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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I’m challenged to understand how a vehicle manufactured in this century can’t make it even 100K without major drivetrain repairs. It’s a pity, because if this Trailhawk could be reliable, it might get me out of my 4Runner. It is certainly more comfortable, but come on Jeep- a new PTU under 80K? And zero support when others are covered? No explanation of why some are covered while others are not?
This is just poor quality control/build quality.
 

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I’m challenged to understand how a vehicle manufactured in this century can’t make it even 100K without major drivetrain repairs. It’s a pity, because if this Trailhawk could be reliable, it might get me out of my 4Runner. It is certainly more comfortable, but come on Jeep- a new PTU under 80K? And zero support when others are covered? No explanation of why some are covered while others are not?
This is just poor quality control/build quality.
That's a fair statement for sure. Stellantis as a whole hasn't been the most "Consumer Friendly" corporation for a while now. I mean, we can't even get the parts when their $#*t does break, but unfortunately that's kind of the trend now for most of the manufacturers, and all big corporate business in general, isn't it??? I guess they just don't give a damn. Sad, but true, but it's now the world we live in unfortunately...😉😎
 

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PTU failures are a common thing nowadays, as a Google search will confirm. In fact, Ford vehicles have the worst reputation. Blame it on the popularity of AWD systems in modern vehicles.

That said, it is disappointing that vehicle manufacturers can't seem to make a more robust AWD design.
 
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"It’s a pity, because if this Trailhawk could be reliable, it might get me out of my 4Runner."

I've had both, (4Runner SR5 > Wrangler Willy's > Cherokee TH/E) here's my view:

4Runner SR5 - Exceptional reliability great off road (probably better than the trailhawk). Quiet, Comfy 5 speed auto, old tech. Although it never needed service, Toyota dealer was pretty good to deal with.

Wrangler - Exceptional off road, not to quiet or comfortable. Start / Stop issues (batteries and IBS). Loved the Turbo.

Cherokee - Have not had it off road, pretty quiet (occasional rattles), VERY comfortable. Start / Stop issues (batteries). V6 is responsive.

Jeep dealers (applies to both). Best I can say is not horrible.

If Toyota could produce a 4Runner with blind spot monitoring that got 25+ mpg on the highway, 8 speed tranny, and a modern dash, they would cut into Jeep's sales greatly.

Jeep would have to improve its quality AND CHANGE THE CULTURE OF THE DEALERS! Ex: I've been trying to get rid of a backseat rattle which may be covered by a TSB. Local Jeep dealer won't even look at it without a 180.00$ diagnostic fee, which they will return IF IT IS COVERED BY A TSB. While the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee have been good, and they have a lot of character the next vehicle will probably not be a Jeep.
 
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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
"It’s a pity, because if this Trailhawk could be reliable, it might get me out of my 4Runner."

I've had both, (4Runner SR5 > Wrangler Willy's > Cherokee TH/E) here's my view:

4Runner SR5 - Exceptional reliability great off road (probably better than the trailhawk). Quiet, Comfy 5 speed auto, old tech. Although it never needed service, Toyota dealer was pretty good to deal with.

Wrangler - Exceptional off road, not to quiet or comfortable. Start / Stop issues (batteries and IBS). Loved the Turbo.

Cherokee - Hane not had it off road, pretty quiet (occasional rattles), VERY comfortable. Start / Stop issues (batteries). V6 is responsive.

Jeep dealers (applies to both). Best I can say is not horrible.

If Toyota could produce a 4Runner with blind spot monitoring that got 25+ mpg on the highway, 8 speed tranny, and a modern dash, they would cut into Jeep's sales greatly.

Jeep would have to improve its quality AND CHANGE THE CULTURE OF THE DEALERS! Ex: I've been trying to get rid of a backseat rattle which may be covered by a TSB. Local Jeep dealer won't even look at it without a 180.00$ diagnostic fee, which they will return IF IT IS COVERED BY A TSB. While the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee have been good, and they have a lot of character the next vehicle will probably not be a Jeep.
What the T4R lacks in comfort and mileage it makes up in spades in reliability. Lots of talk about the Gen6 going to a Turbo4. This is a mistake. Keep the current motor, add an 8 speed trans. Some more comfortable seats and nobody will defect. FFS, is Stellantis trying to get people off the brand? VW did this in late 80’s when they were considering pulling out of the NA market. There is just no excuse.
 

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Lots of talk about the Gen6 going to a Turbo4. This is a mistake. Keep the current motor, add an 8 speed trans. Some more comfortable seats and nobody will defect.
Toyota has been pretty good with their Turbos, even though I still prefer NA. The 8+ speed is a necessity. Agree nicer interior / dash and we have a winner. Very few Jeepers (even wrangler owners) are going to go places that a 4Runner can't. With a push from Toyota corporate, they could be a real thorn in the side of Stellantis.

Would you rather pay 90K for a Grand Wagoneer or a Land Cruiser?
 

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"It’s a pity, because if this Trailhawk could be reliable, it might get me out of my 4Runner."

I've had both, (4Runner SR5 > Wrangler Willy's > Cherokee TH/E) here's my view:

4Runner SR5 - Exceptional reliability great off road (probably better than the trailhawk). Quiet, Comfy 5 speed auto, old tech. Although it never needed service, Toyota dealer was pretty good to deal with.

Wrangler - Exceptional off road, not to quiet or comfortable. Start / Stop issues (batteries and IBS). Loved the Turbo.

Cherokee - Hane not had it off road, pretty quiet (occasional rattles), VERY comfortable. Start / Stop issues (batteries). V6 is responsive.

Jeep dealers (applies to both). Best I can say is not horrible.

If Toyota could produce a 4Runner with blind spot monitoring that got 25+ mpg on the highway, 8 speed tranny, and a modern dash, they would cut into Jeep's sales greatly.

Jeep would have to improve its quality AND CHANGE THE CULTURE OF THE DEALERS! Ex: I've been trying to get rid of a backseat rattle which may be covered by a TSB. Local Jeep dealer won't even look at it without a 180.00$ diagnostic fee, which they will return IF IT IS COVERED BY A TSB. While the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee have been good, and they have a lot of character the next vehicle will probably not be a Jeep.
Good point about "diagnostic fees" now. Makes you not want to even consider using the dealer's service/repair facilities if not still under warranty.
 

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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
Toyota has been pretty good with their Turbos, even though I still prefer NA. The 8+ speed is a necessity. Agree nicer interior / dash and we have a winner. Very few Jeepers (even wrangler owners) are going to go places that a 4Runner can't. With a push from Toyota corporate, they could be a real thorn in the side of Stellantis.

Would you rather pay 90K for a Grand Wagoneer or a Land Cruiser?
Lololololol. A 90K Grand Wagoneer. WTAF are people even thinking.
 

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My Jeep has been at the dealer for just over a week. Picked it up today. PTU replacement, it was covered under the extended 150K/8 year PTU extended warranty from Jeep.

40K New Rear Diff.
75K Complete engine replacement, and a new radiator.
92K new PTU.
The only part of the drivetrain I would have truly loved to have replaced is the transmission, get 2nd gear back... Marybe next year?
 

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My Jeep has been at the dealer for just over a week. Picked it up today. PTU replacement, it was covered under the extended 150K/8 year PTU extended warranty from Jeep.

40K New Rear Diff.
75K Complete engine replacement, and a new radiator.
92K new PTU.
The only part of the drivetrain I would have truly loved to have replaced is the transmission, get 2nd gear back... Marybe next year?
What happened to 2nd gear? Most of the time if I don't come to a complete stop,
the Jeep stays in 2nd. I think it would be harsh with no 2nd gear.
 

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My Jeep has been at the dealer for just over a week. Picked it up today. PTU replacement, it was covered under the extended 150K/8 year PTU extended warranty from Jeep.

40K New Rear Diff.
75K Complete engine replacement, and a new radiator.
92K new PTU.
The only part of the drivetrain I would have truly loved to have replaced is the transmission, get 2nd gear back... Marybe next year?

Unfortunately, it is stories like these that make me think a Passport / Pilot in the trailsport trim would be good enough.
 

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What happened to 2nd gear? Most of the time if I don't come to a complete stop,
the Jeep stays in 2nd. I think it would be harsh with no 2nd gear.
Some of the early 2014-15 models were identified as having a snap ring that could be damaged on a 3>2>1 downshift. FCA's solution was to offer a software flash that removed the 2nd gear downshift, so the transmission would shift 3>1 while slowing.

An Explanation of how FCA locked out the 3rd>2nd Gear Shift | 2014+ Jeep Cherokee Forums (jeepcherokeeclub.com)
 
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I had that flash done and I didn't even notice the lost 2nd gear.
I can still use 2nd gear when in 4 low for SSC and hill descent.
Actually in 9 years of transmission flashes I have never noticed any changes.
Took delivery 1 day after the car carrier delivered it, still shifts just like it always did.
So far, so good with the snap ring.
 

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...and sometimes that 3 > 1 downshift doesn't happen until you've been at a complete stop for ~3-5 seconds. So when you gotta STOP then GO for traffic reasons, you'd better have your hand on the Auto-Stick to force that shift down into 1st Gear so you can GO when you NEED to GO! Otherwise you'll start out in 3rd gear and chug along with your foot mashed on the accelerator until the transmission decides to finally downshift. Hopefully you don't get rear-ended or side-swiped in that computer-decision time. And if you take it into the Dealer, they just tell you it's operating per the software...
 
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