So it seems there is a growing number of failing 3.8 Liter engines between 30k and 50k miles on the forums. If you had one fail, post the mileage, what engine/drivetrain modifications you had, and any pre-failure symptoms you may have had.

This might come in handy for someone fighting Chrysler for a failed engine and something for the rest of us to keep an eye out for. Maybe they are denying the warranty claim because they had some HUGE 33" or 35" tires

 

Yikes! Against my better judgement, I buy a Chrysler product (2010 Wrangler Unlimited Sport), now I hear this! Same ol' Chrysler, eh?

 

Well, I think a big reason we hear about a lot of them on here is that when things go wrong people come on here to vent. A majority of people I think have very few issues (could be wrong).

I am just having my doubts lately. I had a water pump go out on me a few months ago and now I have a gasket/intake manifold/timing chain cover (???) leak. Never had an issue with any of my Ford trucks, but also never had as much fun as I've had with this Jeep.

I am curious if the symptoms I'm having are the same that led up to some of the engine failures, don't mean to scare anyone that hasn't had any mechanical issues.

 

Bingo. All forums are this way. If you ever get on the MB /AMG forums you would never buy one. Lots of folks like to vent online but over all it's a very small percentage of the total population of vehicles out there. The 3.8 is a solid engine and if it had been known for failures, i doubt Chrysler would have attached the lifetime warranty on it in 08 and 09.

 

Very true, I'm just wondering why lately there have been more than I'd like to see failing and I just wonder if they have something in common, maybe larger tires without regearing or some other type of mod that may lead to it.

 

You can also ask if the Jeep was bought used or new and what type of maintenace it is receiving.

 

The 3.8 seems to be a reasonably reliable engine. There are certainly weak spots on the JK, but by and large the engine probably isn't one of them. It does seem sensitive to running low on oil, which merits checking your oil levels more frequently than you would with other vehicles. But there's very little evidence that a properly maintained 3.8 is likely to give you problems.