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Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator manual clutch can overheat

NHTSA campaign 21V028000 · Reported 2021-01-28 · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

critical How serious is it? About this label

This is serious because an overheated clutch can catch fire or leave you without drive power, and while the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, dealers were told to stop selling these vehicles until they are fixed.

What's wrong, in plain English

Certain Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models with a manual transmission can overheat the clutch. The pressure plate, the part that squeezes the clutch together when you let the pedal out, may get hot enough to crack and break apart. Broken pieces can damage nearby parts, drop debris onto the road, or leave the vehicle unable to move under its own power. The overheated clutch parts can also start a fire. Dealers add software that limits engine power when the clutch gets too hot.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your Wrangler or Gladiator falls under recall 21V028000.
2. Contact your Jeep dealer to schedule the free software update for the clutch.
3. Until it's done, avoid slipping the clutch for long stretches, and stop and have it checked if you smell burning.

Affected vehicles (6)

2018 Jeep Wrangler
2019 Jeep Wrangler
2020 Jeep Gladiator
2020 Jeep Wrangler
2021 Jeep Gladiator
2021 Jeep Wrangler

Who to contact

Jeep — official Jeep recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-853-1403

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Why do Jeep clutches, transmissions and Park systems keep failing? · all 17 Jeep recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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.
Safety 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.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.