[Erik Latranyi]

Having seen several Avengers now in-person, it should have nothing to do with Jeep. Other than styling, there is nothing Jeep about it. There is no attempt at articulation, traction controls (it was originally only FWD, no AWD), no decent ground clearance. It is only a Jeep due to the 7 slot grille and trapezoidal wheel openings.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

Vehicle purchases are very emotional. The greatest letdown post-sale are quality issues and lousy customer service, not buyer's remorse over not choosing what fits their needs best.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

I don't think Renegade failed at all. It sold well (it was a leader in the class) and collected good reviews (in the media at least). Then, after 5 years of production, it was supposed to become a new generation that would correct the shortcomings against the background of new competitors. This did not happen.

Like most FCA designed Jeeps, it sold well initially than dropped off a cliff. That is NOT a success.

A success is sustainable sales over more than 5 years and through at least one refresh. Just like the Cherokee and Compass refreshes, the Renegade refresh did not change the trajectory of declining sales.

Like most FCA designed Jeeps, customers came for the styling and most were one and done, never to return thanks to the anemic powertrain, lack of true Jeep capability and the horrendous quality and customer service followed by never-ending price increases.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

Anecdotal story:

I took the plunge and bought a 2018 JL Wrangler Sahara Unlimited. Less than 50k miles. It was traded to a Philly Toyota dealer for a new Tacoma.

I got a great deal and drove away happy hoping to make some modifications for extra capability. After one day, the vehicle would not start. I checked all systems, both batteries, etc. All was fine. Tried to start again, then the dash lights started flashing and the engine came on without pushing the button. It ran horribly rough, so I shut it down.

Tried to give it a rest and restart. Nothing, just dash lights flashing. I shut it down and then as I walked away the lights started flashing and the wipers started going. With no key in the vehicle!

There was nothing I could do except let it drain the battery. Tried to restart with a jump pack. Nothing. No sign of life at all.

I informed the Toyota dealer and they said they would pay for having it taken to a Jeep dealer and that the initial warranty will cover everything. But I had to pay out of pocket to the Jeep dealer and the Toyota dealer insurance would cover it.

Had it flatbed to the nearest Jeep dealer who basically sat on it for almost a week (with me pestering) before finding the main fuse bus that protects the electrical system had blown. They found the part at another dealer and sent a driver to get it.

Two days later I had to call them to find out it that was the wrong part and they needed to order one. Nearly another week goes by, I have to chase them regularly.

So, they get the part and it comes to life. But the USB port backlights stay on when the vehicle is off. They wanted to do a parasitic loss test and ensure those lights would go out. They did......after an hour. They requested to keep it overnight. I agreed.

The next day, they did call me because the vehicle with no key in it turned on its headlights by itself. Dealer is baffled.

Now they call Stellantis engineering to figure this out. Their solution? Replace the entire dash display panel, which requires Stellantis to program my mileage into it. It should take less than a week, but could take 2 weeks.

Meanwhile, the service manager from the Toyota dealer calls everyday to ask for updates. I need to chase the Jeep dealer constantly.

What a great experience with my first FCA vehicle!!!!! I am up to $1200 out of pocket and drove it for one day.

Oh, sold my Ford Fusion Titanium AWD with 166,000 miles on it. It never saw a dealership. Just routine maintenance.

My 2004 Grand Cherokee WJ Overland with 90,000+ miles on it runs like a charm. Everything functions like it did 20 years ago.

The difference between Jeep of 2004 and Jeep of 2018 is light years.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

Sadly, I see stories like yours on the Wrangler forums almost daily.

My guess is the previous owner had enough of that Jeep and dumped it at a Toyota dealership totally fed up.

The vast majority of people do not have the time nor the stamina to chase the dealer and Stellantis to do their end of the bargain.

Hope you get things resolved.

You know that I am on the Wrangler forums as well and see all the frustration by not just new customers, but long-term Jeep loyalists.

Yes, there are those who will deny everything, like the Death Wobble issue that still is happening with JLs.

The difference is that, in the past, if you wanted a CJ or Wrangler, you put up with the crappy quality. Today, you have alternatives like Bronco, 4Runner, Scout, etc.

There will be stories written how Jeep went from being the crown jewel of the company to a damaged brand that only a handful of loyalists stay with.....like Jaguar.

 

[Erik Latranyi]

Your comments have led me to ask what I think is an even bigger question:

? Are there any brands left under the STLA umbrella that any objective auto industry analyst could say would be truly desirable by any other OEM? In other words...Could any of the STLA brands be considered free of the foul stench regarding reputation / reliability / quality / dependability / resale value?

I'm wondering if EACH and EVERY STLA brand has been affected to one degree or another by this deadly disease?

Jeep still has that very American brand strength. It is known as an American brand. @aldo90731 posted that Jeep was the most patriotic brand available in North America.

It would be very easy for someone with a great reputation, like Toyota, to buy it and market it as the Jeep you love with Toyota quality.

Most of the other STLA brands do not have that. Jeep is badly wounded. Ram might be viable for someone wanting to get into pickups. But the other 12 brands could cease to exist and nobody would care.