I own a John Deere 1025R 2022 that’s just shy of a year old with 180 hours on it. I’ve gone above and beyond with maintenance, and it’s always stored indoors. Let me start by saying I’m a big fan of this tractor — it consistently outperforms expectations for its size and impresses me. However, I’ve had numerous warranty issues, some recurring. As of this morning, I’ve dropped it off at the dealership for the sixth week of repairs in less than a year.
Here’s a rundown of the issues I’ve faced so far: there was a severe vibration caused by loose motor mounts, the fuel tank had to be replaced due to internal rusting, and the fuel sending unit was swapped because it inaccurately showed a quarter tank when empty. The fuel pickup was also replaced after the engine started sputtering and losing power. The left front tie rod was replaced when the boot detached. The transmission had to be removed and resealed because of a leak in the front cover, and the neutral safety switch was replaced after hydraulic oil caused it to fail.
This morning, I took it in again because the transmission is leaking once more, the fuel gauge is inaccurate again (still showing a quarter tank when empty), and the engine is sputtering and losing power yet again. The service manager mentioned they often have to repair transmissions two or three times to stop the leaks — a 12-hour job. I’ve contacted JD to request a replacement machine because I’ve completely lost confidence in this one.
Has anyone else faced similar issues? This whole situation has been incredibly frustrating.
Wow, I’m honestly at a loss for words, and I’m sorry you’re dealing with this—I can’t even begin to imagine how frustrating it must be. I also have a 2022 model with 150 hours on it, and thankfully, mine has been completely problem – free so far (though I hesitate to even mention that, as I know it doesn’t help your situation). I’ve done the transmission service at 50 hours and kept up with other maintenance every 50 hours, including oil changes and similar tasks.
In my opinion, Deere should replace your tractor with a new one. It sounds like you’d qualify under the lemon law, and it might be worth consulting an attorney to explore your options.
The fuel tank is made of plastic. Are you referring to the replacement of the filler neck where the cap screws on?
There isn’t a fuel pickup inside the tank — it operates on gravity from the bottom. Typically, the small inline filter located beneath the left floorboard is the part that gets clogged.
I’m mentioning this because if your dealer gave you the explanation you shared, it doesn’t sound accurate.
Coupled with the comment about needing “two or three attempts to fix the transaxle leaks,” it really makes me question whether your dealer is being honest with you.
At this point, I’d likely be taking the same approach you are.
From what you’ve described, it seems clear that JD should step up and take responsibility. It also raises concerns about the competence of your dealer, as their explanation or your understanding of the repairs sounds questionable. Regarding the fuel issue, it’s worth considering whether both fuel filters were replaced or if the same one was swapped each time. It’s possible that dirt or debris is finding its way into the fuel tank. Could dirt have fallen in from a fuel container with a dusty or dirty exterior? Even a one-time contamination might leave residue in the tank that continues to clog the filters.
How clean are your fuel containers on the outside? Is it possible that the tank cap was left off while using the tractor in dusty conditions, allowing contaminants to enter the system? Frequent filter clogging in the first year is a significant warning sign.
As for the fuel gauge, did it function correctly after the first replacement before showing the same inaccurate reading again? The recurring 1/4 tank error on both occasions raises suspicions—was the fuel sender replaced along with the gauge, or are they part of a single unit?
Finally, you didn’t mention a hydraulic leak, so how did hydraulic fluid end up affecting the neutral safety switch? That part of the situation seems unusual and worth clarifying.
Hello everyone, and thank you for all your support and advice. I wanted to share an update on my situation. The dealer had my tractor for the entirety of last week. During that time, they resealed the transmission, addressed the fuel gauge issue, and tried to fix the running problem. I picked it up Friday evening but didn’t have a chance to use it until a couple of days ago.
The good news is that the transmission is no longer leaking. However, the running issue has become significantly worse — I couldn’t even drive the tractor. My suspicion is that the small filter is clogged again. After calling the dealership’s general manager, we met yesterday to discuss the situation. He had consulted with a regional service representative who believes the entire fuel system, including the injectors, has been contaminated due to rust in the fuel tank.
The meeting went well, and I’m thrilled to share that the dealership agreed to buy back my 1025R and worked out an amazing deal for me on a 2025R TLB. I’m excited to say I have a new tractor on the way! They happen to have the exact model I want in stock, so I’ll be getting my new machine very soon. They paid off my current tractor at nearly $18,000, which is top dollar for a one-year-old machine with 190 hours on it.
I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. This experience has shown me the importance of documenting everything, staying calm, and avoiding threats — doing so can lead to great results.
