Massive Frame Weld Issues

[Shots]

Today I met with a new dealership as the one I purchased from has not been of any help. The one I spoke with today is opening a case with the rcsm immediately and sending photos. The service manager agrees that the welds are really bad and that he wouldn't want to be stuck driving my jeep after a winter or two. Hopefully in the coming week or two, FCA will have agreed to do a buyback so I can get in a new jeep Jeep and look back on this.

Glad to hear they're taking care of you. Also glad to hear it hasn't scared you away from the Wrangler.

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[four low]

What is the Build Date on your JL ?? Thanks

 

[Rutterbg]

What is the Build Date on your JL ?? Thanks

My build date is 7-18.

 

[four low]

Thanks. I'm looking to see what build dates these frame weld issues fall into, there has to be a beginning, middle, and end that can be tracked better than Serial numbers

 

[Shots]

Hmm, interesting. Mine shows manufactured 4-18, though it wasn't delivered until 7-18. My welds look good, and the frame number outside the recalled sequence.

 

[Rutterbg]

I'm not sure what my frame number is. I've been trying to find what frame numbers fall under the recall and where to find my frame number at. Anyone have those details?

 

[Shots]

Well maybe my welds aren't so good. I just looked at the photo I took of my frame stamp and guess what I see. Pits in the weld.

Seriously this looks no different than any other vehicle I've ever owned (Ford, Chevy, Pontiac, Dodge, Honda and Jeep). I think we may be a little more focused on them than other vehicle owners because this is the first I've heard anyone mention weld issues. Though the OP's do look a lot worse than mine. That then leads to the question of what is acceptable and what is considered bad?

 

[Rutterbg]

Ya one small porous area isn't too bad and actually meets spec per the star publication by FCA. My entire frame is covered in missed welds, beads from spray, large porous areas, etc. Does anyone know how to interpret the frame numbers and what numbers were part of the recall?

 

[vavaroutsos]

Ya one small porous area isn't too bad and actually meets spec per the star publication by FCA. My entire frame is covered in missed welds, beads from spray, large porous areas, etc. Does anyone know how to interpret the frame numbers and what numbers were part of the recall?

Many of the frame numbers were not legible. Mine looked like braille. FCA opened the recall (track bar bracket welds) to the build date range regardless of frame number if I recall correctly. I don't think there is any other official recall regarding frame welds. That's not to say you can't get a buyback for bad welds that don't meet the FCA inspection criteria.

 

[Rutterbg]

Many of the frame numbers were not legible. Mine looked like braille. FCA opened the recall (track bar bracket welds) to the build date range regardless of frame number if I recall correctly. I don't think there is any other official recall regarding frame welds. That's not to say you can't get a buyback for bad welds that don't meet the FCA inspection criteria.

Makes complete sense. Can't get the welds right, so why would the frame numbers be legible. Would you agree that my welds definitely validate a buy back? Seems to be the consensus to me.

 

[HoundDude]

the weld issue was a big deal on here last year, search the site and you'll find lots of info. few examples below.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jl-welding-issues.5446/

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...pection-repair-rust-pinholes-alignment.14599/

 

[Shots]

Ya one small porous area isn't too bad and actually meets spec per the star publication by FCA. My entire frame is covered in missed welds, beads from spray, large porous areas, etc. Does anyone know how to interpret the frame numbers and what numbers were part of the recall?

The top number is just a part number. The middle number/row is the one you're concerned with. The second row is the one you're concerned with. I don't know if I'm right or not, but as best I can tell, the first three numbers are the day (1-365), with the next two digits being the year. If I'm interrupting that correctly, it shows mine built April 3rd, which matches my door sticker's build date. After the date there's a gap and what looks like the time the frame was built. I don't know what the third row is.

On another thread, someone posted the recall inspection and where to find the stamp.
See post #9

And yes, I'd definitely say your welds look sub-par. Whether they do a buy back or repair is hard to say (I don't know how they make such decisions), but the quality doesn't look like what I would expect.

 

[Shots]

Actually the more I think about it, it makes more sense. Your door shows 7-18 for a build date. If the frame shows similar or it was made before the vehicle build date your's would be coming in right at the end of the recall. Mine was made before the issue began so maybe only a little pin here or there before the problems began.
Per the post from the other thread (and assuming I'm reading the frame numbers right) the recall would be for those made May 6th through June 5th. It's not unreasonable to think that the issue would extend beyond the initial recall dates reaching your July build.

 

[Rutterbg]

Exactly what I was looking for! I will check my frame number and post it on here. I have a feeling the issues much bigger than they have made it out to be. I will check on my lunch break to see if the number is legible!

 

[Shots]

It should be as long as it's not caked in dirt. I found a flashlight made it a lot easier to read too.
I wouldn't be surprised to find your fame is within range of the recall. That or if they have an unofficial range that they'll replace outside the official recalled dates that yours falls into.
I'm much more comfortable knowing mine was made a month before the issue began, than I would be with it a month after it allegedly ended.

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