear, hopefully you have a good run of form soon!
I know I’m gonna get hate for this comment but I think the Chrysler 3.8 L V6 was a better engine than the penistar I know people feel really bad those Chrysler engines but mines are doing fantastic and I don’t find that it lacks that much power but I have a two-door Jeep. The four-door is much heavier and larger so I can see why people would view it as underpowered, but I’m very satisfied with myself
I’ve heard good things about the 3.8!
The touch screen radio in the Jeep JL is PURE TRASH! It will sooner or later delaminate and the functions go wild changing themselves constantly. The warranty will refuse to replace it and leave you on your own with a huge repair bill. Money maker for the dealer but leaves the consumer looking elsewhere for his next 4WD vehicle. Jeep Electronics are trash!
That’s rough. There are two OEM sizes of screen, which size is yours?
@@4XTRAIL Mine is the 8 inch screen which controls everything in the Jeep. Unfortunately being a 2018 it's out of warranty even with only 15,000 miles. At the Jeep dealership a refurbished unit installed is a $1000.00 dollars, A new unit is almost $2,000. I was warned about electronics on a Jeep now I know first hand. This is a common problem for all the CDJ models but they do NOTHING for the THOUSANDS of bad units out there. BEWARE the JEEP TOUCH SCREEN UNITS!
2015 JKU which has had multiple rear main seal leaks. After the fourth time of taking it it the dealership finally just swapped in another 3.6.
A buddy of mine had a similar issue with his main seal leaking. Hopefully not a
4x thing for him! Dang, that’s crazy! Hope you’re well man 👊🏼 how’s the gladiator holding up for you?
@@4XTRAIL everything has been good over here and hopefully the same for you. The Gladiator has been solid. Coming up on one year of ownership so will probably do a one year review and walkaround. Also, the RTT I’ve been eyeing for awhile randomly came up on Marketplace so I had to scoop that up. Probably do a video about that as well when I get a minute.
@@TrailExpedition love it! That’s awesome to hear 👊🏼
Are you certain it's the main seal and not the oil cooler? When the valley is full of oil it will run down the back of the engine mimicking a main seal leak
Jeep + reliability do not belong in the same sentence. Ever
Jeep owners + denial on the other hand do
Haha those are fightin words 😅 lol jk. As an owner of multiple Jeeps and Toyotas I definitely get where you’re coming from man. There are pros and cons to every vehicle. You have to weigh wether or not the pros for your scenario of use outweigh the cons. In the case of many Jeep owners, they do. The same can be said for Toyota people. I like both 😁
@@4XTRAIL don’t mind me man. I love the Jeep, but I hate it’s reliability
The lexus is a Toyota prado 120. They're all over straya
First day of buying a JKU I had the red lightning bolt of death come on. Left me stranded on the highway. 🤷🏻♂️
Ugh, not good!
The most hardcore off roaders I've seen wheeling in Death Valley even in the heat are Jeeps driven by old dudes. Their rigs caked in dirt inside and out. The Jeep crowd wheel their rigs harder than the metrosexual Toyota crowd by far. When you beat on a piece of equipment it has a higher chance of breakage.
What motor oil you use?
I had to replace the thermostat on my 2016 at 40,000 miles
Crazy, I guess mine going till 65k isn’t too shabby 😅
Chrysler doesn't stand behind their products if you have a problem it's probably going to be your problem. I bought new had every service do my a Jeep Chrysler Dealership, still under warranty even now and Chrysler refused to repair my vehicle.
So frustrating. Warranties are not really warranties it seems. Good luck and hopefully you get it fixed soon.
I’m thinking about getting a 2008-2010 Jeep wrangler what are common problems that they have and are they able to be fix by watching a UA-cam video and done in my garage? I’ve heard some bad things about the 3.8 about it being under powered but I much rather have an underpowered engine than an engine that can’t get me from point A to point B. I’m probably going to get a 2 door btw.
Hey! Apologies for the late reply. Others who own a 3.8 can weigh in here but I’ve heard about the water pumps going on them. The 3.6 has honestly been pretty dependable for me. The lifter knock was annoying but not detrimental.
I have a 3.8 with 175k miles, replaced all gaskets, and no issues. Waterpump and thermostat is right in front of you. Both could be replaced in less than 30 minutes. Enough power for me to daily drive, if you want more hp get you a cold air intake. I heard 3.6 more issues.
2011 jku with the 3.8. Only issue I have had was some overheating on the trans after a road trip. Don’t know what is wrong yet or if it is just a general issue with them after long use. Praying I don’t need a new one as a university student.
Hey Turner, hopefully nothing major. I haven’t heard of any transmission overheating issues…first thing I would check is the fluid level / quality then maybe the transmission thermostat if that’s a thing?? If you think of it, let us know on here once you get it diagnosed!
@@4XTRAIL Trans fluid was just replaced 10,000km ago. Fluid levels are good and I have normal operating temps on my dash but a check engine light reading an over temp trans code. Nobody can figure it out when I get it checked.
@@turnersimpson1667 could be throwing a code, if you don’t notice anything different you should be fine(former BMW owner)
Looking for advice would you go with automatic transmission or manual transmission
I love manual in sports cars but I’ve liked the auto in the Jeep. A little less to think about offroad, albeit with a little less control. Pros and cons both ways for sure.
Would you say the modifications and off roading contributed to the repairs?
No, aside from the front drive shaft issue none of my modifications have caused any reliability issues!
423 Heidenreich Roads
I've owned my 2015 JK for six months now. It has 55k and the 3.6 tic tic sound is starting to happen especially at cold engine start. Glad I purchased a Mopar used car warranty. Does anyone have experience with the Mopar used car warranty?
Sorry to hear man, good call on the warranty. I don’t have experience with that but hopefully it works out well for you!
Yeah, they’ll charge you $200 (out of pocket) to run “diags” aka simple ODBII scan no matter if they know how to fix or not, so as to prevent you from making a claim.
I do my own oil changes, so I know not to over tighten the oil cooler housing.
Bergnaum Ville
Marguerite Manor
It sounds very familiar with cheap plastic parts. The rugged vehicles are more often being toys for a segment with money and no clue what the purpose of an offroader or a pickup is. But they gladly pay for plastic and low profile tires as if it makes the vehicles perform better. But the world go an extra mile for bling - so they get to decide. Why can't those people just opt for an Escalade - it's ruined from the factory. Equally bad at being a limo and a 4WD. I mean low profile tires on those things doesn't make a difference in how bad they perform. So no need for putting those things on vehicles where it's a liability...
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Hahaha parts for oil cooller in bc canada was $247 and the service labour was about $1700! Hahaha
That labor costs is criminal. It's fairly easy to do
Crazy!!!
Harris Helen Martin Elizabeth Robinson Deborah