I came here with the same questions which I punched into a search engine. I did a search online for problems with the engine. It lead me here and to a few other sites.
The problem with doing this type of research online is this, you really have no idea what the % of people having problems is. People tend to join sites when they have a problem, to vent, or look for a solution. Satisfied people who have no interest in message boards go about their lives happy with their vehicles and not posting about them. Bottom line is the % of people having problems could be minute, but searching for them on the web can blow the % out of proportion. HTH
My 19 DEC 14 build has been excellent. Had a few updates done and no issues. One oil change and on 15000 miles. Love it best vehicle ever. I see no point in buying a Jeep if you get 2WD. Might as well get a better vehicle if that is what you want. My 4WD averages 28 mpg or better if less than 70 mph and in town 23-25 mpg. Last diesel I bought here in the Florida Panhandle was $2.59 gal...
I went 4x2, drove almost 30k miles last year, it wasn't great in 18" snowfall but didn't get stuck once, traction control was on constantly. So 4x4 necessary, not exactly. Would help resale.
4wd will help resale value if you live anywhere the weather can get bad (aside from rain / flooding). The majority of us do not have a lot of issues (just some overall quality control) with the diesel. I'm at 17k now and bought it in April '14. Mpg is excellent - nothing in it's class even come close unless it has a diesel (then you have to go German and spend much more). I get better mpg than my Crosstrek XV (it has a manual though) and most cute utes with 4 cylinder engines. The diesel Jeep is a bargain in the industry - FCA needs to get their act together to get dealers up to speed on fixing some of the teething issues though.
BTW - this is my 2nd diesel Jeep (had a '07 before and loved it - even though there were issues with it as well - but a well educated community is on here and I created some Jeep Diesel FAQs you can find on google). The WK2 FAQ is very out of date as I've not had time or the issues several others have had so had no need to really find out what's wrong.
My dealer told me that they only get 1-2 diesels a month which sell immediately, and that most of their diesels are ordered from the factory like mine. I waited 12 weeks to the day for mine and that was apparently unheard of, though some other guys in the delivery thread waited just as long.
I can't fathom getting a 4x2 diesel GC considering the negligible mpg hit and the price point you're already at. Off the lot maybe if its an extremely good price, but if you're ordering then kit it out.
Except for a transmission reprogram and minor radio head unit reprogram, the 2015's have been pretty trouble free. They've not got a long track record since they've only been out a few months, though. Pretty much like any new vehicle in that regard.
I only have about 400 miles on my 2015 ecodiesel, so I have limited experience.
My one suggestion is to get the DEF injector plate and get it installed first thing. About $200 will save you big headaches and get you into a solid vehicle. Otherwise, watch out for puddles, snow, and twigs. No joke.
2014 models are having issues with the catalytic converter causing P20EE codes, clogged DEF injectors, and failed DEF pumps. Not everyone seems to have these troubles, though, and it seems somewhat dependent on driving frequency/distance/style. There are also software issues in the 2014 models, but they've sorted most of that with updates. The catalytic converter is a known issue that they deal with under warranty after a lengthy multi-visit troubleshooting process. Sometimes you have to get Chrysler involved if your dealer's service manager is a dope.
Any of the Ecodiesels are fine to purchase. The early 14 JGC's (gas models) had a few issues, but they were worked out before the Ecodiesels were released. I have one of the first off the line, and it runs great.
We love ours but have only owned it a week. Here in TX we have no need for 4x4. I would have taken one if the great deal we had got happended to be on a 4x4 instead but it wasn't and that's fine. It's my wife's car afterall.
The only thing I find really annoying is that mine has a CD player option and I assume it's taking up a bunch of room in the center console. It's hard forme to fathom why anyone would order a vehicle with this $300 option but that's how mine came. Anyone want a factory installed CD player? I'd rather have the space.
Had mine just over a year and other than a few tweaks they had to do, all under warranty it has been a very good vehicle over the 30K I have taken it so far. I average 27 MPG for the life of the vehicle and I live where we lose mileage with winter fuel.
The Problems with the DEF system seem to be pretty common. I had no problems until about 25K. Then it was code after code. I am scheduled to get a new CAT that is supposed to fix all the problems but given that I did not have a code until 25 K it will be a year before I really believe that they have the problem fixed. My son has one also and his is in the shop having a new CAT installed after they pretty much replaced the DEF system (pumps and injectors). I can't start it remotely because of the code, but I pretty much do not use that feature so it is not a major issue for me.
I think the power, and ride quality alone makes me pretty happy with my purchase but I expected some issues on a totally new vehicle and honestly I think they are fewer and with the exception of the DEF issues they are pretty minor.
Mine was an april/may build (cant remember which month), bought on 12/26/2014. Summit 2WD. 4WD would have been nice for resale although not needed. I've installed the DEF injector skid plate - no brainer to do so. Only have 1k miles on it. Love the vehicle. my ONLY gripe is :
Cant find running boards designed to fit the Summit Trim for this ride.
Mine was built in the fall of 2014 which was the end of the 1st production run where they all sat in parking lots for weeks waiting for the DEF systems to get installed.
Keep in mind this engine has already been used overseas since 2012, ZF HP8 Transmission was first used by BMW in 2008. It's fairly proven, except for some programming updates.
My one suggestion is to get the DEF injector plate and get it installed first thing. About $200 will save you big headaches and get you into a solid vehicle. Otherwise, watch out for puddles, snow, and twigs. No joke
Who installs the DEF injector plate?
Can the dealer?
Thanks