2012 Sahara Reliability

[Reef]

I'm looking at changing in my Pajero for a 2012/2013 Jeep Wrangler 3.6.

Anything specific to look out for and known problems with the jeeps?

[Andrepb]

After seven years ownership of 3.6 Sahara had not a single issue. Some will say 12/13 had issues with cylinder heads due to sand from manufacturing casting. This was only a few of the many thousands made during that time and Jeep covering repair for 10 years from date of manufacture. IMO if there was a problem you would pick it up quite early in Jeep’s life.

Make VERY sure correct antifreeze has been used. Lots of confusion with 12/13 3.6 Wranglers between HOAT and OAT. Mix the two and coolant turns to jelly 😭

Some will say Rubicon is better ....... depends on how rough off roading you mostly do. Never been stuck in my Sahara despite tackling some serious obstacles.

Fuel economy around town is quite heavy, but again IMO stay away from the diesel CRD Wrangler.....

Look closely under vehicle for off-road damage, some owners push the Jeep beyond THEIR capabilities 😳

Don’t “over pay” for mods already fitted....what looks great is not always the most suitable for your use.....huge tyres = huge fuel consumption just for a few millimeters in ground clearance. Equally a six inch suspension lift is a pig around town.

Stay safe.

[Reef]

After seven years ownership of 3.6 Sahara had not a single issue. Some will say 12/13 had issues with cylinder heads due to sand from manufacturing casting. This was only a few of the many thousands made during that time and Jeep covering repair for 10 years from date of manufacture. IMO if there was a problem you would pick it up quite early in Jeep’s life.

Make VERY sure correct antifreeze has been used. Lots of confusion with 12/13 3.6 Wranglers between HOAT and OAT. Mix the two and coolant turns to jelly 😭

Some will say Rubicon is better ....... depends on how rough off roading you mostly do. Never been stuck in my Sahara despite tackling some serious obstacles.

Fuel economy around town is quite heavy, but again IMO stay away from the diesel CRD Wrangler.....

Look closely under vehicle for off-road damage, some owners push the Jeep beyond THEIR capabilities 😳

Don’t “over pay” for mods already fitted....what looks great is not always the most suitable for your use.....huge tyres = huge fuel consumption just for a few millimeters in ground clearance. Equally a six inch suspension lift is a pig around town.

Stay safe.

Thanks for the info, coming from a 3.8 Pajero, thirst is not something I'm new to

[mplester]

Like all vehicles look at the vehicles service history and a closelook underneath will show any abuse. I'm on my 2nd wrangler and after 110 000k repairs done have included, rad exp bottle crack (common problem) A water pump replacement and an air cond. compressor. Mods on my veh are slight with 2.5 inch lift, and 33" Tyres

[jelo]

2012 JKUS, 270,000kms.

Faults to date:
- radiator top tank split, replaced under warranty
- crank position sensor harness repaired under warranty (known issue, later models had a modified harness)
- front seats looked ratty after 200,000kms, fixed at local upholsterer
- cats were blocked by 250,000kms, they have been removed and the ECU remapped

Apart from that, only fair wear and tear: shocks, bushes, tyres, wiper blades.
The rear hatch hinges are now pretty much shagged.
Still on the original exhaust.

Standard fuel consumption: 10.5 - 12.5 L/100 depending on traffic, speed, and driving style. If you live in town, with heavy traffic, maybe closer to 13.5L/100, but still less than the Paj and much more power.

Engine and auto box are a peach of a combo.

FSH at dealer and at ex-dealer indie.

Oh yes: the stock jack is rubbish. Get a 6T bottle jack.

[Daily Driven Jeeps]

2012 JKUS, 270,000kms.

Faults to date:
- radiator top tank split, replaced under warranty
- crank position sensor harness repaired under warranty (known issue, later models had a modified harness)
- front seats looked ratty after 200,000kms, fixed at local upholsterer
- cats were blocked by 250,000kms, they have been removed and the ECU remapped

Apart from that, only fair wear and tear: shocks, bushes, tyres, wiper blades.
The rear hatch hinges are now pretty much shagged.
Still on the original exhaust.

Standard fuel consumption: 10.5 - 12.5 L/100 depending on traffic, speed, and driving style. If you live in town, with heavy traffic, maybe closer to 13.5L/100, but still less than the Paj and much more power.

Engine and auto box are a peach of a combo.

FSH at dealer and at ex-dealer indie.

Oh yes: the stock jack is rubbish. Get a 6T bottle jack.

Who removed your Cats? And also how does it sound now? I heard to remove cats on the 3.6 is not recommended, since it bolts directly to the engine

[jelo]

Who removed your Cats? And also how does it sound now? I heard to remove cats on the 3.6 is not recommended, since it bolts directly to the engine

Eben from ESJ repairs.

Slight rasp on acceleration, nothing obtrusive.

Dropped fuel consumption by at least 1L/100.........

No codes or MIL. ECU is happy. In fact, I can't believe this engine has that mileage on it.

[Daily Driven Jeeps]

Eben from ESJ repairs.

Slight rasp on acceleration, nothing obtrusive.

Dropped fuel consumption by at least 1L/100.........

No codes or MIL. ECU is happy. In fact, I can't believe this engine has that mileage on it.

Thanks, also looking into it, as I can smell my CATS on startup lately, not bad yet.

[jelo]

Thanks, also looking into it, as I can smell my CATS on startup lately, not bad yet.

Ours were so bad that we started getting codes and excessive heat build-up.

[Jeepanator]

Zone removed my cats, with no ill effect afterwards.

[Daily Driven Jeeps]

Zone removed my cats, with no ill effect afterwards.

What did they charge?

[Reef]

2012 JKUS, 270,000kms.

Faults to date:
- radiator top tank split, replaced under warranty
- crank position sensor harness repaired under warranty (known issue, later models had a modified harness)
- front seats looked ratty after 200,000kms, fixed at local upholsterer
- cats were blocked by 250,000kms, they have been removed and the ECU remapped

Apart from that, only fair wear and tear: shocks, bushes, tyres, wiper blades.
The rear hatch hinges are now pretty much shagged.
Still on the original exhaust.

Standard fuel consumption: 10.5 - 12.5 L/100 depending on traffic, speed, and driving style. If you live in town, with heavy traffic, maybe closer to 13.5L/100, but still less than the Paj and much more power.

Engine and auto box are a peach of a combo.

FSH at dealer and at ex-dealer indie.

Oh yes: the stock jack is rubbish. Get a 6T bottle jack.

Good to know

[Jeepanator]

What did they charge?

Sorry can't remember it's 2 years ago.