Jeep 3.6 Engine Problems

in Problems
White Jeep in a parking lot

Source: Flickr

The Jeep 3.6 engine is a system that’s powered many cars since 2011, from the Jeep Grand Cherokee to the Dodge Avenger. It’s a popular component, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its flaws. If you want a car with this part, it’s critical to determine any issues. You might wonder - are there any significant Jeep 3.6 engine problems you should understand?

If you’re interested in learning more about the issues inside the Jeep 3.6 engine, you’re in the right place. The more you know about the faults in this system, the easier it will be to handle them as they appear. Read on to learn more about four of the most common errors in the Jeep 3.6 engine, from cooling system faults to rocker arm issues.

The Most Common Jeep 3.6 Engine Problems:

  • Cylinder Head Failure. Cost to fix: $3,000
  • Oil Pump Failure. Cost to fix: $400-$800
  • Cooling System Faults. Cost to fix: $200-$800
  • Rocker Arm Issues. Cost to fix: $500-$1,000

Cylinder Head Failure

Problem:

Cylinder head failure is a prominent issue in the Jeep 3.6 engine, especially in cars made with these components from 2011-2013. Most of the time, the failure came when the second valve in the group overheated during a drive. Hardened valve guides and seats solved this issue for later iterations, but the problem remained in these years of the engine.

The vehicle most prone to this cylinder head failure is the Jeep Wrangler, but the cylinder head failure came to life across multiple models. Symptoms of this failure might include a check engine light, power loss, engine ticking, and even a misfiring system if the failure goes on long enough. 

Cost:

The first on our list of Jeep 3.6 engine problems will cost around $3,000 to repair. Unfortunately, this repair isn’t cheap, but the car must function. Many vehicles may have a warranty covering some portion of the repair, but others might need to come out of pocket or through an auto insurance network. 

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Oil Pump Failure

Problem:

Oil pump failure is far from the most common issue to appear in the Jeep 3.6 engine, but it still occurs. This fault can come from a lack of oil flow and could damage the engine system if sensors and indicators don’t pick up on the lack of oil. Most of the time, the oil pump “failures” aren’t failures but more a drop in overall oil pressure.

Typically, errors in the oil pump system appear there for the same reason there are cooling system issues, which we will dive into next. Sand makes its way into the system, slipping in through the oil and creating unfortunate deposits all over the engine. These can lead to trouble if left alone to grow for too long.

Cost:

It will cost $400-$800 to repair the oil pump in your vehicle’s engine. Much of this price point for the Jeep 3.6 engine depends on the severity of the trouble and the person hired to complete the task.

Cooling System Faults

Problem:

No one likes it when there is a problem with the cooling system, but that unfortunate trouble is one of the things you might experience in the Jeep 3.6 engine. Over time, sand can drift into the cooling system and create a form of sludge. It will then go through the cooling system, eventually bringing deposits to the engine.

Symptoms of an issue with the cooling system include an overheating engine, heat or air conditioning troubles, or a visible coolant leak. Your engine needs a cooling system to prevent overheating when you hit the highway, so it’s critical to get this one back in order as soon as possible.

Cost:

The cooling system will cost $200-$800 to repair depending on the severity of the trouble and the person you decide to hire to repair it. If there’s a small tear, it will only cost a few hundred dollars. If there’s significant damage, it could take an arm and a leg to repair the cooling system in your Jeep 3.6 engine.

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Rocker Arm Issues

Problem:

The rocker arm is very easy to be confused with the cylinder, but they are not the same thing. The biggest similarity they hold is that both can prove to be troublemakers in the Jeep 3.6 engine system. The rocker arm exists in the piston head, and there was a report that some version causes a ticking and tapping noise inside the engine.

This ticking and tapping eventually led to rocker arm failure, which can cause the engine as a whole to cease working. Luckily, rocker arm failures aren’t as frequent as other faults in the system. Still, they are critical to note and prepare for since they can be one of the pricier repair selections for the Jeep 3.6 engine. It’s always better to prepare for potential damage early.

Cost:

The last issue on our list of Jeep 3.6 engine problems costs around $500-$1,000 to repair. The mechanic must get inside the cylinders to make the fix, so the cost will vary depending on how much time it takes, and the general ability of the mechanic chosen.

Avoiding the Jeep 3.6 Engine Problems

The best way to keep the Jeep 3.6 engine problems away is to keep an eye and ear out for them as you go about your time as the owner of a Jeep 3.6 engine. If you’ve been around cars for a while, you should know when something sounds off in this component. Fix it as soon as possible for the best future results and to minimize other potential damage.

Of course, not everyone is excellent with vehicles. If this is you, you need a mechanic on your side. Take your car to them every so often for a proper inspection to determine if there is anything wrong with the engine and, if so, what repairs are necessary to ensure your vehicle is in the best possible working condition for an extended longevity.

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