Looking for advice about the engine

[Dvmexplorer]

Hi all,

As a new owner of a gladiator 2023 (gas engine), I would like to know if there are any issues with the engine i need to watch out for. I’ve always heard about how unreliable jeep is So i would like to know if there are things i should watch out in the transmission/engine etc.

thanks for the help!

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[Hootbro]

Cylinder misfire and valvetrain issues primarily passenger side with possible lifter and cam issues. I would not get too paranoid about it but that seems to be the most frequent complaints about the engine. Given the millions of Pentastars sold, it is a way over amplified issue on the forums and not an inevitability you will have the same issues.

Transmission (automatic) is pretty solid but you will occasionally hear of 2-3 or 3-4 delayed shift issues.

You will probably get a lot of advice of the best way to do this or that for maintenance, but following the owners manual schedules as a minimum is prudent.

 

[Blade1668]

Two recommendations, do first oil change and filter early before the maintenance is due, and before it's at 0% then on.
side note: I do my oil changes around 10-20 % life left, and test by Blackstone Lab.
Oops 3 things.... please don't start another "What type or weight of oil to use." ? we have been though that to the point of beating a dead horse it isn't even bones now.

 

[Gvsukids]

Hi all,

As a new owner of a gladiator 2023 (gas engine), I would like to know if there are any issues with the engine i need to watch out for. I’ve always heard about how unreliable jeep is So i would like to know if there are things i should watch out in the transmission/engine etc.

thanks for the help!

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/forums/issues-repairs-warranty-tsb-recalls.30/

 

[Mr._Bill]

Hi all,

As a new owner of a gladiator 2023 (gas engine), I would like to know if there are any issues with the engine i need to watch out for. I’ve always heard about how unreliable jeep is So i would like to know if there are things i should watch out in the transmission/engine etc.

thanks for the help!

Regularly check the oil level, change it about every 5k miles, and listen for loud and odd engine noises. Otherwise, just drive it. I put about 58k miles on the first one, bought in July of 2019. It ran great and was always quiet, with no startup noises. I have just over 2k miles on the second one, with no issues so far.

 

[Saltymedic]

This is the gospel on the Jeep 3.6:

The original "AA" and "AB" designated motors from 2012 to around 2013 had most of the problems that you hear about today but those initial problems have been mostly resolved, with an occasional outlier here or there of course. Somewhere in 2013 the "AC" motor (AA, AB and AC are engine part numbers listed on the motor and can be seen from the front) in the JK was developed and has been a very good motor ever since. This is especially true if you're changing all fluids regularly and occasionally using injector treatments. With good basic upkeep these engines are fantastic!

On a side note; The beauty is these motors still use port injectors, which as you may know, direct injection has caused Toyota, Ford and other companies major problems and they have since had to update their most recent engines to include a part time port injector.

 

[Dakarra]

As Saltymedic mentioned, the older 3.6 had some issues, but the current generation has been a workhorse. Regular oil changes is the best insurance you can buy. If you don't mess with the engine and tranny you probably won't ever have a problem with either one - then you can save your frustration for the other gremlins that show up in Gladiators!

 

[cranbiz]

This is my 3rd Pentastar. My JK has a first gen and it did have the head issue under warranty but other than that, it's been a solid, dependable performer. The Grand Cherokee has a 2nd gen and of course, the JT. Like others have said, regularly change the oil on or just before it's do, use the correct Chrysler MS-6395 oil (using your favorite brand) and and a quality oil filter. Then simply enjoy your JT.

 

[Gvsukids]

If you don't mess with the engine and tranny you probably won't ever have a problem with either one

Unfortunately I know 3 that have had the tick.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

15,000,000 Pentastar engines.
The first generation had issues, Jeep fixed those issues.
The PUG - or upgrade engine, introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year is an improvement. There were growing pains like always happen but those are mostly gone.
The internet is a huge magnifying glass - when you see a thread with 10 people talking of xyz issues - that's a fraction of a fraction of 1% of all Jeep owners, but it looks like it's a horrible issue with Jeep because they are all concentrated in one place.
We've owned a lot of Jeeps - Grand Cherokee, and I've had two Gladiators now.
No ticks, no engine issues at all. None of our Jeeps have ever had a weird noise or any engine related issues.
We follow the book but actually change oil more frequently - I typically change oil more often than the oil life monitor says. 5,000-7,000 miles, depending on use, weather conditions and so on. Yes, I tow, I have plowed snow with it, I haul stuff, my JT is our daily driver.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

Unfortunately I know 3 that have had the tick.

I swear mine ticks but I keep forgetting to have it checked when i get the oil changes. I can now hear it with the hood closed, standing next to it. I can’t imagine the techs don’t hear it inside the dealer shop area

Performance is fine but with under 10k miles til warranty runs dry, I should probably stop forgetting to mention it to my advisor lol.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I swear mine ticks but I keep forgetting to have it checked when i get the oil changes. I can now hear it with the hood closed, standing next to it. I can’t imagine the techs don’t hear it inside the dealer shop area

Performance is fine but with under 10k miles til warranty runs dry, I should probably stop forgetting to mention it to my advisor lol.

I'd have to look at what's covered, but you may fall under the "engine tick" TSB for lash adjusters that hang up.

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