Jeep Commander Exhaust Manifold Bolts May Break

Our Commander developed a weird puttering noise when accelerating if the engine was cold. Gas fumes would be prominent in the cabin during this time. After a few minutes the engine would warm up and the noise and smell disappeared. A little bit of researched suggested an exhaust leak and this problem with the bolts.

The local shop confirmed the problem. Four bolts, two on each of the read banks, needed to be replaced. The cheap thin bolts used by Jeep were to blame. The location of the struts make it a rather difficult job. Part of the exhaust and transmission needed to be dropped to facilitate the repair. Had this failed, the engine would have needed to been dropped.

I requested higher grade bolts be used, hopefully reducing my odds of this happening again. The repair came in around $600.

Update:
Spoke with Jeep Customer Assistance Center. They will not assist in the repair due to the sage and mileage for my vehicle and are shrugging it off. The rep said that this repair would be covered under their 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. They said all complaints get put into a database at corporate headquarters which could then be used for a recall. If you haven't already, please contact them at 877-426-5337. Jeep needs to hear directly from the consumers.

Note: If anybody is told by Jeep that they've never heard of this problem, my case number is #22294684. May not be a bad idea for people to post their own in the future.

Same issue with bolts breaking to cause the manifold to warp and leak. 3,000 miles ago we had the 'left' side replaced entirely ($425+), however there was no mention of the potential that this would happen anywhere else. Not being a car guy (or doing my own due diligence I suppose...), I was not aware that there were two manifolds that may need replacing. Very disappointing that the dealer did not mention this (wishful thinking, I know), or that we could replace the bolts on the right side relatively inexpensively prior to the manifold itself needing to be replaced. Result: another $425 bucks donated to Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge. Continue to be disappointed by Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge, unlikely they will get any more of my business. My tax dollars already went to bail them out, the least they could do is make up for the piles of shit they made in the mid-2000s.

Noticeable exhaust noise, especially when first cranked and on acceleration. Mechanic said that all 4 bolts are broken, and it will require the removal of the entire engine to replace them.

I've noticed a light pinging or clicking sound when the motor is started from cold, don't hear it when warmed up. I didn't even think about it being exhaust manifold leaks. I took car to dealer for unrelated service and was told that I should probably get the manifold gaskets replaced. Did some research online and found this website describing my symptom exactly. I will report it to Chrysler, but want to get it fixed before it gets worse.

The engine warning light was been on and off for the last 2 years. We have changed-out O2 sensors and other fixes but the problem persisted. The issue was discovered by the local Jeep dealership: four of the bolts attaching the manifold onto the Hemi 5.7L engine of our Commander were broken. The bolts and exhaust manifold gasket are being replaced - $642 cost.

I called the Jeep Customer Assistance Center (case number: 23493056) - its a 2007 with 102,400 miles on her. We got the Lifetime warranty when we bought the Commander and this issue is covered.