NHTSA Complaint #11492446 — 2021 JEEP GLADIATOR

As I was driving my vehicle was losing power intermittently to the drive train. It was like the clutch was being engaged partially although I was not shifting gears. As I made a left turn I was nearly in a collision as power was not transferred to the drive train as it normally would have been. another 10 miles later my vehicle lost all power to the drive train although the engine was still running. I coasted to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. I could smell something burning although no flames were evident. I waited a few minutes and restarted the vehicle. I tried shifting gears but the transmission would not engage. I left the vehicle at the side of the road and called the dealership where I purchased the vehicle as well as notifying Jeep Cares (I don’t think so). The vehicle was in the shop for 4 weeks as the clutch had to be replaced as well as some transmission cables which I understand were damaged from the heat generated by the clutch and pressure plate failure. I now understand there was a recall related to a faulty clutch pressure plate system and I am told the fix, a software modification that reduces power to the drive train when excessive heat is detected, was done prior to my purchasing the vehicle new in April 2021. The repairs done to my vehicle were done as a good will gesture according to the dealer but I have no confidence that the same thing will not happen again. Losing power in an intersection or on a major highway is a safety concern that I now have. In addition I have read of these Jeep vehicles with manual transmissions and faulty clutch / pressure plate systems actually catching fire. In my conversations with representatives from Jeep and AutoNation where I purchased the vehicle no one is willing to admit there is an ongoing problem and safety issue. This is why I am notifying the NHTSA.