While more and more vehicles are sold only with an automatic gearbox, some Jeep models can be spec’d with a manual transmission. However, which model would that be, and why shouldn’t you opt for an auto, anyway? Well, at least some folks out there only want good-old manual transmissions and don’t want – out of preference – an automatic.
Moreover, given the target audience of most Jeeps, a manual transmission is usually a better option when it comes to off-road duties. Getting stuck at some trail with an automatic can be hard to get yourself unstuck, so manuals tend to be best here. For now, though, there are only two Jeep models (brand-new, at least) that you can get with a manual.
More specifically, there’s the Wrangler and its pickup truck sibling, the Gladiator. Even Jeep has to come to terms with the fact that manuals have been left out of favor by the more convenient automatic transmissions that greatly improved in the past decade. In most cases these days, an automatic can shift gears quicker and more accurately than a manual.
It’s not surprising that the Wrangler and the Gladiator can be had with a manual, seeing that they’re more off-road-focused than other Jeep models. Remember, a lot of off-road enthusiasts are into manual transmissions. As such, it was an easy decision for Jeep to add manual transmissions to these two models. So, are the Wrangler and Gladiator worth it?
Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler is Jeep’s longest-selling product. The Wrangler is a true off-roader intended for proper off-road use. At the moment, the Wrangler is in its fourth generation and this tells a lot about its longevity, as the true heir to the Willys Jeep from WW2. What is interesting about the Wrangler is that its styling takes roots from the WW2 era Willys Jeep, too.
The current generation Jeep Wrangler was introduced back in 2018 and it is codenamed the JL. What is different about this generation’s Wrangler from other Jeeps that wore the Wrangler badge is the level of engineering that went into it. This generation is probably the most perfect and refined generation of all of the previous generations. And, this Jeep came with a manual transmission!
They focus quite a lot on the driver’s comfort, unlike previous models that were pretty basic in the build quality. Not to mention the improved engines and transmissions, including a manual transmission in this off-roader Jeep. Being a mid-sized option too, it’s the perfect vehicle for driving off-road and having a lot of fun on the weekends, while using it as a commuter during the workdays.
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a pickup truck that was unveiled in 2019. Jeep saw the demand for a pickup truck in this segment and they decided to use this to their advantage by creating the Jeep Gladiator. The Jeep Gladiator uses a ton of the componentry of the Jeep Wrangler. They even share the same body style and looks from the front. However, what is truly different is in the rear of the Gladiator.
Namely, the Gladiator is quite long when compared to the Wrangler. This allows the Gladiator to have a fairly large bed that can be used to haul stuff and get some work done with it. This is something that the Jeep Wrangler can’t do since it’s an SUV. Meanwhile, the Gladiator can be used for both hauling and towing tasks, and it’s a genuine off-road work truck!
In most tests, it easily matches the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma in performance. It also gives you the ability to remove everything from it, like the roof, doors, and windshield. So, you can still have that classic Jeep feel when you go off-roading. There are also a ton of special editions of the Gladiator similar to the Wrangler.
These include the Rubicon, which is the best seller, then there is the Mojave, Altitude, Willys, and Texas Trail Edition. Sharing the same componentry means that the Gladiator shares a lot with the Jeep Wrangler. Namely, the engines and also that beloved Jeep manual transmission.
Jeep Transmission Problems
The Aisin transmission used in Jeeps is pretty much a bulletproof transmission with no problems whatsoever. But, there are still some things that are worth taking note of. This includes problems with the clutch, and especially the clutch plate. This is the component that comes in contact with the flywheel and grips the flywheel tightly to connect the transmission with the engine for proper torque delivery.
Unfortunately, these Jeep clutches fail prematurely, way too soon. This is caused by an overheating issue that is developed when the transmission is used in situations that demand quite a lot of torque to be delivered to the wheels. When the clutch on this transmission overheats, it starts to fracture and problems arise pretty quickly.
These small fractures can cause cracks to develop inside of the transmission case and damage the transmission. This then causes the transmission to fail completely. When you are in a situation like this, the first thing you will probably notice is the smell of something burning. Thankfully, Jeep has patched and fixed at least some of these issues.
Jeep Transmission Recalls
As I noted earlier, there’s a problem with the overheating clutch on this transmission. This problem affects the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator manufactured after 2018 and causes the clutch to overheat and fail. This can cause the vehicle to remain stationary and be unable to move. That’s why there was a recall issued for vehicles with this specific transmission.
More precisely, about 42,887 vehicles with this problem were recalled. The dealerships fixed this problem by installing new software that was designed to reduce the engine power when the temperatures inside of the clutch rise above normal. This made sure that no permanent damage on the clutch happened. Fortunately, no injuries were caused by this problem.
If you are looking after a Wrangler or Gladiator, make sure that the vehicle that you want to purchase was recalled and the problem was solved. This will guarantee that you will avoid any future headaches. This is given that clutches are expensive to replace. You cannot expect to get this job done for less than $1,500, and they can reach as high as $2,000 (or more!).