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Although many people don't realize it, problems with Jeep and Fiat automatic transmissions are more common than you might think. Find out the details of this critical failure that could affect your next visit to the garage.
Jeep and Fiat models with T270 engines have been experiencing recurring failures related to the transmission heat exchanger, raising an alert in workshops and among drivers.
According to the site The Mechanic, vehicles like the Jeep Renegade, Compass and the Fiat Toro pickup, all equipped with the T270 turbo flex engine, have raised concerns due to a recurring problem involving the automatic transmission heat exchanger.
According to reports from mechanics and industry professionals, the failure consists of mixture between coolant and transmission oil, which can cause serious damage to the gearbox and consequently high repair costs.
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Although the component is essential for cooling the transmission system, it has become a frequent “villain” in mechanical workshops. from all over Brazil.
The main complaint is cross-contamination between the two fluids, something that directly compromises the vehicle's operation and, if not treated in time, can lead to a complete gearbox replacement.
Popular SUVs and pickups with controversial mechanical histories
The popularization of SUVs in Brazil has led to models such as Jeep Renegade and Compass became constant presences on the streets and also in workshops.
Launched in 2015, the Renegade has sold over 500 units and, over the years, has undergone several updates, including mechanical ones.
Currently, it uses the 1.3 T270 turbo flex engine, with 176 hp and 27,5 kgfm of torque.
The Compass, in turn, arrived on the Brazilian market in 2016 and was also equipped with the T270 engine in more recent versions.
Among its previous engines, the 2.0 Tigershark flex and the 2.0 Multijet turbodiesel stand out.
According to data from Stellantis, the Compass had accumulated 481.767 units sold by February 2025.
Another highlight is the Fiat toro, which also shares the T270 engine with Jeep SUVs.
The pickup truck surpassed the 500 unit mark in the country and received several updates over time, including a new 2.2 Multijet turbodiesel engine derived from the Ram Rampage.
Why is the heat exchanger so problematic?
The heat exchanger works to cool the automatic transmission oil, keeping its temperature stable and within the ideal operating range — generally between 86°C and 96°C, with a limit of up to 107°C.
The system works through a heat exchange between the engine coolant and the transmission oil.
However, When the system fails, these two liquids mix, which compromises the performance of both the transmission and the engine.
According to reports from professionals in the field, the situation can become serious, especially when the coolant enters the gearbox, requiring complex and expensive repairs.
Field diagnostics point to recurring causes
A The Mechanic Magazine spoke to four professionals who identified, on several occasions, that the problem originated in the heat exchanger.
One of the interviewees, mechanic Carlos Eduardo Vieira — known as “China” — highlights that the fault is often not in the component itself, but in the quality of the fluids used.
“The main culprit is the quality of the coolant composition. When the customer does not use the correct mixture of additive and demineralized water, the system starts to fail,” explains China.
Replacing the heat exchanger as a preventative measure has also become a trend.
According to Ícaro Simões, owner of Casalub Com. Lubricants, Many customers have sought out workshops to replace the component even if it is not faulty, fearing that the problem will appear in the future..
“We received a 2024 Fiat Toro and replaced the original system with a shifter with more lanes, 6 or 8, which tends to offer greater safety and durability”, reports Icarus.
The demand for this type of service occurs even in vehicles with low mileage, such as 30 thousand km, demonstrating the insecurity of the owners.
A problem that requires technical attention and preventive care
Mechanics warn that replacing the heat exchanger is not the only effective preventative measure.
Keeping maintenance up to date, using quality fluids and strictly following the manufacturer's recommendations are essential attitudes. to preserve the integrity of the system.
Another important recommendation is periodically check the condition of the coolant and transmission oil, observing any signs of contamination.
Leaks, changes in fluid color or gearbox malfunction are signs that something may be wrong.
How to avoid greater losses?
Experts point out that the ideal is to act before the problem causes damage to the transmission.
This includes carrying out the Preventative maintenance with the use of appropriate fluids and avoiding generic additives or tap water in the radiator.
Furthermore, early diagnosis carried out by a qualified professional can prevent the vehicle owner from having to pay for repairs that can exceed R$15, depending on the model.
For vehicles with the T270 turbo flex engine — such as those mentioned from Jeep and Fiat — attention to the cooling system and heat exchanger must be redoubled, especially in models with more than 60 thousand km driven.
Automaker does not officially comment on the issue
Until now, Stellantis, the group responsible for the Jeep and Fiat brands, has not released any official statement about problems related to heat exchangers in your vehicles.
Although there is no announced recall, the recurrence of cases in workshops has raised questions about the durability of the project and communication with consumers.
Meanwhile, Owners continue to look for alternatives to increase system reliability and avoid headaches with unexpected failures.
Have you ever had any problems with the automatic transmission in your SUV or pickup truck? Do you think there should be an official recall for these models? Share your experience in the comments!
What types of failures can occur?
Recall must be urgent; part exchanger without technical identification of the manufacturer; Stellantis group error, consumer cannot pay for this… JUSTICE NOW!!!
I own a 2018 Jeep Compass, as is everything in this country, there is insecurity even when buying a new vehicle, and the irresponsibility of those who are responsible for looking after the end consumer.
I have been experiencing this concern for a few years regarding this heat exchanger. Now on this date, 23/04/2025, I went to the dealership expressing this concern, and they immediately suggested replacing the part as a preventive measure, at a cost of R$2900,00, which is R$700,00 at the mechanics. This is because I have already been doing all the maintenance at the dealership, including changing the coolant every 2 years, for a price of R$550,00, at the dealership, which is absurd. So I ask, what would be the interest in wanting to solve a chronic problem for the company, if they end up making a huge profit by replacing these parts, which has to be done every 3 and 3 years, at a price of R$2.900,00, not to mention the coolant in 2 and 2 years at a cost of R$550. This math doesn't add up.
So here is my indignation and my cry for help for those who can do something to alleviate the concerns of those who believed in Jeep and Fiat.
True, now it's curious to have to change the coolant fluid. I have a 2013 Nissan Frontier, and I use the original additive that came with it. Two years ago I had damage to the radiator and needed to change it. I bought the radiator and took it to be changed. The mechanic removed the fluid and put it back in. He said it was in perfect condition and that it wouldn't need to be changed. He only topped it up with 1 liter of demineralized water. I noticed that the fluid is oily, something I'd never seen in any additive I'd bought. When I built a tractor engine, I bought the Nissan additive and put it in. It's already 3 years old and the fluid is really like new, with no sign of contamination. I even removed it with a syringe to compare the color and viscosity with the one in the truck. It's the same.
Replace the exchanger with the radiator, I did it on mine 2 years ago, I solved the problem, mine is also 2018, it is much more difficult to find financing and once and for all you solve the problem, this system is available on diesel jeeps.