Sorry but I think the KJ CRD is a POS based on personal experience. Its giving VW a run for their money in the quality department
1. Racor Fuel filter head (OEM one leaked) at 10k
2. Kennedy lift pump (starts much easier) at 10k
3. Provent ccV: Learned from owning a TDI that clogged intakes suck. Collects 6-8 oz between oil changes.
4. Glow plugs at 66k miles. ,
5. Glow plugs at 84k miles no. 3 is shot
6. EGR valve (god knows when it failed, it was shot for a while before i replaced it)
7. AFC valve replaced (don't know when it failed but it had been busted for a while before I replaced it)
8. Defective/substandard quality wiring to right rear wheel sensor...replaced/spliced new wire to regain use of cruise and ESP/traction control.
9. Oil leak: started 500 miles after 36k warranty ended. Leak is from "valve cover". 1 grand repair per dealership.. Vehicle is not parked in driveway and is parked on street. Been living with this leak for 2+ years now.
9.a CAC hoses replaced...
10. Alternator is chirping; I'm going to wait until it fails. I'm sicking of looking under the hood for now.
11. Once a month or so, engine starts and runs on 3 cylinders. Shutting it down and restarting it usually fixes the issue...this is not glow plug related since the temperatures were hot enough for glow plug not to go on.
12. Turbo's whistling is noticeably louder... hope it isn't on its way out.
13. Seats have white crap/powder on them that is impossible to clean. Rear seats fabric actually torn in several sports. I've reupholstered my seats during summer to get them looking "new" again. In owning 29 cars to date, I've never had torn upholstery.
Items not included:
Regular sensor cleaning
Air filter only lasts 10k miles
OEM battery lasted 9 months....lead acid battery in it is 3+ years old and going strong.
Gripes:
Worst smelling exhaust of any diesel I've ever owned.. Its foul.
Jeep, where's the dead pedal?
Towing and spare tire are not compatible.
Towing is hampered by a substandard transmission EMC programming. 5th gear overdrive has too steep gearing but tranny will not stay in 4th gear...its either revving engine in 3rd gear or lugging it in 5th when towing my camper up moutain passes. I wish there was a way to lock it into 4th gear with tc locked for towing.
Pros:
Great handling in the snow. One of the best out of previous SUV's owned.
Super turning radius
Can't beat the torque and turbo for Colorado driving. I blow by others driving up mountain passes.