2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4.0 Six from North America
Summary:
It does what it was built for, but has severe defects
Faults:
The first problem was the passenger door never sealed properly from the factory, and it leaked. The dealer corrected this issue buy adjusting the striker assembly. That made the closed door panel misaligned with the body.
The second issue deals with axle seals leaking. I have owned a couple 1970s CJs with Dana 44s that had the same issue. You would think after all this time, they would have corrected this problem.
The recent major issue with the 2005 to 2006 model years that have the 4.0 is the CPS (crank position sensor) failure. The top bushing of the unit is greased during assembly and can't be re-lubed. Apparently, the grease dries up causing stress on the gear at the base of the shaft. This gear is meshed with a gear on the camshaft. Both gears start to wear quickly until the engine fails.
As of right now, Chrysler is keeping this hush hush, even as more and more of these parts are failing across the country. There are so many back orders for the part, and chances are that after they quit making the 4.0, the company that made the CPS went under. They appear to be replacing the defective part with the same one if they can find it. My local dealer told me 3 months to possibly 2 years, and recommended I sell the Jeep. That's the best advice they ever gave me. No more Chryslers for me. You let me down.
General Comments:
Very good off road performance. The factory lockers are a great option. It's an excellent winter vehicle and would make an awesome snow plower. The last year Jeep built a Jeep.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 30th October, 2010
18th Jan 2015, 12:44
I edit my original post. When I referred to CPS, I meant camshaft position sensor. Although if you have a Jeep with some miles, the other CPS will give you problems also.