The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine (commonly Engine: ERB) used across many Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles has a well-known history of valve train defects. Issues include ticking noises, misfires, stalling, and in severe cases, full engine failure. These problems are often tied to lifter, rocker arm, and camshaft wear or failure, and have led to multiple class action lawsuits.
In addition to valve train problems, many 3.6L Pentastar applications suffer from oil cooler/filter housing leaks. The plastic housing can crack or warp, causing external oil leaks that add cost and complexity to ownership and are frequently mentioned alongside ticking and valvetrain complaints in lawsuits.
Notable class actions include: Maugain et al. v. FCA US LLC (filed 2022) covering 2014–2020 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram vehicles with 3.6L Pentastar valve train defects; a large Pentastar engine lawsuit alleging ticking, stalling, and failures across numerous 2014+ models; and Snowman et al. v. FCA US LLC (2024) concerning “Pentastar Classic” engines allegedly marketed as safe and durable despite known defects.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Reason | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 2015 2016 | Chrysler | Town & Country | Not Suggested | Valve train ticking and misfires |
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 - ERB Known for lifter/rocker wear; potential stalling and internal damage Oil cooler/filter housing leaks are also common |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Chrysler | 300 | Not Suggested | Ticking and valvetrain-related misfires |
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 - ERB Valve train failure can lead to full engine replacement Oil cooler/filter housing prone to cracking and leaking |
|
| 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Chrysler | Pacifica | Not Suggested | Reports of ticking and stalling |
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 - ERB Included in valve train defect allegations in class actions Oil cooler/filter housing leaks frequently reported |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Dodge | Grand Caravan | Not Suggested | Common ticking and rough running complaints |
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 - ERB Lifter/rocker failure can cause misfires and power loss Oil cooler/filter housing leaks are extremely common |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Dodge | Charger | Not Suggested | Ticking and potential engine failure |
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 - ERB Subject of Pentastar valve train defect allegations Oil cooler/filter housing leaks add to reliability concerns |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Dodge | Challenger | Not Suggested | Valve train noise and misfires |
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 - ERB Ticking can precede cam/lifter damage and stalling Oil cooler/filter housing leaks widely documented |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Dodge | Durango | Not Suggested | Ticking, stalling, and engine failure risk |
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 - ERB Included in class actions over Pentastar valve train defects Oil cooler/filter housing leaks are a known design flaw |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Jeep | Grand Cherokee | Not Suggested | Valve train ticking and stalling complaints |
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 - ERB Misfires and loss of power may require major engine work Oil cooler/filter housing leaks frequently reported |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Jeep | Wrangler | Not Suggested | Ticking and valvetrain failure reports |
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 - ERB Part of “Pentastar Classic” defect allegations Oil cooler/filter housing leaks add to maintenance burden |
|
| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Ram | 1500 | Not Suggested | Valve train ticking, stalling, and failures |
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 - ERB Lawsuits allege engines marketed as durable despite known issues Oil cooler/filter housing leaks are extremely common on Ram applications |
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (ERB) used across Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles from roughly 2014–2020 has a documented history of valve train defects, including ticking, misfires, stalling, and full engine failure. Oil cooler/filter housing leaks are another widespread issue, often requiring replacement of the entire assembly. Multiple class actions have been filed alleging FCA knew of these issues yet continued to market the engines as reliable. For long-term ownership, these Pentastar applications are generally not recommended.