The average price estimate for a Jeep Wrangler clutch replacement is $1,575 to $1,707, according to RepairPal. The exact price will depend on your location, vehicle model, and type of transmission.

Every driver is different. Some want more control over their vehicle—others want it to do most of the work for them. The Jeep Wrangler caters to both.

Available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2023 Wrangler is only the latest in Jeep’s superstar lineup of off-roading trail-hungry beasts. Want to take on a mountain? No problem. Need to drive through a stream? Your Jeep is ready.

But all that wear and tear will eventually take its toll, and chances are, you’ll have your Jeep long enough to replace the clutch at least once.

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comparison app

Jerry

is here to explain the costs you might face, as well as signs your clutch’s time may be coming to an end. We’ll even end with a way to save money on your

Jeep Wrangler insurance costs

How much does it cost to replace a clutch in a Jeep Wrangler?

It’s impossible to say exactly how much a clutch replacement will cost without getting an estimate directly from a mechanic. Several factors—such as the age of the Jeep, which parts are broken, and the cost of labor where you live—will have an impact on prices. But RepairPal estimates the average

Jeep Wrangler clutch replacement cost

to be somewhere around $1,500 to $1,700.

The cost of parts makes up a large majority of that estimate, accounting for roughly $1,100 while labor makes up around $600 worth. You can try shopping around for parts on

Mopar

or aftermarket auto sites—just be sure you’re getting everything you need. There’s more to replacing the clutch than just swapping out a pressure plate.

If your

clutch is not working

but you don’t know which component is causing the problem, you can have a mechanic perform an inspection. It only costs $54 to $66 on average, and it can help you pinpoint exactly what aspect of the clutch needs to be replaced.

What is a clutch?

In short, a clutch is one part of your vehicle’s transmission. The function of the transmission as a whole is to send energy to the driveshaft of the vehicle. This transfer must work flawlessly, or your car will be unable to move.

So where exactly does the clutch fit into this? It acts as the bridge between the engine and the transmission, taking the power generated and sending it to the gearbox. Engaging the clutch temporarily stops this transfer, which is what allows you to shift from one gear to the other.

There are two main parts to the clutch: the flywheel and the clutch plate. The flywheel is connected to the engine, while the clutch plate is connected to the transmission. A system of springs keeps the two pressed against each other. This friction generates the power needed for your car’s speed to match the gear in which it’s running.

When the clutch is engaged, another set of springs pulls the clutch plate and the flywheel apart, allowing a break between the energy and the transmission. Once your vehicle successfully shifts to the next gear, the transfer resumes.

It’s easy to see both why the clutch is so important and how it can wear down over time. There are myriad parts that must all work in harmony, and a breakdown in any of them necessitates repair.

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What are the symptoms of a Jeep Wrangler clutch problem?

Historically, Jeep Wranglers with manual transmissions have had more problems than those with automatic ones. While you’re not in the clear just by having an automatic transmission, it’s best to keep a closer eye on things if you’ve opted for a manual.

Several of the symptoms of clutch failure go hand in hand with transmission issues. They are part of the same system, after all, so the performance of one will affect the other.

Here’s a list of things you might experience if your clutch is failing:

Burning smell or smoke: One documented problem with Jeep Wrangler clutches is overheating. If you smell or see smoke coming from your vehicle, take it to a dealership or trusted mechanic immediately.

Noises: Grinding or whining noises—especially while changing gears—can indicate something is wrong with either your clutch or transmission.

Slipping gears: If you’re finding it difficult to keep your car in gear, this could be a sign something is going wrong with your clutch.

Lack of acceleration: A broken clutch can’t transfer power from the transmission to the engine efficiently, so there may be a mismatch between how far you’re depressing the gas pedal and how fast your vehicle is going.

Clutch pedal issues (manual only): If your pedal sticks when you press it or depresses without any resistance, you should make an appointment with a service technician before the situation becomes critical.

Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch?

It is highly recommended that you get clutch problems taken care of as soon as they appear. You should not drive with a broken or worn-out clutch, as it can lead to further transmission problems. You could be left with a car that’s unable to move at all.

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Should you get a Jeep extended warranty?

How long should a Jeep Wrangler clutch last?

It’s difficult to put an exact mileage on how far your Wrangler’s clutch will take you, especially because people drive their Jeeps so differently. If you spend the majority of your days in the city or on the highway, you’re likely to get around 100,000 miles out of it—or more, according to some drivers in Jeep online forums. But if you’re heading out to go off-roading every weekend, you could need it replaced with as few as 40,000 miles.

Jeep Wrangler clutch recalls

Of course, if you own a Jeep Wrangler involved in a clutch-related recall, you’ll probably need to get it replaced much sooner. Check out these model years to see if yours is involved:

2006: One of the springs that control the interlock switch becomes fatigued. This can lead to the vehicle being able to start without the clutch needing to be depressed. Alternatively, it can prevent the vehicle from starting even when the clutch is engaged.

2018–2021: The pressure plate is prone to overheating. This can lead to a vehicle fire or the clutch plate fracturing and becoming inoperable.

Both of these recalls affect manual transmissions.

MORE: Best manual transmission cars

How to save on Jeep Wrangler insurance

Now that we’ve covered how much money you’ll have to spend, it’s time to talk about ways you can save on your

Jeep insurance costs

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