Mechanical Failure Inspection Report

Independent third-party inspection prepared for warranty / arbitration review.

Vehicle Information

Vehicle

Dodge Journey V6

Mileage

116,711 miles

Inspection Type

Mechanical Failure Inspection

Inspector

Knights Mobile Inspection

Subject vehicle raised on a two-post lift for inspection.

Odometer documented at time of inspection: 116,711 miles.

Customer Concern

Vehicle presented with engine noise concerns. Repair facility had already performed partial engine disassembly for inspection.

Engine Internal Inspection

Upon inspection, the valve cover had been removed by the repair facility exposing the valvetrain components. Visual inspection of the camshaft lobes revealed abnormal wear and scoring on multiple camshaft lobes. Wear patterns were observed on the camshaft surfaces consistent with internal valvetrain component deterioration.

Engine oil observed on the dipstick was dark in color. Further visual inspection of the valvetrain area revealed evidence of metallic contamination consistent with internal engine wear.

Camshaft lobes exposed — abnormal wear and scoring observed.

Close inspection of camshaft surface deterioration.

Additional valvetrain detail — wear patterns on camshaft surfaces.

Oil applied over camshaft to evaluate surface condition.

Magnetic Inspection

A magnetic inspection tool was placed into the fluid sample and retrieved a substantial accumulation of ferrous metallic debris. Metal particles were present in quantities exceeding normal operational wear and are consistent with internal component failure.

Transmission Fluid Inspection

Transmission fluid sample was dark red to brown in color and exhibited signs of fluid degradation. Magnetic inspection revealed metallic material suspended within the fluid sample, indicating internal component wear.

Transmission fluid sample — dark red to brown, showing degradation.

Air Conditioning System

UV dye inspection revealed fluorescent dye present at the condenser assembly. Dye evidence is consistent with refrigerant leakage from the condenser.

Fluorescent UV dye present at condenser assembly — consistent with refrigerant leak.

Suspension Inspection

Visual inspection of the front suspension revealed deterioration of the strut dust boot and evidence of fluid leakage from the strut assembly. Condition is consistent with a worn and leaking front strut.

Front strut assembly — dust boot deterioration and leakage evident.

Additional view of worn, leaking front strut and coil spring.

Undercarriage view documented during inspection.

Cause of Failure

Based upon the visual inspection, magnetic inspection findings, and observed camshaft wear, the symptoms demonstrated are consistent with internal engine failure. Significant metallic contamination was present within the fluid sample and abnormal wear was observed on camshaft lobes. These conditions indicate internal component deterioration requiring major engine repair or replacement.

Additionally, the transmission fluid condition and metallic contamination are consistent with internal transmission wear. Further teardown and diagnosis would be required to determine the full extent of transmission component damage.

The A/C condenser has failed due to refrigerant leakage, and the front strut assembly has failed due to leakage and component deterioration.

Recommendations

•Engine teardown or replacement as required.
•Transmission teardown and internal inspection.
•Replace leaking A/C condenser and evacuate/recharge system.
•Replace leaking front strut assembly and perform alignment.

Disclaimer The symptoms of failure demonstrated during this inspection are consistent with internal component failure. The exact cause and extent of damage can only be determined through complete disassembly and teardown procedures. Knights Mobile Inspection is not responsible for hidden damage not visible at the time of inspection.