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)
Jeep Wrangler slipping problems
60 of the 15,953 owner complaints about the Jeep Wrangler describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 60
- worst model year
- 2018
- typical mileage
- 37,933
By model year
Often reported together
Fire or smoke 8Transmission failure 5Loss of power 3Grinding brakes 3Won't start 2Check engine light 2Adaptive cruise 2ABS 2
What owners say
While towing a utility trailer on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration and could not maintain normal power while the driver was attempting to pass a semi-truck. During the incident, the semi-truck contacted the trailer and shredded one of the trailer tires. Three occupants were inside the vehicle. No injuries occurred, but the incident created a serious risk of a fatal collision. The vehicle has repeatedly displayed “Service Electronic Stability Control” and other warning lights, together with loss of power and transmission hesitation/slipping. The same concern has been reported to the dealership during approximately three service visits. The dealership previously replaced the air filter and attributed the warning lights to it, but the condition returned. Dated videos show the warning condition before and after that repair. The vehicle is currently back at the dealership for the recurring safety concern.
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.
Car began slipping not wanting to shift gears humming loudly and driving rough at 61k miles on a 2023. Being told it’s dclutch and possible transmission needed. No warning just out of nowhere
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the clutch started slipping, causing the vehicle to accelerate independently. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was an oil leak from the oil filter housing, causing the clutch failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.
Jeep Wrangler JK ABS Module Issue: History, Stellantis Response, and Safety Concerns Background: The Discontinued ABS Module Problem Jeep Wrangler owners (particularly Wrangler JK models from 2011–2018) have been plagued by failures of the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control module – a critical component that controls the vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and stability control. The problematic part is commonly referenced by Mopar part number 68259556 (with revisions AA, AB, AC, AD, AE for 2014–2018 Wranglers). In recent years, this ABS module was discontinued by the manufacturer and put on indefinite backorder, leaving owners unable to obtain a replacement when the unit fails. The issue isn’t isolated to just one part number or model – similar ABS module shortages and failures have been reported in other Stellantis vehicles (including later Wrangler JLs and even Ram trucks) as well. Stellantis (the parent company of Jeep, formerly FCA) has not provided new stock of the module for an extended period, creating a nationwide shortage that has frustrated many customers and raised serious safety concerns. Timeline of the Issue and Part History Owners and mechanics first began noticing ABS module availability problems around 2021–2022, coinciding with supply-chain disruptions and corporate changes. Mopar initially listed the Wrangler JK ABS module as on backorder, with projected availability dates that kept slipping (one OEM parts source in early 2022 noted the part was backordered with no firm ETA). By 2023, the situation worsened: dealerships reported that no new units were being produced at all, effectively discontinuing the part without warning. Supplier Fallout: According to insider reports on Jeep forums, the shortage stemmed from a supplier issue – the original ABS module supplier for Jeep/FCA stopped production (allegedly after Stellantis attempted to cut costs), and it took the company over half a year to find a new supplier. Some reports claim Stellantis “tried to
My local dealer has all the documentation on this jeep. It has been into the dealership many times now the check engine light is on for another problem which I am taking it in again this weekend . When I ask the dealer, I’ve been seeing things on Facebook about these jeeps having issues they just filled me full of a bunch of Bull and says every vehicle has issues. I’ve ran the VIN number and found out that mine is one of them that just catches on fire plus sometimes shakes when it’s driving down the road but that’s been minor considering everything else. One time I was driving up the driveway and it felt like the transmission slipped or something. They said it was something in the four-wheel-drive that went out. This is a new vehicle. It has very low miles on it. I’ve had it going on maybe the fourth year now it’s only got 31,000 miles on it I don’t drive it very far. It’s been in the shop several times for recalls or things that’s happened to it. When I first got it, it left me stranded would not start. I’d only had it a few days. It has been a lemon from start to finish. I am terrified to drive it and I don’t have another vehicle. I paid $55,000 for this jeep just a few years ago. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I desperately need help if the manufacturer is refunding people’s monies I want to make sure that I get enough money to buy another vehicle because this one is only a few years old and it’s been in the shop numerous amount of times. The other day it shimmied a little bit on the highway and I thought it was the road and now I’m reading that there’s problems with that also, it’s clearly a lemon. But as I said, I’m scared to death to drive it now. The newest development as I’ve said is now the check engine light is on. It’s only been out of the shop for maybe three weeks since they fixed something in the four-wheel-drive which I’ve never even used. I love the looks of this Jeep, but it’s not dependable so I need help.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport. The contact had experienced the failure causing the transmission to slip while shifting gears. 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 available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,000. The VIN tool confirms parts not available.
We were driving home from about a location an hour away. We were almost to our home when the transmission started to slip. The hot oil light came on as we were trying to ascend our hill where we live. We all of the sudden saw flames coming out the side of the vehicle. We were able to exit the vehicle and get to safety but the jeep burned completely to the ground. There was only 60k miles on it and it had been well maintained.
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.
Related recalls
Power train: manual transmission: control module: software
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under the federal safety agency recall number 23V‑116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V‑116 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 24V572000 · Recall details
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US), LLC is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The rearview camera may fail to display the rearview image and the reverse lights may not illuminate when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 111, "Rear Visibility" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- A disabled rearview image can decrease the driver's visibility of the rear view, and disabled reverse lights may not alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the gear position sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 92A.
Recall number 23V641000 · Recall details
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
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2006 Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006. In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break. As a result, the vehicle may not be started when the clutch pedal is pushed down or the engine may crank and start without the clutch pedal being pushed down causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lurch.
- Risk
- If the vehicle unexpectedly moves there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R13.
Recall number 15V222000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and an automatic transmission and manufactured January 23, 2011, through February 23, 2013. The power steering line may contact and wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid.
- Risk
- A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N28.
Recall number 13V234000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 jeep wrangler vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. The transmission skid plate, which is close to the catalytic converter, can collect debris.
- Risk
- If this occurs, the debris can ignite without warning, resulting in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate with a skid bar, free of charge. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 12V216000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 jeep wrangler vehicles manufactured from july 12, 2010, through september 10, 2010. Some vehicles may experience a degradation of fastener torque for various front and rear axle attachments to the chassis module.
- Risk
- This could result in noise, or ultimately, degradation in steering and handling characteristics which could lead to loss of directional control of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will re-torque all nineteen fasteners to the maximum residual torque values. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 24, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 11V145000 · Recall details
Questions about the Jeep Wrangler slipping
Which Jeep Wrangler years have transmission slipping problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (12 complaints), 2007 (5 complaints) and 2019 (5 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Jeep Wrangler?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history