2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator Corrosion Warranty Claims Simplified

Jeep has released Warranty Bulletin D-23-04 (Revision D), effective August 7, 2024, to simplify the corrosion warranty claim process for paint repairs and replacements on certain vehicles. This bulletin specifically impacts 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler (JL) and 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator (JT) models.

What's Changed

The primary change introduced by bulletin D-23-04 is the elimination of Vehicle Digital Imaging (VDI) pre-approval requirements. Previously, technicians had to provide measurements and a Repair vs. Replace worksheet for claim support, but these are now no longer required. This update is a process change communication, not a change in warranty coverage. Owners should always verify coverage using DealerCONNECT or wiADVISOR VIP.

New Labor Operations have been developed to include labor and material allowances for various tasks such as painting, de-trimming, repair, blending for individual panel repairs or replacements, and the removal and installation of seam sealer. These new operations simplify the claim and estimating process for corrosion-related repairs.

Identifying Corrosion Issues

Dealers are instructed to perform a quality inspection of all hinge mounting areas and panel seams to ensure all areas of the customer's vehicle are addressed during a single visit. Any panel showing corrosion should be repaired.

Two primary conditions indicate a corrosion repair is needed:

1. Pitting after sanding: If pitting is found after sanding the affected area, as depicted in Figure 1 of the bulletin, a repair is necessary. For this specific condition, Labor Operation (LOP) 23-75-XX-XX can be used for up to 0.5 hours in conjunction with the 23-85 replacement LOP.
2. Corrosion on panel seam: If corrosion is found on the seam of a panel, as shown in Figure 2, the door shell must be replaced. No additional sanding in the hinge or seam area is supported for this type of corrosion.

Important Warnings for Dealers and Owners

• Hinge Replacement: A redesigned hinge has been created to address corrosion. If these new hinges are installed, they MUST be replaced as a set (upper and lower per component) to prevent a visual mismatch. Do NOT replace hinges on other doors if no signs of corrosion are found. More information on redesigned hinges is available in Technical Service Bulletin 23-020-23.
• Other Repairs: All other repairs not explicitly covered by this bulletin will continue to follow Warranty Bulletin D-19-27.
• Dealer Awareness: Dealership personnel are required to be aware of the contents of this bulletin.

Claim Processing and Labor Operations

Corrosion warranty claims for paint repairs and replacements should no longer be submitted as sublet claims. Instead, dealers must enter all parts and labor as a traditional repair to ensure maximum supported reimbursement. Claims should be submitted as a normal Warranty (W) claim with the following information:

• Technician ID: Enter as "none"
• Parts and materials: Enter as "MATL"
• Labor: Use new Labor Operations only
• RA attachments: A sublet invoice must be submitted with the claim and retained in the dealer's file. If the sublet bill is less than the claim amount, adjust the claim total in the "adjustment field" in Claim Entry.
• Photos: Clear photos of the affected areas are required and MUST include the VIN and the affected body panel. The VIN can be included on a sticky note, written with a grease pen, a copy of the Repair Order (RO), or masking tape within the photo (Figure 3).

To simplify the claim process, new LOPs have been created that bundle all necessary de-trimming, repair, and refinishing. For example:

• Single Front Door Repair: LOP 23755302 (Panel, Front Door: JL/JT Single Front Door Repair) has a labor time of 6.3 hours and a material allowance of $171.17.
• Front Door Replacement: LOP 23855311 (Panel, Front Door; JL/JT Complete Replacement) has a labor time of 6.3 hours and a material allowance of $229.41.

Additional new LOPs are available for other panels, including:

• Repair LOPs:
  • Single Rear Door: 23755402 (5.8 Labor, $146.69 Material)
  • Hood: 23752111 (6.6 Labor, $271.04 Material)
  • Tail Gate: 23753702 (6.1 Labor, $228.86 Material)
  • Windshield Frame: 23751002 (7 Labor, $189.00 Material)
• Replacement LOPs:
  • Single Rear Door: 23855411 (5.5 Labor, $233.24 Material)
  • Hood: 23852112 (6.7 Labor, $389.43 Material)
  • Tail Gate: 23853711 (5.7 Labor, $378.21 Material)
  • Windshield Frame: 23851011 (5 Labor, $89.241 Material)

Non-Reimbursable Items

Collision Service Bulletin 31-001-24 outlines parts and materials included in the material allowance. However, certain items are explicitly listed as non-reimbursable. These include, but are not limited to:

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

This simplification of the Jeep Wrangler corrosion warranty claim process aims to streamline repairs and reduce administrative burden for dealers, ensuring timely and efficient service for affected vehicles.

NHTSA ID: D-23-04