2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler & Gladiator Corrosion Warranty Claim Simplification

Jeep has released Warranty Bulletin D-23-04 Rev. F, effective for repairs completed on or after August 13, 2024. This bulletin introduces a simplified process for corrosion warranty claims on 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler (JL) and 2021-2024 Jeep Gladiator (JT) vehicles. The update streamlines the claim process for paint repairs and replacements, including changes to labor time and material allowances.

The primary goal of this bulletin is to simplify the Jeep Wrangler corrosion warranty claim process. It updates the timing for repairs, adds 2024 model year vehicles to the scope, and revises the Collision Service Bulletin number. Notably, the requirement for Vehicle Digital Imaging (VDI) pre-approval has been eliminated for these vehicles under warranty, along with the measurement requirements and the Repair vs. Replace worksheet for claim support.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

This bulletin includes critical information for both owners and service centers:

• "These vehicles no longer require Vehicle Digital Imaging (VDI) pre-approval." for corrosion warranty claims.
• "The measurement requirements and the Repair vs Replace worksheet has been eliminated for claim support."
• "However, when a vehicle's Corrosion Warranty expires, the dealer must submit a a Vehicle Digital Imaging request." This request must include photos of the customer's "Filiform corrosion" concerns and an internal Repair Order proving the concern was raised during the warranty period.
• "If the customer did not come in during corrosion coverage, the standard Warranty Goodwill Grid process will apply."
• "Do not replace the hinges on the other doors if no signs of corrosion is found."
• "No additional sanding in the hinge or seam area is supported."
• "Always verify coverage using DealerCONNECT or wiADVISOR VIP."

Symptoms of Corrosion

Owners may notice various signs of corrosion on their vehicles. The bulletin specifically references:

• "Pitting found after sanding the affected area" (Figure 1 in the original document).
• "Corrosion found on the seam of the panel" (Figure 2 in the original document).

These are key indicators that a repair under the corrosion warranty may be necessary.

Diagnosis and Inspection

To properly address corrosion, a thorough quality inspection of all hinge mounting areas and panel seams should be completed during a service visit. Any panel showing corrosion based on this inspection should be addressed. Collision Service Bulletin 31-001-24 provides further details on the inspection process and criteria for panel replacement.

For claim support, dealers are required to take clear photos of the affected areas. These photos "MUST include the VIN and affected body panel," which can be shown on a sticky note or written with a grease pen (Figure 3 in the original document).

Repair Procedure Overview

New Labor Operations (LOPs) have been developed to simplify the repair and claim process. These LOPs cover painting, de-trimming, repair, blending for individual panel repairs/replacements, and the removal and installation of seam sealer. For these specific repairs, the previous requirements for measurements and the Repair vs. Replace worksheet are no longer needed.

For hinge-related corrosion, a redesigned hinge with a new gasket is available. If hinges require replacement, they "MUST be replaced as a set (upper and lower per component)" to ensure visual consistency. Panel replacement is necessary if pitting is found after sanding or if corrosion is present on the panel seam.

Claim Processing Details

Dealers will now submit these panel repairs as a normal Warranty (W) claim, rather than a sublet claim through a third-party body shop. To process a Jeep Wrangler corrosion warranty claim, the following information is required:

• Technician ID entered as "none".
• Part(s) and materials (MATL).
• Labor (using the new Labor Operations).
• RA attachments.
• If a sublet invoice is involved, it must be submitted with the claim and retained in the dealer's file. The claim total should be adjusted if the sublet bill is less than the claim amount.
• Photos showing the VIN and the affected area are mandatory.

Labor Operations (LOPs) for Corrosion Repairs

The bulletin introduces new LOPs that bundle various repair steps, simplifying the process for technicians. For example, LOP 23-75-53-02 is used for repairing a front door hinge area, and LOP 23-85-53-11 is for replacing a door shell. Other LOPs cover repairs for single rear doors, hoods, tailgates, and windshield frames, each bundling all necessary labor operations for a complete repair.

NHTSA ID: 11008972