Wrangler JL Clutch Recall, Dealer Experience..Ugh..

[wings&wheels]

'21 Wrangler JL Sport, ~13K miles.

Venting.

Jeep JL's are subject to several recalls relating to catastrophic failure of the clutch. The failure can be nasty if it happens by the bloody pics on the web, and judging by the number of letters we received from FCA, they want to address this.

Early last Summer I went to the dealer on the Cape to make an appointment and was told that the VIN must be entered into FCA, parts would be ordered, are backordered but should be available in "..3 mos or so. We'll call you." Never heard by November when we shut the house down and the JL hibernated.

Fast forward to two weeks ago. I visit the local dealer to start the process and am told by the receptionist (after talking to one of the Techs behind the counter) at the service counter "Oh, we do these a lot, we'll just make an appointment." and I leave with an appointment two weeks out. Drop the vehicle off last night and receive a call at 8:15 this AM. "Hi, the clutch recall, did you have an appointment?", me "Yes, I made it ~2 weeks ago." "Oh....well, the parts weren't ordered and flywheels are backordered. We'll put you first on the list and should be a month or so."

We don't use dealers that often, but the past few experiences just weren't that good. Not due to malfeasance, upselling or anything like that, but just flat out incompetence.... Oh well.

Good news is the timing is such that I will teach Offspring the basics of a manual on the old clutch!

 

[oldcodger]

With their reputation did you expect stellar performance from Stellantis?

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I've been hearing a lot about the clutch recall. I see there's a software update to fix it? I'm not sure I understand how that works.

 

[fantastic]

Fun, fun...
I've never had to deal with a recall before so not sure what my own experience would be but can certainly say this is not what I'd want to deal with. Kind of struggle to get a known safety recall done on a vehicle but be delayed or worse ignored.

 

[Owen Lucas]

Sounds like a disorganized service dept. I'd try another dealer.

 

[I<3oil]

With their reputation did you expect stellar performance from Stellantis?

Shut this badboy down. /thread

 

[I<3oil]

Sounds like Stellantis. I'd try another brand.

Amen to that, Owen.

 

[wings&wheels]

Sounds like a disorganized service dept. I'd try another dealer.

Thats two in this part of the State...running out of dealers

 

[wings&wheels]

I've been hearing a lot about the clutch recall. I see there's a software update to fix it? I'm not sure I understand how that works.

As I understand, the software update will reduce torque when it detects excessively high clutch temperature. I also wouldn't be surprised if it affects the throttle progression as it is very difficult to get a smooth start from a standstill without what feels like you are abusing the clutch. The initial tip in of the accelerator pedal delivers a lot of throttle quickly and it is tough to modulate. I wonder if this is part of the problem.

Funny, this is mostly my Wife's and I really like the car, but it has absolutely awful ergonomics; seating position, throttle/clutch harmonization and feel, shift knob, etc. However, it is a small, nimble (for what it is) capable off roader with a soft top and that makes up for all sins.

 

[svtrit]

As I understand, the software update will reduce torque when it detects excessively high clutch temperature. I also wouldn't be surprised if it affects the throttle progression as it is very difficult to get a smooth start from a standstill without what feels like you are abusing the clutch. The initial tip in of the accelerator pedal delivers a lot of throttle quickly and it is tough to modulate. I wonder if this is part of the problem.

Funny, this is mostly my Wife's and I really like the car, but it has absolutely awful ergonomics; seating position, throttle/clutch harmonization and feel, shift knob, etc. However, it is a small, nimble (for what it is) capable off roader with a soft top and that make up for all sins.

I drove a JK manual and decided that all my future Jeeps would be an Automatic. I had a Manual YJ, and loved it, but that JK had no clutch feel at all, which I had been warned about. Then the JL clutch problems surfaced, and an automatic was a no brainer, for me.

Good luck with the repair!

 

[Hootbro]

That is pretty typical because the only one that gets put out for their failure is you.

If the parts and supplier management types at my work failed to order a part and not have it on hand, it idles a couple hundred people and delays a multimillion dollar payment and they would be fired.

 

[D60]

My local dealer is surprisingly good but I know that's rare. I had them do the aluminum steering box recall and they gave me zero grief. I was ready to argue but they just did it. Also fixed the leaky oil pan. This was awhile back just before I ran out of warranty on my '19.

I love manuals but auto only for rock crawling. (Theoretical) Infinite gear reduction from the torque converter (heat notwithstanding) and no stalling or stabbing the clutch on obstacles.

Let us know if/when it works out!

The ZF 8 speed is fantastic. You could probably trade it in for a similar model with auto and lose very little. See what Carvana or Carmax would give you if you're curious.

 

[andrew_j]

Stellanis dealers around me are clown shows. The amazing thing to me is people pay high prices new for their stuff and treated and walk into a dealer as if you bought a K car.

 

[MCompact]

My Jeep dealer is very good; it’s the nearby Ford dealerships that are execrable. If te reverse was true I would own a Bronco instead of my JLU.

 

[wings&wheels]

I must have a "kick me" sign on me somewhere; dealer misery continued....

Wife's '24 911 is due for its "free" 10 k mile/1 yr oil change and inspection. The car has ~2,500 miles on her, but was one year from delivery in mid-March (that is important). Between the cold Spring, she has Summer tires, and salt I waited until now to make the appointment online. I would up having to reschedule and talked to a Service Rep.

I drive 1+ hrs to the Dealer, hand over the keys and make myself comfortable despite a broken coffee machine, my caffeine low light was flickering. I notice the service folks looking at the car, then other folks doing same then the Writer walks over and says that the car is past 1 year from delivery and the "free" service expired and the oil change will be $440 + tax.... What??

We have a discussion that involved no notice of the expiration and my noting that in early March, it was too cold for the tires. $440+ isn't going to kill me, but at this point I am not having them do the service. After some more parle' I wound up with the filter, gasket and disposable drain plug at some discount and then I said that I wanted the service engine light reset for both convenience and warranty. The Writer said they would check to see if that could be done and I politely but firmly remind them again of my inconvenience. Five mins later a Tech came out and reset the maintenance counter, ran scans (vehicle OK), registered the expiration date of our tire sealer(!), and said "..all set Sir, sorry, please save your receipts and record the service in your owner's book. Sorry again." So, I got the scan and reset and will do the oil change myself. Looking back at it, the Techs seemed to be helping as much as they could and I don't fault them. This is also the Dealer that, when I took delivery I also grabbed a ~$70 Martini Porsche t shirt for my Wife. They tossed it over then called my Wife (they had her #) for a credit card to bill the shirt....after delivering a new 911.... Wifey didn't pay.

I have to dig up the original paperwork regarding the service and this situation will include a formal complaint to PCNA.

Now the funny part; as I am leaving another customer who heard what was going on, looked at me snickering and said "You won't want to hear this, but they have the best service of the local dealers!" Guess this what happens when there are lines to by most of your cars.

Oh yeah, this is BITOG; The OE filter is an Austrian made MAHLE cartridge. Interesting that it is not branded Porsche as are the filters for the older vehicles. Mobil1 0w-40 ESP C40 on way from the Mobil Store via Amazon.

Bulleit Old Fashioned time.

 

[KrisZ]

Stella its service is one thing, everyone loves to take a dig at good old Chrysler. But to have such poor service and penny pinching from Porsche, is quite concerning.

 

[harbor]

Stellantis is in a bad place right now, but you may want to open a case with Jeep Cares.
I used them a few years ago with great results. I’m sure they’re also short staffed, but wouldn’t hurt to open a case. Contact info below:

Jeep Cares is a customer care service for Jeep owners. They can be contacted via phone at 1-877-IAM-JEEP or through their X (formerly Twitter) account, @JeepCares. Jeep also offers the Jeep Wave Customer Care Program, which provides perks like complimentary maintenance and vehicle protection.

More Details:

• Contacting Jeep Cares:
  You can call them directly at 1-877-IAM-JEEP for assistance with your Jeep vehicle. You can also send them a private message on X (formerly Twitter) by clicking their username and selecting the "Start a Conversation" button.

 

[Hootbro]

I must have a "kick me" sign on me somewhere; dealer misery continued....

Wife's '24 911 is due for its "free" 10 k mile/1 yr oil change and inspection. The car has ~2,500 miles on her, but was one year from delivery in mid-March (that is important). Between the cold Spring, she has Summer tires, and salt I waited until now to make the appointment online. I would up having to reschedule and talked to a Service Rep.

I drive 1+ hrs to the Dealer, hand over the keys and make myself comfortable despite a broken coffee machine, my caffeine low light was flickering. I notice the service folks looking at the car, then other folks doing same then the Writer walks over and says that the car is past 1 year from delivery and the "free" service expired and the oil change will be $440 + tax.... What??

We have a discussion that involved no notice of the expiration and my noting that in early March, it was too cold for the tires. $440+ isn't going to kill me, but at this point I am not having them do the service. After some more parle' I wound up with the filter, gasket and disposable drain plug at some discount and then I said that I wanted the service engine light reset for both convenience and warranty. The Writer said they would check to see if that could be done and I politely but firmly remind them again of my inconvenience. Five mins later a Tech came out and reset the maintenance counter, ran scans (vehicle OK), registered the expiration date of our tire sealer(!), and said "..all set Sir, sorry, please save your receipts and record the service in your owner's book. Sorry again." So, I got the scan and reset and will do the oil change myself. Looking back at it, the Techs seemed to be helping as much as they could and I don't fault them. This is also the Dealer that, when I took delivery I also grabbed a ~$70 Martini Porsche t shirt for my Wife. They tossed it over then called my Wife (they had her #) for a credit card to bill the shirt....after delivering a new 911.... Wifey didn't pay.

I have to dig up the original paperwork regarding the service and this situation will include a formal complaint to PCNA.

Now the funny part; as I am leaving another customer who heard what was going on, looked at me snickering and said "You won't want to hear this, but they have the best service of the local dealers!" Guess this what happens when there are lines to by most of your cars.

Oh yeah, this is BITOG; The OE filter is an Austrian made MAHLE cartridge. Interesting that it is not branded Porsche as are the filters for the older vehicles. Mobil1 0w-40 ESP C40 on way from the Mobil Store via Amazon.

Bulleit Old Fashioned time.

From your mental frame I can see how this was an inconvenience of not getting consideration. From the other side, I can see them sticking to the letter of the contract and just as much falls on you for not scheduling in a timely manner.

You have the moral high ground, they have the legal high ground.

I would have to flip a coin on this one.

 

[wings&wheels]

From your mental frame I can see how this was an inconvenience of not getting consideration. From the other side, I can see them sticking to the letter of the contract and just as much falls on you for not scheduling in a timely manner.

You have the moral high ground, they have the legal high ground.

I would have to flip a coin on this one.

Agree on the legalities, but this isn't how you sell $160K cars or deal w/ the folks who buy them.... In prior lives, I've signed off on significant consideration to (enterprise) customers who were wrong or at fault, but we offered a premium and expensive product suite and knew that treating them "right" in their eyes was the best investment. If we do buy another new one, it probably wont be from these folks. Ironically the two Land Rover dealers I dealt with had wonderful service, maybe its because they got a lot of practice

 

[SC Maintenance]

Dealers are all over the map for any brand.

What exactly is wrong with these clutches? I mean a clutch is a pretty simple thing no?