Jeep->ke40 is again having transmission software woes related to the nine-speed automatic derived from the popular ZF eight-speed. This time, the issues surround the 2015 Renegade – Jeep’s version of the Fiat->ke30 500L and 500X. FCA had very similar problems with the Cherokee during its rollout back in 2013. And as before, the issues are keeping dealerships from receiving inventory.
Like with the Cherokee, engineers are having issues calibrating the Renegade’s nine-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Cherokee however, the Renegade has its own unique 4WD systems, which according to FCA’s CEO Sergio Marchionne, during a recent SAE awards ceremony, is the reason calibration of the drivetrain is taking so long.
This means FCA is holding freshly minted Renegades from heading to dealers while the software is being vetted. Jeep has already sold 5,157 Renegades, so those Jeeps will likely be under recall once the software is fixed. Marchionne predicted the issue should be resolved by mid-June.
The CEO made no bones about how he felt, speaking candidly at the awards ceremony. “I’m having a very bad engineering day. It’s a combination of attributes of that vehicle that is making my life horrible.” Despite his troubles, Marchionne received an industry leader of the year award from the SAE Foundation.
The Renegade wasn’t the only vehicle Marchionne mentioned. Check out our report on his talkings regarding the next-generation Jeep Wrangler.
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Why it Matters
FCA seems to have a few bugs left in its nine-speed automatic transmission. Not only has the Cherokee and now Renegade experienced problems, software programming in the Chrysler 200 is also under review.
From the perspective outside of Chrysler, it would seem the automaker is simply releasing products too early, without fully having calibrations and testing completed. It’s a bit concerning, especially considering how recalls and vehicle troubles have been leading headlines in non-automotive based media.