DanW
Well-Known Member
Take a look at the NHTSA data on how many of these exhibited the problem. Very few. Also take a look at the mileage you got out of those clutches. Even on those vehciles, you've done much better than the intended or typical design life. I feel pretty safe in saying you will get long, long life out of the clutch, based on your driving history.This is all very interesting and troubling at the same time. Since 2001, I have driven two manual transmission vehicles. The first being a 2001 Honda Accord 2dr that I drove to 289,000 miles. On the original clutch. The second is a 2010 Mazda 3 5dr that I am still driving, currently at 193,800 miles and counting. Again, on the original clutch. Neither of these vehicles are something I wanted, but family and money considerations caused me to compromise on them.
Now, I placed an order for a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Willy's Sport on January 29th. And of course with a manual. This is a bucket list item for me, as I have wanted one since I saw my very first CJ7 @ about 1986 (I was 13).
How, exactly, worried should I be about this?
Now, if yours has a problem with improper hydraulic bleeding causing excessive slipping, then this provides a layer of protection.
I'd buy it with confidence, now that we have more info. Or, maybe wait until a few of us drive it with the flash and give a review. I will probably get it done relatively soon after they offer it. Feel free to PM me probably around mid April unless you see me post about it sooner. I'll give it a thorough thrashing and will report on any changes to engine behavior. Hopefully there will be none.
You also know that they are likely doubling or tripling their efforts to make sure no more get out of the factory with improperly bled hydraulic systems.
And one more thing. Don't EVER let my sister drive your Jeep. Or your Honda, or your Mazda. She'll wind up triggering that limp mode in a New York minute. She ate up an early 2000's Honda clutch in 25k miles. Probably the same one you had.
So with 41k, recalls aside, I've had zero issues with this transmission and clutch. I've loved every minute of driving it. I've run it VERY hard. I've towed frequently. It has been off road from crawling in Moab to deep Kentucky mud to the Appalachian Byway and everywhere in between. No issues. I find the clutch feel to be just fine and I love the short (relative to the dump truck transmission in my JK) throws and smooth operation of this transmission. WIth the Pentastar, I find it a great deal of fun to drive, even on twisty roads, which is not usually a Jeep trait. Heck, its been on the Tail of the Dragon twice!
What I have not liked are the recalls. More specifically, the worry about what was happening with the transmission. Hopefully, this preventative solution puts the issue behind us and we can enjoy one of the last new 4x4's to offer a manual transmission. I intend to keep mine for a LONG time.
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