On [XXX] at about [XXX] PM, I was driving my 2018 Jeep Wrangler (manual transmission) southbound on [XXX] near the [XXX] in Elkridge, MD at about 70 mph when the clutch failed suddenly. It felt like the transmission dropped out the bottom, I lost drive power, and I pulled onto the shoulder. A fire was burning on the roadway about 100 yards behind me, where the failure happened. I called 911 at 5:36 PM and EMS responded. The clutch pressure plate fractured and cracked the transmission bell housing. The vehicle cannot be driven, and the dealer reports it shakes violently on startup. This is the exact failure described in open safety recall 19A (the federal safety agency 23V‑116), which this form's VIN lookup still shows as unrepaired on this vehicle. Before the failure the clutch had been slipping badly, and I had waited about two months for the dealer to receive the recall parts. The repair appointment was then pushed back a week, and the failure happened before the recall work was done. The vehicle was towed to DARCARS Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Rockville, MD. As of November 4 the dealer has not inspected it, has called it out of warranty, has asked for a paid diagnosis, and has provided no alternate transportation. Stellantis customer care case number 98535079. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2018 Jeep Wrangler: transmission slipping
12 of the 1,829 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler describe transmission slipping.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 46,000
- recalls
- 4
Transmission slipping by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that parts for a recall repair might have been replaced with defective parts. The contact was informed that there was no failure and the vehicle was released; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the clutch was slipping. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure was because the contact was changing gears at 2,000 RPM and the gears should be shifted at 2,500 RPM. The vehicle was taken to an alternative dealer where the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed incorrectly. The contact was informed that the recall repair needed to be performed a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure prior to the recall repair, but the failure became more persistent after the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that a second recall repair was denied. In addition, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the initial dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 23,050.
The first recall was issued almost 3 years ago and the "repair" was to add to a software update to solve with a mechanical issue. A warning light would be set to go on if the temperature of the clutch/transmission got above a certain temperature. This doesn't resolve the actual problem of a poorly designed clutch assembly. The second recall is for the same issue and has had a status of "remedy not available" for too long. The clutch assembly can overheat but the clutch also regularly slips creating acceleration issues. There have been countless occurrences of pulling into traffic and the clutch slipping and almost being hit by other vehicles. In addition, the potential for the transmission bell house to fracture and the vehicle to catch on fire is a major concern. There are many posts in online Jeep JL forums. There is a "jeep clutch recall" facebook group with man examples of these issues and the lack of concern from the manufacturer to offer a solution. Stellantis seems to know there is an issue but has been in no rush to rectify the situation. There has been very little communication about this issue and local Jeep dealerships never have any more information that consumers do. We need to have new clutch assemblies installed or be given a simple and quick way to be reimbursed for having an aftermarket clutch assembly installed.
The clutch plate has failed on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. I brought it into the dealer to take a look at it when I was experiencing the clutch slipping while shifting into first gear and also the "Service Auto Start Stop" indicator illuminating. Once the indicator illuminated, it also prevented by cruise control from working. After the dealer conducted troubleshooting of the issue, they told me that it was due to a safety recall on the clutch plate but that parts were unavailable. This appointment took place on August 4th, 2023. I was told that this issue could lead to a fire, so I have not been driving the vehicle since then. As of October 31st 2023, they still do not have the necessary parts to fix the issue. In the meantime, I've had to arrange for alternate transportation which cost me ~$3,700.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission slipped out of 2nd gear, with an abnormal grinding sound. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 68,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- There was a recall issued in Feb'23 related to the clutch on manual transmissions, however a remedy has yet to be announced as of 9/28/2023 - Started experiencing issues with clutch in May'23. Clutch would slip while switching gears, gears would grind while shifting, engine would rev while maintaining gear, as the clutch/gears would slip in & out. No warning lamps or messages alerted related to this issue. - Took vehicle to dealer for inspection in May'23, dealer confirmed the clutch disc and release bearings were worn and the pressure plate and flywheel had hotspots and potential cracks, which is what was called out in the recall - dealer replaced flywheel clutch assembly, pressure plate and release bearing in Jun'23 - submitted expenses per recall guidance for reimbursement, but told by company that reimbursements will not be processed until remedy has been determined. 7 months and no remedy announced, and to hold reimbursements on fixes directly related to the recall are unacceptable.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission was slipping. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
clutch smoking and burning smells also audible chatter going into gears and slipping in some gears open safety recall for clutch and no one wants to help me???? since jeep hasnt put out a fix???? the fix is to replace the clutch and pressure plate asy with an aftermarket asy. but i can get anyone to step up and make it happen
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the transmission was slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a second mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number:Â 23V116000Â (Power Train). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided temporary vehicle rental assistance. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000. VIN tool confirm parts not available.
I was constantly smelling a burning odor and my clutch started slipping. Took vehicle to dealer and they said clutch and flywheel needed to be replaced but there were none available, and they had to be manufactured and could take 2 to 3 months. Unsatisfactory! I left the dealership which is nextdoor to my place of employment and completely lost the clutch on a busy road and had to be towed. I spent hours and days trying to find a clutch and finally located one and purchased it along with the flywheel. The repair seemed to be successful but now I am having that same burning smell. I received the recall notice 19A/the federal safety agency, however late, from FCA. It had the following statement: "WHAT IF I ALREADY PAID TO HAVE THIS REPAIR COMPLETED? If you have already experienced this specific condition and have paid to have it repaired, you may visit [XXX] to submit your reimbursement request online. Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within 60 days. If you have had previous repairs performed and/or already received reimbursement, you may still need to have the recall performed." I submitted my repair and proof of payment documents and they immediately closed my case because a remedy is not available. This makes no sense and contradicts the statement. Obviously I need to replace the clutch and flywheel. Now the replacement is putting off the same burning odor and I have to wait for a remedy knowing there is potential for a fire. I believe this has been an ongoing issue and should have been remedied long ago. Especially considering my vehicle is a 2018. There have been no warning indicators or lights. I drive my young grandsons around in this vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I purchased the jeep wrangler as the first owner in 2018. I immediately felt inconsistencies with the steering. The steering felt loose. At the time I expressed my concern to the dealership that I purchased the jeep from, I was told that there was a recall on my jeep for the 'death wobble' and that it was likely the result of that. The recall work was completed within the first 12 months of purchase. The recall repair did not resolve the issue. The steering continued to feel loose and as time went on became more evident. When driving on the expressway onto an exit at 40-50mph I followed the slight curve and the steering felt unstable and wandered. The best way to describe what occurred would be that it felt like the frame was falling off the wheels. This continued more frequently and last week became unmanageable. While driving 70mph down the expressway, I was unable to maintain control of the vehicle. It felt like I was driving a boat on water. I felt confident that the frame of the jeep was leaving the wheels. At this time I noticed that the gears were slipping as well. I made an appointment to have my transmission examined. The earliest available appointment is 6 days out, so I decided to sneak under the jeep to see if there was a transmission leak. What I observed was shocking to find on a 2018 vehicle and considerably overwhelming. My degree is criminal science, so far from having any automative/engineering experience and knowledge, but contextual clues are evidentiary clear to me. The feeling of the frame being displaced from the body of the vehicle is a probable result. I have a deep concern with the current condition of the welding of the frame and the condition of the underbody.
Bf goodrich mud terrain t/a on the 2 door jeep wrangler willy package is standard.. This tire is a hazard for such a light car in wet conditions. Many jeep drivers have reported slipping on the road even at low speeds. One driver who had them on his truck, said his truck very slipped on wet roads like his jeep wrangler is doing now. I now have to drive so slow on wet curves, well below the posted, and much slower than all the other cars. Jeep put a excellent off road tire on a car, to be driven on roads. The normal tire, the goodyear wrangler, is a excellent tire. I was never advised that wet roads will be a hazard to drive on. When accelerating on the on ramp to I-10, my jeep lost traction with a small amount of acceleration on the wet road. Exiting the I-35 on wet roads, my tires lost traction on the curve, rated at 35mph, when going under 30. I ended up in the grass. 30+ years driving. 10+ years driving jeeps. Never an accident or off the road. These tires are a huge safety problem on 2 door wranglers. Just read the jeep forums at all the problems.
Service bulletins that may apply
- The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward...
- The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following...
- Service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV...
- Transmission "Transmission For transmission concerns related to DTCs P0733-00, P1DA8-00, and/or P1D92-00,...
- Transmission For transmission concerns related to DTCs P0733-00, P1DA8-00, and/or P1D92-00, a repair is...
- Plate
- Griding/Gear Clash From Transfer Case When Going Into 4WD, Above 5 mph (8 kph).
- Axle Assembly Do not replace the Axle for Axle Locker Sensor failure
Related recalls
Power train: clutch assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- Risk
- Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V‑028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V‑028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 23V116000 · Recall details
Power train: clutch assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- Risk
- Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
Recall number 21V028000 · Recall details
Power train: clutch assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- Risk
- The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute a wire harness and inspect the clutch system, and replace components as needed. The recall began April 30, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W12.
Recall number 20V124000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
- Risk
- If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Recall number 18V280000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler slipping
Is transmission slipping a common problem on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
12 of 1,829 owner complaints about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler (1%) mention transmission slipping. The model year with the most reports is 2018.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
There are 4 recalls and 58 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
Pulling 163Steering lock-up 79Power steering loss 76Check engine light 62ABS 55Loss of power 55Warning lights 40Stalling 34Overheating 31Engine failure 30Ball joint 29Backup camera 27Fire or smoke 25Jerking 25Won't start 25Wipers 20Fuel gauge 19Screen failure 18Start-stop 18Won't shift 17Grinding brakes 15Adaptive cruise 13Misfire 12Windshield crack 12Knocking 10Harsh shifting 10Hesitation 10Brake failure 8Airbag light 7Shudder 6Transmission failure 6Headlights 5Key fob 5
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