How good or bad is the new GC-L?

[Jim Greenleaf]

I purchased two new GC-L loaded Limiteds last October. So far so good with the exception of a couple of recalls. That said I have been following several threads that have identified numerous issues ranging from minor to serious software problems to several major mechanical issues. Many are concerned that the problems identified so far go way beyond the normal number of issues that generally surface with the introduction of a completely redesigned vehicle. I wonder how many GC-Ls have been built to date and is there anyway to determine what percentage of them are exhibiting problems requiring returning to the dealership for repairs? I have seen a few that are in the process of qualfying under various state lemon laws for buy back. How is the consumer/customer supposed to evaluate whether the GC_L is a good or bad purchase.? Recognizing very few cars are a good investment, some are worse than others so where does the GC_L stack up? All the popular auto magazines and consumer articles rate it fairly high but in terms of reliability the vehicle hasn't been on the road long enough for them to make an accurate assessment or recommendation regarding longevity. Sure would like to know if there is a problem with them or not?

 

[Badgerdon]

Very interesting question. I am following this with the same great interest. I have not changed my mind on the purchase of the GCL, but, I did alter my plans. I decided to be patient and build a 22 and wait, rather than get a 21 on a lot with most of what I was looking for. Tough choice since I have never been patient with vehicles since I buy every few years. While I am not sure the incident rate on the 21’s is higher than normal on a new model year, felt safer sticking with a 22 that might have had some of the bugs worked out. About those bugs, most that I see are electrical/technology related. That stands to reason given the amount of tech packed in to these GCLs now. It is also expected with any form of technology these days. What I have not seen is major powertrain issues. This is reassuring given the motor and transmission issues seen on other new models (telluride, Pallisade, Tahoe). The reviews are giving the GCL some high ratings and I can see why. What they don’t do is spend several thousand miles with it, so, they won’t be exposed to the inevitable gremlins that comes with tech. The interesting part of their high ratings is that the GCL gets “marked down” for having a “tired” motor….meaning, same engine in previous models. That is a plus for me. I had a 2003 GCL with the inline 6 and was very happy with that “tired” motor.

It will be worth following when more 22’s hit the road. I will say that my wife had a 2015 Lexus NX, first model year….plenty of annoying trouble with it. Now, that NX is the best seller for several years in a row. Having owned 5 Jeep’s now, I will give them the benefit of the doubt……except for the Jeep Liberty. That thing was junk from the start!

 

[jaydubs]

Following this as well since we put the GC-L on our list of possible SUVs considering it seems to be the only one on the list with dealers having a lot in stock and showing discounts on their websites. Granted, having bought a few cars in the past I know the discounts they show on dealer websites can be misleading at best. Admittedly though, seeing dealers with 2021's they're trying to get rid of does beg a few questions in today's environment.

But after reading so many threads highlighting issues I'm beginning to wonder if we should cross it off our list. I realize forums tend to attract more folks with issues, this one certainly has an abundance of them. Never having owned any Jeep products before my only experience is friends saying stay away so hoping to get some real world experiences.

 

[fifthwheel]

Following this as well since we put the GC-L on our list of possible SUVs considering it seems to be the only one on the list with dealers having a lot in stock and showing discounts on their websites. Granted, having bought a few cars in the past I know the discounts they show on dealer websites can be misleading at best. Admittedly though, seeing dealers with 2021's they're trying to get rid of does beg a few questions in today's environment.

But after reading so many threads highlighting issues I'm beginning to wonder if we should cross it off our list. I realize forums tend to attract more folks with issues, this one certainly has an abundance of them. Never having owned any Jeep products before my only experience is friends saying stay away so hoping to get some real world experiences.

Pretty bad . Save yourself a lot of $$$/ grief and buy something else as they are quite glitchy and not ready for prime time. Worse still no one has a clue how to repair this pos.

 

[Rasull12]

There are still many 2021 models around because the model year production went well into November meaning they were not delivered to dealers until end of year and even beginning of 22.

 

[eleceng1979]

It’s bad, the ones who don’t have problems either don’t realize it or haven’t been lucky enough to slip into the lemon law abyss yet. Jeep and it’s dealers are more useless than mammary glands on a fish

 

[van10]

It’s bad, the ones who don’t have problems either don’t realize it or haven’t been lucky enough to slip into the lemon law abyss yet. Jeep and it’s dealers are more useless than mammary glands on a fish

How do you activate the lemon law? Does it have to be a power train issue or can it also be electrical?

 

[eleceng1979]

The lemon laws vary state to state. I would start by looking into your states laws/rules. I also replied to your other question in the “dead in 3 days” thread with a link to a generic layer describing the process. Lemon law is not for “I don’t like the paint color” or minor complaints.

1. You need to research if you even qualify
2. If not 100% qualified you could have legal help make the case based upon your failure/malfunction.
3. Hire the best lawyer you can afford
4. Talk to dealer in a serious manner about dumping it directly on them first via a buyback or some other sort of trade up/return. A dealer always has discretion to do as they wish. They can also be rude pricks and say shove it. It’s their choice. A lawyer speaking to them is always more intimidating than an owner.
5. Consider selling/trading in as used car prices are stupid high without disclosing any of the issues. I do not condone such acts as it is simply dumping the issue on the next guy. Due to my vehicles safety issues I would burn in hell for even considering it, but your situation might be different.

I will tell you your legal cost will be considerable, FCA will fight you all the way, and sometimes cutting your losses up front is better than suffering a long drawn out legal process costing thousands.

 

[biga111]

I have a 22 model year GCL SR with the V6 and it has been perfect so far. UConnect and wireless CarPlay are flawless, fit and finish have been excellent and drives very smooth. When i picked it up my dealer said there is a new process where they are not allowed to sell a GCL before they hook it up to some new software that scans every system of the car then sends a report back to stellantis. Not sure if that has a made a difference or not but we are very happy