2018 Jeep Wrangler: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

The vehicle is a 2018 Jeep Wrangler with a 3.6L engine and approximately 124,000 miles. The engine has experienced a failure involving multiple components, including suspected head gasket failure, significant oil loss with no visible external leak, low oil pressure, and engine knocking. Diagnostic trouble codes P0365 and P06DD were present, indicating camshaft position sensor issues and oil pressure control failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This condition creates a safety risk due to the potential for sudden engine failure and loss of power while driving, which could occur without warning and increase the risk of an accident. The problem has been confirmed by an independent repair facility, which identified low oil levels, coolant loss, and symptoms consistent with internal engine damage. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. Prior to the failure, warning signs included a low oil pressure condition and engine performance changes. These symptoms developed rapidly over a short period of time. The vehicle is currently not safe to operate due to the risk of further engine damage or sudden failure.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Vehicle equipped with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine developed loud ticking noises, engine misfires, and loss of power while driving. The vehicle hesitated during acceleration and could not reliably maintain speed, creating a safety risk in traffic. An authorized dealership pulled diagnostic trouble codes, acknowledged the abnormal ticking, and advised the failure was likely related to the camshaft, lifters, and rocker arms. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic for further inspection. The independent mechanic confirmed failure of the valve train and camshaft components, requiring replacement of the passenger side intake camshaft (Bank 2), cam phaser, phaser bolt, and all lifters and rocker arms. Photos of the failed components are available. The defect was confirmed by both a dealership and an independent repair facility. Issue presents risk of sudden loss of power while the vehicle is in motion.

Filed Oct 23, 2025 · Engine · NC

The Check Engine light illuminated and diagnostic code P219A was recorded (Bank 1 Air/Fuel Ratio Imbalance), and the engine has a ticking noise. The dealership has indicated the issue likely involves the valvetrain/rocker arms/lifters and will require engine internal repair (valve cover removal, spark plug replacement, possible rocker arm replacement) estimated at ~$2,900-$4,500. The 3.6 L Pentastar engine has been the subject of numerous owner complaints of ticking noise, power loss, misfire, and premature valvetrain failure. I understand there have been related Jeep Technical Service Bulletins (such as 09-002-14 and 09-008-18) addressing these types of failures. A class action lawsuit (Maugain et al. v. FCA US LLC) alleges defects in the 3.6L Pentastar engine’s valve train (rocker arms, lifters) and failure to disclose the defect. Maintenance History: Regular oil changes (every <6,000 miles) at approved service centers; no prior major engine internal repairs. Concern: The defect affects engine performance, may lead to catastrophic engine failure, and potentially reduces safe vehicle operation and control (power loss, hesitation). Relief Sought: I request the federal safety agency open a vehicle safety defect investigation and compel FCA / Chrysler / Jeep to evaluate this condition under recall criteria.

Filed Jun 27, 2025 · Engine · WA

The 3.6L Pentastar engine has a know engine problem with the Cam, valves, lifters. I am a lucky enough to have the same ticking issues as millions of other unsuspecting customers. They was just quoted $6,000 dollars for the repair at our local Dodge dealer for a know defect on this particular engine. This issue should be brought up to US consumer protection and be covered by the manufacturer. My 2018 Jeep has 71,000 miles! The Engine should not have a catastrophic failure this early in its life.

Filed Sep 16, 2024 · Engine · MI

The 3.6l v6 (mostly in the 2014-2020 wrangler) has a known issue for cylinder 4, 5 and 6 misfires, warping, metal shavings, damaged cams, ticking, overheating etc. My wrangler has had this issue multiple times and the cost to repair it is well over $4000 each time. The first time, my wrangler had 85000 miles and now it has 135,000 miles. The vehicle overheats, starts rough, idles rough, loses power, mpg tanks and its a huge safety issue (I drive my 2 year old son around a lot, as well as my dog).

Filed May 10, 2024 · Transmission · RI

VIN [XXX] Hi everyone, I’m new to the group and hoping for some guidance and support. I tried to message Jeep Cares but the message button does not appear on their profile name. I bought my 2018 Jeep wrangler JKU Rubicon December 2021 with 29k miles on it and by May 2022 my clutch blew out with only 32k miles on it! They said it was the worst they’ve seen (doubt it) and would not cover it. In fact, they wanted $4k to replace it with a mopar one. I told them where to go and bought a centerforce dual friction and had it installed at a local shop for $3,700. I chose centerforce to avoid having issues again with the mopar one. Everything was fine till the rear main seal went out and had to be replaced under warranty. When I got it back there was a ticking noise at the top of the clutch pedal and they didn’t even put the heat shield back in so the cab was hot as hell. I ended up paying a local shop to put the heat shield back in since the dealer said they were behind and would take months. Now here I am a year later. The dealer just installed a new engine under warranty after only 47k miles on the original. They just called to tell me the work is done but btw…the clutch is blown. I told them there’s no way in hell that’s possible since I just put on in on May 2022. I reminded them I reported the noise back when I got it back from the rear main seal being done. I was then told she was going to “talk to her manager “. The next call was to tell me “sorry, we can’t do anything and it’s dangerous to drive it the way it is. I had no other choice but to authorize another clutch. I can’t afford to spend another $3,700. I’ve driven a clutch since I was 12 on my grandpas farm. This is absurd. Every vehicle I’ve had has been clutch and never had a problem till I bought this one. Where do I start? Not only should they put a new one in now but they should also reimburse me for the last one! Why is this happening and how do I prevent it again? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Filed Feb 22, 2024 · Seats · NC

I have already had this replaced, at a direct expense to me, due to the concern. Jeep has a Technical Service Bulletin (S2023000009) about the passenger seat. It began as a popping/knocking noise in the butt/inside of the seat. My dealer had to replace the lower seat frame/track completely, based on the concern and the bulletin. Before replacement, the seat was audibly broken, with great concern for the safety of the passenger in the event of a crash. Can this be looked into and why it is not a recall? If a recall, I assume I can be reimbursed for my out of pocket expense. I did not want to wait for a recall, as I was concerned for my passengers' safety, as the inside frame of the seat was broken. The dealer told me since it was just a TSB, and not a recall, it was not covered by Jeep.

Filed May 23, 2023 · Transmission · NC

The clutch on my jeep is acting up and there is a recall for it. But Jeep states they have no fix and are not able to tell me when they will come up with one. I feel they should just let aftermarket companies replace their defective clutches since they aren't really worried about the few folks with clutch issues. So currently I am driving a ticking timebomb. Once my transmission gets hot from the clutch it will cause a fire which Jeep is all aware of. This is a major safety issue. Imagine a car catching fire while driving on the highway. That would cause a massive pile up for sure.

Filed Feb 18, 2020 · Suspension · 33,500 miles · MN

Rear lower control arm mount/ track bar mount failed. Appeared to have only half of the mount welded in a manufacturing defect. Quality control issue.*dt consumer heard a clunk/knocking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The right rear lower control arm bracket had separated from the frame. Manufacturer stated that the cause of the separation was that the right rear lower control arm bracket inboard weld was completely off-seam. Manufacturer repaired vehicle on 2/5/2020.

Filed Jan 8, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 30,000 miles · AL

Audible ticking coming from engine compartment