Is this a leak or seeping, should I worry?

[edcantu9]

Recently got a 2017 Dodge Journey GT V6 3.6L.

I got it from Carvana. I have 7 days to return for any reason.

I got it on my lift yesterday. Everything looked good except when I took off the driver side tire and noticed transmission fluid near the case. Its not dripping, but seeping.

Everywhere else on the engine is clean except that small section near the bottom. It has power train warranty for 4 years, I am going to call the dealership to look at it tomorrow.

I remember having a Chrysler 300 years ago and it had the same thing, never had issues though. Is it normal to have that seeping? Or is it best to return it? It has 19,500 miles on it. This is my first newish car in 10 years. All my other ones are 16+ years old, so I don't have much to compare it too.

You guys always provide good advice and I look forward to it!

 

[SGKent]

I would not accept it. That may be a seal failing, or signs the engine has been overheated.

 

[Wrench97]

Is that engine oil?

The 3.6l has a oil cooler/oil filter assembly under the intake manifold that cracks and leaks motor out the back of the V and down over the trans.

I don't believe it's covered under the power train warranty.

Early on FCA was blaming it on over-tightening the filter cap but it seems they dropped that theory of late.

 

[Showkey]

I really don’t get the concept of buying a vehicle site unseen.

Oil dripping on those bolts looks a lot more than seeping.

If you return the vehicle......let’s us know how that goes.

 

[Bill Bowman]

Hit another button on the vending machine. Kind of like a slot machine. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

 

[bigdav160]

If it is leaving drips (and I can see the drops) it is leaking.

A seep will be a wet spot but no drops

 

[Mr. T]

I can’t see leaks like that on a 20k mile vehicle being a good sign. At best it’s something that you get fixed and move on with life. At worst, might be a bag of turds.

 

[rayra]

looks like it's missing two bolts in that mounting flange and the oil on those two bolt heads is probably blowing there from the flange seal leaking and not coming from the bolts themselves.

/but seriously, if you can't or won't do even a little trouble shooting and wrench turning, you probably shouldn't be buying a used vehicle. It's just a couple bolts and <5mins with a ratchet on all four just to be sure.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Back she goes...

Tommy

 

[edcantu9]

looks like it's missing two bolts in that mounting flange and the oil on those two bolt heads is probably blowing there from the flange seal leaking and not coming from the bolts themselves.

/but seriously, if you can't or won't do even a little trouble shooting and wrench turning, you probably shouldn't be buying a used vehicle. It's just a couple bolts and <5mins with a ratchet on all four just to be sure.

Hey thanks for the tip!! I love working on cars!

could you take the time and explain to me what you're seeing exactly in those pictures?

Where are you seeing those two bolts missing?

I really appreciate you telling me what you see! Always appreciate the advice on this forum!

 

[Bretny]

Return it

 

[Bigblockyeti]

I bought a 2017 Caravan in 17' with 14K miles and presumably has the same transmission. It has none of what I'm seeing in your pictures. Everything is tight and clean underneath. I too would return it and document the problem thoroughly with pictures in case they try to stick you with a restocking fee. You have been given a defective vehicle, you should not have to pay any kind of fee to return it!

 

[phule]

I believe this is what he was talking about "missing bolts". They appear to thread from the direction we cant see. I do agree this is a little more than weeping. I wouldn't be satisfied on a 20k mile vehicle.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Easy way to see if it's active-

Clean the area with a degreaser/soap removing all contamination. Drive for a day or two, reinspect.

 

[CraigStu]

If it were just coming off the bolt heads, I'd remove them and seal both the bolt threads and the washer. What worries me is the leak that is especially apparent inside the red circle in phule's picture. Getting that sealed would not be fun. I'd send these pics to Carvana and tell them you want another vehicle.

 

[Falcon67]

20K? Hate to see it at 60K. I wouldn't touch a Dodge with insulated gloves, but for sure I'd not find that acceptable at that mileage. If you decide to stay with it, go over the warranty with a magnifying glass. I only buy Ford ESP Premium - anything under Premium is still nice but leaves out little things like the PCM and such.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

Hells no. Take it back.

 

[edcantu9]

UPDATE: We talked to Carvana. They are taking it back with no fees associated with it.

They have another one with 5,000 less miles and the navigation package for about $500 more.

We are going to exchange it for that one, weird talking about car buying like this.

The exchanged one can also be returned before 7 days with no costs incurred.

Thank you all for the advice, will keep post updated.

 

[vavet]

Outstanding. Sounds like you found a good compromise.

 

[SALIV8]

Glad u got that sorted out. Thanks for the update.

 

[Bill Bowman]

Great choice!

 

[rayra]

I believe this is what he was talking about "missing bolts". They appear to thread from the direction we cant see. I do agree this is a little more than weeping. I wouldn't be satisfied on a 20k mile vehicle.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

yes, those are what I believe to be empty threaded holes where bolts ought to be.

 

[edcantu9]

UPDATE: We got the other one. The alignment was off, but it has been corrected. The price was covered by them. Besides that the replacement truck is awesome!

One thing to note, they already have the one we returned listed again! We found out that it had already been returned once, then a second time by us. Poor people who get it a third time. Doesn't seem right. No mention at all of the leaking transmission.

 

[Vintage Veloce]

Be careful with Carvana. I had one jeep I followed for a while...

Around Christmas I was surfing for a Jeep Renegade Trailhawk at Carvana. I found a great one, but wasn't ready to buy. And a day later it went pending and was no longer available for sale. On a lark, I submitted that I wanted to be notified if the car became available again.
Then to my surprise the Jeep became available again Jan 2 but it quickly went pending. And then it became available again Jan 4, and then again Jan 12, and again Jan 28, and again Feb 28, and again April 10! Attached is the record of emails I got each time the car became available again.
I think buyers got it and then returned it, over and over. It must have has something wrong that they weren't telling but people spotted when they got it.

Still an interesting way to buy a car, but be careful to get your own independent inspection!