2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine: Longevity, Problems, and Specs

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler continues the legacy of the off-road champion by offering more opportunities for on and off-road adventures. The new Wrangler offers more customization opportunities compared to previous models. And thanks to its excellent selection of powertrains, the Wrangler continues to reign in a category of its own.

The vehicle is designed and engineered to offer every driver the thrill of open-air freedom, providing you with the power to explore new territories. The new Wrangler is powered by several choices of engines. Besides the 3.6-liter V6, drivers can choose between a 3.6L V6 with a hybrid assist, a 3.0-liter diesel V6, a 375-horsepower PHEV powertrain, and the 6.4-liter V8 engine.

In this article, we shall pay closer attention to the 3.6L Pentastar V6 - specs, longevity, and common problems.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2010-now
• Average lifespan of Pentastar V6:220,000-250,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:280-310 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:phasers aren't durable, software problems in early model years, the VVL system is not perfect, thermostat and water pump are weak.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler comes with a potent 3.6-liter V6, codenamed Pentastar 3.6. For over ten years, the engine has served as one of the most reliable workhorse powertrains for Fiat Chrysler products. One of its notable applications is the Jeep Wrangler. Sitting between Chrysler's economic four-cylinders and the mighty V8s, the Pentastar V6 provides a decent amount of power and remarkable fuel efficiency.

Although the Pentastar V6 has been produced in other displacements, the 3.6-liter version powering the 2022 Jeep Wrangler is by far the most powerful. It is also the most used Pentastar V6 in North America. The engine was first introduced in 2010 but received some notable upgrades in 2016, including the version under the Wrangler's hood.

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 Specs

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is a 60-degree engine with a cast aluminum block and cylinder heads. It's a 24-valve DOHC engine engineered to be lightweight and powerful. And thanks to the variable camshaft timing, the new Pentastar V6 is also more fuel-efficient than its predecessors. Manufactured by Stellantis North America, the engine uses an aluminum block instead iron to reduce weight.

Since it powers one of the most versatile off-road vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler, the 3.6L V6 uses a timing chain instead of a belt to increase its life expectancy. And compared to its predecessors and competing engines, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 produces less noise and vibrations. The engine uses a canister oil filter and is compatible with SAE 0W-20 motor oil - which should be changed every 12 months or 9,000 miles.

The Jeep Wrangler 3.6-liter V6 uses a multiport fuel injection system, which means it's not as fuel efficient as direct injection engines. However, the port injection system gives the 3.6L Pentastar V6 advantage over DI engines because it gets to avoid the carbon deposits that build up on DI engine intake valves.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 3.6-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

The Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 Common Problems

The Chrysler Pentastar 3.6L V6 was hit with a class action lawsuit alleging that the engines experienced several issues that ultimately led to engine failure. And among the most affected vehicles was the Jeep Wrangler.

The lawsuit alleges that the 3.6L V6 experienced premature failure of critical components such as the rocker arms, control module software, and lifters. The control module software regulates the functioning of the lifters. When these components fail before time, they cause problems with the opening and closing of the cylinder valves.

When parts such as the rocker arms fail, they cause oil contamination due to debris and metal particles. And as the oil moves around the engine, these contaminations move along with it, causing the engine to stall and eventually fail.

According to the class action lawsuit, the manufacturer has known about these problems since 2013 but failed to communicate or address them. As a result, Jeep Wrangler owners and owners of other vehicles powered by the Pentastar 3.6L V6 have had to keep paying for repairs which cost anything between $1,500 and $4,500. A failed 3.6L Pentastar V6 could cost anything from $6,000 to fix or replace.

The class action lawsuit alleges that dealerships used equally defective parts even after buyers paid to have the failed parts replaced.

Besides the issues mentioned in the class action lawsuit, here are four more problems associated with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. The issues aren't only related to the 2022 version but the Pentastar 3.6L V6 in general.

• Cylinder Head Failure

While this isn't a common problem with the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6, it is on record for being a notorious issue with older Pentastar 3.6L V6 - the most affected vehicle was the Jeep Wrangler. We are keeping it on the list because most problems don't quite disappear even after the manufacturer fixes them. The engine suffered cylinder head failure on the left bank, primarily caused by overheating cylinder number two valve seats.

According to the manufacturer, the issue was fixed in 2013. And to ensure buyers trusted the engine again, Chrysler offered the engine with an extended warranty of ten years or 150,000 miles. The good news about your 2022 Wrangler is that even if the engine is still plagued with this problem, it is probably covered by the extended warranty.

The symptoms of a faulty cylinder head include the "check engine light," power loss, engine misfire, and ticking. The most pronounced of these signs are the ticking engine and misfire.

• Cooling System Problems

The water pump and radiator are parts of the cooling system in the Pentastar 3.6L V6. So, instead of explaining them separately, we have lumped them together as cooling system problems. The heater core and oil cooler may also fail, but they are not as notorious as the water pump and radiator.

The Pentastar 3.6L V6 is built using sand-casting methods. And although the left-over sand deposits are properly cleaned before the cylinder head is installed, some remain in the engine after manufacturing.

Over time, these sand deposits make their way into the cooling system, ultimately causing problems in the water pump, the radiator, the heater core, and the oil cooler.

Although the sand deposits left in the engine are the culprits of a failed cooling system, the problem can also be caused by other factors. The cooling system is built with components that wear out over time. However, wear and tear will not cause serious problems before the vehicle racks up over 100,000 on the odometer.

The signs of a failed cooling system include overheating engine, air conditioning problems, leaking coolant, and fault codes. Also, the check engine light will illuminate if there's a fault in your cooling system.   

• Fault Rocker Arms

It is understandable why many people confuse rocker arm problems with cylinder head failure. Rocker arms are found in the cylinder head. But the problems aren't the same. Pentastar issued a bulletin for this issue, but the problem wasn't fixed. Some new Pentastar 3.6L V6 engines still suffer from this issue.

Engine misfires and ticking are some of the symptoms of failed rocker arms. However, to separate the issue from cylinder head failure, look for a Diagnostic trouble code.

• Faulty Oil Pump

This is not a common problem with the 2022 Wrangler 3.6L V6. However, it is worth a mention. Oil pump problems could get serious because they affect the oil flow in your engine. The good news is that the Pentastar 3.6L V6 has an advanced computer system that will quickly pick up any lack of oil flow and minimize further damage.

When the oil pump fails, the most significant problem will be the drop in oil pressure. Again, the ECU will quickly minimize the engine revs and power. If the only problem is low oil pressure and the engine isn't running hard, there will not be further damage. Oil pump faults are mainly caused by the same factors as cooling system problems.

How Reliable Is The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6?

The Pentastar 3.6L Pentastar V6 under the 2022 Jeep Wrangler's hood is reliable. Would it power so many flagship models if it wasn't reliable? If we were to rate it, this engine deserves an above-average rating. The engine is excellently reliable, efficient, and reasonably powerful.

One of the minor issues is the faulty start-stop system that often throws the warning light. Read more about this feature in the Wrangler in this article.

How Long Will The Pentastar 3.6L V6 Last?

Besides the Jeep Wrangler, the Pentastar 3.6L V6 has powered other flagship models by Dodge and other automakers for over a decade. The engine is pretty solid and can last beyond 200,000 miles. The 2022 Jeep Wrangler is powered by the upgraded version of the Pentastar 3.6L V6. As such, you can expect it to serve you better for many years.

And while there's what we expect from an engine, there is also what the engine expects from us. Some easy-to-follow tips to make your Wrangler 3.6L V6 last long include regular oil changes, keeping an eye on the timing chain, ensuring the cooling system is always working well, and following the maintenance schedule religiously.

Conclusion

Learning about the common problems of anything is always scary. One minute you are thinking about buying the 2022 V6 Jeep Wrangler, the other minute, you're scared to the bone. While these problems are real, they shouldn't leave you assuming the worst of this engine. The Pentastar 3.6L V6 is among the top best V6 engines ever made. It is smooth, efficient, and built to offer reliability and solid performance.