2018 Rubicon 3.6 Engine Failure 85,000 miles

[Zman9788]

My Dad was just told he needs new $12k engine for 2018 Wrangler Rubicon 3.6. He brought it in now that they finally have a fix for clutch recall and he mentioned to dealer it sounded like excessive ticking noise. They ended up telling him rocker issue and needs new motor for 12k, but none available or rebuilt one for 6k. I see 2014-2020 have been listed with premature motor failure and they are working on lawsuit. I realize out of warranty, but 85,000 miles still seems early for full rebuild. Anyone have any suggestions? I'll be selling my 2022 before warranty is up if this is the case going forward. Thank you.

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[roaniecowpony]

Sounds very dubious. Whether he "needs" a new engine is dependent on whether there is collateral damage. Just listening to it would not tell you that. If the metal from the rocker/cam failure has damaged other areas of the engine, then an engine replacement/rebuild may be warranted. If not, then a basic replacement of the damaged parts is all that may be needed. There are countless examples of cam/rocker replacements out there. I would bet your dad's issue would not be so serious as to warrant an engine replacement. Get a second and maybe third opinion. NOT from a dealership.

IMO, recently, dealerships seem to be colluding with Jeep to run up the maintenance and repair bills. I'd take it to an independent shop if you can't do the work yourself.

 

[Old Jeeper]

Sounds very dubious. Whether he "needs" a new engine is dependent on whether there is collateral damage. Just listening to it would not tell you that. If the metal from the rocker/cam failure has damaged other areas of the engine, then an engine replacement/rebuild may be warranted. If not, then a basic replacement of the damaged parts is all that may be needed. There are countless examples of cam/rocker replacements out there. I would bet your dad's issue would not be so serious as to warrant an engine replacement. Get a second and maybe third opinion. NOT from a dealership.

IMO, recently, dealerships seem to be colluding with Jeep to run up the maintenance and repair bills. I'd take it to an independent shop if you can't do the work yourself.

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[roaniecowpony]

If you actually did need an engine, these guys are a source of cheap used engines.
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[Da Capt]

My Dad was just told he needs new $12k engine for 2018 Wrangler Rubicon 3.6. He brought it in now that they finally have a fix for clutch recall and he mentioned to dealer it sounded like excessive ticking noise. They ended up telling him rocker issue and needs new motor for 12k, but none available or rebuilt one for 6k. I see 2014-2020 have been listed with premature motor failure and they are working on lawsuit. I realize out of warranty, but 85,000 miles still seems early for full rebuild. Anyone have any suggestions? I'll be selling my 2022 before warranty is up if this is the case going forward. Thank you.

Mine went to shit at 75k but the mechanic changed the lifters and rockers and was good to go. Maybe take it for another opinion

 

[Blues Fan 30]

12k for a motor?! Sounds like he should just do a full hemi swap at this point.

 

[WorkingMan]

Sounds very dubious. Whether he "needs" a new engine is dependent on whether there is collateral damage. Just listening to it would not tell you that. If the metal from the rocker/cam failure has damaged other areas of the engine, then an engine replacement/rebuild may be warranted. If not, then a basic replacement of the damaged parts is all that may be needed. There are countless examples of cam/rocker replacements out there. I would bet your dad's issue would not be so serious as to warrant an engine replacement. Get a second and maybe third opinion. NOT from a dealership.

IMO, recently, dealerships seem to be colluding with Jeep to run up the maintenance and repair bills. I'd take it to an independent shop if you can't do the work yourself.

If the metal from the rocker/cam failure has damaged other areas of the engine that likely means the owner ignored a loud ticking noise for a long time.

 

[mwilk012]

12k for a motor?! Sounds like he should just do a full hemi swap at this point.

Not sure where people get the delusion that a hemi swap is some cheap thing.

12k is about 20% higher than it should be but also there are no engines available in the US right now. Replace the cams and rockers that are damaged, flush the engine. Pull the heads if you absolutely must to get it clean. Pull the oil pan to clean it up. 3-5k should get it back to 100%.

 

[Blues Fan 30]

Not sure where people get the delusion that a hemi swap is some cheap thing.

12k is about 20% higher than it should be but also there are no engines available in the US right now. Replace the cams and rockers that are damaged, flush the engine. Pull the heads if you absolutely must to get it clean. Pull the oil pan to clean it up. 3-5k should get it back to 100%.

Not saying it's cheap just that 12k would get you a good portion of the way there vs dumping 12k just to put a v6 back in.

 

[mwilk012]

Not saying it's cheap just that 12k would get you a good portion of the way there vs dumping 12k just to put a v6 back in.

In this economy, if someone is balking at 12k for an engine I have a feeling they don’t want to dump 25 on a different one.

 

[roaniecowpony]

In this economy, if someone is balking at 12k for an engine I have a feeling they don’t want to dump 25 on a different one.

A $12k repair on a 5 year old vehicle should give anyone a pause to ponder their options. Personally, before I spent $12k to address a "tick", I'd have a look at fixing it myself. But, lacking the capability to do that, I'd say find a good independent shop, or trade it off.

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