2011 Grand Caravan Crew, 3.6L Pentastar, 95K miles

Symptom: Occasionally getting knocks and clunks from the tranny when putting it in gear, or when getting back on the gas after coasting.

Had it at the dealer yesterday, and they said all 4 of my motor mounts are broken. OK, this van is only 4 years and 4 months old (built 2/11). Sure it has 95K miles, but I'd estimate 70% of that is highway driving. Yes, we have a hot and dry climate here, but motor mounts should last more than 4 years. And this issue is not new, it's been doing it for a while, so they failed prior to being 4 years old.

Dealer wants $1000 to replace. I understand that these are considered "wear" items, but they should easily last 5 yrs/100K miles. I have a 2003 Civic that has only had one motor mount crack, and it has 200K miles. I was told they were not covered under the powertrain warranty. True, or not? Personally, I think they should be. After all, they actually hold the ENTIRE powertrain in place.

Question, should I call Customer Care about this and try to get them replaced under the powertrain warranty, or would I just be wasting my breath?

 

I woud get a second opinion first if they did not actually show you and demonstrate where and/or how they were broken.

 

I might have to do that. I just stuck my head up under the front bumper, and the front motor mount does not look damaged to me at all. At least I think it was the motor mount I was looking at. It was a big round rubber piece, about 3" in diameter.

EDIT - That was not the actual mount I was looking at. I'll need to lift it to get a good look.

 

Anyone else (especially you Dodge service techs out there) have an opinion on how long motor mounts should last?

 

I would think well into the 100,000 mile range.

 

Yeah, that's what I would think too. Especially since the vehicle is only just over 4 years old, and the fact that most of the miles on this thing are highway. I brought it up with the Customer Care specialist I spoke with yesterday. I should have a Case Manager calling me today or tomorrow to talk about this and many other issues (sliding door motor burned out after only 3 years, AC issues, electrical issues, transmission still not right in reverse, etc.).

 

Car is at a different dealer today to check the TIPM (and yes, it's bad, just as I suspected). I also had them check out the motor mounts. He told me all 4 look just fine, no issues. This really pisses me off. This means the other dealer tried to get $1000 out of me for a totally unnecessary repair. Customer Care is definitely going to hear about this one.