8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$5,050
Average Mileage:
47,050 miles
Total Complaints:
14 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (10 reports)
  2. replace the engine (3 reports)
  3. keep pouring oil into it (1 reports)
2008 Jeep Wrangler engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Jeep Wrangler Owner Comments

problem #14

Jun 042015

Wrangler Sahara 3.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 97,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had a problem with oil consumption since I bought this Jeep. I knew that going into it though. I wasn't surprised when I started noticing it going through oil. I just check it every so often. It doesn't make it right, and I am worried about the engine quality. I also have seen other people complain about smelling burning oil going up hill. I have a lot of up hill driving around here since I live down in a valley. I have not noticed any smell, but I have NO power!!!! The engine quality on these rigs is not great. I am now at 107,000 and I am thinking of caving into what my fiance has been telling me and going to a 4runner:( I have always wanted a 4 door jeep, but these problems keep piling up and its ridiculous!

- jk1990, Lewiston, ID, US

problem #13

Jun 012015

Wrangler X 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles

My kids are grown and gone and my wife has always wanted a Jeep, as did I. I found a really good deal on a one owner 08 Wrangler w/ 51,000mi. Bought it! Always been a Chevy guy, they have never let me down never cared for Mopar {except old muscle). Within the first 1200mi this thing ate a quart of oil. WTF is that? Everything I am reading is Chrysler calls this normal? I have a 01 Chevy truck w/ 308,798mi and I change the oil every 5k and it is still on the full mark.

I have an 05 Chevy truck and at the 5k oil change it doesn't use a drop! My mechanic told me to use 5-30 instead of 5-20 to see if it would slow it down. Anybody else tried that? Easy to see why Benz got away from Chrysler and now they are ruining the Jeep name. This really re-affirms my low opinion of a MOPILE!!

- sphil320, Raleigh, NC, US

problem #12

Mar 132015

Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 51,000 miles

Purchased a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited, in Feb of 2015. The Jeep has 52,500 miles on it. dealer said that the oil was changed. After a month, my oil light would flicker on when I would stop or take off hard. Brought it in for an oil change, no oil in the Jeep. Now a month later, oil light is coming on again. Will be bringing it in for a check up, again.

- Harris G., Houston, TX, US

problem #11

Jan 152015

Wrangler Sahara

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,351 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Every time I take my car for an oil change the mechanic shakes his head and asks if the dealer ever could explain this problem.

I usually drop in at the garage after 6 weeks and usually the oil level is ok, but by the time I bring the Jeep in for an oil change after 3-4 months it is almost bone dry. I have no idea what causes this problem or if there is a known fix.

- Bruce T., Ottawa, ON, canada

problem #10

Feb 022015

Wrangler X 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

Picked up a one owner, relatively low miles 2008 Wrangler X in October with 52000 miles on it. Great shape, one owner vehicle which has not been abused. I changed oil when I picked it up and just this week (2/2/15) after hitting 57000 miles. I had burned through 2.5 quarts of oil in 5000 miles!! No smoking or leaking. Undercarriage is dry and no spots in driveway. I can't image this is a good indicator of the quality of this engine.

- John M., Cumming, GA, US

problem #9

Oct 272010

Wrangler Rubicon 3.8L V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 4,000 miles

Spent a fortune on oil. Religiously changed the oil every 3000 miles.

- Raven W., Houston, TX, US

problem #8

Jun 012010

Wrangler Limited 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

3 trips to the Chrysler/Jeep dealer did nothing to convince them this is an issue. The vehicle consumes 2-1/2-3-1/2 quarts of oil between 3k mile oil changes.Dealer informed me that Chrysler indicates this is "acceptable" and there is no issue.

I have had 6 cars prior to the Jeep, some with much more mileage on them, but never had one burn more than 1/2 quart. Typically, I cannot fill more than 2/3 of a 5 qt. oil container when I change the oil and recycle it. Front of motor has oil buildup, lower steering shock (which is white in color) completely turns grimy brown/black about every other oil change from some type of oil leak/spray.

Under strain (going up hills, downshifting to pass on highway) I will get a light aroma of burned oil in the passenger compartment. I was told by Chrysler that it is exhaust from other vehicles- then why do I get it going up a mountain pass with no vehicles in front of me for a mile??? The minivan 3.8L engine is underpowered as it is, so pushing this vehicle typically strains the engine.

Have read that there could be two causes to this- piston rings installed upside down, or the metal alloy of the engine allowing oil seep- something to do with the casting process.

I have to check the oil about every 1000 miles, or every 2 weeks, and top off with a quart, pending driving habits.

- climbingdanewa, Bellevue, WA, US

problem #7

Nov 202014

Wrangler X 2DR 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

2008 Wrangler has been burning oil since 0 miles. Consistently burns between 1/2 to 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles. Of course the dealership says this is normal. I replaced the PCV and there was no change.

- kuba289, Commerce, MI, US

problem #6

Mar 122014

Wrangler X V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 64,000 miles

My 2008 Jeep wrangler X consumed excessive oil at around 65,000miles. Oil light flickered when rounding turn, checked oil... No oil on stick, added oil and had oil change. From then on had to check every 700 miles and added 1/2 to 1 qt of oil. Oil light never came on when oil was low. Traded in at 99,000 miles. 2008 was the worst year for Jeep wranglers. Too bad Chrysler won't acknowledge these issues.. GM and Toyota are taking care of there problem vehicle issues!

- Susie H., Albany, NY, US

problem #5

May 082013

Wrangler Exterra V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

Change oil every 3000 miles. Attendant says no oil to drain but oil light never came on. Add 1 - 2 quarts of oil between changes. No sign of leaks or burning. Asked mechanic and they see nothing while changing oil. No idea what is wrong. 3rd jeep I've purchased...doubt there will be a 4th.

- christyia, Sioux City, IA, US

problem #4

Aug 202013

Wrangler Unlimited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Bought tis vehicle with 46000 mi. Losing at least 1qt of oil a month. needs new ball joints, water pump leaks, clockspring/steering column control module and angle sensor replaced, clunking noise replaced u joints, coolant temperature sensor replaced. thank god I got an extended warrenty they've coverd most of it and they are replacing my engine but it stinks. because they offer a loaner car for 7 days my jeep has been in the shop for almost three weeks

- Steve W., Lake In The Hills, IL, US

problem #3

Aug 212013

Wrangler

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,000 miles

We bought our 2008 4-door Jeep wrangler Sahara brand new and had oil change receipts !!! It seemed to be going through oil sooo quickly and then started to make a knocking noise up front!!! With only 29000 miles on it and being 5 1/2 yrs old we were shocked to hear that is was going to need a new engine!!!!! Are you kidding me!!! WE treat our cars so well and take care of them and this!!! It makes us sick to our stomach!! My husband called Chrysler and told the situation and it was a NO!!! Again....are you kidding me??!!! With the miles on it and the yr that it is.....something is wrong with this picture!!!! I also see that it is a common problem on here and that this yr of jeep has the most complaints. A new engine is costing 6600!!!!! Makes us very sad/ upset that Chrysler has nothing to say or help with this situation under the circumstances!! I hope that something becomes of these several complaints and please share any other ideas to help with this expense and hardship on my family:(

- glynnj, Longview, WA, US

problem #2

Mar 312008

Wrangler JK X 3.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 3,000 miles

I purchased my Jeep JK X Feb. 2008. Since my first oil change, I have noticed it was using 2 quarts of oil. I spoke with the dealership. Who then persisted on making me jump through hoops. I finally just got tired of fighting with the dealership. Hurley Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Deland, Florida. Now that I have 100,000 miles on the jeep. Oh and the check engine light has been on since 2008. We finally just bit the bullet and purchased a new engine block. So now its new rebuilt. I am still having issues with my jeep. When the dealership did some recall repairs, they had forgot to put the hose back on the evaporator canister. They did a awful job on the recalls done. I am just angry that I paid alot of money for the jeep brand new, and I feel I purchased a lemon. Since I love my jeep, I am just repairing what I have. Besides it is almost paid for. Never again will I purchase another jeep, chrysler, or dodge product.

Update from Jul 13, 2015: check engine light came on about 5,000 I fix all the problems, and it is still on. Still have a oil leak, which the dealership gave me the run around on. Now I am way over my warranty mileage. They just need to make a better jeep wrangler. thanks

Update from Oct 15, 2015: I purchased my Jeep JK X Feb. 2008. Since my first oil change, I have noticed it was using 2 quarts of oil. I spoke with the dealership. Who then persisted on making me jump through hoops. I finally just got tired of fighting with the dealership. Hurley Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Deland, Florida. Now that I have over 100,000 miles on the jeep. Oh and the check engine light has been on since 2008. We finally just bit the bullet and purchased a new engine block. So now its new rebuilt. I am still having issues with my jeep. When the dealership did some recall repairs, they had forgot to put the hose back on the evaporator canister. They did a awful job on the recalls done. I am just angry that I paid alot of money for the jeep brand new, and I feel I purchased a lemon. Since I love my jeep, I am just repairing what I have. Never again will I purchase another jeep, chrysler, or dodge product. It's sad it took me over 45 years to get the vehicle I wanted and even the color I wanted and in my belief I purchased the lemon, and no one at Jeep cares they just continued to give me the run around.

Update from Jul 13, 2015: check engine light came on about 5,000 I fix all the problems, and it is still on. Still have a oil leak, which the dealership gave me the run around on. Now I am way over my warranty mileage. They just need to make a better jeep wrangler. thanks

- amsel1963, Orlando, FL, US

problem #1

Feb 012008

Wrangler 4door

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles

Dealer says its normal. I have to check level 2-3-4 times a month. I carry quarts with me. No drips or signs of leaks. Burns up to 3qts between 3-4k oil changes, started from day one.

- Chris A., Glen Burnie, MD, US

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