About this problem
On cars with a manual gearbox, the clutch connects and disconnects the engine from the wheels. The hydraulic system that operates it, a master cylinder and slave cylinder, can leak or overheat, and the clutch itself can wear. Owners report a pedal that sinks to the floor or stays down, trouble selecting gears, and a car that will not move or will not come out of gear.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Jeep Wrangler since 2012, 179 (1.9%) describe clutch failure, the second most reported problem we track on the Wrangler. The reports cluster on the 2018, 2019 and 2021 model years, and the 2018 drew the most, with 64. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 15,000 and 49,000 miles. 20 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 3 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners of manual-transmission Wranglers report the clutch pedal sticking to the floor, overheating, smoke and burning smells. Jeep recalled 2018 to 2021 manual Wranglers because the clutch could overheat and crack.
How it gets fixed
The recall fix replaces the clutch pressure plate and adds a software update.
Typical cost: Recall repairs are free. Out of warranty a clutch replacement costs $1,200 to $2,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I was stopped at a 4 way light in marion illinois, had my Jeep in neutral with foot on the brake. The light turned green, I pushed the clutch in and the engine didn't come back on. I tried for over fifiteen min. To get it on."
2018 Jeep Wrangler, 204 miles
"Only 500 miles on vehicle, went off-roading for the first time and within a short time after climbing a steep hill, smoke came from under vehicle and clutch went to floor and stayed."
2021 Jeep Wrangler, 526 miles
"Jeep Wrangler has a safety issue with clutch slipping.it is under recall. It's been in dealership multiple time over last 2 years. There is no fix for this problem."
2019 Jeep Wrangler, 700 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Jeep has sent dealers 73 bulletins that mention this problem on the Wrangler. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
VALVE BODY & CONTROL UNIT Transmission Ensure clutch pressure check has been completed and documented prior to valve body replacement.
Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates **Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):** P06E4...
Flash: Hybrid Control Processor (HCP) and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor (AHCP) Updates **Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set one or more of the followi...
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates **Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):** P06E4 -...
D Clutch Repair Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): P0733-00 - Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio.
Transmission For transmission concerns related to DTCs P0733-00, P1DA8-00, and/or P1D92-00, a repair is available, and transmission replacement is NOT required.
Before you buy a Wrangler
- Check by VIN for the clutch recall.
- Drive in traffic and on hills and watch for slipping or smells.
- Make sure the clutch pedal returns properly.
Questions
Which Jeep Wrangler years have clutch failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2018, 2019, 2021 model years. The 2018 drew the most, with 64 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 31,000 miles, and half reported it between 15,000 and 49,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Recall repairs are free. Out of warranty a clutch replacement costs $1,200 to $2,000.