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If your 8spd trans is rough, put your hand up

137K views 757 replies 150 participants last post by  BHBHANY 
#1 ·
I keep seeing these rough 8 speed transmission threads, but both at the dealership and when I called Chrysler Corporate they tell me that they have NO idea this is a problem. So I'd like to get a list going and see if it's substantial. If you have a rough or unsmooth 8 speed transmission, reply here-just reply with what model you have.


as for me:
2014 GJC Limited 3.6l
 
#43 ·
I have the 5.7 with 8 speed and overall I think it is smooth. The only complaint I have about it is coasting to a slow down it seems it downshifts too soon and causes some engine braking and then I have to give it a little gas. This is a programming issue, so I will just have to wait and see if they come out with an update or just leave it the way it is.
 
#47 ·
Xmonger,

you have no idea what you are talking about. I am not going to get into linguistics with you. The way he utilized his language clearly indicated he was trying to be sarcastic by asking me if I ever had driven an 8 speed transmission. He was not trying to help. He was basically telling me to "deal with it" and let it break down and then get it fixed: rather than having Jeep own up to their mistakes.
 
#52 ·
Xmonger,

you have no idea what you are talking about. I am not going to get into linguistics with you. The way he utilized his language clearly indicated he was trying to be sarcastic by asking me if I ever had driven an 8 speed transmission. He was not trying to help. He was basically telling me to "deal with it" and let it break down and then get it fixed: rather than having Jeep own up to their mistakes.

Your the one that doesn't what your talking about. I was just saying if its shifting the way its programmed to shift then there is nothing the dealer is going to be able to do without a software update from Chrysler. I had something I posted that I didn't like about it, but its not going to change unless a tsb comes out because that's the way its setup. I was not trying to be sarcastic at all so I think you need to lighten up. Just because you can feel it shift does not mean there is a problem and it doesn't mean your going to have a break down.
 
#48 ·
I keep seeing these rough 8 speed transmission threads, but both at the dealership and when I called Chrysler Corporate they tell me that they have NO idea this is a problem. So I'd like to get a list going and see if it's substantial. If you have a rough or unsmooth 8 speed transmission, reply here-just reply with what model you have.


as for me:
2014 GJC Limited 3.6l

Yes, 2014 gc limited with 3.6 and 8 speed
 
#51 ·
Well excuse me JP for assuming you were being condescending/patronizing since you almost had an air of "let it be until it breaks" tone, or that I assumed that you were trying to convey an attitude. I apologize if that was not your intention. I don't want it to break down in the middle of no where or only with a few 100 miles left on the warranty. Quite frankly, it shouldn't break down at all (that's the real goal and shouldn't be any lower standard than that), and if I can get it solved by putting pressure on the dealer/Chrysler to get on the ball with fixing their crappy mistakes, then so be it. I am not just going to sit idly by while they use me as a guinea pig. I didn't pay almost 50k for a vehicle that's as crappy as a cheap 15k vehicle. I was going to say kia/hyundai but honestly they've stepped up their game, they are better than Chrysler/Jeep. Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram are the representation of quality pieces of crap (take notice: new recall just came out for the Jeep/Ram), and it's not getting any better with the 14 GC.

If it is the same transmission as the BMW, then Jeep sure as crap screwed it to all high heaven because there is a huge difference (in case you haven't driven a BMW). I wouldn't expect Jeep to be on the same page as BMW, but I don't know how they could have screwed it up that much.
 
#53 ·
JP, You are right. I'll lighten up. However, just because my transmission does shift hard doesn't mean it isn't an indication of being something worse. There are those on here who started with rough shifting transmission and it broke down. Given the track record of Jeep, I can't assume its going to be just as simple as a programming fix. I have to ensure to check all the bases.

Second: it has been advertised throughout everything that this "wonderful transmission" is so "smooth" and like "butter." Thus, if there is a rough shifting transmission, then something isn't right. I doubt very seriously that Jeep would make something to be rough shifting. No car company would make a transmission like that. Thus, there is a problem, and I am not going to sit around for a year or so for them to dick around and come up with a fix. You buy a vehicle for it's performance and enjoyment, and if it has so many problems you can enjoy it and it doesn't perform up to standard (when comparing with other companies) then something is wrong, and that's not fair to the consumer.

So excuse me for not being the mediocre slack lazy person that's just going to trust a car company with a track record like Jeep to come up with a fix immediately or at all. You'll thank me and others like me who push Jeep to not only fix the current problems with the vehicle but to be proactive with trying to better their products without waiting for something to go wrong.
 
#54 ·
JP, You are right. I'll lighten up. However, just because my transmission does shift hard doesn't mean it isn't an indication of being something worse. There are those on here who started with rough shifting transmission and it broke down. Given the track record of Jeep, I can't assume its going to be just as simple as a programming fix. I have to ensure to check all the bases.

Second: it has been advertised throughout everything that this "wonderful transmission" is so "smooth" and like "butter." Thus, if there is a rough shifting transmission, then something isn't right. I doubt very seriously that Jeep would make something to be rough shifting. No car company would make a transmission like that. Thus, there is a problem, and I am not going to sit around for a year or so for them to dick around and come up with a fix. You buy a vehicle for it's performance and enjoyment, and if it has so many problems you can enjoy it and it doesn't perform up to standard (when comparing with other companies) then something is wrong, and that's not fair to the consumer.

So excuse me for not being the mediocre slack lazy person that's just going to trust a car company with a track record like Jeep to come up with a fix immediately or at all. You'll thank me and others like me who push Jeep to not only fix the current problems with the vehicle but to be proactive with trying to better their products without waiting for something to go wrong.

Why would you buy from a company with such a horrible track record? If its a software issue you will have to wait. If its software replacing the whole transmission won't change anything. I have a ford fusion also that I use for work and when I first got it would slip shifting from 2nd to 3rd when it was cold. I took it in the dealer felt it and called fords tech line and they were told it was normal at that time. A year later ford came out with a tsb for the 2nd to 3rd shift flare they call it. It was a reprogramming issue and that was the fix. So even if the dealer would have replaced my transmission I still would have had that issue because it was a software issue. Now Ford I'm sure did not intend for it to come on the marker doing this but it was just something that happens.
 
#55 ·
I have a CRD (Australia) '14 and I'm having problems with my down shifting from second to first .. Kinda feels like I'm being rear ended coming to a stop .. like its changing too late and going to stall or something?

Spoke to the dealer and I was told its normal from the compression ratio :-/ ... Yeah ... Assuming there will be a software update at some point, right?


Eco mode I'm not a fan of but other than that I don't mind the 8spd, does what it needs to do and is smooth and responsive
 
#56 ·
I bought a Jeep because 1) the reviews, and 2) because I wanted off road utility. I honestly knew I was going to take a hit in some reliability or service, but didn't think it was going to be this bad.

You are right, IF it is a software issue, replacing it now won't help. However, like I indicated on my last post, there is no guarantee it is JUST a software issue.

We can get into Ford and their decision to keep putting the same transmission year after year without fixing it, but that would be for a different forum, and not my point.

I hope it doesn't take a year for Jeep to get a flash update for the transmission. It better not because there is a difference between a cheap fusion and a 50k Grand Cherokee Overland. The problem is that Jeep is acting like Ford at this point rather than taking responsibility. That's the real truth and the bottom line, and you can't argue your way around that point.
 
#68 · (Edited)
I bought a Jeep because 1) the reviews, and 2) because I wanted off road utility. I honestly knew I was going to take a hit in some reliability or service, but didn't think it was going to be this bad.

You are right, IF it is a software issue, replacing it now won't help. However, like I indicated on my last post, there is no guarantee it is JUST a software issue.

We can get into Ford and their decision to keep putting the same transmission year after year without fixing it, but that would be for a different forum, and not my point.

I hope it doesn't take a year for Jeep to get a flash update for the transmission. It better not because there is a difference between a cheap fusion and a 50k Grand Cherokee Overland. The problem is that Jeep is acting like Ford at this point rather than taking responsibility. That's the real truth and the bottom line, and you can't argue your way around that point.
You've mentioned at least a half a dozen times that you dropped $50k on this vehicle. Spend $1,600 more and warranty yourself until 100k miles, or $2,100 for the rest of your life, then take a deep breath, relax and enjoy....
 
#57 ·
Bretto,

I have the same experiences: not very pleasant! That is what I am trying to show the dealers. If it is all just a software issue, then yes I hope there will be an update. However, I hope it will be shorter than it took them for the 11-13s.

I like the eco mode because I think I do notice a difference in gas mileage; however, I don't like how long it holds some of the speeds. Yet, I have a problem with the jerkiness in and out of eco mode. Is that the same for you?
 
#58 ·
Bretto,

I have the same experiences: not very pleasant! That is what I am trying to show the dealers. If it is all just a software issue, then yes I hope there will be an update. However, I hope it will be shorter than it took them for the 11-13s.

I like the eco mode because I think I do notice a difference in gas mileage; however, I don't like how long it holds some of the speeds. Yet, I have a problem with the jerkiness in and out of eco mode. Is that the same for you?
Yeah both Eco and 'normal' mode I get this problem.

Eco I didn't find any fuel savings when I used it and in fact I kid you not My mileage dropped to 9.5 around town from 9.7 when I turned Eco off after experimenting one day last week

Really hope there is an update or a fix ASAP , it's actually embarrassing when people think it's your fault :-/
 
#60 · (Edited)
Bretto,

Yeah I feel ya. I know. When I am surrounded by cars and it jerks all the time, it is embarrassing. I feel as though people are laughing at me etc, which I shouldn't be put in that situation.

I do hope there is a fix real soon as well. Although, not to be pessimistic, as much as I am seeing other people have major problems (like a complete suspension failure) and Jeep dropping the ball with a complete lack of service on those issues, I wouldn't hold my breath. However, if enough people call/email corporate and put pressure on them, it might come quicker. Yet, don't sit idly by and trust them to do their job, I don't think that's in Jeeps mantra (after reading literally hundreds of people's posts of problems and Jeep's responses or the lack thereof).

That's interesting about the eco mode being a drop in gas mileage. I haven't noticed that yet. However, I generally drive in eco mode most of the time. Now that you mention it, I think for some highway driving with some hills, off eco mode did seem to produce better "instant" gas mileage. Probably because the car utilized a higher gear on eco for going over those hills and thus took longer to actually get over those hills: still utilizing more power than it would have without eco (strange how that works!).
 
#70 ·
Bretto,

Yeah I feel ya. I know. When I am surrounded by cars and it jerks all the time, it is embarrassing. I feel as though people are laughing at me etc, which I shouldn't be put in that situation.
In reality there are probably more people laughing at your posts than are laughing about the way your car runs. The situation you find yourself in is most likely only in your mind.

Based on the tone and number of posts you made about the same thing, I'd say you like drawing attention to yourself.

Just an observation, and the internet is a good outlet for any frustrations your Jeep is giving you. ;)


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#61 ·
hmmm, am I the only one not experience mechanical issues with their 2014 Overland???? so far so good 700 miles.....not any major hickups, just a couple minor things t hat I already found fixes to....

like when using remote start from inside the car, then hidding the brake, then trying to use the button on the dash to start it, key fob not detected, remote start again, kill it with button, then restart it with button and it works again......every single time by the way...that happens, ....poor streaming while using BT, can't get the garage door opener to sync...... and ya, thats like all t he problems ive had....I can't believe everyone else is having such issues...
 
#66 ·
hmmm, am I the only one not experience mechanical issues with their 2014 Overland???? so far so good 700 miles.....not any major hickups, just a couple minor things t hat I already found fixes to....

like when using remote start from inside the car, then hidding the brake, then trying to use the button on the dash to start it, key fob not detected, remote start again, kill it with button, then restart it with button and it works again......every single time by the way...that happens, ....poor streaming while using BT, can't get the garage door opener to sync...... and ya, thats like all t he problems ive had....I can't believe everyone else is having such issues...
7,500 trouble free miles. Minor transmission shift issues, but battery pull fixed that.
 
#93 ·
Why do you use remote start inside the car?


Because I a friggen nerd!!!! NEXT QUESTION!!!

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Remote start will not work from inside the vehicle, why would anyone do this?? The vehicle does fob validation on entry so after remote start (hence remote not fob start) there still needs to be "entry".
Why would anyone shouldn't be the question, but REMOTE START DOES WORK from inside the vehicle, try it.... the problem isn't remote start in the vehicle, its using remote start in the vehicle, if I press the brakes before the button on the dash the truck dies and then when you push the start button on the dash again it says it cannot detect a key fob...... That is the issue. I know I can just be like normal people, but then again normal people don't spend 50k on a truck that's "trail rated" that they never really plan on doing trails with.... .....or spend 50k on a truck that they DO plan on doing trails with.......Bascially I find the 2014 Overland the most impractical car/suv you could buy on many levels, which is why I bought it......LOL!!
 
#71 ·
Bill,

What I don't get is comparing two completely different drive lines. Different engines and transmissions made by different people with different software.

It might as well be a comparison between 2 different cars.

Anyway, point is, same as my other posts.... not everyone has the same problem. Similar symptoms do not equal same problem. Sometimes they do but in this case it is nearly impossible, the CRD even has a different rear end! So from the front of the air intake to the end of the tail pipe those two trucks being compared aren't even similar.

Bill, how does your V6 transmission serve you?
 
#73 ·
Bill,

... How does your V6 transmission serve you?
You tellin' me they bolted a v6 tranny to my Hemi? :mad:

I have no complaints about the transmission. It feels about the same as my 6 speed Acura when both are in Sport mode. In Drive, I felt the shifts a little more in the Acura, AFTER they did a firmware update. I had never complained about the trans, but my Acura service rep would call me the day any TSB was released and ask me when I wanted to stop by.

Whatever some were complaining about must have been real though. Acura insisted on a transmission flush (free of course) at the time the firmware was updated. I think I only had 3000 miles on mine.


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#76 ·
Was hoping it smoothed out when it clocked up some miles or learnt my driving but alas not yet. 2800 kms to date (1739 miles)

I'm thinking I might take a blat in a demo when they finally get one in diesel to see if I can feel the same thing.
Ya, it certainly will drag more in a downshift that a petrol engine but comparing with a lot vehicle is a very good idea.
 
#77 ·
I had the clunk while shifting from 1 to 2. 1-2-3 shift is rough when I try to accelerate gently if I rev it up it shifts fine.

3-2-1 downshift is little rough feels like it shift early and got a small jerk to the front. I want to make a point here, my other car has ZF 8 speed transmission bmw 3 series and it shows a very similar behavior when downshifting. So the downshift roughness can be a characteristic of this transmission.
 
#78 ·
I had the clunk while shifting from 1 to 2. 1-2-3 shift is rough when I try to accelerate gently if I rev it up it shifts fine.

3-2-1 downshift is little rough feels like it shift early and got a small jerk to the front. I want to make a point here, my other car has ZF 8 speed transmission bmw 3 series and it shows a very similar behavior when downshifting. So the downshift roughness can be a characteristic of this transmission.
You make a very good point. The Tranny shifts FAST, I mean faster than almost any tranny out there. Good thing is it means less wear, however it also means more perception in the down shift.

I think the 1-2-3 is better if you turn eco off, it shifts the points up slightly higher.
 
#82 ·
It has to shift faster, it has more gears to get through. Going 0 to 60, or 60 to 0 it has to shift seven times to get through all the gears, unless it skips a couple.
I think this may be part of the issue because it seems the tranny does not skip gears when downshifting in some instances.

Example: For some reason the tranny seems to downshift into each gear instead of skipping a couple when braking fast. A trannsmission should be intelligent enough to determine what gear is needed at a certain speed...even when deaccerating or while braking.
 
#80 ·
I keep seeing these rough 8 speed transmission threads, but both at the dealership and when I called Chrysler Corporate they tell me that they have NO idea this is a problem. So I'd like to get a list going and see if it's substantial. If you have a rough or unsmooth 8 speed transmission, reply here-just reply with what model you have.


as for me:
2014 GJC Limited 3.6l
Hi. I got my GC Loredo 3.6L about 5 weeks ago. I have about 1100 miles, and my trans is also doing the hurky-jerky...I have a service appt. for Sat. I will report back after my appt. I'm going to print out this thread and show it to dealer. I'm sure I'm not the only GC buyer from this dealer, so I'm betting they've had some other complaints about this issue. I don't see how they can keep playing dumb about this. :mad:
 
#84 ·
Regardless of comments about the dealer can not fix or reprogram your transmission it is good to get these problems on the record early by bringing it to the dealer. This should have been fixed prior to production.

Reprogramming or other fixes need to happen soon before the GC gets a bad reputation which hurts sales in the long run. They need to get this message soon imo.
 
#81 ·
Did you do the battery pull? It smoothed mine out.

Also, they're not playing dumb. If it's a software issue, which it likely is, there is no solution for this YET.

Dealers do not solve problems, they get answers/solutions from corporate and implement them.

Your dealership won't rewrite software to fix your transmission.
 
#83 · (Edited)
Did you do the battery pull? It smoothed mine out.

Also, they're not playing dumb. If it's a software issue, which it likely is, there is no solution for this YET.



Have you read through these threads about the tranny issues? Well I have. And people are complaining that their dealer's service depts. are treating them as if there is no issue. And I'm sure their are enough complaints for their service depts. to know there is a problem. Software or otherwise.


Dealers do not solve problems, they get answers/solutions from corporate and implement them.


When I say dealer, I don't mean the person who sold the car, I'm talking about their service depts., you know, the people who fix the cars. I just assumed readers would get that and I didn't have to spell it out.


Your dealership won't rewrite software to fix your transmission


And how do you know it's not a mechanical issue?

Have you looked at my GC? There was previous poster who's tranny got water mixed with his tranny fluid. A mechanical issue. If people don't get it checked out, then how are they to know whether it's software or mechanical.


I realize I'm new here, and I'm no mechanic, but you don't have to get snotty about it.
 
#92 ·
What if I told you there was 47 complaints actually reported nationally about rough shifting 8speed transmission in the v6.... less then complaints about a rattle from next to the steering column. You do realize that is so super small as compared to the number of vehicles right? There are more people who have actually complained to their dealer about the shifter not selecting the correct gear and of course there was nothing wrong with them.

So at the risk of repeating myself. If your transmission has an issue that you can duplicate, take it to a dealer and compare with one on the lot. If there is a big difference between the way yours drives and the one on the lot, they will open a case on it. There has been 8 speed transmissions replaced due to problems, at this time I am not aware of a programming update though there will likely be one at some point. The units that have mechanical problems were replaced.

Complaining that Chrysler is not keeping people in the loop will do nothing. I hope that everyone here who has complained about their transmission problems has had an RO opened on the issue and has a line on their invoice that shows it was looked at.... otherwise why would Chrysler look at programming. The great majority of people with this tranny are not at their dealers with any complaint. Some big dealers I have been at have not even had a verbal question on the transmission shift, let alone a work order!
 
#95 ·
I almost hate to say this because of all the vitriol being spewed out here against Chrysler over the crappy tranny, but in 3 months and close to 2,000 miles, I'm having zero issues with the way mine shifts. I almost never shift out of eco mode or into sport mode. I haven't done the reset with either the fuse or the battery. I've been driving all sorts of vehicles for over 46 years. I've driven smoother shifting vehicles, but my Jeep shifts plenty smooth enough for me. I occasionally notice a little braking action downshifting in the lowest gears, but nothing uncomfortable or jerky. Other than that, I believe the new 8 speed is a winner. I have to agree with Will that those having problems are only a very small percentage of owners. That doesn't make the problem insignificant, or something to be ignored. Those of you having this problem should definitely push your dealer and Chrysler for resolution. I just don't think the problem is something inherent in the tranny's design, but rather a problem with a finite number of individual units. If a reflash becomes available I'm not sure I would even want it, but good luck to those of you having problems, I hope they can be resolved. I'm enjoying the hell out of my Jeep in all sorts of driving environments, from city to highway, and even off road. About the only thing I haven't tried is serious rock crawling, and I think my wife would probably use that as grounds for divorce, so it probably won't happen. I certainly wish all of you could share my experience.
 
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#100 ·
Bad shifting transmission in shop today. Did the reset so we will see what happens. I hate the loud occasional klunks when downshifted to 1st gear at 2-3 mph. The Jeep shutters when that happens. V6 Engine. Dealer said over the phone they will show me how to use sports mode to improve the problem. Ha Ha!!!! No program to remove econ mode in startup. Dumb!!! Econ mode should be an option. Happy with my Jeep but not the trans! BTW the salesman says there are a lot of complaints about this trans.
 
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