2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler & Gladiator Corrosion Warranty Update

FCA Caribbean has issued Warranty Bulletin ID-23-03 Rev. F to streamline the corrosion warranty claim process for 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler (JL) and Jeep Gladiator (JT) vehicles. This bulletin, effective for repairs completed on or after August 13, 2024, primarily focuses on simplifying paint repair and replacement claims related to corrosion. This is a process change communication, not a coverage change.

This update applies to vehicles in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Owners of affected vehicles experiencing Jeep Wrangler Gladiator corrosion issues should be aware of these revised procedures for warranty claims.

What's Changed in Corrosion Warranty Claims

Previously, corrosion warranty claims required Vehicle Digital Imaging (VDI) pre-approval, along with detailed measurement requirements and a 'Repair vs Replace' worksheet. Under the new guidelines outlined in bulletin ID-23-03 Rev. F, these steps are no longer necessary for claim support, significantly simplifying the process for dealers and owners alike. However, all other repairs will continue to follow Warranty Bulletin ID-20-21 Rev. A.

New Labor Operations (LOPs) have been developed to encompass all necessary painting, de-trimming, repair, blending, and seam sealer work for individual panel repairs or replacements. This aims to simplify the claim and estimating process.

Identifying Corrosion Issues

Technicians are instructed to perform a quality inspection of all hinge mounting areas and panel seams. Any panel showing corrosion should be addressed during the service visit. The bulletin provides examples of corrosion types that warrant attention:

• Pitting found after sanding the affected area (as shown in Figure 1 of the bulletin). If pitting is identified during sanding, specific LOPs like 23-75-XX-XX and 23-85 are to be used.
• Corrosion found on the seam of the panel (as shown in Figure 2 of the bulletin). If seam corrosion is present, the door shell will be replaced, and no additional sanding in the hinge or seam area is supported.

If Jeep Wrangler Gladiator corrosion is found in both hinge areas and panel edges/bottoms, the entire panel should be replaced.

Improved Repair Procedures

A redesigned hinge, featuring a new gasket, has been introduced to address corrosion issues. When replacing these hinges, technicians MUST replace them as a set (upper and lower per component) to avoid visual mismatches. Hinges on other doors should only be replaced if corrosion is present. For more details on this, refer to Technical Service Bulletin 23-020-23.

Collision Service Bulletin 31-001-24 provides further guidance on the inspection process and criteria for panel replacement. The repair allowance for bundled LOPs covers either hinge area repairs or corrosion on panel edges/bottoms.

Claim Submission Guidelines

Dealers will now submit these panel repairs as a normal Warranty (W) claim, rather than a sublet claim for third-party body shop work. The claim should include the Technician ID as "none," parts and materials (MATL), new Labor Operations (LOPs), and RA attachments.

Crucially, dealers are required to take clear photos of the affected areas, which MUST include the VIN and the affected body panel. The VIN can be shown on a sticky note, written with a grease pen, or a copy of the Repair Order (RO) in the photo (Figure 3).

Non-Reimbursable Items

Collision Service Bulletin 31-001-24 outlines several items that are not reimbursable under this warranty process. Owners should be aware that the following are excluded from material allowance:

• Hazardous material disposal fees
• Shop supplies
• Pre and post scans
• Cleaning, waxing, and sanitizing supplies
• Protective covers or storage bags
• Fitting/aligning panels
• Resetting electronics and memory functions
• De-nib and polish
• Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery
• Upgraded anti-corrosion/paint protection
• Body shop administrative fees
• Towing and storage fees
• Additional labor, parts, or services not supported by the Collision Service Bulletin

New Labor Operations (LOPs)

To further simplify the claim process, new LOPs have been created that bundle all necessary detrimming, repair, and refinishing steps. For example, 23-75-53-02 is the new LOP for repairing a front door hinge area, covering the entire repair with a single code. Similarly, 23-85-53-11 is used when a door shell is replaced.

Additional LOPs are available for other affected panels, including single rear doors, hoods, tailgates, and windshield frames, such as 23755302, 23755402, 23752111, 23753702, 23751002, 23855311, 23855411, 23852112, 23853711, and 23851011.

NHTSA ID: 11008697