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Why do Jeep clutches, transmissions and Park systems keep failing?
Three of these recalls cover one defect: the manual-transmission clutch pressure plate on Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator can overheat and fracture, expanding from 2018-2020 models in 2020 to 2018-2023 Wrangler and 2020-2023 Gladiator by 2023. The second pattern is losing Park — an incorrect park lock rod on the 2018 Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, a transmission parking wheel on the 2022 Gladiator, a power transfer unit on 2017-2019 Cherokee, and a misinstalled spring in the 2024-2025 Wagoneer S electric drive module. The third is driveline parts giving out: 2019 Grand Cherokee front differential pinion gears, a 2018 Cherokee front halfshaft bearing cage, an ungreased 2020 Gladiator rear driveshaft. Software-caused stalls hit the 2019 Cherokee and 2021 Wrangler and Gladiator.
Warning signs to watch for
- A burning smell or strange clutch behavior in a manual Wrangler or Gladiator
- The engine stalls, or drive power disappears suddenly while you are driving
- The Jeep moves or rolls after you have shifted into Park
- Transmission fluid leaking from a 2021 Cherokee cooler hose
- Several of these failures happen with no warning at all beforehand
Is it safe to keep driving?
No recall in this group carries a do-not-drive or park-outside order. The clutch fire recalls are the most urgent: FCA ordered dealers to stop selling unrepaired Wranglers and Gladiators, and owners are told to stop driving if they smell burning or the clutch behaves strangely. Where Park can fail — the park lock rod, the Cherokee power transfer unit, the Wagoneer S drive module — set the parking brake every time you park. The 2022 Gladiator parking wheel recall covers unsold vehicles, repaired before delivery.
What the free repair involves
Repairs are all dealer work and free. Depending on the recall, dealers reroute a wire harness and inspect the clutch, replace the clutch assembly with a software update, or add torque-limiting software; replace the front differential, transmission, halfshaft or driveshaft; install the correct park lock rod; inspect and replace the transmission oil cooler hose; replace the electric drive module; or reflash the transmission or powertrain control module. None are over-the-air.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 5 |
| high | 10 |
| medium | 2 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
Common questions
My Wrangler's clutch was already repaired — am I finished?
Not necessarily. The clutch pressure plate was recalled three times, in 2020, 2021 and 2023, each covering more model years with a different remedy. Separately, 2021 Wranglers and Gladiators fixed under recall 23V-116 needed a further software update in 2024.
Is the clutch recall really a fire risk if the Jeep drives fine?
Yes. The notices say an overheated pressure plate can fracture and catch fire, drop debris on the road, or leave you without drive power. Have it repaired as soon as you can, and stop driving if you smell burning.
Why does my Jeep roll when it is in Park?
Several recalls here cause that: a wrong park lock rod, a transmission parking wheel that does not engage, a damaged power transfer unit, or a misinstalled spring in the electric drive module. Until the dealer repairs it, set the parking brake every time.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.