This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2001 Jeep Wrangler. While driving approximately 45 mph, the engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was maneuvered to a safe location. The contact noticed the engine overheated and the radiator reservoir was empty. The contact dispensed coolant into the reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the blown head gasket. One week after the repair was performed the failure recurred. The vehicle was not further repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
2001 Jeep tj, 40,000 miles, slowly losing coolant over the course of 4 yrs. Used a pressure tester and verified no external leaks. However, used the same pressure tester with engine running, per the instructions, and the system gradually built pressure from 18 lbs to 25 lbs before I stopped the test. This indicates coolant leaking into the combustion chamber. Currently my oil pressure is good and there is no coolant contamination on the dip stick or under the oil fill cap. At risk (long term) is the internal engine bearings: Cam and crankshaft. I found a thread on the internet that covers many Jeep tj owners with the exact same problem of coolant loss. This is all due to a bad batch of cylinder heads with casting # 0331, manufactured from 2000 through 2006.
I bought this used with only 54,000 miles on the engine. Within a year and at 65,000 miles, it began overheating and leaking coolant. My brother thought it was a cracked head or gasket. After tearing the motor apart and sending the head to be checked, two large cracks were found. The casting # is 331. My brother has been trying to find another head for me and was told by one of the sellers that he can't keep the parts in stock due to the high number of demand for this part.
Needed to replace radiator after just 60,000 miles. Then still had problems with radiator fluid leaking without being able to find where it is leaking. Eventually the cylinder head cracked at 80,000 miles. Now it needs a new engine costing me $5,000.
Had vehicle for three yrs and in December started loosing coolant and couldn't find the leak. I took it to Jeep and told them the head gasket is going. They said they would check it out and later told me it was a airpocket. I picked it up and ran it for another week, still losing fluid. This happened of and on for 3 times. On the 3 time of me taking it back they admitted the head gasket was shot and they had to replace the head. I went to take it home and 1/2 way there my engine started making horrible noises and jerking. I called the dealership and had it towed back the next day. They then told me due to coolant contamination the engine was ruined and had to be replaced witch was covered under warranty. I now have 3410 miles on new engine and it has started making noise. Took it back to Jeep and the will not cover the warranty saying I have water and dirt marks in airbox. These were in there when they first replaced engine and I am now seeking legal counsel.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bullhead City , AZ, USA