Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine
The 3.6-litre Pentastar is in almost every Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram built since 2011. It is a strong engine, and the later ones are very good. But the early ones have a specific, well-documented cylinder head failure — and the thing that decides whether an engine has it is the build date, not the model year. That distinction is the whole point of this page.
Our Jeep engines start at $1,082, with build dates checked before dispatch.
Jeep engines Text your VINThe left cylinder head failure
On early Pentastars the left bank — the driver’s side — cylinder head wears out early. The valve guides and seats were not hard enough. As they wear, the valves stop sealing, and you lose compression on that bank.
It shows up on cylinders 2, 4 and 6, because those are the left bank.
What it sounds and looks like
- The “Pentastar tick” — a metallic ticking from the driver’s side, usually loudest on a cold start.
- Misfire codes P0300, P0302, P0304 and P0306. Two or three left-bank cylinders throwing codes at once points squarely at the head.
- Rough idle, hesitation and lost power.
Careful: worn rocker arms also tick. Confirm the source before anyone sells you a cylinder head. Chrysler’s own diagnostic, service bulletin 09-002-14, calls for a leak-down test — 25% or more leakage on cylinder 2, 4 or 6 means the head is done. Hissing from the exhaust pipe points to a leaking exhaust valve.
The date that actually matters: 25 July 2012
Chrysler redesigned the head in mid-2012 with harder, more durable components. The revised part numbers start at 05184445AH and run later.
Engines built on or before 25 July 2012 are the affected ones.
This is why model year is misleading. A 2013 vehicle can carry an engine built before the cutoff, and a 2012 vehicle can carry one built after it. If you are buying a used Pentastar from this era, the build date stamped on the engine is the only answer that counts — and it is the first thing we check.
Chrysler also extended the warranty on the left cylinder head to 10 years or 150,000 miles under campaign X56. For most vehicles that window has now closed, which is exactly why these engines turn up on the used market.
There was never a safety recall. It was handled through the bulletin and the warranty extension, which is part of why so many owners never heard about it.
First generation vs the 2016 upgrade
Chrysler substantially reworked the Pentastar for 2016. If you are matching an engine across years, this is the second line that matters.
| 2011–2015 | 2016 onward | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | 10.2:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Valve lift | VVT only | VVT plus two-stage variable valve lift |
| EGR | Standard | Cooled EGR |
| Also changed | — | Intake manifold, valve springs, piston rings, injectors, ignition coils |
| Flex fuel | Available | No longer supported |
Output across the range is 275 to 305 hp and 251 to 269 lb-ft, with the 305 hp figure belonging to the 2016-onward engine.
3.6L Pentastar specifications
| Displacement | 3,604 cc (3.6 L) |
|---|---|
| Bore × stroke | 96 mm × 83 mm |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24 valve |
| Compression | 10.2:1, raised to 11.3:1 from 2016 |
| Timing | Chain driven |
| Output | 275–305 hp, 251–269 lb-ft |
How to identify your Pentastar
On these vehicles the engine is identified by the 8th digit of the VIN, as on most domestic vehicles. The Pentastar carries the G engine code.
But for this engine the VIN is only half the answer. You also need the build date, because that is what separates the original head from the revised one. It is stamped on the block.
Text your VIN to +1 (361) 470-5276 and we will confirm the engine code, tell you whether your vehicle falls either side of the July 2012 change, and list every unit that interchanges. Free, and it takes a few minutes.
Which vehicles use the 3.6 Pentastar
| Make | Models and years |
|---|---|
| Jeep | Grand Cherokee 2011–present · Wrangler JK 2012–2018 · Wrangler JL 2019–present · Cherokee 2014–2022 · Gladiator 2020–present |
| Dodge | Charger 2011–2023 · Challenger 2011–2023 · Durango 2011–present · Journey 2011–2019 · Grand Caravan 2011–2020 · Avenger 2011–2014 |
| Chrysler | 300 2011–2023 · Pacifica 2017–present · Town & Country 2011–2016 · 200 2011–2017 · Voyager 2020–present |
| Ram | 1500 2012–present · ProMaster 2013–2021 · Cargo Van 2011–2015 |
| Volkswagen | Routan 2011–2014 |
Browse stock: Jeep · Dodge · Chrysler · Ram.
Which years to buy
- 2016 onward is the best of them — revised head long since standard, higher compression, variable valve lift and cooled EGR.
- Late 2012 to 2015 is a strong value buy. The head was fixed from mid-2012, so these carry the durable design without the newer price.
- 2011 to mid-2012 needs the build date checked. If the head was never replaced under campaign X56, budget for it or walk away. If it was replaced with a revised head, these can be a bargain.
Used vs remanufactured Pentastar
When used makes sense
A used Pentastar built after July 2012 is the sensible buy. The design issue is behind it, the engines are plentiful, and you keep original factory tolerances at a fraction of rebuild cost.
When remanufactured makes sense
If you are set on an early vehicle and want certainty, a rebuild with updated heads removes the question entirely. Ask the rebuilder directly which head part numbers went on — a reman that reused original-spec heads has not fixed anything.
Used 3.6 Pentastar prices
Our Jeep engines start at $1,082, with Pentastar units priced by build date and mileage. Mileage on every listing is read off the donor odometer rather than estimated, and we photograph the actual unit before it ships.
Live prices: Jeep · Dodge · Chrysler · Ram.
What is included
Engines ship as tested assemblies. You transfer your own intake, sensors, accessories and flywheel or flexplate from the old engine. Each listing states what is attached to that unit.
On an early Pentastar, ask us for the build date before you order. We will tell you which side of the July 2012 change it falls on.
Shipping and warranty
Every engine is compression tested and photographed on the pallet before dispatch. Preparation takes 3 to 5 business days, then 2 to 4 days in transit on insured freight. Shipping is free to any address in all 50 states, residential included.
Standard warranty is 6 months, extendable to 3 years, with 7-day returns and free return shipping. Full terms: engine warranty policy · shipping policy · returns.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pentastar left cylinder head failure?
On early 3.6 Pentastars the driver’s side cylinder head used valve guides and seats that were not hard enough. As they wear, the valves stop sealing and you lose compression on cylinders 2, 4 and 6. Symptoms are a metallic tick from the driver’s side, misfire codes P0300, P0302, P0304 and P0306, rough idle and lost power.
Which Pentastar engines are affected?
Engines built on or before 25 July 2012. Chrysler revised the head design in mid-2012, with part numbers from 05184445AH onward. Because it is a build date rather than a model year, a 2013 vehicle can still have an affected engine and a 2012 one may not. Always check the build date.
Was there a recall on the 3.6 Pentastar head?
No safety recall. Chrysler handled it through service bulletin 09-002-14 and a voluntary warranty extension, campaign X56, which covered the left cylinder head for 10 years or 150,000 miles. That window has now closed for most vehicles.
How do I tell a head problem from a rocker arm?
Both tick. The diagnostic is a leak-down test: 25% or more leakage on cylinder 2, 4 or 6 means the head. Hissing from the exhaust pipe during the test points to a leaking exhaust valve. Confirm before buying parts, because the two repairs are very different in cost.
Will a 2017 Pentastar fit a 2014 vehicle?
Not as a straight swap. The 2016 upgrade raised compression from 10.2:1 to 11.3:1 and added two-stage variable valve lift, cooled EGR, a new intake manifold, different valve springs, piston rings, injectors and ignition coils. Match within the generation and confirm by VIN.
Which VIN digit is the Pentastar?
The 8th digit, as on most domestic vehicles. The 3.6 Pentastar carries the G engine code. For engines from 2011 to 2013 you also need the build date, since that is what determines which cylinder head design it has.
Is the 3.6 Pentastar a good engine?
Yes, particularly from late 2012 onward. It is a chain-driven DOHC V6 making 275 to 305 hp, used across Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram for well over a decade. Its reputation was damaged almost entirely by one early cylinder head design that was corrected in mid-2012.
How much is a used 3.6 Pentastar?
Our Jeep engines start at $1,082, with Pentastar units priced by build date and mileage. Live pricing is on the Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram collection pages, and every unit is compression tested with photos sent before dispatch.
Send your VIN and we will check the build date, tell you which head design you need, and what we have in stock.
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