3.6 Pentastar head gasket cost
Single-bank repair is the standard procedure on this engine because left-bank-only failure is the dominant pattern. $1,500 to $2,500 for one head, $2,500 to $4,000 if both heads are involved.
Quick answer
$1,500 to $4,000 depending on single or dual bank.
The 3.6 Pentastar is Chrysler's mainstream V6 since 2011, appearing in Jeep Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Ram 1500, Dodge Charger and 300, Pacifica, Grand Caravan, and a number of other Stellantis (formerly FCA) platforms. The engine is well-regarded for overall reliability but has one specific failure mode that defines its head gasket and cylinder head repair story: the left-bank cylinder head can develop valve seat damage on early production examples, which led to Chrysler service action 13S07 covering extended warranty repair on affected vehicles.
Because the failure pattern is single-bank rather than both heads, single-head repair is the standard procedure on this engine when the right head inspects clean. The cost ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 for left-bank-only at a competent independent, versus $2,500 to $4,000 for both heads. A shop that defaults to both-head replacement on a Pentastar without inspecting the right head is overspending your money. Ask specifically whether the right head was inspected.
By chassis
Cost by Jeep, Ram, or Dodge vehicle
| Vehicle | Engine | Repair cost | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler JK (2012-2018) | 3.6 Pentastar (ERB) | $2,500 - $3,800 | Left-bank head failure is the dominant pattern. Single-bank repair often sufficient. |
| Jeep Wrangler JL (2018+) | 3.6 Pentastar (ERB) | $2,800 - $4,200 | Newer chassis, still typically within powertrain warranty (5yr / 60k). |
| Jeep Cherokee KL (2014-2023) | 3.6 Pentastar | $2,500 - $3,800 | Transverse mounting. Front-bank access easier; rear bank harder. |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 (2011-2021) | 3.6 Pentastar | $2,800 - $4,200 | Longitudinal mount, more spacious bay than Wrangler. |
| Ram 1500 (2013+, V6 trim) | 3.6 Pentastar (eTorque available 2019+) | $2,500 - $3,800 | Most common V6 Ram. eTorque mild-hybrid adds modest complexity. |
| Chrysler Pacifica (2017+) | 3.6 Pentastar (hybrid + non-hybrid) | $2,800 - $4,300 | Minivan layout. Hybrid trim adds significant complexity. |
| Dodge Grand Caravan (2011-2020) | 3.6 Pentastar | $2,400 - $3,600 | Discontinued minivan. Parts widely available. |
| Dodge Charger / 300 (2011+) | 3.6 Pentastar | $2,500 - $3,800 | Sedan layout. Cleanest engine bay access of the Pentastar applications. |
The signature failure mode
How the left-bank failure typically presents
A Pentastar with the documented failure pattern usually arrives with a P0306 misfire code (cylinder 6 is on the left bank), an intermittent rough idle, and sometimes a faint ticking or hissing sound that the owner has been ignoring for months. A check engine light comes on, the owner reads the code, replaces the spark plug or ignition coil, the code returns, and eventually the owner brings it to a shop. The compression test reveals low compression on cylinder 5 or 6 (both left bank). The leak-down test confirms valve seat leakage. At that point the head needs to come off.
On vehicles still within the 13S07 coverage window, the dealer replaces the cylinder head under warranty. On vehicles outside coverage, the independent shop typically machines the head if the damage is recoverable ($300 to $700 machine shop bill for resurface and new valve seats) or replaces with a remanufactured head ($800 to $1,500). Total repair lands in the $1,500 to $2,500 range for single-bank work.
Critical detail: the right bank on a Pentastar is generally healthy even when the left has failed. Visual inspection of the right head with a borescope or by pulling the rocker arm cover usually shows clean valve seats and uniform compression. If the right inspects clean, replacing it as a precaution is overspending. Most experienced Pentastar-fluent shops will recommend single-bank repair and document the right-bank inspection findings on the invoice.
How shops diagnose it
What a Pentastar diagnostic actually involves
A competent Pentastar diagnostic starts with code retrieval and confirmation of the specific cylinder misfire pattern. Cylinders 1, 3, 5 are on the right bank; cylinders 2, 4, 6 are on the left. A misfire concentrated on left-bank cylinders triggers the valve seat investigation pathway rather than the generic ignition or fuel diagnosis.
Next is a compression test on the suspect bank. Healthy Pentastar compression is roughly 165 to 195 PSI. Low compression (below 130 PSI) on one or two cylinders triggers a leak-down test, which pressurises the cylinder with shop air and listens for where the air escapes. Air escaping through the exhaust port indicates exhaust valve damage; through the intake indicates intake valve damage; through the crankcase indicates rings; through the cooling system indicates a head gasket. The Pentastar pattern is almost always exhaust valve, which is why the repair is a head job rather than a strict head-gasket-only job.
Diagnostic cost: $100 to $250 for the full workup. Skipping this and going straight to teardown is a common mistake that costs the owner several hundred extra dollars in misdirected labor.
Frequently asked
Common 3.6 Pentastar questions
What is Chrysler service action 13S07?+
Service action 13S07 was Chrysler's response to documented left-bank cylinder head failure on early Pentastar engines (roughly 2011 through 2013 model year vehicles). The action extended warranty coverage on the affected cylinder head and provided for free replacement under specific failure conditions during the covered period. The action's claim window has closed for most vehicles. However, it established that the left-bank failure pattern was a known manufacturing issue, which sometimes still helps in negotiating goodwill assistance at a Stellantis dealer for slightly out-of-window vehicles. See your dealer's service department with your VIN to verify status.
Why is the left bank the one that fails on a Pentastar?+
The left cylinder head (driver side on most installations) had a known casting issue on early Pentastar production runs where the exhaust valve seats could erode prematurely. The valve seat damage caused compression loss in one cylinder, which masqueraded as a misfire and was sometimes diagnosed as a fouled spark plug or bad coil. By the time the valve issue progressed, the head was usually unrecoverable and needed replacement. Right bank failures on the Pentastar are uncommon and typically tied to overheating events rather than the casting issue.
Can I do just one head if only the left bank failed?+
Yes, on a Pentastar specifically, single-bank repair is the standard procedure when only one head is damaged. Cost is roughly $1,500 to $2,500 for left-bank-only versus $2,500 to $4,000 for both heads. Most independent shops familiar with the Pentastar pattern will inspect the right head, confirm it is healthy, and proceed with single-bank repair. Pulling both heads as a default policy is overkill on this engine.
Pentastar vs Hemi for head gasket cost: which is cheaper?+
Pentastar V6 typically runs $400 to $800 less than the 5.7 Hemi V8 because of single-bank repair option (rare on the Hemi), simpler accessory drive, and lighter cylinder heads. If you are cross-shopping a Ram 1500 with V6 vs V8 and head gasket repair cost is part of the consideration, the V6 wins on repair cost. The V8 typically wins on towing capacity and engine longevity between major repairs.
What other repairs typically come with a Pentastar head gasket job?+
Rocker arms (the Pentastar has a known rocker-arm failure pattern at 100k+ miles, $200 to $500 in parts). VVT solenoids ($150 to $300, often replaced preventatively). Cam phasers if mileage is over 130k ($400 to $900). Coolant flush ($100 to $200, included by most shops). Spark plugs (cheap insurance while accessible). Total packaged repair commonly lands at $3,200 to $4,800 when these items are addressed during the HG work.
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