Shortage Nightmare For New Revised Cylinder Heads On Pentastar V6 Engine

Recently, numerous complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by customers facing issues with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, including excessive valve ticking, engine misfires, and stalling. These problems often lead to a loss of power and potential engine damage. In response, Chrysler dealers have been replacing the faulty cylinder heads with a new, improved design on certain models equipped with this engine.

However, the situation has been exacerbated by a significant shortage of these revised cylinder heads, leaving many customers without their vehicles for extended periods. This delay has affected approximately 1,300 vehicles, as customers wait for the necessary parts for repairs.

Chrysler's Response

Chrysler's senior vice president for quality addressed the issue, stating, "Our intention is to always satisfy the needs of the service market ahead of production. This came to my attention a couple of weeks ago. We have parts in the pipeline to remedy that shortfall." The company is actively working to resolve the parts shortage and has been providing rental vehicles to support customers affected by the delay.

Technical Insights

The unique design of the Pentastar V6, which utilizes a single outlet for engine exhaust, has been speculated by some to contribute to the issue by causing excessive heat build-up. However, Chrysler's chief of engineering has denied these claims, pointing instead to the variety of fuel mixes and driving habits as contributing factors.

Customer Support

Chrysler has committed to fixing all affected engines under warranty, ensuring that customers do not bear the cost of these repairs. The company's proactive approach in providing rental vehicles also helps mitigate the inconvenience faced by its customers.

As Chrysler continues to address this issue, affected customers are advised to stay in contact with their dealers for the latest updates on parts availability and to arrange for alternate transportation options as needed.