NHTSA Complaint #11694407 — 2014 JEEP WRANGLER

Starting in approximately mid 2023 the vehicle began to leak oil. This was noted once the vehicle was parked after driving. There were various amounts of oil pooled underneath the oil filter housing on the ground. At this time it had approximately 70,000 miles. I had to consistently add many quarts of oil to keep the vehicle operating while going to several mechanics to diagnose the problem. There are many instances where a strong burning smell comes from the engine compartment especially when traveling at higher speeds (highway driving). It was determined that the oil filter housing had cracked and was the source of the oil leak. The cost for repair was approximately $800 for labor and the part, having to spend additional money to get a rental car. The mechanics stated that they have had to replace this same part on many other Jeep Wranglers that are the same make/year. The mechanic did say that another jeep that had the same problem did catch on fire due to the oil running down through the heated engine as this part is made of plastic and situated on the top side of the engine. My Jeep is current on all maintenance and there has been no accident to cause this part to crack. I was made aware that previous models had metal housing, as opposed to plastic hence there not being an issue. By the time we figured out the source of the leak, it was no longer under warranty, so I had the work completed by a local mechanic instead of the dealer. No warnings, not even a low oil pressure or check engine light came on. It was the burning smell and oil loss that made me aware of an issue. Once again, at approximately 100,000 miles it has happened again. The mechanic I originally brought it to is out of business, but the part would be out of warranty regardless. Now I am stuck spending another approximately 1,000 to have it replaced again, with the same part that will inevitably crack again. They really need to recall and replace this part with a metal housing.