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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
 
#2 ·
Just curious, Have you tried the reset that has been suggested? It seem to have worked for quite a few others.
 
#5 ·
The reset fixed mine for a few days, not it seems even worse than before. It's at the dealer now, I'm sure they will come back with "its working fine".
 
#8 ·
Hi all,

I have been dealing with the same issue. The fuse/battery reset did absolutely nothing. When I was coasting at around 23 to 25 miles per hour the car couldn't pick just one gear, it kept fluctuating from 3 to 4 and back and forth (shooting the RPMS up and down). That created a severe jerking motion in the car.

Second, anytime I go from 3-2-1 it jerks. It fluctuates in intensity from almost not perceptible to causing my head to jerk/feel as though I pumped the brakes.

I have taken it in to three different dealerships and none of them are any help. They all act as if I don't understand the vehicle and tell me "it's shifting normal." Of course, every time I take it in (for other issues as well: including the dreaded "air suspensions system cooling, please wait" which they have no clue and ignore me), the transmission doesn't shift very rough.

I AM SICK TO DEATH OF THIS PIECE OF CRAP VEHICLE AND THE PIECE OF CRAP SERVICE I AM RECEIVING. THIS 3RD DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE "BEST" IN THE AREA AND THEY WERE THE MOST PATRONIZING! I PAID ALMOST 50K FOR A VEHICLE AND ITS ACTING LIKE A SUZUKI OR WORSE! WHAT'S ALSO WORSE IS THE APATHETIC STANCE I SEE FROM JEEP OWNERS ON THIS FORUM: STATING "OH I'LL JUST IGNORE IT AND BE HAPPY," OR "I'LL JUST WAIT UNTIL MY VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY SHOT TO HELL, AND THEN I'LL TAKE IT IN TO THE DEALER." THAT IS THE REASON JEEP DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE QUALITY BECAUSE THEY KNOW THE MAJORITY OF OWNERS WILL PUT UP WITH THIS CRAP AS IF ITS EXPECTED!

MY WIFE AND I ONLY WENT WITH A JEEP BECAUSE WE THOUGHT IT WOULD GIVE US THE UTILITY VS OTHER BRANDS, BUT NOW I WOULD GLADLY TAKE A LEXUS RX/BMW X3/GLK 350/VOLVO XC60 OVER THIS PIECE OF CRAP ANY DAY. WHAT'S MORE IS THEIR SERVICE WILL BE A MILLION TIMES BETTER (I KNOW BECAUSE I HAD AN IS250 BEFORE THIS).
 
#9 · (Edited)
.

Have you tried driving another one to see if it shifts like yours? I think this is where you need to start. If its a software issue which it probably is you will have to wait for an update to come out. If its operating as designed there is nothing the dealer is going to able to do no matter how many times you take it in. Have you ever owned an 8 speed trans before? The cooling message seems to be common I have had it twice and I would expect a software fix to be coming for that, but I am not going to take it in fifty times to try to get them to fix something they can't fix and get something else screwed up in the process.
 
#10 ·
I have a 5.7L, so my experience may not be relevant.. but..

The only time I get a "spirited" downshift is in sport mode, and this may be because I don't drive in sport mode much so it hasn't had much time to learn.

The biggest shift complaint I have is that the transmission does not seem to directly shift in kickdown, even though the press releases say it can.. when I mash the pedal, I expect the transmission to be able to figure out what to shift to and go there.. but no, it ratchets down thru the gears..

A secondary complaint is that under heavy throttle, the hang time between gears is pretty long .. longer than the 545RFE in my '07..

...tom
 
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#11 ·
JP,

I have driven another Overland V6, and it does drive differently. The problem was that the other Overland had only a few miles. From what I read, the problem just gets worse and worse as time goes on. I am not going to sit around and wait for something to get worse considering my head jerks when it shifts down/up. That's ridiculous to take that kind of attitude that I'll just have to wait on it for an update. The right stance is to be pissed off that pathetic Jeep put out a vehicle that doesn't even work right and are expecting owners to "wait" for an update.

I don't appreciate your crappy patronizing tone toward me about "have I driven an 8 speed transmission before." Regardless whether I have or not, it should be shifting smooth, and not having problems like hundreds/thousands of other Jeep owners are having. However, yes I have driven an 8 speed transmission: made by BMW and that was like butter. I never once even felt the shifting!

Regarding the air suspension message: I have had it thrown more than just twice. I throws it a great deal: when I am not using it: and it is very cool outside. Excuse me for not being a complacent doormat about this issue like you. When a vehicle throws an error message, that's alarming especially with only 1k miles on it. Moreover, maybe you have the money to throw around if this car keeps breaking down over time once the warranty is over, but I don't. Plus, I expect a better performing vehicle, especially one with only 1k miles. These two issues are only two of the many I am having to include the remote start, uconnect issues, etc. Maybe you are happy with a half piece of crap vehicle for almost 50k, but I am not.
 
#46 ·
JP,


I don't appreciate your crappy patronizing tone toward me about "have I driven an 8 speed transmission before." Regardless whether I have or not, it should be shifting smooth, and not having problems like hundreds/thousands of other Jeep owners are having. However, yes I have driven an 8 speed transmission: made by BMW and that was like butter. I never once even felt the shifting!

Regarding the air suspension message: I have had it thrown more than just twice. I throws it a great deal: when I am not using it: and it is very cool outside. Excuse me for not being a complacent doormat about this issue like you. When a vehicle throws an error message, that's alarming especially with only 1k miles on it. Moreover, maybe you have the money to throw around if this car keeps breaking down over time once the warranty is over, but I don't. Plus, I expect a better performing vehicle, especially one with only 1k miles. These two issues are only two of the many I am having to include the remote start, uconnect issues, etc. Maybe you are happy with a half piece of crap vehicle for almost 50k, but I am not.
Wow...you sound like a total ass by jumping on another forum member who is just trying to help.

Karma is a B.
 
#37 ·
Is, was, and seemingly will continue to be rough even after 3 different resets over 8000miles.

It goes back in to a different dealership on Tuesday and as I have been complaining to Jeep Cares on a weekly basis, I am being assigned a case manager. When I get his/her contact info I am sending them a copy of all these threads so they can no longer claim that I am a crazy person and the only one with this problem that they claim does no exist.
 
#14 ·
Yes you better believe I am considering selling it! However, it should not have had to come to that. I have had better functioning vehicles that cost tens of thousands less. It should not be like pulling teeth with a manufacturer just to get something to work right!

I just feel sorry for all the unsuspecting prospective Jeep owners who read reviews from MT or Consumer Reports and think that its an exceptional vehicle. I mean for goodness sake, even Mazda has pandora already loaded on their infotainment system, whereas Jeep can't even get that right let alone other major glaring defects!
 
#16 ·
Bill De,

I agree, shouting won't help here; however, since Chrysler won't listen, I needed to vent. The problem exists, it just so perfectly "doesn't exist" when I take it in.

When I depress the brake as I am slowing rather than coasting down, it jerks even harder.

Unfortunately, I agree about the lemon law statement. It's just an annoyance that Jeep would put out a vehicle with new specs that are clearly not ready! My problem is that even customer service doesn't admit that what I am experiencing is an issue. I just called back again today and the rude lady told me she had never heard these issues so I must be the only one (pathetic service: something that in any normal business they would get written up for and fired).
 
#17 ·
I had a bad experience with a Jeep c/s rep over something very simple. I did get a call back a couple of days later from a supervisor who admitted she didn't handle the problem.

On the other hand, I had to contact uConnect c/s yesterday and they were terrific to talk to. One issue solved over night, the other will be when they finish an update.



----
 
#18 ·
Hmm.. I wish I would have had a good experience. I requested that her supervisor call me back, but I don't know if she actually put in the request. I guess we will find out. Her solution was to take more time off and drive the Jeep with the tech in the vehicle to try to "duplicate" the problem. However, the problem is that with the air suspension, I can't duplicate it because it has a mind of its own. With the transmission, it also apparently does as well.

If you don't mind me asking what issue are you having with Uconnect that they fixed? I wonder if its something I am having problems with as well. Thanks!
 
#19 ·
Rough indeed...I'm interested to see if the fix proposed works....would seem to me that a reboot would need to be performed frequently to address the problem...

Also sounds like something isn't shielded correctly if its a build-up issue...

It's definitely gotten worse since it left the lot...more frequent and rougher on a daily basis.
 
#20 ·
I had a problem with POI in the nav system. I hit the assist button and it said the vehicle wasn't registered. I called the phone number they provided and while we were still on the phone, by chance, the nav problem resolved itself. The not registered, meaning no usable assist button, did not. She gave me a ticket number. I then was transferred to someone to discuss the 'turns in cluster' shutting off every few days. On that I was told they are working on a fix that will be automatically downloaded when completed.

I got a call today telling me the techs had fixed the assist button problem during the night. She said that if I had time she would stay on the line while I checked it. It worked like it should.

---
 
#21 ·
I have had problems that started at 300 miles . The dealers in the beginning refused to say there was something wrong . After a while I have over 4 attempts to repair and they do not fix it . The Field Rep Brian Stoskopf was NO help to me whatsoever . Disappointed ! I have learned that the 5.7 Hemi GC Don't seem to have the problems that I and others do.
 
#26 ·
Well, I have a 5.7 and had the rough shifting transmission problem; however I had a very different experience than Eagleone. In my case the problem started also within the first few miles. The main issue was a very rough downshifting into first gear (often felt as if someone rear ended me when slowing down to a stop). After a 1000 mi it started getting worse making grinding noises and hunting for gears when cruising at 65 mph. After discussing with my salesman several times over the phone he facilitated an appointment with the service department. I went in with the vehicle at about 1300mi. I took a test drive with them and we were able to duplicate the issue (inside the dealer's parking lot!!). The dealer took the car, gave me a loaner, and, 3 weeks later, I got my truck back with a new 8 speed transmission installed. They explained that they found water mixed with the transmission fluid and that it ruined the transmission.

There were no questions asked. As expected, the factory warranty covered every single part. Other than waiting 3 weeks for parts, installation,and verification by Chrysler Rep, i had no issues and got great service from my Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealer in Puerto Rico (Bayamon Flagship).

I am a very happy owner. My Overland rocks! I can testify that Chrysler/Jeep is activelly looking after their products; specially the 2014 GC.
 
#22 ·
Eagleone,

I am sorry you are going through the same thing. I too have picked up on the fact that the 5.7 V8 isn't experiencing this problem. However, you got further than I have with a field rep. I didn't even know there was a problem.

I think we are all in the same boat. It's quite pathetic. I almost see a class action lawsuit: oh wait except I think a part of the arbitration agreement, it doesn't allow for that. Looks like Jeep thought of everything.
 
#23 ·
Transmission for me is a love hate type thing. Makes the v6 seem much better than my 2012. Freeway driving is great, stop and go light traffic is horrid without eco mode off depending how easy you go on the gas. Do feel clunks here or there when slowing. With the complaints I have knowing that it could be better, I still like it better than my old 5 speed. Sure the 5 speed was smoother but its called a slushbox for a reason. 8 speed just isnt as slushy. I'm sure they will tune it up better at some point, just waiting around for that day. In no way would it stop me from recommending the vehicle though.
 
#25 ·
Transmission for me is a love hate type thing. ... Freeway driving is great, stop and go light traffic is horrid without eco mode off depending how easy you go on the gas. Do feel clunks here or there when slowing. ... I'm sure they will tune it up better at some point, just waiting around for that day. In no way would it stop me from recommending the vehicle though.
this is how I feel. if I have to pull the fuse for a half hour every now and again until it's fixed then so be it. totally love the car otherwise.
 
#28 ·
Interesting about the water in the tranny. That would be terrible if that was the issue for everyone. I mean, good for those of you with problems, you'd get a new tranny. It's bad for Jeep though, lots of money down the tube.

I hope they figure out the problems for all of you. It's pretty bad paying a bunch of money for something with problems, but that's why you have a warranty. With any product, especially something as complicated as a car, you will have your duds. If you don't want to deal with it, sell the car.
 
#31 ·
Sorry to hear about your problems. There is no reason it should not be fixed properly. I have a V6 overland and the transmission is perfect - one of the best attributes of the vehicle. I do feel downshift and a slightly "firmer" shifting in sport mode which is what I would exepect. Good luck..

PS - I had a poor service experience (rattle in headliner not fixed) and when Chrysler called for the survey, I gave them poor feedback. The dealer called me back within 2 days and wanted to make it right so at least I have seen an attempt to provide better satisfaction.
 
#34 ·
Sorry to hear about your problems. There is no reason it should not be fixed properly. I have a V6 overland and the transmission is perfect - one of the best attributes of the vehicle. I do feel downshift and a slightly "firmer" shifting in sport mode which is what I would expect. Good luck..

PS - I had a poor service experience (rattle in headliner not fixed) and when Chrysler called for the survey, I gave them poor feedback. The dealer called me back within 2 days and wanted to make it right so at least I have seen an attempt to provide better satisfaction.
I also have had poor service as well from my Dealer. Filled out the survey and yes they did call and get me back into the dealership. So Tomorrow I'm going back for the third time to have issues addressed.

I look at it this way. A car company builds a vehicle and introduces it early in the model year with lot of quirks. A LOT! Some new and some that have plagued prior years. So,how can we expect the dealers to correct these "quirks" that the factory can't resolve before they deliver them!
It just does not make sense. Many people like myself just put up with it because we love our Jeeps. But some will never come back to the JEEP brand.
 
#32 ·
I will occasionally get a clunk in the transmission from 3 to 2 shifts at low speed. For example when starting off at a stop sign I'll give it a little gas and as the Jeep is slowly accelerating I'll let up on the gas and CLUNK. Also, in ECO mode the tranny is already in 5th gear at 25mph. I just dropped off my jeep at the dealership this morning to fix a few things. Pulls to the left, steering wheel shakes at 65mph, steering wheel not centered, sunroof does not sit flush with the roof when closed, liftgate handle trim not flush. Wish me luck.
 
#36 · (Edited)
My 2014 Grand Cherokee V6 Overland has a verified problem at 2 dealerships. Most recently the Trans Tech said is was at NEG 10 ! Normal is Positive 10. Its on the invoice. Yet NOW the dealership refuses to allow to bring it in because Chrysler says the Transmission is operating as intended. I challenge a Chrysler Corporate Rep to put on a Armani Suit and sit in the passenger seat holding a full cup of coffee in there lap. Let me know if anyone in that capacity is willing to accept my challenge.
 
#40 ·
I believe it is a programming issue because if I drive in sport mode, it is definitely smoother. On downshifts (coming to a complete stop) I let the tranny do its own thing while in sport mode and it is much smoother than either Eco or non-Eco mode. It is my wife's primary car and she is only comfortable using auto, so hopefully there is a flash update at some point. We are waiting till the first oil change, as the 2nd battery reset seemed to smooth things out a bit, but it is far from perfect.
 
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