engine replacement advice request

[Koryluke]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I’ll share my experience and leave you with what I wish I had of done.

My 2020 JTR @51,000 miles developed a tick that quickly became a rattle. Took it to the dealer. My warranty had expired five months earlier. I opted for a new engine. That invoice was $8,320. I was satisfied, after all I had a tremendous amount of money invested in upgrades. 1200 miles later it’s back in the shop. This time cam phasers and $1,150. Again loving my gladiator.

Now for where I feel like I messed up. 3,500 miles on the new engine. Developed a faint tick. Took it to the dealer, they agreed it had a problem. The repair would have cost me nothing but time without my gladiator.

I traded for a 2025 JTR in mojito. I love the color, however not a single day has passed that I feel like I made the right decision. From my experience. If you like what you have it’s worth fixing.

Just my opinion after my experience.

This stresses me out.. mine is getting a new engine right now, $12k.

It comes with a 2 year warranty but Im worried this truck(2020 JTO) will keep having problems.

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[htremper]

Hello, All. BLUF: The Gladiator I own is my first Jeep and I am not mechanically savvy in general. Apologies.

I have a 2020 Sport S with 106K miles. In the past two months, I've (really, the "Stealership") replaced the radiator, ignition coil, several tube seals, a spark plug, and the catalytic converter: approximately $4400 in parts and labor. The engine has been ticking for a couple of months and has been throwing the dreaded code for cams/lifters/rockers, so I am facing those pending repairs. Today, while they were fixing a PCV valve leak, I learned the engine likely has a blown head gasket and they are recommending that, all aforementioned considered, I replace the engine. I do not have an extended warranty. I am unaware of any factory warranties that should cover what needs to be done. I don't want to get into another Gladiator or different vehicle, as I love this one, have a metric sh*t ton of aftermarket goodies on the thing, and don't want any more car payments after this one is paid in two years. I planned on driving this until I or it dies, whichever comes first. So, I'm screwed with needing another engine.

I don't even know where to begin with this process. ChatGPT is telling me my options are "new," "remanufactured," or "used." Any thoughts/experience with this? Any thoughts on anything else about my predicament? Thanks much.

Not to exactly solve the problem, but you said "ticking" and it reminded me of this YouTube overlanding channel dude (TrailRecon) where he had that issue. He explains what the ticking is and what had to be done to fix it. Your situation may be different or whatever but interesting to see what happened.



And totally with you...if/when my engine goes, I will replace the engine not the car.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

There's a TSB out about "ticking" - lash adjuster issue.
So unless you look, a tick may not be a tick, it could be a tick.
A lash adjuster allowing "play" in the valve train can lead to hammering, and lead to cam and follower failure.

Tick could be the cam is warn and the lash adjusters can't keep up or make up the slack, or, could be that the lash adjusters are sticking and there's no cam wear (YET)

Also make sure it's not an exhaust leak - it's more prone to happen on other vehicles with distinct exhaust manifolds (or headers) but it can sound just like a lifter when driving it (how I know - lost a header bolt on my car and thought oh, great - here we go. Replaced the bolt, tightened all header bolts, noise gone.

 

[markleone22]

Before I go and spend this money, I am petitioning Jeep for "goodwill assistance." Anybody have any experience with "goodwill assistance?" And for the love of God, does an email even exist for Corporate, where I can send said petition? Spent half the day trying to identify an email. Doesn't exist, apparently.

 

[Lost1wing]

You have/had so many issues with your engine that I'm shocked you would even want to continue. This is not typical to have so many problems.

It's a different story if you know more about how these problems ame about, like an accident or abuse.

Example of abuse would be never opening the hood and ignoring vehicle warnings.

Other things that come to mind is the fact that you had a radiator replaced and now you need a head gasket. Is this dealer chasing a problem not knowing what they are doing? Radiator and head gasket are some what related. I wouldn't worry about the tick until you figure out the bigger issue. The cam/lifter issue can be addressed when you do head gaskets.

I don't know the whole story, but I would get a second opinion if it is still drivable.

Reman or low mileage used would be my choice if truly needed. Reman with warranty sounds nice.

 

[markleone22]

You have/had so many issues with your engine that I'm shocked you would even want to continue. This is not typical to have so many problems.

It's a different story if you know more about how these problems ame about, like an accident or abuse.

Example of abuse would be never opening the hood and ignoring vehicle warnings.

Other things that come to mind is the fact that you had a radiator replaced and now you need a head gasket. Is this dealer chasing a problem not knowing what they are doing? Radiator and head gasket are some what related. I wouldn't worry about the tick until you figure out the bigger issue. The cam/lifter issue can be addressed when you do head gaskets.

I don't know the whole story, but I would get a second opinion if it is still drivable.

Reman or low mileage used would be my choice if truly needed. Reman with warranty sounds nice.

Second opinion is happening Monday morning.

Here's my "goodwill assistance" petition:


Dear Jeep Customer Care,

I’m writing to formally express my deep frustration and disappointment regarding a major mechanical failure in my 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S, which I purchased new from Courtesy Chrysler Jeep in Coatesville, PA. At just over 106,000 miles, the engine has suffered a blown head gasket, and the dealership has determined that the engine is beyond repair and must be replaced.

This vehicle has been meticulously maintained, with 100% of its service performed at the original selling dealership, including all routine maintenance and inspections. I’ve made significant recent investments to maintain the vehicle's integrity:

• Feb 3, 2025 (100,556 mi): Replaced oil cooler assembly – $862.87
• Apr 24, 2025 (103,596 mi): Replaced radiator, ignition coil, valve cover gasket, tube seals, spark plug, and antifreeze – $2,981.46
• May 21, 2025 (105,696 mi): Replaced catalytic converter – $1,549.85

That’s over $5,300 in repairs within four months, and now I’m facing an engine replacement on a vehicle I have taken every possible measure to preserve.

This was my first Jeep, and I bought it with the intention of being a long-term, loyal Jeep owner. My experience up to this point has been positive—but this major failure on a well-maintained vehicle has shaken my trust. I'm asking Jeep/Stellantis to demonstrate reciprocal loyalty by providing goodwill assistance to help offset the cost of this premature and extremely costly failure.

Whether through a partial or full contribution toward the engine replacement, discounted Mopar parts, or other support, I hope Jeep will recognize the value of standing by customers who stand by the brand.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m happy to provide service records or speak further about this matter.

Sincerely,

Mark Leone


But I can't seem to find an email to send this to.

 

[Lost1wing]

If you overheated the engine that started this mess, you can expect oil leaks, coils going bad and head gasket. Now if the dealer started with a radiator because it was the source of the leak and cause of an overheat, I can see that. Then I can see a coil pack failing causing a check engine light. That wouldn't cause the cat to go bad unless you ignored the check engine light. Then again, the dealer could have found a money bag and tossed on a shotgun shell.

These are just guesses. I don’t know you, the dealer or what the original problem was.

 

[Lost1wing]

It is great to know what was done but even more useful to know why it was in for maintenance. Now if your dealer is finding these issues on routine maintenance, right there is your issue I am afraid.

Oil cooler, broke by the mechanic changing your oil, replaced on your dime was when the found the money bag. Just a guess by Mr. negative.

 

[Lost1wing]

Second opinion is happening Monday morning.

Here's my "goodwill assistance" petition:


Dear Jeep Customer Care,

I’m writing to formally express my deep frustration and disappointment regarding a major mechanical failure in my 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S, which I purchased new from Courtesy Chrysler Jeep in Coatesville, PA. At just over 106,000 miles, the engine has suffered a blown head gasket, and the dealership has determined that the engine is beyond repair and must be replaced.

This vehicle has been meticulously maintained, with 100% of its service performed at the original selling dealership, including all routine maintenance and inspections. I’ve made significant recent investments to maintain the vehicle's integrity:

• Feb 3, 2025 (100,556 mi): Replaced oil cooler assembly – $862.87
• Apr 24, 2025 (103,596 mi): Replaced radiator, ignition coil, valve cover gasket, tube seals, spark plug, and antifreeze – $2,981.46
• May 21, 2025 (105,696 mi): Replaced catalytic converter – $1,549.85

That’s over $5,300 in repairs within four months, and now I’m facing an engine replacement on a vehicle I have taken every possible measure to preserve.

This was my first Jeep, and I bought it with the intention of being a long-term, loyal Jeep owner. My experience up to this point has been positive—but this major failure on a well-maintained vehicle has shaken my trust. I'm asking Jeep/Stellantis to demonstrate reciprocal loyalty by providing goodwill assistance to help offset the cost of this premature and extremely costly failure.

Whether through a partial or full contribution toward the engine replacement, discounted Mopar parts, or other support, I hope Jeep will recognize the value of standing by customers who stand by the brand.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m happy to provide service records or speak further about this matter.

Sincerely,

Mark Leone


But I can't seem to find an email to send this to.

I've never writen a manufacturer or dealer. I don’t see it doing much good with over 64k over the original warranty. I have see dealerships recommend heavy maintenance or the purchase of a new car before. My parents had a Chevy Malibu in for an oil change at 80k. They came home with a $2k bill and were told it's just to get by but they recommend more work or even a new car. I looked at the bill and work they said they did. We went back and they told us they have been trying to reach us. The work was not performed yet and was not to be released to the customer. My parents got there money back, including for the oil change. The car made it to 145k miles before it rusted without doing the suggested maintenance.

Not all dealers are shady, but there are a few. Since you admittingly said that you don't know much on the mechanical side, I would find a local shop in your area that has some good reviews or ask around. I'm not feeling the warm fuzzy with your dealer. Could be I'm missing the big picture.

 

[markleone22]

If you overheated the engine that started this mess, you can expect oil leaks, coils going bad and head gasket. Now if the dealer started with a radiator because it was the source of the leak and cause of an overheat, I can see that. Then I can see a coil pack failing causing a check engine light. That wouldn't cause the cat to go bad unless you ignored the check engine light. Then again, the dealer could have found a money bag and tossed on a shotgun shell.

These are just guesses. I don’t know you, the dealer or what the original problem was.

"Then again, the dealer could have found a money bag and tossed on a shotgun shell." Not a clue what this means.

 

[markleone22]

I've never writen a manufacturer or dealer. I don’t see it doing much good with over 64k over the original warranty. I have see dealerships recommend heavy maintenance or the purchase of a new car before. My parents had a Chevy Malibu in for an oil change at 80k. They came home with a $2k bill and were told it's just to get by but they recommend more work or even a new car. I looked at the bill and work they said they did. We went back and they told us they have been trying to reach us. The work was not performed yet and was not to be released to the customer. My parents got there money back, including for the oil change. The car made it to 145k miles before it rusted without doing the suggested maintenance.

Not all dealers are shady, but there are a few. Since you admittingly said that you don't know much on the mechanical side, I would find a local shop in your area that has some good reviews or ask around. I'm not feeling the warm fuzzy with your dealer. Could be I'm missing the big picture.

I've been getting the same feeling about this dealership.

Here's a detail I left out: Check engine light has been lit for two years. I brought it to their attention the day it came on. From that day to this, they claimed they addressed whatever minor issue that caused it to come on in the first place, but they could not clear out the check engine light after they addressed the problem, and I would just have to live with it. So essentially, I've been driving around with what was described to me as a false positive check engine light, when in reality, the Jeep has been trying to tell me something (or some things) for two years I inadvertently ignored. That said, I've never received an "engine overheating" light.

 

[Lost1wing]

"Then again, the dealer could have found a money bag and tossed on a shotgun shell." Not a clue what this means.

A shotgun shell has many pellets and cover a wide area as opposed to a bullet that has one precise target area. You would be the money bag just paying for anything they find without question.

 

[Lost1wing]

I've been getting the same feeling about this dealership.

Here's a detail I left out: Check engine light has been lit for two years. I brought it to their attention the day it came on. From that day to this, they claimed they addressed whatever minor issue that caused it to come on in the first place, but they could not clear out the check engine light after they addressed the problem, and I would just have to live with it. So essentially, I've been driving around with what was described to me as a false positive check engine light, when in reality, the Jeep has been trying to tell me something (or some things) for two years I inadvertently ignored. That said, I've never received an "engine overheating" light.

Look at your notes on the workscope (bill). It should show the code related to the engine light. I'm guessing a p0300-p306. Those are misfire codes that would be your "tick". Driving with the check engine light, if it was a misfire code, that would explain the new cat. But if the dealer replaced the cat and didn’t mention the reason why it was bad, time for a new dealer.

 

[Lost1wing]

I'm guessing the shotgun shells used for the misfire ( if it was a misfire)
Software update
Spark plugs
Coils

But the reason all along could be cam and lifters. That said they are probably following the procedures, but continuing to drive with a misfire code will foul out the cat ( your fault unless they told you to drive it).

 

[Lost1wing]

Look at your notes on the workscope (bill). It should show the code related to the engine light. I'm guessing a p0300-p306. Those are misfire codes that would be your "tick". Driving with the check engine light, if it was a misfire code, that would explain the new cat. But if the dealer replaced the cat and didn’t mention the reason why it was bad, time for a new dealer.

If you have proof that they suspected a false positive mil, and told you to drive it, maybe you have a chance disputing the issue with the dealership. That would be a problem with the dealership service department.

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