Unresolved Star Case, Now What?

[flyer92]

As I've posted elsewhere in the forum over the last couple of years, my 2-door Sport inexplicably leans to the front passenger corner by about 1/2". After bringing it to several dealerships and hearing a litany of baseless explanations for the lean, I finally opened a star case last month. While it has been an unexpectedly refreshing experience to work with my dealership, service advisor, and corporate rep, Stellantis's engineers have given up on what's causing the lean. This is following a very detailed digital analysis of the frame, body mounts, and suspension components, as well as replacement of all four springs.

At this point, Stellantis is labeling the issue as "cosmetic," which doesn't surprise me, as a local 4x4 shop and high-end suspension shop previously came to the same conclusion. As the star case is now wrapping up, my service advisor told me that he's working with management and his area rep to come up with a plan to "satisfy the customer." While it would be fantastic if they replaced my Sport with a 392 Rubi, I realize that's not realistic, and frankly, I prefer the configuration of my lightly modified Sport as it is.

So....this makes me wonder what I can/should expect from the dealership, and if I can/should be pressing for more than another round of Jeep Wave oil changes (which I never used anyway). While this issue may be purely cosmetic, it is clearly not right and could even be a liability if/when I decide to sell my JL in the future. As such, I'm considering asking for a 3-year/36K-mile extended factory warranty, but I realize that could also be a pipe dream. While I'd love to pitch this question to an attorney, that would obviously cost significant $$$, so I figured I'd open it up to the forum for input.

Also important to consider the bigger picture here, as apparently no other JL owner has gone this far with Stellantis to troubleshoot this specific issue, even though it exists on many of our vehicles. Whatever offer I accept could therefore be held as a precedent for similar cases in the future.

Given this background, I'd be very interested in your feedback and will keep you all posted as the case wraps up this week. Thanks for your time and attention and happy Jeepin'!

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[rohdawg]

While it would be fantastic if they replaced my Sport with a 392 Rubi,

That’s as far as I got and then…

You owe me a milk.

 

[azjl#3]

Not accident cause? Try swapping springs left to right or add 1/2 spacer right.

Just curious why you are disregarding two pro shops on their recommendation, i can understand not believing dealer.?

I come from the Early Bronco world, 1/2 lean is what you get if you turn wheel 1/4 turn, it's expected.

 

[flyer92]

That’s as far as I got and then…

You owe me a milk.

LOL...clearly, I'd never expect Stellantis to actually consider such a resolution, but it sure was fun to cause this reaction!

 

[rohdawg]

LOL...clearly, I'd never expect Stellantis to actually consider such a resolution, but it sure was fun to cause this reaction!

I commend you for having a good attitude about your situation. Sounds frustrating and I know the lean is the only thing I’d see if I were in your shoes.
I hope they resolve this in your favor.

I’ll be over here ?? …waiting on that milk.

 

[flyer92]

Not accident cause? Try swapping springs left to right or add 1/2 spacer right.

Just curious why you are disregarding two pro shops on their recommendation, i can understand not believing dealer.?

I come from the Early Bronco world, 1/2 lean is what you get if you turn wheel 1/4 turn, it's expected.

Not caused by an accident, and we swapped springs, replaced old springs with new ones, swapped again, etc., etc., etc. The dealership went above and beyond, and tried everything they could.

Of course you can add a spacer, but that defeats the point of this whole issue. In short, a modern vehicle should not leave the factory with such a lean. I've driven all manner of Jeeps from Willys MBs, to CJ-3Bs, M38s, various CJs, TJs, and never once experienced this issue on a new, factory suspension.

And to clarify, I never said that I disregarded the other shops. On the contrary, they were 100% instrumental in confirming that this is in fact a cosmetic issue. Only reason I pushed the issue with the dealership, is that my JL is still under warranty and this lean is obviously abnormal. It was my service advisor who told me to proceed with a star case and agreed that Stellantis should troubleshoot to the maximum possible extent and bear some responsibility for selling a cosmetically defective product. Same would apply if my JL was delivered with bubbling paint, cracked fender flare, or stained seat covers. It's just not right and should be corrected, especially for the exorbitant prices we pay for these vehicles.

 

[flyer92]

I commend you for having a good attitude about your situation. Sounds frustrating and I know the lean is the only thing I’d see if I were in your shoes.
I hope they resolve this in your favor.

I’ll be over here ?? …waiting on that milk.

Thanks...my service advisor told me the same. TBH, if there was one good thing I learned during COVID, it was how to be more patient, and it really made this process much more bearable than it might have otherwise been. I know the dealerships can often test our limits, but having a sh!t attitude just doesn't help anyone or anything.

And you are right...no matter how awesome my JL looks after a fresh wash/wax (or even covered in dirt), I only see the lean. It's pretty damn annoying to say the least. In any case, I'll keep you posted on the resolution, and will be happy to share photos of my new 392!

 

[alphawolff]

I'm going to need pictures of your jeep parked side by side with another sport. A half an inch?


This seems like the most bullshit complaint I've ever heard in my entire career. I need to see it to believe it.

 

[wibornz]

So I would think the only way you can see a half inch lean is with the aid of a tape measure. Is there a difference if the tanks full of fuel? How did you even discover this problem?

 

[garykk]

So is the body sitting lower on one side or is the chassis sitting lower. Is it just on the front or back? Side to side?

 

[garyji]

I'm going with "Let's see it".

G.

 

[Jeffy56]

Maybe the frame got tweaked in assembly. Or dropped. That being the case, part swapping won't change anything. Some measurements (maybe laser) between "key" hard points of the suspension, frame, and ground might show this. Tires would play as well. Spring length. Maybe that part # has issues or inconsistencies.

 

[flyer92]

I'm going to need pictures of your jeep parked side by side with another sport. A half an inch?


This seems like the most bullshit complaint I've ever heard in my entire career. I need to see it to believe it.

I don't know what your career is, but that's your opinion and you are welcome to pursue service issues with your Jeep in the manner that you wish.

As stated previously...after decades of driving all manner of Jeeps, I've never experienced an issue like this, and my service advisor even agreed that Stellantis should take some responsibility, since it's an obvious manufacturing defect and is still under warranty.

Thanks for the constructive feedback.

 

[DaltonGang]

As I've posted elsewhere in the forum over the last couple of years, my 2-door Sport inexplicably leans to the front passenger corner by about 1/2". After bringing it to several dealerships and hearing a litany of baseless explanations for the lean, I finally opened a star case last month. While it has been an unexpectedly refreshing experience to work with my dealership, service advisor, and corporate rep, Stellantis's engineers have given up on what's causing the lean. This is following a very detailed digital analysis of the frame, body mounts, and suspension components, as well as replacement of all four springs.

At this point, Stellantis is labeling the issue as "cosmetic," which doesn't surprise me, as a local 4x4 shop and high-end suspension shop previously came to the same conclusion. As the star case is now wrapping up, my service advisor told me that he's working with management and his area rep to come up with a plan to "satisfy the customer." While it would be fantastic if they replaced my Sport with a 392 Rubi, I realize that's not realistic, and frankly, I prefer the configuration of my lightly modified Sport as it is.

So....this makes me wonder what I can/should expect from the dealership, and if I can/should be pressing for more than another round of Jeep Wave oil changes (which I never used anyway). While this issue may be purely cosmetic, it is clearly not right and could even be a liability if/when I decide to sell my JL in the future. As such, I'm considering asking for a 3-year/36K-mile extended factory warranty, but I realize that could also be a pipe dream. While I'd love to pitch this question to an attorney, that would obviously cost significant $$$, so I figured I'd open it up to the forum for input.

Also important to consider the bigger picture here, as apparently no other JL owner has gone this far with Stellantis to troubleshoot this specific issue, even though it exists on many of our vehicles. Whatever offer I accept could therefore be held as a precedent for similar cases in the future.

Given this background, I'd be very interested in your feedback and will keep you all posted as the case wraps up this week. Thanks for your time and attention and happy Jeepin'!

Trade your passenger in, for a lighter one?? ?

.

 

[flyer92]

So I would think the only way you can see a half inch lean is with the aid of a tape measure. Is there a difference if the tanks full of fuel? How did you even discover this problem?

I think many of us can spot the difference between a 2-inch and 2.5-inch lift, so why should this be any different? It is in fact more noticeable, since one corner of the vehicle is lower than the others. At least with a level suspension, all corners are equal. Fuel level has no effect either; the 1/2-inch discrepancy exists on a full tank and a near-empty one.

Guess I noticed this because I spent 30 years as a military pilot and just got used to spotting small details such as leaks, seeps, material deformities, warped component mounts, loose rivets, etc. As we all know, small issues on the ground can lead to major problems in the air. Obviously, this doesn't apply to ground vehicles, but that doesn't mean I don't notice stuff....especially when they're covered by the factory warranty.

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