VW Routan 1(RT)

Chrysler Pentastar V6 first generation (from 2011), 283 hp. Significantly more refined and economical than the predecessors. Watch out for 2011-2012: known left cylinder head defect (cylinder 2 valve seat). Warranty extended to 10 years / 150,000 mi.

• !! Pentastar Tick — left cylinder head failure (cyl. 2) from 130,000 km

  Early 3.6L Pentastar used insufficiently hardened valve seats on left head. Chrysler extended warranty via D-14-12 to 10yrs/150k mi.

  Symptoms: Distinct metallic tick from left bank, MIL with P0302 or P0306, power loss.
  3,500–4,500 $
  Ad 05184510AH Pentastar left cylinder headMopar 05184446AG left cylinder head
• !! Plastic oil filter / oil cooler housing cracks from 130,000 km

  Plastic oil filter/cooler housing warps from thermal cycling. Aluminum aftermarket (Dorman 926-876) is permanent fix.

  Symptoms: Oil on accessory belt and exhaust manifold, oil smell, coolant in dipstick (emulsion).
  450–900 $
  Ad 68105583AF Pentastar oil filter housingDorman 926-876 aluminum oil cooler housing
• !! Rocker arm failure (MDS oil control) from 160,000 km

  Pentastar rocker arms fail when oil changes are neglected. Clogged oil passages starve roller needle bearings.

  Symptoms: Loud tick, single-cylinder misfire, MIL P030x, power loss.
  800–2,200 $
  Ad 05184296AH Pentastar rocker armMopar 05184296AE roller rocker

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Chrysler 3.8L V6 OHV from the minivan parts bin. Simple pushrod design, robust and easy to service, but 197 hp is marginal in a fully loaded van. Common issues: intake manifold gasket, oil pan gasket.

• !! Intake manifold gasket failure (coolant loss) from 150,000 km

  Lower intake manifold gasket on 3.8L V6 OHV leaks coolant into intake and externally.

  Symptoms: Unexplained coolant loss, sweet smell, white exhaust smoke, rough idle.
  350–900 $
  Ad Fel-Pro MS96454 intake manifold gasketMopar 4781034AC
• !! Water pump leak from 160,000 km

  Water pump on 3.8L V6 leaks coolant via weep hole or O-ring.

  Symptoms: Coolant puddle front-center, dropping coolant level, whining from belt drive.
  300–650 $
  Ad water pump Chrysler 3.8 V6 Mopar 4694307AFGates 42289 water pump
• !! Lifter tick and rocker arm wear from 180,000 km

  From ~110k mi, lifter tick and rocker arm wear appear.

  Symptoms: Metallic top-end tick, louder at idle and 1500-3000 rpm.
  900–2,200 $
  Ad hydraulic lifters Chrysler 3.8 V6rocker arm 3.8 OHV Mopar 53021720AE

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Chrysler 4.0L SOHC V6 with 251 hp, only fitted in the SEL top trim 2009-2010. Stronger than the 3.8, but with chain tensioner problems and oil pressure issues at high mileage.

• !! Timing belt replacement every 100k miles (interference engine) from 160,000 km

  The 4.0L SOHC uses a timing belt with 100k mi interval. Interference engine — belt failure destroys valves.

  Symptoms: No warning before failure. Pulley squeal, coolant loss.
  600–1,400 $
  Ad timing belt kit Chrysler 4.0 V6 SOHCGates TCKWP334 timing belt water pump kit
• !! Timing-belt-driven water pump — must replace with belt from 160,000 km

  Pump seizure can snap belt and destroy engine. Always replace pump with every belt service.

  Symptoms: Coolant loss around belt cover, overheating.
  150–350 $
  Ad water pump Chrysler 4.0 V6 SOHC Mopar 5142861AAGates 42280 water pump
• !! TIPM fuel pump relay — sudden engine shutdown from 110,000 km

  TIPM fuel pump relay fails. Chrysler recalled T&C/Grand Caravan, VW did NOT recall the identical Routan.

  Symptoms: Sudden stall at road speed, loss of power steering and brake assist.
  900–1,500 $
  Ad TIPM Routan Mopar 04692117TIPM fuel pump bypass relay kit

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses