Recall 21V028 affects 42,887 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles for overheating clutch pressure plates. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 42,887 2018-2021 Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles with manual transmissions under recall 21V028 because the clutch pressure plate can overheat and fracture. Overheated clutch parts can raise the risk of fire, road debris, or loss of drive, and Jeep dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The clutch assembly in a 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator with a manual transmission connects and disconnects engine power from the transmission. The pressure plate is the clamping part of that assembly. When you press and release the clutch pedal, it helps the driver shift gears and then sends power back through the drivetrain.
On affected vehicles, the clutch intermediate pressure plate can overheat. FCA describes the issue as a design specification problem, not a single defective replacement part. Extreme heat can cause the pressure plate to fracture, so the clutch no longer holds together or transfers power as designed.
Before failure, the driver can notice a burnt clutch smell. Treat that odor as the warning sign named in the recall, especially after traffic, hill driving, or frequent shifting.
Who's affected?
Wrangler scope runs from 2018 through 2021, while Gladiator scope is limited to 2020 and 2021; all listed vehicles share the same clutch assembly component.
| 2020 Jeep Wrangler | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Gladiator | powertrain |
| 2018 Jeep Wrangler | powertrain |
| 2019 Jeep Wrangler | powertrain |
| 2020 Jeep Gladiator | powertrain |
| 2021 Jeep Wrangler | powertrain |
| Units affected | 42,887 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 14 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Overheated clutch components raise the risk of fire. Damage near the clutch also can drop debris onto the road or cause loss of drive, which increases crash risk. If you smell a burnt clutch odor, pull over safely and call a Jeep dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free software update that reduces engine torque when clutch temperatures rise.
- Bring the recall notice from Jeep. If you do not have it, reference recall number 21V028 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving and call the dealer if you smell burning, see smoke, lose drive power, or notice clutch problems.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician installs software that reduces engine torque when clutch assembly temperatures rise high enough to damage the inner pressure plate. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you've already paid for a related clutch pressure plate repair, the owner letter says to send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment to the company for expense confirmation under Jeep's reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 28, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 4, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 19, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| March 19, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 19, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 26, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V028?
Recall 21V028 covers 42,887 Jeep vehicles with manual transmissions: 2018-2021 Wrangler and 2020-2021 Gladiator models. The clutch pressure plate can overheat and fracture. Jeep dealers will add software that reduces engine torque when clutch temperatures rise, free of charge.
What should I do if my 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Jeep is included in recall 21V028000. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the clutch-related software update. Reference recall number 21V028000 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. For recall 21V028000, Jeep dealers will install the clutch-temperature software update free of charge at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is fire, road debris, or loss of drive. If the clutch pressure plate overheats and fractures, overheated clutch components can increase fire risk. Damage to nearby components can also drop debris onto the road or cause loss of drive, increasing crash risk.
When were owners notified about this Jeep recall?
Jeep mailed owner notification letters on March 4, 2021. FCA also ordered a stop sale for affected vehicles on February 25, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN before scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V028000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V028 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V028000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →