Early Stellantis (Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep / Ram) 3.6L Pentastar V6 engines suffered left-bank cylinder head failures that drop a valve, misfire on cylinder 2, or seize. Stellantis issued NHTSA campaign 13V-040 (related component) and a separate 7-year / 70,000-mile warranty extension on the left cylinder head. Later builds added a rocker-arm failure mode (MDS rocker on the 3.6L).
Stellantis extended the warranty on the original left cylinder head to 7 years or 70,000 miles (whichever comes first) from in-service date for affected 2011-2013 builds. Reimbursement is available for prior out-of-pocket repairs.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 launched in 2011 across the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ram 1500. Early left-bank cylinder heads suffered valve-seat erosion and valve-guide wear that allowed an exhaust valve to drop into the cylinder, destroying the piston. The cylinder-2 misfire pattern became the signature symptom. Later builds (2014+) reduced head failures but introduced a rocker-arm complaint on MDS-equipped 3.6L applications (collapsed rocker holding a valve open). Stellantis service bulletins TSB 09-005-13 and 09-004-14 cover the diagnostic procedure.
| Model | Years | Failure Mode | NHTSA / Warranty | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler JK | 2012-2013 | Left-head valve drop, cyl-2 misfire | Left-head warranty extension | Critical |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2011-2013 | Left-head failure | Left-head warranty extension | Critical |
| Dodge Charger / Challenger | 2011-2013 | Left-head failure | Left-head warranty extension | Critical |
| Chrysler 300 | 2011-2013 | Left-head failure | Left-head warranty extension | Critical |
| Ram 1500 | 2013 | Left-head failure | Left-head warranty extension | Critical |
| Jeep Wrangler / Grand Cherokee | 2014-2018 | Rocker-arm collapse, ticking | TSB 09-005-15 (rocker) | High |
| Ram ProMaster | 2014-2018 | Rocker-arm collapse | TSB 09-005-15 | High |
Data sourced from NHTSA recall database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), manufacturer technical service bulletins, and publicly filed class-action documents. Always verify with your VIN before purchase or repair.
Recalls are tied to specific VINs, not just model years. Run yours through these free tools before you buy, sell, or schedule a repair:
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The 3.6L Pentastar left-head defect is principally addressed by manufacturer warranty extension rather than a single nationwide class settlement, but multiple state-level lemon-law and breach-of-warranty actions have produced individual buybacks. A separate proposed class action targets the rocker-arm failure mode on 2014+ builds.
If your 3.6L misfires on cylinder 2, do not let the dealer perform a coil-and-plug swap and send you out. Insist on a left-head leak-down and compression test, documented on the RO. Verify the warranty-extension window. If out of warranty, request goodwill with TSB references on file.
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Persistent cylinder-2 misfire (P0302) that returns after a coil/plug swap, combined with low compression on cylinder 2 leak-down, is the classic signature.
Some Stellantis goodwill assistance has been extended for rocker-arm collapse, but it is not a formal recall. Document the tick early and reference TSB 09-005-15.
Yes. The MDS rocker pivot is fed by engine oil; sludgy oil increases rocker-arm collapse rate. Stay on top of intervals with proper-spec oil.
2018+ JL Wrangler 3.6L builds are generally reliable. The famous 2012-2013 left-head defect was largely resolved by 2014.
Only if the left head has not already been replaced. A documented replacement with current TSB updates makes them a reasonable used buy.
Yes, within the warranty-extension window. Submit ROs, receipts, and proof of payment to Stellantis Customer Care.