JK Forum Poll Yields Mixed Reviews on 3.8L V6 Engine

Ask Wrangler owners what they think about the JK 3.8L V6, and you’re liable to get mixed reviews.

At least that’s what we found in a thread started here at JK Forum, which has polled over 600 forum members and counting. The thread is aimed at gauging the durability of the engine equipped in the 2007 to 2011 JK models and is entitled, “This is a poll for the JK 3.8L V6 and its engine longevity. Engine problems so far?”

Besides just a poll, the thread has also garnered plenty of comments. Member Mopar Guy responded, “71,000 miles, no problems at all with only preventative maintenance done. 2007 Unlimited, 33’s with some other basic mods. Just completed a 4,400 mile round trip from Florida to the Grand Canyon and Ouray Colorado Jeep Jamboree in late September. MBRP cat back and CAI are only engine mods.”

But another forum member named Duneslider wrote, “Replaced engine at 59k due to oil consumption and leaking head gasket.”

The most interesting part of the thread is the poll results that highlight exactly when the engine starts to experience the most trouble. According to the findings, most folks started experiencing problems with the 3.8L V6 around 50,000 miles, with 214 or a little over 34% of the survey respondents reporting some kind of trouble with the engine.

Roughly 28% or 175 of the survey respondents report having problems with the 3.8L engine at 25,000 miles. A little over 21% or 132 of those surveyed report having problems around 75,000 miles.

The JK owners who do routine maintenance, however, have appeared to have better luck with the engine.

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

Photo via [JKOwners.com]