‘Did I Mention the Motor Blew Up On It?:’ Woman Buys Brand-New Jeep Wagoneer. Then It Makes This Sound in the Target Parking Lot

"Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler are some of the worst vehicles to diagnose and repair."

Photo by: tashagodfrey295

Chad Swiatecki

By: Chad Swiatecki

Jul 22, 2025 at 5:00pm ET

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It only takes a few seconds of the viral TikTok clip from creator Tasha Hill (@tashagodfrey295) to clearly hear that something is wrong with her Jeep Wagoneer. As it circles and maneuvers around a Target parking lot near Canton, Georgia, all manner of scraping and grinding emanates from the vehicle, which the owner said has been a constant source of frustration.

In her TikTok caption, Tasha claims her Jeep Wagoneer has been plagued with persistent and varied mechanical issues since she purchased it new two years ago. Most recently, a loud grinding or clattering sound has resurfaced, a problem she says has occurred sporadically since the early days of ownership. However, according to Hill, technicians were unable to replicate the issue, and because she had no video documentation at the time, no repair action was taken.

That grinding sound is just one in a string of frustrations. Tasha alleges that the SUV experienced a complete engine failure, which she claims was attributed to an issue with the coolant reservoir, a point she disputes. She also references a claim from a dealership that wiring damage was caused by rodents, but says no physical evidence was ever provided to support that diagnosis. Rodent damage is a documented and relatively common issue, especially in vehicles with soy-based wire coatings.

In another incident, she says the vehicle’s electrical system failed, draining the battery and leaving the Wagoneer immobilized.

Throughout this period, Tasha claims she has received little to no support from her selling dealership, Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. She says communications with Stellantis corporate support have stalled, despite multiple assurances that a case manager would return her calls. As of her last update, she and her husband have initiated legal proceedings, although she notes that they’ve yet to speak with anyone who can provide case details.

What Could Cause This Sound?

The grinding and clattering captured in Hill’s video appears to occur during low-speed maneuvering, suggesting the issue may be tied to drivetrain or suspension components. Transfer case or differential systems manage torque distribution to the wheels and are particularly complex in full-time 4WD setups, such as those found in the Jeep Wagoneer. A damaged planetary gear set, worn clutches, or a malfunctioning actuator can produce audible grinding noises, especially when the vehicle is in motion.

Another candidate is failing CV joints or half shafts, particularly if the noise intensifies during steering input. Inadequate lubrication or worn boots can lead to joint binding or clatter, a failure mode not uncommon in heavier vehicles under stress. Similarly, damaged suspension components, such as bushings, sway bar links, or control arms, can cause metal-on-metal contact during body roll or wheel articulation.

A less visible, but still plausible, explanation involves electronic drivetrain management. The Wagoneer’s Selec-Terrain system and adaptive ride suspension rely on software to adjust traction and damping. If sensor data is corrupted or software is miscalibrated, it could create conflicting signals to the transfer case or air suspension, resulting in drivability symptoms without any diagnostic trouble code (DTC) being stored.

A mechanic weighing in on the clip offered their assessment based on what sounds like a deep familiarity with Stellantis vehicles. “That is either transfer case is locked in 4x4 or if rear differential has a limited slip or electronic locker that could also be locked in,” they wrote. “Just a FYI Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler are some of the worst vehicles to diagnose and repair. Parts are crazy expensive and usually back-ordered months out. We have to pay a subscription fee to be able to hook a scan tool to them to simply read fault codes. I tell everyone to steer clear of any and all of their vehicles.”

When Customer Service Goes Silent

The silence Tasha said she’s experiencing from the dealership and manufacturer underscores a deeper problem faced by many consumers when dealing with intermittent or undocumented mechanical failures: The burden of proof often falls squarely on the owner.

When a vehicle exhibits sporadic symptoms without throwing fault codes, technicians may not be able to validate the problem under warranty terms. That’s why consumer advocates recommend recording videos, tracking incidents in a detailed logbook, and ensuring all service visits are documented with written descriptions. Edmunds offers a detailed guide on how to do this effectively.

If the issues persist, Lemon Law protections may apply, though these laws vary significantly by state. In general, a vehicle qualifies if a substantial defect remains unresolved after a reasonable number of attempts, typically within the first 12 to 24 months or 12,000 to 24,000 miles. Owners can consult resources like ConsumerLaw.org or contact a local Lemon Law attorney for guidance.

It’s also important to understand the limits of dealership service teams and case managers. Once a dispute enters legal territory, original equipment manufacturer representatives are often restricted from further communication without legal clearance.

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In the absence of formal resolution, social media has become a modern escalation tool, with TikTok and Facebook posts sometimes prompting faster corporate attention than formal support channels.

Motor1 reached out to the creator via online comment, and to the dealership via phone and email.

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