Clutch recall driving review

[veblenesque]

Just got back from a 30 mile drive after having the clutch replaced in my 2022 Mojave. This is just a quick review for those who are on the fence about replacing the clutch. I had 16,000 miles, many of them towing, on my original clutch.

The replacement took 4 days at the dealer and about a week to get the parts. My impression of the original clutch wasn't positive. I thought the friction point felt almost like cardboard - the engagement was too mushy and imprecise. The new clutch feels very familiar and car-like and much better than the old clutch. It is an immediate improvement in driveability and feel. It is not a stiff, truck-like clutch. The feel is friendly and the engagement is immediate and snappy. It is much more fun to drive and feels more like the truck I originally hoped I'd be buying when I ordered a manual.

If you're on the fence or considering getting an aftermarket replacement, I'd just go with the new warranty clutch. It's much better than I'd expected and a welcome improvement over the original. I'm taking a 12 hour trip towing a race car next week and will update with my experience.

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[Chaos Theory]

Unfortunately I've heard too many exact-opposite stories, along with other new issues created by this recall.

If I still have my Jeep on or about 80k miles, which for me is 10+ years for the low mileage I put on, I'll consider it.

Also, why did it take them 4 days??

 

[veblenesque]

The 4 days is a little unfair - I brought it in on Thursday and they had it ready on Monday.

I'd read the mixed reviews, which is one of the reasons I was motivated to post. The clutch really is much better than the old one. It does seem that poor installation is a common problem, so you need to trust the techs at the dealership. I was so unsatisfied with the original clutch that I thought it was worth a shot. I'll repost after my long tow next week.

Unfortunately I've heard too many exact-opposite stories, along with other new issues created by this recall.

If I still have my Jeep on or about 80k miles, which for me is 10+ years for the low mileage I put on, I'll consider it.

Also, why did it take them 4 days??

 

[veblenesque]

BTW, @Chaos Theory I really like the look of the Sarge color-matched top (and also the dog in the back seat). I'm sure there aren't that many manual sarge Mojaves.

Unfortunately I've heard too many exact-opposite stories, along with other new issues created by this recall.

If I still have my Jeep on or about 80k miles, which for me is 10+ years for the low mileage I put on, I'll consider it.

Also, why did it take them 4 days??

 

[Rahkmalla]

Unfortunately I've heard too many exact-opposite stories, along with other new issues created by this recall.

yea i don't know what to think anymore. some people love the new clutch, others hate it. i'm at 30k miles and my inclination is to wait it out as I don't have nearly as negative an opinion of the stock clutch as others. In fact i quite like how easy it is to drive as at this point i don't need clutch feedback, i'm just driving on muscle memory.

 

[Superglue]

yea i don't know what to think anymore. some people love the new clutch, others hate it. i'm at 30k miles and my inclination is to wait it out as I don't have nearly as negative an opinion of the stock clutch as others. In fact i quite like how easy it is to drive as at this point i don't need clutch feedback, i'm just driving on muscle memory.

I would have to agree! I am at 25k miles and have become adjusted to it... Dont think ill bother with the recall until I have a reason to and even then ill probably go aftermarket.

 

[ACTman]

I think what people don't realize is the improvement in feel whenever you freshly lubricate the operating system (clutch arm, release bearing sleeve) and install new parts. It is not due to a change in design.

 

[Chaos Theory]

BTW, @Chaos Theory I really like the look of the Sarge color-matched top (and also the dog in the back seat). I'm sure there aren't that many manual sarge Mojaves.

German Shepherd was standard option with the manual Sarge.

 

[mrhemi]

My 2022 Sport Altitude is going in next week for the 19A recall. It only has 4000 km on it and I have hated this clutch feel from day one. I too was reluctant to have this completed based on so many negative comments post recall. Since mine is essentially new, I will be able to determine if there is actually any improvement and will post the results. The current recall scope has changed yet again, no idea if for the better.

 

[DanW]

Just got back from a 30 mile drive after having the clutch replaced in my 2022 Mojave. This is just a quick review for those who are on the fence about replacing the clutch. I had 16,000 miles, many of them towing, on my original clutch.

The replacement took 4 days at the dealer and about a week to get the parts. My impression of the original clutch wasn't positive. I thought the friction point felt almost like cardboard - the engagement was too mushy and imprecise. The new clutch feels very familiar and car-like and much better than the old clutch. It is an immediate improvement in driveability and feel. It is not a stiff, truck-like clutch. The feel is friendly and the engagement is immediate and snappy. It is much more fun to drive and feels more like the truck I originally hoped I'd be buying when I ordered a manual.

If you're on the fence or considering getting an aftermarket replacement, I'd just go with the new warranty clutch. It's much better than I'd expected and a welcome improvement over the original. I'm taking a 12 hour trip towing a race car next week and will update with my experience.

Thank you so much for this! My 2018 JL is going to go in for this soon. I've been lucky. Mine has always felt good, and still does at 95,000 miles. So I've been putting this off. But I have called my dealer and told them I want to go ahead and get it done. I'm really looking forward to feeling it after your review. I suspect the major change is in the friction material, but wonder if they are also replacing the friction plate, as well.

Anyway, thanks again! I'll report back when mine gets done. It might be awhile, but it'll be nice to get a brand new and improved clutch at 100k miles.

 

[veblenesque]

The reason I own the Gladiator is because I only own manuals - I've probably owned 50 manual cars, and the clutch feel on mine was always unpleasant. It really is much better now and not just because it has been "lubricated." It actually reminds me of a Volkswagen clutch in terms of feel.

My 2022 Sport Altitude is going in next week for the 19A recall. It only has 4000 miles on it and I have hated this clutch feel from day one. I too was reluctant to have this completed based on so many negative comments post recall. Since mine is essentially new, i will be able to determine if there is actually any improvement and will post the results. The current recall scope has changed yet again, no idea if for the better.

 

[Spletzair]

I haven't driven a vehicle that I stalled so much trying to pull away from a foll stop slowly. The clutch engagement point seems to change at random. I've been driving manuals for 50 years+. I had to have the transmission replaced at 45,000 miles and they said the clutch looked great. This was also the second clutch and transmission for this truck. I then later found out that it was a Motor Trend long term test vehicle. Still holding off for the recall.

 

[Choatecav]

Just picked up my '21 Mojave yesterday from having the recall done. So far, drives about the same as before. I guess time will tell...........

 

[mrhemi]

My 2022 Gladiator just had the 19A recall completed. As posted previously, I will provide my driving observations. First, note that my Gladiator is a 2022, however it was sold new last March, so did not have 3 years of wear on the clutch and associated parts. It had 4000kms showing when it went in for the work.
After about 400kms, I will says the new clutch is an improvement over the original (which I absolutely hated). The engagement is more consistent and lower down in the travel. I would like to have more pedal pressure though, but I can live with it.
An unexpected surprise is the accelerator response. An ECM reflash is a mandatory step in the recall supposedly to give enhanced protection (read that, reduced power and torque) in the event of high clutch slippage and heat. Although I can get no one at FCA to elaborate on the details of the reflash, it appears the crappy throttle response has been corrected. Accelerator input/response is now proportional and linear, making driving a manual transmission more enjoyable.
I have six manual transmission vehicles in my fleet that my wife and I drive regularly. They all have their idiosyncrasies, but the Gladiator was really a pain to drive properly. Having the recall completed has given it a better driving experience, especially when compared with our other vehicles.

 

[veblenesque]

Thanks for the informative post @mrhemi. I should also note that I successfully completed an 800 mile tow near the towing limit and the clutch performed great with no issues.

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