Skibum, I think im gonna have to agree with you on this one. I thought you made a very logical and well thought out argument. I have dealt with chrysler in the 90's with a 96 Grand Cherokee V8 Limited. I had the rep from Chrysler fly out just for me. I had the rear end fail, the transfer case fail (twice), the transfer case chain wore excessively causing a slamming effect changing gears, i had the stereo fail, the speakers blow, the wiring harness needed to be replaced after 9, (yes, nine) trips to the dealer for random possessed electronics, the trans slipped, the water pump failed, the thermostat housing leaked and had to be replaced and the paint cracked on the hood....all at 1.5-2years old and between 24k and 36k miles. I made 29 visits to the dealer in 9 months before going crazy and trading it for a Toyota 4-runner that NEVER EVER broke ANYTHING.......ever. Chrysler always gave me the same ol story "that's within specifications" or " we can't seem to recreate your problem" or "we fixed it, let us know if you have any further problems (only to drive 30 seconds from the dealer and have it start up again). I could go on for hours...I think you get the idea.

I LOOOOVE my Jeep, but you are correct in that Chrysler fails to see the big picture. Problems will always be expected of any car manufacturer, how it's handled is the important part. Unfortunately American car manufacturers are concentrated primarily on the all mighty dollar (something they rarely see much of), while the Japanese car manufacturer concentrates on the overall quality and customer service experience thus resulting in the all mighty dollar that will naturally come in return (they see plenty of this).

If Toyota would have built the FJ with a removable top and solid axle like the true old FJ, Jeep would have a big competitor on it's hands.

I speak for myself when I say I love my Jeep and I accept the problems that I most certainly understand could come with one, but i deeply understand those that are fighting the struggle with Chrysler that I once did myself.

 

3,500 miles and no probs.

 

I agree, nothing but problems with Chrysler dealer service. I had to get my softtop fixed, I had to show the tech how to take it down and showed him the EXACT clip that needed replacing, I went to pick it up and got "moved retainer top now fits snug". HE SIMPLY PUT THE DRIP RAIL RETAINER BACK IN PLACE, never even touched the broken clip. Had to go back a second time to get them to replace it. I also have the door rattling and brought them the part numbers for the new latches and was told without a TSB they could do nothing, so thats not fixed. As far as the tranny, they couldn't care less. Three trips and get cannot duplicate each time, even after riding with them. No after taking my doors off yesterday I find I can just remove the side of my dashboard closest to the door on the left of my steering wheel with just my finger. Poor interior quality. I love my Jeep, its so much fun. But I do not love the lousy customer service, or the poor build quality, they used on something I paid 24K for. Ive had vehicles that cost less than that and still were more solid.

 

I have 11000 miles onmy 07 and it just had the tranny stuck in reverse. The dealer had it towed in and they had to fix the shifter assembly. The tranny was stuck in reverse so it wouldnt start.I should have got the manual

 

13K miles and all's well.

 

I like this discussion and it's been a month since anyone posted. So let's bump it to see if there are any changes.

 

I have 2600 miles on my unlimited auto rubi and this morning I could NOT get up my driveway (mod. hill) it was like the trans would not shift into 1st gear. I then manually shifted it into 1st and still wouldn't go up the driveway. It felt like it was stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear. It is amazing that a $35K vehicle has this problem with only 2600 miles. I have an appointment with the local dealer tomorrow. I will keep everyone posted what happens.

 

I prolly jinxed myself by saying I have had no trouble. The onlything I wish is that it would downshift a bit quicker...but that seems to be the nature of the beast. After 15 years of having standards, the last 2 jeeps I bought were autos...and will continue to be.

 

My seal around the output shaft of the transmission was pinched causing a minor leak, and the seal is getting replaced next Monday.

 

32K miles on mine, no problems yet.