2008 aspen valve failure
 

New to the forum and looking foe some help if possible.
Wife was driving her car back from dealer after having oil changed and car starts to surge on her. She said she heard a ticking sound and then the car shut off. Gets towed back to the dealer and after 4 days the dealer states it's a broken valve spring and needs a new motor to the tune of 6800 bucks. Car has 87k miles and been serviced at the dealer all the time along with the scheduled PMs. Extended warranty ran out last year. Any info or help is appreciated

That sucks -- sorry to hear about that. I don't understand why they don't repair, rather than replacing the engine. Unless, of course, the engine seized because they didn't put oil in it before your wife drove it off.

I'd have it towed to an independent mechanic and have it repaired, assuming it is really a broken valve spring. By the way, a remanufactured 5.7 Hemi (you didn't say which engine you have) is around $3k + installation, or much more if done at the dealer. Valve springs are around $200 + installation, or much more if done at the dealer.

I assume you're not the original owner, or this would've been covered under the lifetime powertrain warranty.

Yes we are the original owner

If that's the case, this repair shouldn't cost you anything:

New Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Limited Warranty - Cars, Minivans, SUVs, Crossovers - Warranties

With this in mind, why did you buy an extended warranty?

thank you very much, I owe you.
Pete

just a follow up on this adventure. now they are telling me there is no record of the 5 year drive train inspection yet they were told at the 5 yr mark when the extended warranty was expiring to do whatever needs to be done and fix what needs to be fixed, which they did to the tune of 1k.

Now this afternoon, the dealer rep says they cannot do anything at the dealer, it has to be approved by Chrysler and he will send me a number to call. just another run around. I will call Chrysler and see what happens.
Pete

so far chrysler warranty says they cannot do anything either because we did not specifically ask for a powertrain inspection. what a freaking pile of crap.

Hi pk911,

Could you please PM me with your VIN#, contact information, and the name of the dealership you have been working with throughout this process so that I can look into your concerns?

CC I cannot send you a pm. My email is pkmp911@comcast.net.

The dealer is Tallahassee Chrysler Dodge, the only one, vin is 1a8hx58n08f1510560. See email above for email and I will send phone # if you need it. Thank you in advance.
Pete

That's ridiculous. It's not like you get all your service done elsewhere -- you've been going there for regular maintenance.

I'm still suspicious that the dealer didn't put oil in the engine when you took it in. I wish you could go back in time and pull the dipstick and check the oil level while waiting for a tow truck -- I bet it would've been dry.

If they deny your claim, PLEASE have your Aspen towed to an independent mechanic that can tell you what's really going on. If the engine did die because they didn't put oil in it, you can and should sue them. And if the mechanic does find that you need a new valve spring, I guarantee it'll cost a lot less than $6k (even if it caused other damage to the engine).

I thought the same thing about the oil and had the wife check and she said the oil was in checkered part of the dip stick.


just got a call from Chrysler, they changed their mind after talking to the dealer and they are replacing the motor. thank you all for your help and concern. I will follow up as soon as they get me back my car.

That's great news!! I'm glad they stepped up and honored the warranty.

Hey pk911, did you get your truck back yet? I hope the new engine (is it new?) is working out for you.