The article about Jeep 3.8 engine problems and solutions. The feeling of buying our first car is fabulous. Nothing beats the excitement of choosing the right brand, model, and color.
There are many brands, but Jeep is undoubtedly one of the most popular around the world.
Most people would give anything to own a Jeep for off-road driving. The rugged Jeep is made for tough driving experiences. The estimated miles that a Jeep using a 3.8L engine can cover is 200,000 or more. In reality, however, some engines will develop issues slightly after covering 100,000 miles.
In short, your Jeep’s lifespan will depend on how often you drive it. As well, it could last longer if you maintain it often. Besides, the 3.8L engine Jeep is a big fuel consumer and therefore unreliable. In this article, we will help you figure out the reason why your Jeep’s engine has developed issues so early.
As well, we will outline the engine’s features, problems, and how you can solve them. Lastly, there is a FAQ to help answer your burning questions.
Features of 3.8 Jeep Engines
- Displacement: 3778 cc
- Number of cylinders and orientation: V6
- Power: 200HP
- Maximum torque: 315 Nm / 32.1 Kg / at 5000 RPM
- Number of gears: 4 speed, automatic
- Trunk capacity: 485 liters
- Urban – road – average consumption: 15.7 – 8.5 – 11.2 liters – every 62 miles
The Common Jeep 3.8 Engine Problems and Effective Solutions
01. Engine knock on startup
2010 Jeep 3.8L engine knocks on the startup running after 60,000 miles that may be found on some 3.8L users.
In every morning startup, the knocking will disturb and the sound will remain a little bit different.
To solve this problem Mopar oil filter can be used. Some user found a great difference after using the oil filter, the sound got cleared with the support of the oil filter.
Local store oil filters may not provide the proper solution, in that case, we recommend purchasing from a trusted source.
02. Failure after 100,000 miles
A large number of users have mentioned having drawbacks from the fact that they exceed 100,000 miles of use.
While it is possible to extend this limit to 150,000, it is difficult to avoid damage when this limit is exceeded.
To solve this inconvenience, careful use of the engine and the vehicle must be made. Also, regular maintenance of the entire Jeep Wrangler operation is recommended.
03. Oil Consumption
A very few complained about oil consumption after the long run. But we analyzed the comments of many 3.8 Jeep users, a large number of people are satisfied with the oil consumption.
Maybe bad luck or other problems with the engine who have high oil consumption.
So, the oil consumption level of the engine is not a problem actually but you should keep in mind. Oil consumption variation may be the usage of different brands of oil.
In that case, searching for the best low consumption oil is wise.
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04. Getting used to the starter
In this case, we must mention that not all Jeep Wrangler models start at the same time. So, in principle, you will have to wait a few seconds to get the right start.
In this case, it is important to know the specific operation of this engine. So, by giving it the necessary time for the ignition, you will avoid other related inconveniences.
05. Rust in different parts of the engine
As with all vehicles, you can usually find rust in different parts of the engine. So, this can damage the power output as well as other problems in general.
The solution, in this case, is to apply some anti-rust solution to the main parts of the engine.
Wrangler 3.8 EGH V6 vs Wrangler 3.6 Pentastar V6
One of the most common comparisons Jeep Wrangler users make is between the 3.6-liter engine and the 3.8-liter engine.
In this case, there are many conflicting opinions about the specific characteristics of each.
Besides, it is often mentioned that the 3.8-liter V6 engine is not the most appropriate for the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited body type.
One of the characteristics of the 3.8 EGH V6 engine is that it had a pushrod. Specifically, the Wrangler models that were marketed between 2007 and 2010 included this feature.
In turn, many experts agree that this was a similar and inadequate version of another Chrysler engine.
In particular, it had similarities with the 3.3 V6 engine that some vehicles of the latter brand had.
However, this new 3.8-liter engine had to carry a greater body load than the 3.3-liter. So, this difference brought a set of disadvantages in the operation.
On the other hand, it was possible to achieve a torque of 237 ft/lbs in combination with a power of 202 HP.
These features are included in the first Wrangler designs that included a 3.8-liter engine. In turn, these same engines were combined with other typical Chrysler components.
Examples include the electronically modulated converter clutch, adaptive memory, and automatic shift control.
In this case, these were three features incorporated into the optional Chrysler 42RLE automatic transmission.
On the other hand, we were able to witness a different, more powerful, and at the same time smaller engines.
In this case, it was the 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine.
Unlike previous engines, this new model was included in the 2012 Jeep vehicles. Here we have 260 ft/lbs of torque. This in turn was combined with 285 HP of power.
In other words, the 3.6-liter engine had been created to solve some of the problems that the 3.8-liter engine produced in Jeep Wrangler models.
While the 3.8 engine provided an acceptable level of performance in the 3.6 engine, it provided additional positive features.
Some of these features were new technology, variable valve timing, and increased power.
However, to this day, controversy continues when comparing the 3.6 engine with the 3.8 engine.
3.3-Liter Engine vs 3.8-Liter Engine
As mentioned earlier, the 3.8-liter engine bore many similarities to the Chrysler 3.3-liter engine. One of the features was the cast iron used in the 3.3-liter engine.
This same design was similar to the one used in the 3.8-liter Jeep Wrangler engine. However, the 3.3 engine was never used in a Jeep model but belonged only to Chrysler models.
In this case, both designs share some components, but they are not the same. Although, many users can exchange some of the parts of both engines with each other. Of course, due to a set of reasons, a lot of components are different.
On one hand, the 3.3 engine of Chrysler was mounted in a position along with the bodywork. So, the ease of the transverse shape when placing the engine in the compartment, made it used in many models.
In turn, the 3.8-liter engine managed to inherit many good aspects that its predecessor. Some examples are the forged connecting rods or the SFI. However, this new 3.8 engine had to provide similar power to a much larger load. This is one of the reasons why the operation had some drawbacks.
Jeep 3.8 Engine Life Expectancy
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Typically, the life of a Jeep 3.8 engine can be between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Of course, this can vary depending on how you use your vehicle.
Also, if you are a demanding driver who doesn’t do much maintenance on your vehicle, the life span is shorter. So, the first problems can start at 100,000 miles.
Conversely, if you’re a responsible driver who performs the necessary maintenance, then the engine can provide longer life.
Some records say this engine could reach 400,000 miles of use. So, the short or long life of your vehicle will depend on how you treat and maintain it.
To do this, you will need to address the issues that this particular model begins to have at 100,000 miles.
FAQs
01. Who makes a Jeep 3.8 engine?
The manufacturer of this engine is the same brand as Jeep. This is the first model that was a continuation of another Chrysler engine.
02. What is the most reliable Jeep engine?
One of the engines that can provide safe and reliable use is the 4.0 liter. According to a large number of testimonials, users were able to reach 300,000 miles without any repairs.
03. Which Jeep engine is best?
We can mention that the best Jeep engine is the 3.6 liters Pentastar V6. Among the most important aspects of this engine is the solid operation and the right power for this vehicle.
04. Which Jeep Wrangler is most reliable?
The 2007 model is one of the most reliable and safe vehicles to use. In this case, it was a convertible SUV that offered two or four-wheel drive. In turn, the four doors provided much more comfortable use.
05. What is the best engine to put in a Jeep Wrangler?
We can mention that the best options are the 4.0-liter and 2.4-liter engine. Each of them can be given in a way that suits the needs of the users. Also, the long-life expectancy is combined with a low level of maintenance.
06. Why are Jeeps so unreliable?
The reason for the users’ distrust is that this is a set of vehicles that are manufactured by Chrysler. In fact, in the last decade, Chrysler has lost the trust of a large number of people.
This has probably been due to the high level of maintenance that Chrysler vehicles require.
07. What are the worst years for Jeep Wrangler?
Without a doubt, the worst year for Jeep Wrangler has been 2012. It has had the worst ratings due to a regular set of features and quality. Also, in general, users agree to this.
08. What is the best-selling Jeep model?
The best Jeep model is the Grand Cherokee. It is one of the best-selling models for over a decade. Besides, one must take into account both the power and the low maintenance that this vehicle requires.
09. Who makes the engines for Jeep?
VM makes the diesel engines for the Wrangler Jeep.
Conclusion
The research we have developed will help you to consider the purchase of a vehicle with this engine. These are general problems faced by the vast majority of 3.8-liter engines.
In this case, there is some incompatibility when using this engine with Jeep Wranglers.
Beyond that, a lot of users have admitted to getting good results anyway. So, you will be able to acquire this vehicle and get good use of it.
However, you should be prepared for some inconvenience.
Informative source of jeep wrangler issues;
https://www.thethings.com/glaring-problems-with-the-wrangler-jeep-will-never-admit-to/