Engine selection for reliability- 3.6/I4turbo/ecodiesel

[Overwatch727]

Hey guys.

I’m not new to turning a wrench, but I am new to jeeps. I am considering trading for one. I was hoping to read/discuss about the I4t, 3.6, and ecodiesel. My intended use is fairly low demand. I have a work supplied vehicle so it will be mostly a get-around vehicle and a way to take my kiddo hunting, fishing, hiking, trail riding, etc. I don’t see rotational mass being any larger than 33’s. Most likely would select a rubicon-like setup and keep it stock in the way of performance.

3.6- I’m most drawn to this engine at face value. Seems like every E1 and teen has beat the absolutely crap out of this engine in the challengers and chargers and it generally does pretty good.

I4t- seems like a ton of people are pretty happy with this engine. I just worry about jamming boost into an undersized 4cyl is recipe for longevity issues. I’ve briefly read that chasing oil leaks is not uncommon? I live in a rural area. I do have access to 91 octane. I know boosted engines like higher octane. But I question if the tradeoff is worth it here?

ecodiesel- I like the idea of diesel and the reputation it has for longevity. I do worry about dealing with DEF and a more complex system. Specifically I am worried about repair cost down the road with the engine, though I’m sure they’re doing fine.

Do you guys have any experience or known common issues with these engines. I just hoping to pull from your experience and make an educated decision. Thank you very much for your time.

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[Twisted10]

def is the devil.

3.6 is solid.

no idea on the other one

 

[jadmt]

I have had 5 3.6's in wranglers and currently have one in my 2024 rubicon. I kind of wanted to go with a 2.0 turbo as my buddy has one in his Xtreme edition with 37's and it flat goes..and he gets better mpg than mine. I ended up getting a good deal on mine (for the time would not be a deal now) so I ended up with the 3.6 again. If I could go back in time I would probably wait for a deal on the 2.0. test dive them back to back several times and see what feels best. I have wheeled with my buddy a lot and we were in Moab and if there is one draw back to the 2.0 it might not sound great but I gotta say my 3.6 does not sound all that great either....
I will say I have had more issues with my new 3.6 then all the others combined..was down for 45 days due to ecm/O2 sensor issue they could not get figured out...so a little jaded right now.


oh and just fair waring you might think you will only be running 33 but in the end everybody ends up with 35's or bigger....I started off in 2012 thinking the same thing just keep it stock for running gravel roads to fishing and hiking spots.....that lasts about a month...

 

[shane h.]

Two JLURs, both with 3.6. Mine is 5+ years old with 66K miles. Hers is 3+ years old with 54K miles. I do all the maintenance myself. We have had exactly zero issues with the 3.6 in either Jeep. I cannot speak to the others. The diesel intrigued me, but I stayed with my Mojito! 3.6.

 

[NWJeepr]

The 3.6 is best used as a boat anchor. 14 years it’s been available in the Wrangler and cam phasers are still an issue. Ask the guys who have had engine failures. Although it’s not a prevalent issue, it’s still a non-ignorable percentage and something Jeep/Stellantis has been derelict in fixing.

The Hurricane I-4 actually runs lower compression than the boat anchor. It’s designed to run on 87, however, 91 is your best bet. The engine has been around for 9 years now, and since 2018 in the Wrangler. Although it was originally a European design, it’s produced here in the USA for domestic Wranglers. Drive one before you decide. IMO, it’s the perfect engine for a modern Wrangler, best power curve for on and off road.

Diesel guys will chime in on the diesel. Generally OK, if you’re a masochist, and get into Italian diesels.

 

[Maverick909]

3.6 is one of the most common engines out there. its in trucks, cars, jeeps, and mini vans. seems to do very well. You will hear more bad than good about all three engines here just because its a forum. People come here to talk about their problem to find a solution. Anyways really depends on where you will be driving at the most. Will you be around town in the city mostly then a naturally asperated motor will suit you fine. will you be at higher altitudes or live some where like Denver Co? then one of the turbo motors would be better as forced induction does better in that type of area. The 3.0D is going to be pricey to fix due to the parts of a diesel engine. The 2.0 runs on 87 OCT recommended by the owners manual. I find that the 3.6 Runs much smoother on 89-91 oct fuel. been running my 3.6 on 91 for the past 5 years with only great results. Down fall is, On 2025 they no longer offer the 3.6 with auto transmission. you would have to find a 24 and older Model year to get the 3.6 with auto trans.

 

[yokramer]

Turbos are love turbos are life.

 

[Strommen95]

 

[Overwatch727]

…
oh and just fair waring you might think you will only be running 33 but in the end everybody ends up with 35's or bigger....I started off in 2012 thinking the same thing just keep it stock for running gravel roads to fishing and hiking spots.....that lasts about a month...

I know this all to well! I started with a stock performance pack mustang and ended with a boosted car pushing about 850whp. It was mostly on accident. This time will be different though, right?

 

[tk1700]

I have a 2019 3.6 (52k miles) and 2021 2.0 (51K miles). The 3.6 runs well but isn't as peppy as the 2.0 (I live at 7000ft). It was also replaced at just over 50k miles from head gasket failure that led to a scored cylinder. The 2.0 had an oil leak from the timing chain cover that was repaired under warranty.

Power wise the 3.6 does fine but the turbo far out performs it. I use 85/86 octane in both and haven't experienced and pinging. The 3.6 is in a Sport with 32 in street tires and the 2.0 in a Rubicon with 33 in RT tires. I average 22 mpg with the 3.6 and 20 with the 2.0. I attribute that to the tires and gearing.

 

[TheRaven]

None of the above. If reliability is high on your list of requirements do not buy a Jeep.

That said, you seem to have the ideal use case for a Wrangler (an extra vehicle), so go drive both the 3.6 and 2.0 and buy the one you like the best. Don't expect either one to be trouble free - get the extended warranty.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

Hey guys.

I’m not new to turning a wrench, but I am new to jeeps. I am considering trading for one. I was hoping to read/discuss about the I4t, 3.6, and ecodiesel. My intended use is fairly low demand. I have a work supplied vehicle so it will be mostly a get-around vehicle and a way to take my kiddo hunting, fishing, hiking, trail riding, etc. I don’t see rotational mass being any larger than 33’s. Most likely would select a rubicon-like setup and keep it stock in the way of performance.

3.6- I’m most drawn to this engine at face value. Seems like every E1 and teen has beat the absolutely crap out of this engine in the challengers and chargers and it generally does pretty good.

I4t- seems like a ton of people are pretty happy with this engine. I just worry about jamming boost into an undersized 4cyl is recipe for longevity issues. I’ve briefly read that chasing oil leaks is not uncommon? I live in a rural area. I do have access to 91 octane. I know boosted engines like higher octane. But I question if the tradeoff is worth it here?

ecodiesel- I like the idea of diesel and the reputation it has for longevity. I do worry about dealing with DEF and a more complex system. Specifically I am worried about repair cost down the road with the engine, though I’m sure they’re doing fine.

Do you guys have any experience or known common issues with these engines. I just hoping to pull from your experience and make an educated decision. Thank you very much for your time.

def is the devil.

3.6 is solid.

no idea on the other one

Not to throw @Twisted10 under the bus, BUT the 3.6 has been around for a long time, but it's far from reliable.

Honestly, you should look into getting a 4.0L V6. Like the one in the 2024 Toyota 4Runner! It'll do everything you need it to, and it'll be comfy while you do it! Best part is, if you do need some work done at the dealership, you'll have it back in working order before the weekend (unlike a Wrangler which will be sitting on the dealer lot for months).

I'm not even joking. Not being a hater, just being honest. Not everyone needs a Wrangler, some people would do better without one. We have enough people around here creating Jeep sucks threads, we should be encouraging people to get vehicles which fit their lifestyle, and pretty much anything that's slightly off-road worthy / SUV sounds like something that you need. You could get a Wrangler, and it will probably do what you need, but in the long run you'd be happier with something like a 4Runner. Just being honest here.

 

[yokramer]

None of the above. If reliability is high on your list of requirements do not buy a Jeep.

That said, you seem to have the ideal use case for a Wrangler (an extra vehicle), so go drive both the 3.6 and 2.0 and buy the one you like the best. Don't expect either one to be trouble free - get the extended warranty.

For someone that hates this discussion as much as you claim to you sure do show up in it an awful lot

 

[Twisted10]

Not to throw @Twisted10 under the bus, BUT the 3.6 has been around for a long time, but it's far from reliable.

Honestly, you should look into getting a 4.0L V6. Like the one in the 2024 Toyota 4Runner! It'll do everything you need it to, and it'll be comfy while you do it! Best part is, if you do need some work done at the dealership, you'll have it back in working order before the weekend (unlike a Wrangler which will be sitting on the dealer lot for months).

I'm not even joking. Not being a hater, just being honest. Not everyone needs a Wrangler, some people would do better without one. We have enough people around here creating Jeep sucks threads, we should be encouraging people to get vehicles which fit their lifestyle, and pretty much anything that's slightly off-road worthy / SUV sounds like something that you need. You could get a Wrangler, and it will probably do what you need, but in the long run you'd be happier with something like a 4Runner. Just being honest here.

 

[autotragic]

Not to throw @Twisted10 under the bus, BUT the 3.6 has been around for a long time, but it's far from reliable.

Honestly, you should look into getting a 4.0L V6. Like the one in the 2024 Toyota 4Runner! It'll do everything you need it to, and it'll be comfy while you do it! Best part is, if you do need some work done at the dealership, you'll have it back in working order before the weekend (unlike a Wrangler which will be sitting on the dealer lot for months).

I'm not even joking. Not being a hater, just being honest. Not everyone needs a Wrangler, some people would do better without one. We have enough people around here creating Jeep sucks threads, we should be encouraging people to get vehicles which fit their lifestyle, and pretty much anything that's slightly off-road worthy / SUV sounds like something that you need. You could get a Wrangler, and it will probably do what you need, but in the long run you'd be happier with something like a 4Runner. Just being honest here.

What he said.

But if you must get a gas Jeep get the 2.0 Turbo with the auto...Unless you have to have a manual then the only option is the 3.6. The 3.6 doesn't get near as good fuel economy as the 2.0 so if you are buying one with an automatic stick to the 2.0. With either engine you have a chance of getting a bad one. Get a MOPAR extended warranty, do not buy one from the selling dealer. I got my extended warranty for $1,300 and some change and it goes until 2029/100,000 miles. The dealer wanted $4,000 for worse non MOPAR coverage. If your 3.6 decides to eat a camshaft or your 2.0 cracks a head then your warranty will easily pay for itself and then some. Don't be dumb and think "I won't need it" because you almost certainly will.

Jeep, specifically Wranglers are not for everybody though so be sure it's what you want.

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