car mechanic

Jeep Clutch Pressure Plates Causing Fires

By Nicole Halavi

Jeep issued a recall of more than 47,200 model year 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions after they were faced with a series of Jeep clutch pressure plate fires.

Notably, this is the second recall issued in less than a year for Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers because the clutch pressure plates have been so susceptible to overheating, fracturing, and catching fire.

Back in October 2020, Jeep employees learned that the clutch pressure plate can quickly fracture once it overheats. This knowledge came after a 2021 Jeep Gladiator caught fire at an assembly plant. Subsequently, engineers reviewed the field data and warranty claims related to clutch assemblies on Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles. Investigators also received a failed clutch assembly from a 2020 Jeep Wrangler that was repurchased from a customer. Additionally, investigators looked into a crash report concerning transmission-related fires in Idaho and Michigan.

Once the clutch pressure plate breaks, cracks or holes may form in the transmission case, which will then allow heated debris to be expelled from the transmission case. This heated debris can come into contact with combustible materials in the vehicle. While no injuries have been reported, fires can occur leaving road debris behind, which can create a potentially hazardous condition for drivers on the road.

Ultimately, the automaker has announced that owners of 2018-2021 Jeep Wranglers and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiators should keep an eye out for recall notices in March 2021 with further information about how dealers will add software to remedy this problem. The automaker claims this is merely a design defect and as such, no clutch parts will be replaced.

What Can I Do if I’m Driving a Jeep Exhibiting Issues with the Clutch Pressure Plate?

If you are driving a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator that is exhibiting any of the issues discussed above concerning the clutch pressure plates, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent any further complications. The attorneys at CCA are very knowledgeable about the issues associated with clutch pressure plates in Jeeps, and will work with you to fight back against the automaker.

Please do not hesitate to call CCA today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM. We’ll get you the compensation you deserve – and at no cost to you!

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.