Four problems related to clutch have been reported for the 2001 Jeep Wrangler. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The clutch master cylinder hose failed. The failure caused a rapid loss of clutch hydraulic fluid leaving the vehicle inoperable without any warning. The vehicle was serviced for debris, shield recalled by the dealership where it was purchased from two days and approximately 100 miles prior to the failure. Dealership contended they were not at fault however repairs would be covered under warranty.
I have a 2001 Jeep Wrangler sahara with approximately 20 kmi. The hydraulic union fitting between the clutch master cylinder reservoir and the hose disassembled while driving on the highway. The failure caused a rapid loss of clutch hydraulic fluid, leaving the vehicle inoperable without any warning. The vehicle was serviced by the dealership that it was purchased from two days, and approximately 100 miles prior to the failure (the service was for the debris shield recall and a lube, oil and filter change). The dealership and the daimlerchrysler customer assistance center contend that the dealer is not at fault, and the repair is therefore covered under warranty. That means that they believe that root cause of the failure is due to either the design or manufacturing process. In either case, this would cause other Jeep vehicles to experience a catastrophic loss of clutch hydraulic fluid while in operation. This is a serious safety issue. I have digital photos of the failed joint. Please let me know if there is an email address where I can send them to you.
Transmission makes a grinding noise when in neutral and clutch let out. Dealer checked for running rough and found that flash for computer was not available. Once flash was available, brought in Jeep for flash and manufacturer replaced transfer case shift rod, per TSB. Grinding noise was not fixed, pointed it out and dealer told me that was how this model and year sounds. Brought it back around 13,000 miles and dealer determined that a new transmission was needed. Ordered and replaced standard 5 speed transmission. Seemed to fix problem, although there is still just a slight sound which dealer said was normal.
Clutch master cylinder failed at 12k miles.