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Any truth to manual tranny issues

7K views 65 replies 51 participants last post by  RagingBullFish 
#1 ·
I keep seeing threads about issues with the manual transmissions in the JK series. Considering manual is standard equipment for the JK that seems a bit odd. Any opinions as I would prefer manual but not if it's a problem.
Thanks!
 
#2 ·
People either like them or hate them. It seems to be more of a drive ability issue than mechanical problems- except for the lousy throw out bearings. I have a 2014 with 16k miles. I like my manual and would buy it again.
 
#4 ·
The only two things that annoy me is my reverse grinds sometimes and the fact that reverse is next to 6th (in my other cars reverse was always where 1st was but you had to lift up a knob). First few days driving were...a learning curve to say the least with finding 6th gear. Other than that, it's going well.
 
#5 ·
I have a 2 dr manual '13. I test drove a JKU with a manual and it drove fine. My 2 dr however is a pain. It's been in to the dealer many times and they can't figure out what's wrong as the problem comes and goes.

I would buy another manual in a heartbeat since I enjoy driving mine and the issues I have with it are due to a manufacturing problem. What I'm trying to say is test drive more than one manual and see if they feel the same. If you like driving it, buy it

If you drive a couple different manuals and don't like them...get an auto.

Our dealer let us keep both manual models overnight. I should have bought the other one :(
 
#6 ·
I am normally a manual guy but I read far too many threads on here about problems with the manual, or more specifically the throwout bearing. I also read a great deal about the WA580. Since I was planning to tow a 3500 lb trailer, I decided to go auto.

But, you know how it goes. The internet tends to really inflate problems.
 
#7 ·
That's what happens on a forum. You tend to hear about problems. Out of the few issues that you here about on a forum about manual and auto transmissions, there are thousands of both transmissions out there that operate the way they should with no issues. The manual JK trans. has been the same since 07 and it's reliable. Are there some with problems, yes. Those are in the minority. If you want a manual, get one. I've never had a problem with my 10 manual. It seems most complaints involve driveability because some owners are used to other American & foreign manual transmissions that don't have the same clutch and shifting characteristics as a JK.
 
#9 ·
Second JKUR with a manual, 34000 on the first one, 14000 on the current one... no issues noted, will buy again when the time comes.
 
#15 ·
Ditto that. Just turned 15,000 miles and no issues. I did test drive a 2011 JK when I began looking at Jeeps, and that one seemed like it popped out of gear. I had a 2012 JK with a 6 speed and that was fine too.
 
#13 ·
My throw out bearing went bad in the first 80 (eighty) miles. Other than that, no issues.
 
#17 ·
13k miles. T.O. Bearing is noisy and tranny feels more like a tractor's than a car's but it's fine with me. No reliability issues.
 
#20 ·
As manual transmissions+clutches go the JK's NSG370 transmission is about average in terms of performance and reliability. Manuals are always more finnicky than autos because of the clutch, shifter and variable driver shifting skills.

If you prefer a manual you shouldn't be too concerned about the JK, since the transmission has been around for a number of years, but if you expect the reliability of an auto then read the threads on the subject.
 
#22 ·
2014 jku my tob went bad at like 2000 miles and at 12000 had clutch tob and pilot bearing replaced now I'm getting very very loud clutch chatter almost sounds like a metallic grinding
 
#23 ·
13K on my manual JKU, no issues to speak of. I don't have that rattle some talk about, was fine in the winter. I was almost scared off as well but couldn't imagine buying a Jeep without a clutch. Nothing against Auto's but I enjoy shifting too much to give it up, even in Northern VA traffic.

I did check my fluid at 3K and it was 1/2 qt low so I drained and replaced with Pennzoil Synchromesh. It was fine before, but definitely much more smooth after.
 
#24 ·
I've owned over a dozen manual cars in my life, the wrangler was the worst.
I put 14k on my '13 manual before I sold it.
Issues:

  • Cruise control disengaged when hitting bumps (dealer said normal)
  • Noisy. Noisy. Noisy. Mine had the can of marbles sound that some speak of. Unbearable when the top was on and carpet out. (dealer said normal)
  • Hard to put in reverse (dealer said normal)
Swapped the fluid to synthetic about 6k to see if that helped, it didn't.

There are a lot of Jeepers with manuals on this forum that I value & trust their opinions. They seem to have good luck with their manuals so I'm led to believe mine was worse than normal. I hope, honestly can't imagine someone being tolerant of those issues.

FWIW the manual in my '11 Subaru isn't much better. TOB in my WRX is awful, under 50k and clutch is slipping. Of course I'm pushing slightly more than stock HP :D
 
#26 ·
I would love to take a jeep engineer for a ride in my 6 speed manual, and have them explain what these horrid sounds are, then fix them. My dealer just shrugs it off, like.... join the crowd its a jeep, they basically are ignoring the issue.
 
#46 ·
THIS X1000!

Look I get that there is a cost/benefit ratio to everything. But I would at least love a detailed explanation even if it mechanically is ok. My dealer says the same thing: it's a jeep it's fine don't worry we can't find anything wrong

I drove it into the service bay, turned it off and coasted in neutral while pressing the clutch on/off and the noise was so loud everyone looked up. Still couldn't find anything wrong.
 
#29 ·
Just put 300 miles on bringing my new JKUR home.

I love this stick!

I grew up on a NP435 and this box brought back a lot of memories. Like finding the soul of an old friend in a new body.

This box is definitely louder than either of my Foresters. I actually like it that way. I like the long throw, it feels like I am driving a piece of equipment not an econo - roller skate. I had no problems getting smooth shifts and clutching. I spent several years driving log trucks in college to help pay the bills, spent a lot of time running through the gears on an industrial box. Probably helps.

The t-case took a couple tries. I am used to an NP205, straight pull to 4 low, even filly stopped. This 241OR is down, over, down, *scratch yer balls*, then down/over a little more, helps if you are rolling.
 
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