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

[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???

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[Volt0]

There are some other threads about the manual transmission, and recalls and TSBs. I don’t know the details, but I thought I saw where 1 forum member said something like dealerships were blocked from selling some manual gladiators until they had a fix for the clutch ( or something like that ). I’m not sure if I’ve seen mention of folks having issues with their 2nd gear on the manuals. Is it a diesel or gasser?

sorry to hear about your troubles, and I hope you can find a reasonable solution soon.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

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.

Jeep would never approve rebuilding for warranty - it will get an exchange transmission.
11,000 is like a week's worth of labor and then 3 grand worth of parts?
That's crazy!

In any case - you don't want the shop doing it if it's warranty. Too many ways for that to go south, plus Jeep won't do that. When things like that turn to toast, they replace assemblies.

Not sure why there would be a fluid sample needed - the thing is trashed anyway and it's obvious they are going to find traces of at least 3 different metals above normal. All I can think of is they might try to show you used (EVOO) extra virgin olive oil instead of what they spec'd if you did any fluid changes.
If you never changed the fluid - then we know what it's going to show - elevated levels of at least 3 things.
If you did - they may be looking for something to cause them to slip out of this.

I can't see denying warranty on a situation like this.

 

[VniversalTrvthsAndCycles]

There are some other threads about the manual transmission, and recalls and TSBs. I don’t know the details, but I thought I saw where 1 forum member said something like dealerships were blocked from selling some manual gladiators until they had a fix for the clutch ( or something like that ). I’m not sure if I’ve seen mention of folks having issues with their 2nd gear on the manuals. Is it a diesel or gasser?

sorry to hear about your troubles, and I hope you can find a reasonable solution soon.

Yeah, I've seen a mention or two of the 2nd gear issue elsewhere, including from the shop technician at the dealership -- he said he's seen a handful of these over the last several months in Gladiators and Wranglers.

I have the gasser, and that's another thing -- I would have gone with the diesel *if* Jeep offered it in a manual. I wanted the Gladiator specifically because I wanted a manual pickup, but I hear the 8-speed auto is great and now wish I had just picked up one of those.

Thanks for the kind words - hoping for the same here!

 

[VniversalTrvthsAndCycles]

Jeep would never approve rebuilding for warranty - it will get an exchange transmission.
11,000 is like a week's worth of labor and then 3 grand worth of parts?
That's crazy!

In any case - you don't want the shop doing it if it's warranty. Too many ways for that to go south, plus Jeep won't do that. When things like that turn to toast, they replace assemblies.

Not sure why there would be a fluid sample needed - the thing is trashed anyway and it's obvious they are going to find traces of at least 3 different metals above normal. All I can think of is they might try to show you used (EVOO) extra virgin olive oil instead of what they spec'd if you did any fluid changes.
If you never changed the fluid - then we know what it's going to show - elevated levels of at least 3 things.
If you did - they may be looking for something to cause them to slip out of this.

I can't see denying warranty on a situation like this.

Right?! It seems downright insane to even talk about a rebuild. Luckily, ALL service has been done at the same dealership, on schedule. So unless they put the EVOO in (which I don't specifically recall the transmission fluid ever being drained - that's not normal maintenance by this point, right? I think it's 30K), I should be OK on that front!

 

[Teqsand]

Called jeep cares yet? They have been steller about getting me whole when I have a problem

 

[Like-a-virgin]

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 and how they can help.

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

Last resort, within 2 years of the problem’s first appearance, prepare a civil complaint with violation of Implied Warranty of Merchantability as the basis for your claim and mail it to them. It protects you even without a warranty, basically saying a product is reasonably fit for their ordinary and intended purposes. They will realize they will have to hire a defense firm that will bill them up to 5k to then advise to settle, they’ll count their beans and say F, let’s get rid of this pest and cover it. Yell back if you’re interested. I love to F corporations.

 

[VniversalTrvthsAndCycles]

Called jeep cares yet? They have been steller about getting me whole when I have a problem

I haven't! Embarrassing as it is, I'm just now understanding they are an entity I can actually call (and not just a mysterious group that monitors this forum...my former assumption). Will absolutely give it a try! Thanks!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Last resort, within 2 years of the problem’s first appearance, prepare a civil complaint with violation of Implied Warranty of Merchantability as the basis for your claim and mail it to them. It protects you even without a warranty, basically saying a product is reasonably fit for their ordinary and intended purposes. They will realize they will have to hire a defense firm that will bill them up to 5k to then advise to settle, they’ll count their beans and say F, let’s get rid of this pest and cover it. Yell back if you’re interested. I love to F corporations.

Do you really, honestly, believe that will even be a fly on the nose of FCA?
They don't "hire a defense firm" - they have attorneys on staff. I worked for a large corporation and had to do some networking an electric work on the top floor of their headquarters building. The carpet was so plush, and weird, your feet literally turned as you walked on it, the furniture was all cherry and crazy expensive. I was fairly new to the company then and I noticed it was a very quiet floor, they spared no expense on soundproofing walls, thick solid nice custom wood doors on the offices and so on.
I later asked- hey, what's up there anyway?
Oh, that's the floor where the attorneys work.
Wow!
Not a defense firm that had to be hired - that whole floor was legal staff.

 

[VniversalTrvthsAndCycles]

Last resort, within 2 years of the problem’s first appearance, prepare a civil complaint with violation of Implied Warranty of Merchantability as the basis for your claim and mail it to them. It protects you even without a warranty, basically saying a product is reasonably fit for their ordinary and intended purposes. They will realize they will have to hire a defense firm that will bill them up to 5k to then advise to settle, they’ll count their beans and say F, let’s get rid of this pest and cover it. Yell back if you’re interested. I love to F corporations.

Right on! Thanks for this advice. Seems like a totally reasonable last ditch plan, one I was unaware of. Will be in touch if it's looking dicey here. Appreciate it!

 

[VniversalTrvthsAndCycles]

Do you really, honestly, believe that will even be a fly on the nose of FCA?
They don't "hire a defense firm" - they have attorneys on staff. I worked for a large corporation and had to do some networking an electric work on the top floor of their headquarters building. The carpet was so plush, and weird, your feet literally turned as you walked on it, the furniture was all cherry and crazy expensive. I was fairly new to the company then and I noticed it was a very quiet floor, they spared no expense on soundproofing walls, thick solid nice custom wood doors on the offices and so on.
I later asked- hey, what's up there anyway?
Oh, that's the floor where the attorneys work.
Wow!
Not a defense firm that had to be hired - that whole floor was legal staff.

OK. Yep. This is a real good point too. Sigh. Jeep Cares here I come!

 

[Teqsand]

I haven't! Embarrassing as it is, I'm just now understanding they are an entity I can actually call (and not just a mysterious group that monitors this forum...my former assumption). Will absolutely give it a try! Thanks!

They really have been exceptional in making me a happy camper.....

 

[ShadowsPapa]

They really have been exceptional in making me a happy camper.....

Mixed results here -
First time in 2020 great results.
Last time fall of 2023, they never called back, they never emailed back until I kept after them, they didn't appear to get directly involved in anything at all. The only time they contacted my dealer was to have my dealer call me about stuff I already knew.
Twice I was promised status reports and "you will get a call on Wednesday" and twice - W came and went.
Luckily by that time I had used my research to push far enough they finally got a STAR case going, and got their regional technical guy involved - this was all dealer's doing, not JC.
They are really short staffed and said that for a few days "their system was down".
They need some quality IT people.

 

[VniversalTrvthsAndCycles]

Mixed results here -
First time in 2020 great results.
Last time fall of 2023, they never called back, they never emailed back until I kept after them, they didn't appear to get directly involved in anything at all. The only time they contacted my dealer was to have my dealer call me about stuff I already knew.
Twice I was promised status reports and "you will get a call on Wednesday" and twice - W came and went.
Luckily by that time I had used my research to push far enough they finally got a STAR case going, and got their regional technical guy involved - this was all dealer's doing, not JC.
They are really short staffed and said that for a few days "their system was down".
They need some quality IT people.

Thanks for the info, both to you and @Teqsand! Will keep y'all posted on how it goes here.

 

[Teqsand]

Mixed results here -
First time in 2020 great results.
Last time fall of 2023, they never called back, they never emailed back until I kept after them, they didn't appear to get directly involved in anything at all. The only time they contacted my dealer was to have my dealer call me about stuff I already knew.
Twice I was promised status reports and "you will get a call on Wednesday" and twice - W came and went.
Luckily by that time I had used my research to push far enough they finally got a STAR case going, and got their regional technical guy involved - this was all dealer's doing, not JC.
They are really short staffed and said that for a few days "their system was down".
They need some quality IT people.

Jeep cares got me a fix when the LTRD I ordered had a harness problem, and then again had a pump pulled off the line to fix the HPFP that blew on my 22 last year, then worked to help me with the buyback after it was fixed and I didn't trust it.... then helped me with wife's JLURD this year, got all the money back the dealer charged plus 3yr added to warranty, I have only praise for then

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