The Infamous Chrysler 3.6 Pentastar V6 this week on jmcGarage Talk!!

[@janet53589]

Be under no illusion, the Pentastar is a very good engine. It has been on the Wards best engine list for 4 years. The problems that did occur in early years were a tiny percentage of units and were not too hard to fix. It is incredibly durable, being able to cover 600k miles before overhaul. It has stood the test of time now.

[@joeb2588]

I asked my mechanic about it last week. He said, "It's not if the oil cooler will let go, it's when." He asked me seriously if I was condering a Chrysler product...I then said "no".

[@AnthonyJ350]

Proven in law enforcement world

[@AnthonyJ350]

​@@joeb2588Dorman has an all aluminum oil cooler. Change it out when you do spark plugs since the intake manifold has to come out

[@jmc6000]

@AnthonyJ350 yes at being a unreliable pile of garbage

[@AnthonyJ350]

@@jmc6000 Seen a bunch of Dodge Chargers go well over 200,000km with a lot of idle time. Maybe people aren't changing the oil enough?

[@Jeff_Seely]

If the owner is capable of intermediate work, I replaced that terrible oil cooler with an all-aluminum one and while I already had the upper and lower intake off, I replaced the plastic fuel rail with aluminum and also gave it a set of Ruthenium plugs. After all that I am ecstatic with the motor. It has well over 325,000miles in my Caravan and it doesn't use oil! To me, that's a great v6 motor!. So it isn't done by a longshot...thanks for covering this really great motor!

[@jmc6000]

There are ways to make this motor bulletproof that is for sure

[@Jeff_Seely]

For sure and it's debatable whether or not I needed to replace those parts. They just scared the heck out of me being plastic and the heat cycling they are subject to. This Caravan is a vehicle that needs to be very dependable and for $150.00 it seemed wise at the time. Heck, if you do your part, even the infamous 65TE tranny is pretty solid. Just change out a gallon of fluid every year. I'm still running the original which is virtually unheard of. Great channel,I love it, and many blessings to you!

[@wailingalen]

Yes I read that too. Dorman all aluminum right oil cooler right? Did you ever get the spin on oil filter adaptor? (To allegedly prevent dry starts) How do u feel about that? Do you think it's necessary?? I have a 23 Wrangler. Changed oil at 1000ni and 5009 mi. Got 7000mi now. I love my car. Perfect balance between power and economy (for a Jeep)

[@Jeff_Seely]

Asking my own opinion, it is not worth the $$ to get that adapter. They claim it eliminates dry-startups. That is false (I feel). You never eliminate dry starts. Starting you engine from cold is when your motor experiences the majority of wear. It probably helps some but it does not eliminate. That's my opinion. Watch the oil geek's channel. He backs all his claims with science.

[@michaelcampbell6011]

Have a 2013 jk just under 90k. 3 Mopar water pumps 1 intake cam and drivers side head. Fiat Chrysler no help at all they wouldn’t warranty. Next had to replace rockers and lifters even on new head. TIPM replaced again not warranty even though the technicians knew there were 5 bad components. Every other system ie abs Module went out steering clock spring went out. Rear Dana 44 chewed spider gears. Overall not well built products. Will keep it as most everything has been replaced except transfer case and drive shafts. As we find problems put in better non Mopar ie rockers and lifters used aftermarket. Would never buy another unless a tj with the 4.0 6 and manual shift.

[@Ellementz]

Have a 16 Wrangler, rocker went at 50k miles, starter went at 55k miles, Oil cooler just went at 75k miles. Owning this 3.6 feels like just waiting for the next thing to go wrong. Going with a Toyota 4Runner or Tacoma for my next ride.

[@fastinradfordable]

Guess what if one of your cam sensors isn’t reading correctly the vehicles limited to 20mph Sorry for giving u a new fear😢

[@methanial73]

I have 200k miles on my 2012 300. Runs great and gets 33mpg on freeway.

[@Ellementz]

Oh I def left some out. Crankshaft Sensor took a shit. Tie rods on both ends shot, track bar wasted all between 40k-50k miles and I don't even run it hard. Hasn't been kind to me so far.@@fastinradfordable

[@ubeuonly]

Don't be too sure that there won't be issues with that as well

[@danielriverosdiaz1725]

We have a 2013 jk that blew the engine at 50k because of failed electric fan and non reading temp gauge

[@terrypenn3949]

2016 Chrysler 300C 75k miles. Zero problems. Oil changes every 3k. 30 mpg on the highway. As good or better than most 4 bangers.

[@mickeyflstn]

Have one in a ‘17 Caravan with about 80k, no problems so far.

[@DUNEATV]

LOVE my 3.6L Pentastar!

[@jeffreyblazi9408]

I have the Pentastar on my 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan. It now has 150K. Here is a list of engine components I have replaced. Oil Cooler/Filter Housing, Leaky transmission cooler lines, Thermostat 3 times (plastic mounts inside thermostat break), Rockers and lifters (the tick!), Radiator for leak, PCV oil leak, Timing chain cover leak, and All engine mounts. I thinks that about it. I did all required maintenance and oil changes. Just like Scotty says endless money pit!

[@captainmo3064]

I have a 2014 DURANGO. Only use full synthetic oil. 120k miles and get 21MPG. No engine issues.

[@devontucker1572]

My son has a 2013 Chrysler 300 S with 178,000 miles thus far with this engine. Doesn't leak oil and never need oil added between changes. Great car, has had Minor issues,but not related to the engine.

[@daverson1508]

Have a 2017 Grand Cherokee Overland. It runs great. The only issue so far is I had to change the ESIM module. Easy to change. To extend the life of the EISM module, Prevent fueling the car after the first click on the gas nozzle. ESIM (EVAP System Integrity Module). Easy to change. It's behind the left rear fender well, towards the rear of the well. About $70.00 for the part. The code will show up as a small leak in the EVAP system. Thanks! Great video.

[@fastinradfordable]

That rule is for every model of vehicle besides diesels.

[@fastinradfordable]

They run great right up until you realize they designed the engine to drain oil pooled down the back of the transmission and the engine is experiencing damage before you know it

[@jmc6000]

So don't fill your car the TFL way, got it!

[@msclecarcrzy]

Just purchased a 2020 JGC with 59k. Lady had it said there were no problems. So far i like it a lot. Hoping for good luck as i plan to keep it a long time!

[@jasonholloway2476]

It's human nature to complain over praising. Angry people want to feel validated and be heard. I'm not saying the Pentastar engines are flawless, but the reality is the vast majority work just fine. Crap happens to all engines, and it sucks when it does. Besides a failed flywheel on my 2017 Journey, she's at 217k miles and still going strong. Change your oil on schedule, and don't over tighten the filter housing when installing a new filter. Over tightening, and pressing down on the filter housing when recapping are things you shouldn't do.

[@wailingalen]

Yes sir. I did a lot of research for my 23 Wrangler and came across this same advice.. Changed my oil at 1000mi and 5000mi. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 😇

[@pedrohdz1964]

Best engine for a horse work light truck just keep the motor oil clean and not wait until the oil change life mark is on 0% ..my 2018 ram 1500 3.6 243k miles and I haven't been getting any issues in transmission or engine so far so good..I'm fixing to get me another truck newer year too for work(pentestar 3.6 )

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

My moms 12 town and country Tipm fuel pump failed. I bypassed it. And i t has a pretty serious cylinder head issue . But no less the vehicle has never left her stranded.

[@genebartle7715]

I had an oil leak under my oil filter assembly at about 100k. All I had to do to fix it was replace the o-rings between the assembly and the engine. They get hard over time from the heat. The biggest reason why the oil filter housing cracks is from shlock mechanics that use an impact for everything and way overtorque the oil filter cover. It has an o-ring and doesn't need to be crazy tight. These are the same mechanics that are stripping out people's oil drain plugs because they use an impact to tighten it.

[@qwikz28]

I just want to add to one thing you said, don't just keep up on maintenance with these cars, do oil changes early and use good high quality synthetic oil. These things sludge like crazy as well and because they don't have a drain back valve in the oil filter, cold starts are dry for the valve train. You can hear a bit of a rattle coming from the engines when it's a really cold start, but it goes away after 2 to 3 seconds. I tend to do my oil changes when the oil life monitor hits 40% which is about 5,000 to 6,000 miles. Also, I know these things lack power but they can still tow. I use my pentastar Grand Cherokee L to tow a U-Haul trailer and my older cars when they need a tow. You really got to push the heck out of it but it gets the job done. Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it and learned a lot too.

[@jmc6000]

Thankyou for your input on the oil changes on the Pentastar

[@ubeuonly]

Regular oil on regular intervals is the secret. Synthetic oil is throwing your money away

[@wailingalen]

@@ubeuonlythe manual recommends Full Synthetic😅.

[@janet53589]

I heard someone from the factory say that lifter issues, when they do occur are frequently caused by the use of oil which is too light for the weather climate of operation. For this reason, in my car, which operates in the California Central Valley, I use full synthetic 10W30, rather than 5W30. It's been fine so far at 85k miles.

[@Richptl1]

I used brand name synthetic oil in my 2015 caravan and had a rocker arm tick at 130,000 miles.

[@davidvandyk1171]

Their bad rap comes from their intolerance to poor maintenance.

[@michaelschweizer4772]

Have a 14 Wrangler, changed out plastic oil cooler before it failed with a aluminum unit at 90k, now 130k, no rocker issues yet, don't know if people don't realize soon enough when the oil cooler fails and keep running with low or contaminated oil causing rocker and cam failure.

[@LynxStarAuto]

No sir. Stop it. The rocker arms fail because they are a shit design. The replacement rocker arms fail because they continue to be a shit design. No excuse there. Only variable I will acquiesce to, is that failures seem more common on engines that see higher idle times. It's no secret that the oiling system on these engines is inadequate, and at idle is where you have the least amount of flow. That's why commercial vehicles like the Promaster and C/V see a lot of rocker arm failure. We don't track idle time. 🤷‍♂️

[@bliss5461]

Great video! Love your content.

[@jmc6000]

Thanks so much!

[@smalafy]

You forgot to mention the coolant crossover pipe and thermostat housing made from plastic ! I have 187K on my 2012 Charger and have not had any problems with those parts yet but have replacement aluminum parts on hand for when they do crack. I did replace the oil cooler and upgraded it to a 2014 and up oil cooler to get the better oil filter. I have no problem with power in my Charger, it gets up and goes. After reading Jeff Seely's post below I see it will be a good idea to replace the fuel rail and use the Ruthenium plugs.

[@calr4459]

Own a 2014 T&C since new. Had the oil cooler and cylinder head problem. Maintained per the manual. $17,000 in warranty work since new. My neighbor has a 2014 since new. Zero warranty work. My T&C is covered by the no longer available lifetime maximum warranty.

[@JB-ss3bv]

I’ve only driven the 3.6 in front of the 8HP50 (zF 8speed) and haven’t had a complaint about power. The gladiator’s 4.10 and the 8 speed’s ratios make for a solid drivetrain. Towing over western passes with a loaded bed and passengers it didn’t struggle or complain. Even better, the TCM manages engine braking well and holds back speed on the downgrades without resorting to manual shifting. It is really a fantastic transmission that pairs well with the pentastar.

[@jmc6000]

You are not wrong about the 8speed

[@charlesbiba5515]

So Chrysler isn't perfect? Rollers and oil cooler can go bad, some early ones (back 2012! when it was introduced) had issues, and it's not a GDI. The reality is that while made from ABS, the oil cooler usually lasts past 150,000 km. Which means at that interval you'd be changing sparkplugs and leveraging the same labor to take apart basically the same stuff. Doing plugs? Change the cooler. Not being a GDI? Most people would consider that a benefit. Having walnut cleaning on your inside of your engine is fun stuff. You want crazy stuff? Try the Porsche 4.5 v8. Plastic coolant pipes in the "v" of the engine, and a starter motor mounted right under them so that when they fail it drowns in coolant and best case leaves you with 2-3k in repairs due to amateurish engineering. The reality is the pentastar engine would rarely fail in a way that would leave you stranded, parts are plentiful both new and used, and as you admitted, the key elements like timing chains are bullet proof. Most owners will appreciate the negligible oil consumption and perfectly adequate power. If anything, the biggest nuisance is the integrated power module between 07-18 Chryslers depending on the model. That isn't part of the engine, but that *will* leave you stranded. If you are travelling in an older caravan or jeep, you should carry a TIPM Plug-In Relay from vertical visions in a cubby just in case the fuel-relay portion of power module fails.

[@ding9633]

Ths timing chains are not bulletproof

[@jschuddekopf1]

You nailed it. No Direct Injection that requires routine cleaning. Also good power along with VVT and dual stage Oil Pump. This engine occupies a real sweet spot for me and I have it in a 14' Wrangler(105k miles) and a 15' Grand Cherokee(174k miles).

[@stanza77]

A lot of Direct Injection engines aren’t anywhere near as efficient as they claim

[@csinalabama73]

Personally I hate turbos and direct injection systems. I wish Stellantis would re-engineer the oil cooler but other than that it is a very good engine. Compare it to the GM 3.6 and it is much better. The ZF transmission and e-torque do a great job with giving low end torque. It's surely not a 350 V-8 though.

[@LynxStarAuto]

The issue most have with these engines is not that they are unreliable, they are pretty solid actually, it's the fact Fiatsler doesn't address any of the problems permanently. Most of the updated parts last about as long as the original failed ones did. What's the definition of insanity? Also, they are kind of a pain in the ass to work on.

[@seasterl]

Can you compare this to Jeep’s 2.0L Turbo as the only other alternative?

[@jmc6000]

I sure can

[@seasterl]

@@jmc6000 Thanks for the reply. I’m just trying to decide between the two motors before I drop $55-60k on a new Jeep and looking comments about engine design. Seems heavy use of plastic materials on the 3.6 Pentastar is a big negative, but didn’t know if the 2.0 Turbo was design with better parts usage. Everyone just sweeps all their comments under the rug of “… if you maintain the motor well, it’ll last a long time…” sort of rhetoric. If someone said the 2.0 turbo had bigger or better lifters, aluminum fuel injector rail, metal pulleys for the belts, metal oil filter housing, (you see where I’m going with this), then it would weigh into the decisions buyers have to make when a simple test drive of a new car just won’t suffice. I keep cars 10+ years and can appreciate a well-thought-out engine design. So still trying to figure out what Wrangler engine option “should” last the longest with less maintenance. (Not saying I don’t change oil, but I do think in 2024 that engine and transmission problems should be fairly bulletproof now.)

[@fastinradfordable]

Get some lights in there brotha😂

[@jasmineevans3072]

Bought my 2011 Chrysler 200 3.6 v6 at 85k miles had it almost 5 years just had to replace the lifters day before yesterday at 120k miles $1200 dollars

[@janet53589]

If the lifter problem if caught early, it's really quite an easy repair. The trick is to get it fixed immediately, not continue to drive. It seems that you have taken the precaution, and got it fixed fine.

[@jasmineevans3072]

@@janet53589 oh yes luckily I have a spare car I drove until I got it fixed

[@xv9dl]

What kind of engineer makes plastic components for a hot engine? One that wants your money and wants you to fix your engine just after the warranty fails. Designed to fail!. That plastic oil cooler is a real engineering gem. I am done with Stellantis products. I just traded my Gladiator for a Hybrid Maverick.

[@joeb2588]

As far as the plastic is concerned, they may have taken a page out of BMW's book. I'm glad alot of these issues have been worked out with the 3.6....

[@fastinradfordable]

I love em Oil coolers have made us like $10k in the last quarter

[@Lemusmic]

I got a 2013 with a 8spd it's been great they had fixed a gasket leak stock was garbage I guess , it dose haul ass , as I was looking to get a newer one they aren't all the same , some new ones are slower for some reason the tranmission changed on those no longer zf

[@michaelkrumm1198]

You're right our 2012 Town and country has had every pitfall you mentioned luckily we purchased a lifetime bumper to bumper warranty with a $200. dollar deductible which we used several times. We love our van. I've owned 5 vans since 1985 as our first one. Chrysler's warranty is well worth the cost don't get the one advertised on TV they won't cover s##t only major components. Hopefully Chrysler will survive in the future.

[@jmc6000]

It's unfortunate but I believe Chryslers days are numbered

[@ChrisTrabantProject]

Honestly what i was thinking about this engine. Not terrible but decent

[@gusevening4910]

Had a 2012 Dodge Durango with the 3.6 and 5sp trans. VERY underpowered. I have a 2017 Chrysler 300 (8Sp) with it also. It’s been great. Very smooth with adequate power. Don’t know if thats because of the 8 speed or because the Durango was too heavy for it.

[@jmc6000]

I believe it's both as the 8speed is a much better transmission over the old 5speed auto

[@DEValentine]

Why doesn't someone produce upgraded, reliable versions of the high-failure parts on the Pentastar? E.g., Oil cooler, thermostat, fuel injectors, motor mounts... the list goes on. Would be great to offer them for sale in one place, or maybe sell them as a kit. Over time, I've replaced all these parts in my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Would have been nice to do it all at once as a kit for a much more reliable engine.

[@jamesp5301]

Dorman has been marketing some upgrades but yes this could be done better. I was really disappointed when I had my oil filter housing changed that the mechanic who I paid to do it did not use an upgraded unit.. I want to replace the crossover pipe housing. plastic parts in the coolant loop are always problematic

[@RideatCold]

hi. i am living at russia . i want to buy dodge challanger 3.6 2018 . do you recomend ? are parts expensive ? and is engine for long term ?

[@jmc6000]

If you going to get the challenger stick with the hemi as the V6 is alittle weak for the size of vehicle

[@RideatCold]

@@jmc6000 thanks for answer . i just want dodge challanger looks . echonomic car . but i afraid if this 3.6 v6 makes problem made me spend a lot of dollars .

[@4renzicfiles92]

That rocker failure tho!

[@DKLGalactus5]

I love that profession tool box you have, should I take advice from you?

[@jmc6000]

Just because I did not take out a 2nd mortgage for my tool box does not make me less knowledgeable as a mechanic

[@DKLGalactus5]

@jmc6000 ok I like that, you are a great technician.

[@robertbennett212]

What year were all the problems ironed out?

[@jmc6000]

Around 2018 to 2019

[@robertbennett212]

Thanks

[@rg5445]

I had a couple 3.8L’s…pretty gutless.

[@sacredshogun6325]

I had 62k miles and the rocker arms, lifters and intake cam on the passenger side failed!!! This is crap on a vehicle so expensive as the JT Rubicon. A know problem on the 5.7 and others. I was mad, I AM MAD and disappointed to say the least. I got rid of my favorite vehicle ever. 😞 Problem is oil starvation. Replace the parts and it will happen again.

[@TheLocknLoadChannel]

Changing the oil cooler is not that difficult. I have done two of them and it can be done in about 7 hrs. This engine is easy to work on

[@jmc6000]

7hrs is a bit much to just change one part. That is not easy in my opinion. Easy would be an air filter or spark plugs, something that could be done in an hour or less

[@johnwalterc]

I have a 2021 Pacifica with a 3.6. My question is why does my oil pressure always show 30 pounds of pressure? I have seen 29 once and 31 once. I use 0w20.

[@jmc6000]

Sounds pretty normal oil pressure to me

[@KubanKevin]

I’ve had two pentastars. First one made it to 100k without any issues and I’m currently in a 23 Rubi gladiator with the 6 speed manual. Getting 17.5mpg mostly city manually measured in a 5,200+ lb vehicle with no direct injection. All around decent engine that gets a lot of flack due to the early issues with the heads and the rocker arms. Oil cooler issues can be prevented by tightening the oil filter cap to no more than 10 lb ft. 18 lb ft is just way too much. If it does go, DIY replace it with a full metal body one and no more issues. Takes just about an hour of work.

[@ericzirk8422]

I am looking for a minivan. My limit is $22,000. I keep hearing these stories about this engine (I am thinking of Chrysler Pacifica). What is an alternative? The Toyota Sienna is out of my price range. What do you think?

[@jmc6000]

Honda Odyssey

[@JerryCDillard]

@@jmc6000 Bad choice!

[@donaldhudson2235]

Keep it the 3.6 v6. I've got one of the i6 i put a high volume oil pump on it and a Double roller timing chain in it and cut 3 . 11/2 holes in the air boxes. It now go well over 500 miles on a tank of gas. 3.6 you can keep it

[@calvertgreen15]

Can you add a turbo charger on a 2025 1500 big horn ram

[@jmc6000]

I don't know of any turbo kits out for the 3.6 Pentastar

[@wailingalen]

I don't think so either bc of the integrated exhaust manifold. I think the market has concentrated Supercharger kits. LiteBrite tried one a few years ago but it gave them problems

[@LynxStarAuto]

Fun fact, the Pentastar supports force induction from the factory. The block has provisions and castings which accept things like oil and coolant lines. Although it seems like a supercharger is what they would have most likely rolled with. Companies like Ripp and Prodigy make supercharger and turbo kits respectively foe the 3.6. Although most are for Jeep applications.

[@dontaylor1124]

@@jmc6000 lots of supercharger vids on youtube . $6-$7,000 .

[@stevecusson5103]

Sons is in shop, dealer wants 12,000 for new engine!, BS

[@jmc6000]

Wow, crazy times we live in.

[@poncoolride]

The crappiest junky junk engine from $#it shop auto maker... they sure are hamstringing the jeep with their bargan basement electronics and the worst engines of all time.

[@stuglenn1112]

The main known issue with this engine is it's garbage.

[@jmc6000]

LOL

[@lesprice5533]

We have a 2020 Grand Caravan with the 3.6 Pentastar and just about everything this guy talked about is in the older years. This engine packs loads of power on the low, mid and high end contrary to what he was saying and a dream to drive on the highway.We did however replace the oil filter system with one with a backflow valve which will prevent damage from prolonged cold statrts.

[@Brisco_County_Jr]

​@lesprice5533 everything I've read said all but the plastic parts have been fixed. Rocker issue hasn't been a thing since 2019 so 2020 model year and up.

[@edwardfaris8516]

Chrysler is junk no ifs ands or buts...

[@dennisrutherford6973]

If you don't keep up with maintenance any engine will fail

[@jmc6000]

Very true