Corrosion for vehicles is the automotive equivalent to zombies. They still seem alive, but in reality, they’re slowly losing value and function. The Jeep Wrangler has been accused of premature corrosion but Jeep models aren’t the only Stellantis vehicles at risk. 

Jeep models and other Stellantis vehicles are subject to corrosion

For the past few years, more and more complaints about Jeep models struggling against corrosion have continued to pop up. Drivers have found rust on the hoods, doors, handles, hinges, and more. 

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator are two particular models with tons of complaints. This could be due to how the vehicles are made. 

Jeep SUVs and trucks have been replacing steel components with aluminum to reduce vehicle weight. However, the chassis still relies on steel to protect drivers and passengers. 

Eliminating steel reduces the risk of rust, but corrosion can still occur. If properly prepared, aluminum can handle regular environmental conditions with ease. 

Aluminum tends to form a hardy oxide barrier on the surface that is tough and remains bonded to the base material for years. But under certain conditions, it warps, bubbles, and causes big chunks of paint to flake off. 

Stellantis released a technical service bulletin (TSB) to correct the corrosion issues. It instructs technicians to replace corroded hinges with a zinc shim to mitigate material properties that may induce corrosion. 

However, corrosion is on door panels, not only around the hinges. Also, the problem has only gotten worse as drivers find that their Chrysler Pacifica vans, Ram 1500 trucks, and more have corrosion on the panels. 

Specifically, it refers to aluminum corrosion or bubbling along the edge of the hood, hinges, or other exterior surface areas of the hinges, doors, fenders, swing gates, or liftgates. 

The (TSB) has grown from only including Jeep models to the Ram 1500, Alfa Romeo models, Dodge models, and Fiat models. It’s for aluminum body panel corrosion repair. Not all of these vehicles are built in the same factory, making it difficult to find the source of the problem.

The fix for the panels includes sanding them, treating them with an anti-corrosion pen, and refinishing them. The panels could also be completely replaced. 

Stay tuned to see if Stellantis finds the root cause for the problem.