JEEP LIFE: The Paint Corrosion Was Much Worse Than We Were Told on our Jeep JL!

Since we were in high school Cindy has wanted a Jeep. Back then @jeep made CJ’s. Fast forward 45 years and the Jeeps JL’s with many models in between. We finally bought her the Jeep of her dreams.
After a few years of ownership and many miles logged we noticed the paint was bubbling and the body appeared to by rusting from the inside out.
After making a video documenting the rust (?) we had a viewer reach out and advised that it was actually corrosion and we could make a warranty claim.
Links mentioned in our video:
Jeep: www.jeep.com
Port Lavaca Jeep: www.portlavaca...
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[@TACTICALNOMAD]

You know the old saying: *_”Rusty but trusty!”_* 😂🤣😂🤣

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

😆

[@TopHatGent]

I had a 20 Gladiator. I only had it for two years 28k miles. It was the worst vehicle I have ever owned and cured me of my modern Jeep bug, a very sad day. The final straw was the aluminum corrosion on the hood, all four doors and all hinges. I hate to tell you but you should get rid of it because this WILL reoccur. The dealer paint shop even admitted to me this will keep happening every two to three years because these Fiat ( stellantis) jeeps are still made with ill prepared aluminum body panels. There are many on youtube who say they keep having to go back to have paint fixed and it's on their dime since Jeep stops covering it after a short few years. Ditch it while it looks good.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

This is very sad ... because we love our Jeep. If we could find a very nice 1974 VW Thing ... I think then I could talk myself into getting ride of our Jeep.

[@chrisE815]

What else went wrong with your Gladiator?

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Sounds like he enough issues

[@pauly629]

It only comes back if you repaint it , the bulletin says everything needs to be replaced if you repaint it it will come back your just covering up Corrosion at that point

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@pauly629 Well, they repainted mine. Now I have to figure out what to do.

[@karenfromil]

Good you're getting the jeep taken care of! Safe travels to Montana! Can't wait to see the videos from there!

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

We are ready to hit the road. We are taking the long way ... Texas to Alabama to Montana ... it will be nice to get our generator fixed!

[@RobertAbe]

This was traced back to them using aluminum parts (hinges doors , hood, etc) in the JL models as opposed to steel like in the JK model. If the metals are not treated or painted the two different metals will react with each other chemically where they meet. I don't have this issue on my JK because all the parts are steel. I believe they now treat the parts (and paint as well?) before assembly.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

I almost got a JK ... 😜 now I wish I would have!

[@dukesworld3020]

I worked in a body shop throughout high school. When we had a problem like that come in, it was usually caused by some type of contaminant under the paint. And there are lots of problems with that. But for the most part the auto companies have got most of it figured out. Hopefully you won't have any more trouble with it.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Thanks .... I pick it up from the shop this morning.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

That is not good .... I will have to try and contact Jeep again... thanks

[@bud1lite]

Even the 23’s are getting this corrosion.Same as the first ones , bad metal prep.They know but have not fixed the problem , just replace the parts , if those are not done just right you will get it again….100’s have

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@bud1lite I was looking at mine last night. They repainted all my hinges instead of replacing them. When is Jeep going to learn.

[@N6YIC]

Thank you for the video. I like your hat too!!

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

One of my favorite hats!

[@michaelsmith9308]

Glad you met the service time:). Always do a COMPLETE check, anything warrantied have repaired,! Jeep saves millions in people UNAWARE of their coverage warranty specifics!

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

I would not have known about the warranty if one of our nice viewers would not have told us.

[@earnestburditt9867]

I'm live in Texas also, I noticed that your vehicle registration is expiring next month. In Texas this is the last year for inspections to get you vehicle registration. Have the dealer do your inspection before you get your Jeep because you leave Sunday and won't be able to get it after you leave Texas. The inspection is good for at least 30 days. Otherwise you can't get your new registration. It looks like they did a great paint job. I look forward to your posts. (Did you get your generator fixed yet? ) what type of generator, model, year, and serial number. I'll try and research it to find possible problems. Note: you may know this? Low rule tank, clogged filter,

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

The dealer already promised to inspect the vehicle before I pick it up... thanks for the reminder. The generator is an Onan 7KW. I think this issue is the governor. I have an appointment with an Onan approved repair shop in Alabama on Wednesday. He said Onan has had lots of issues with the 7KW. I am going to get him to service and change filters while I am there.

[@WreckedBrewery]

Glad you're getting it all worked out. I hope they fixed the corrosion issues for 2024 MY, that's the one I have. I hope to keep it a long time worry free.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Keep a close eye on it ... don't let it get as bad as I did

[@WreckedBrewery]

@@SHARINGJOURNEYI'm really enjoying my JLUR and have been washing it monthly minimum since getting it in December. I just found a paint chip here the rear driver fender, probably trail damage. So I picked up a touch-up paint pen from the dealer. Oh, I'll be really watching and caring for my Jeep.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@WreckedBrewery I am so glad you are enjoying your Jeep. We love ours ... they are so much fun!

[@WreckedBrewery]

@@SHARINGJOURNEYIt is alot of fun. I special ordered it this way so I could get the exact setup I wanted, including the 6-spd manual. It's so fun to drive and it's so capable offroad. I want to take it on more trails soon.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@WreckedBrewery we hope to do some trails in Montana

[@DavidMorgan-gg7ic]

I was thinking about getting a jeep but after seeing this problem on top of some other known issues I have changed my mind.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Of we were not towing it behind our camper I would have a Bronco.

[@Original_SJB]

I have a 2019, too. It needs a new paint job too. The bubbling corrosion is unacceptable. This is what we get for buying chinese steel for anything

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

So true ... get the Jeep to a dealer before it is to late.

[@Original_SJB]

@@SHARINGJOURNEY just scheduled an evaluation for paint on the 30th of apr. Wish me luck

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@Original_SJB I knew within 3 days of having my evaluation done. Once they tool it apart they said the Corrosion was much worse than originally expected.

[@Original_SJB]

@SHARINGJOURNEY im stressing for no reason, being without my jeep right now isnt an issue i guess.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@Original_SJB they supplied me with a rental

[@janbutler6576]

That’s amazing!!

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

👍

[@Kingsley-vj3ih]

I got all my doors and hinges replaced including the tailgate (under warranty). I was very lucky they put me up with an authorised body/paint shop (not Jeep directly) because it'll come back even if it's "cured" or repainted by Jeep. Got all doors replaced, and the authorised body shop did the prep and matched the body paint. Also read the manual (or warranty book); I don't know if it's US or model based else because mine says 7 years and unlimited mileage.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

I was told 5 yr warranty

[@plynch113]

Got rid of my 21 Rubicon for this issue. Bubbled up after 6 months ownership. Plus the unfixable recall on my clutch and 2 leaking shocks that took 6 months to get parts....now I drive a 23 Tacoma TRD OR.....get it together stellantis and I might be back in 5 yrs.....sad

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Jeep has had long enough to fix these issues ... 😒

[@madmarkm]

i just had the same issue dealt with on my 2021 gladiator. 3 doors, the hood, and windshield frame had to be repainted. the problem stems from the fact that jeep chose to use aluminum panels in the jl/jt models. though it looks like rust its actually galvanic corrosion caused by the contact between dissimilar metals(steel and aluminum). all to save 200lbs of weight for fuel economy. my work was covered under warranty too but had it not been the bill would have been over $6000. makes me worried about what happens when the warranty is up.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

I have the same fear.

[@TopHatGent]

I had a 20 and I will tell you to get rid of it while you can. It will keep coming back every two to three years for the life of the vehicle. My gladiator had so many problems from broken inner door welds, which like the corrosion they will all get to a surging motor. If I ever buy a Jeep it will be a old Jeep. The value for them has been dropping because this is a lifelong issue.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@TopHatGent yes Fiat has ruined the Jeep

[@DavidMorgan-gg7ic]

Instead of a repaint they should offer to coat the body with colored bed liner

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@@DavidMorgan-gg7ic I wish they would

[@chumps7974]

I really like my 2021 JLU but I can't live with this corrosion that will happen over the life of the vehicle. I have a feeling that Jeep will cover up to 5 years then after that you're on your own. No way do I want to have repaint every 5 years.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

You are right the warranty is only good for 5 years.

[@georgesebastian6306]

😢My 2020 JLU is in the shop for the second time. Last year it was hood & hinges. This year 4 doors and 8 hinges + while it was in the paint shop they discovered corrosion on the windshield frame and swing gate! I am one of the lucky owners in that the dealer is 100% taking care of me. All new pieces parts being replaced and painted. Downside is matching the paint may turn my Pumpkin' into a clown car! 🤯

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Luckily ... they matched my paint pretty well. Sorry you are having to deal with all that.

[@michaeltheveny5270]

I had Jeeps all my life and currently drive a 2013 JK Wrangler 2 door. They all seem to have issues, sorry you are having corrosion issues, my 2010 Dodge Ram was a total rust bucket when I got rid of it in January. I know you’re a Ford guy, why didn’t you buy a Bronco?

[@michaeltheveny5270]

My last new Jeep was a 2005 Wrangler and MSRP was 15k. The prices on the new ones are ridiculous, I couldn’t justify it.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

That's why I had to look for a year to buy a used one

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Because Cindy has always wanted a Jeep ever since we were in high school

[@michaeltheveny5270]

@@SHARINGJOURNEY the sacrifices we make for our wives 😂. Jeeps are a blast and I love the Freedom panels on my hardtop, this is the first Wrangler I’ve had with them on it.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@michaeltheveny5270 yes we love the Jeep

[@dinocarozza2345]

My ‘21 Jeep Gladiator has corrosion on the front passenger door. In the process of having Jeep take care of the corrosion issue.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

It has been a known problem for years .... you would think they would have already fixed the issue. I hope the take care of it all for you.

[@chumps7974]

I have a 2021 Wrangler Sport Altitude and it has corrosion on the hood and passenger door and all the door hinges

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@chumps7974 our is also the Altitude version and ours was in the same spots.

[@dawnpiercy539]

I have a question about weight of your vehicle. We are seriously looking to purchase Tiffin Open Road 32 SA. It states can pull 5,000 lbs. how much does that jeep weigh? We looked at 2 door jeep wrangler and it weighted 5200lbs. Your help is much appreciated. We love the exact rig you all have.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

According to Google, my Jeep 2019 JLU Sport weights 4201 pounds. We love our 32SA.

[@dawnpiercy539]

@@SHARINGJOURNEY thank you! That is awesome! Also congrats on new paint job! That will look so good

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@dawnpiercy539 picked it up yesterday

[@markmccormick3296]

I have a 22 gladiator and the bottom of the hood has started..

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Jeep needs to get their act together

[@vfrav8r]

Was this the second time, finding corrosion ? Seems many have this done and sell em'. It's not uncommon to see this reoccur three times in five years .

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

It was the first time for us but we did buy the Jeep used.

[@thomaschurch8383]

grill is plastic. that's why it didn't rust. I have a 21 gladiator in same color. I am having same issue. jeep by me is giving me the runaround for two years. I'm pissed.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

I am sorry you are having the issue. I got very lucky.

[@TopHatGent]

Same, I ended up putting on hinge covers and giving it to toyota. Stellantis aka Fiat does not care about customers. I had a short in my radio that would crack loud like a gun going off at random times even when the radio was off and scare you half to death. It took me a year of fighting Jeep for them to refund me the radio price since they couldn't fix it.

[@wally3138]

I have a 2019 Wrangler Sahara JL...Mine is bubbling under the paint on door corners...

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

You should be able to get it fixed under warranty as long as the original sales date is less than 5 yrs. I bought mine used and it was covered. You Need to hurry.

[@willboyd8021]

Hey, mine is from 2018 will they cover my paint correction corrosion. How can I find out?

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

You will have to call the dealer ... that is what I did ... I actually went to 2 dealers before I could find out it was covered.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

How pathetic is it that current years still have this problem. Chevy had it in the 90’s, trucks and vans all the clear peeled off. All the technology and poor quality, just pathetic. Probably going to happen again in another 5 years. I have a renegade deserthawk. What a POS that thing is. 50k miles and it needed a transmission, radio and antenna. Dealer cost to replace was 12,000 bucks. If I ever get another Jeep it will have a 4.0 inline 6 cylinder or I won’t buy it 😂

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Basically is it a bigger Fiat

[@Thesaltymedic36]

@@SHARINGJOURNEY unfortunately. I only need it for 2 more years then I’m dumping it when we go FT

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@Thesaltymedic36 hope you love the road like we do. We leave TX on Sunday.

[@grocerygoat06]

Jeep Heap. I had a 2019 Cherokee with the tiger shark engine. That thing sounded as if it was going to grenade itself.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

@grocerygoat06 is the the 4.0 engine?

[@JR-ut1yx]

I hope this doesn't happen to my 2023 gladiator sport 😮

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

I really hope it doesn't happen to you ... the process of getting it repaired was such a pain.

[@UnbelievableRVtour]

you can get a new jeep for like 2000 bucks now

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Really .... please let me know where ... I'll take two 😁

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Had a 22, now a 24, NP. Go figure.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Sounds like you got lucky.

[@astropioneer3296]

What a nightmare.

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Yes

[@GUDDAisHere]

You shouldnt have to pay for anything… such bullshit

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Agreed .... Just glad to have it fixed!

[@glennrussell3252]

I can't believe what junk these "modernized" Jeeps are to buy and own. Total garbage product that somehow are really popular with consumers???

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Agreed .... we have one because it is light and one of the easiest vehicles to tow behind our motorhome

[@vintagerc9173]

JEEP wanting to be a Luxury Brand? STOP SMOKING Crack Stellantis

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

LOL!