2nd Gear Is Nearly Toast - Jeep Rejecting Warranty Replacement (so far...)

[Hootbro]

Good luck. Sounds like the dealership quoted you a "Go Away" price because in reality, they are probably telling you the truth that rebuilding yours would be first for them and that is the cost it would make it worth their time to figure it out on the fly.

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[VniversalTrvthsAndCycles]

Howdy Folks - Brand new here, but so glad to have found y'all! Now down to brass tacks...

I got a manual 2021 JT Rubicon right at the end of 2020, which has just over 28,000 miles on it now. I've owned nothing but manual vehicles for my entire driving life -- 21 years now -- and have never had to replace so much as a clutch, much less a transmission. I bring the gladiator out in the woods some, but am far from aggressively 4-wheeling it (mostly fire and logging roads) -- and I've never towed anything with it.

I loved my Rubi's transmission right out of the gate, better than my 2015 Wrangler (which is now in Jeep heaven?). That is, until recently. I'd say around 18,000 miles or so, it started popping out of 2nd gear (or halfway out at times) when not under acceleration -- often after downshifting from 3rd. At first it was VERY seldom, so much so that I thought mayb e I was just not getting the gear all the way engaged once in a while, even though I had been driving it smoothly since the first trip home from the dealership.

The problem become considerably worse over the last couple thousand miles, to the point it nearly always does this now. I got it over to the dealership just before Thanksgiving. They ripped the transmission apart and took a ton of photos to send back to Jeep. They told me on the spot that I needed a new transmission or a rebuild, but that they had no experience rebuilding these and it really should be replaced. They were concerned about inventory of new transmissions (couldn't find any due to supply chain issues), but I understand that should be getting better now post-strike...(I hope?)

My dealer was asked to send further supporting materials the following week, which they did. The claim was officially rejected three or so weeks later. My dealer pushed back on Jeep, who then asked them to get a sample of the transmission fluid. I schlepped over to the dealer again where they drained some fluid and showed me the mess of metal bits of syncro remains floating around in it. They submitted the sample back to Jeep on 12/27. My dealer noted that warranty approvals have been taking forever lately and that they have been required to jump through many more hoops than usual, but that they were sure it WOULD get approved. They also told me that they priced out rebuilding it in their shop and told me it would cot over $11,000 -- and again advised that would be a terrible plan as they have no experience rebuilding these. And for the cost, it just doesn't make sense.

I'm paranoid about this stuff and am not feeling so confident in this getting covered. If they ultimately reject the claim, I'm hosed. And might have to go buy my first Tacoma. I was planning on being a Jeep guy for life, but this experience (along with the never-ending clutch recall...) has really shaken my confidence. Just Empty Every Pocket, I know....but one expects a $50k vehicle to hold up a heck of a lot better just 3 years in, and at the least, for them to stand by their product. This is far and away the most expensive vehicle I've owned, which just adds to the disappointment.

I suppose I shouldn't freak out until it's rejected again however many more times, but I am concerned the transmission will completely die/leave me stranded in the meantime. I'm not very mechanical (AT ALL) -- what are the chances of a total failure in the short term given what I've described? Any advice/info here would be greatly appreciated! I mean, if I could at least get the replacement transmission approved, I can be patient while they source one if total failure of the current one isn't a terribly likely occurrence.

I'd also love any advice on how to put more pressure on Jeep to actually cover this, and in a more timely manner. I can only go on what my dealer is telling me, and just feel like I've got no control here. I've seen Jeep Cares mentioned here a bit already, but have no idea who they are and how they can help.

Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for any advice y'all can offer.

EDIT: Officially tagging @JeepCares now that I know more about 'em. Please help a brother out???

****UPDATE: Stellantis finally came through after many appeals -- I've got a new transmission that hopefully will go the distance. Now just waiting on that clutch recall to come through Thanks for the tips and love here, folks!*****