Jeep Gladiator And Wrangler Recalled For Clutch Problem

More than 33,000 of Jeep’s popular Wrangler and Gladiator are being recalled to fix a problem with the clutch pressure plate.

The recall involves 2018 through 2020 Wrangler SUVs and 2020 Gladiators with manual transmissions built between August 23, 2017, and February 13, 2020. Included are 29,818 Wranglers and 3419 Gladiators.

A report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the clutch pressure plate could become overheated from friction, which could cause the pressure plate to fracture, which in turn could crack or fracture the transmission case.

If that happened, heated "debris" could contact ignition sources and cause a fire. The fractured pressure plate could also cause "a loss of propulsion" or drivability, according to the NHTSA document.

NHTSA said the driver could notice a burnt-clutch smell or could experience "excessive or abnormal" clutch-pedal travel; either could be a sign that the clutch is about to fail.