FaultScore

2017 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems

50 of the 422 complaints about the 2017 Jeep Wrangler are about the transmission — 12% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 19,000 miles.

D

50

Complaints

0

Crashes

7

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Power Train 49 98.0%
Clutch Assembly 1 2.0%

Transmission & Drivetrain across every Jeep Wrangler year

1991 10 0.4%
1992 13 0.6%
1993 13 0.6%
1994 19 0.9%
1995 32 1.4%
1997 57 2.6%
1998 35 1.6%
1999 21 0.9%
2000 75 3.4%
2001 25 1.1%
2002 14 0.6%
2003 25 1.1%
2004 29 1.3%
2005 41 1.8%
2006 58 2.6%
2007 47 2.1%
2008 68 3.1%
2009 34 1.5%
2010 72 3.2%
2011 40 1.8%
2012 285 12.8%
2013 230 10.3%
2014 89 4.0%
2015 51 2.3%
2016 73 3.3%
2017 50 2.2%
2018 174 7.8%
2019 78 3.5%
2020 47 2.1%
2021 139 6.2%
2022 60 2.7%
2023 47 2.1%
2024 164 7.4%
2025 11 0.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 100,000 miles Cromwell, CT

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-45 MPH, the vehicle lost power. On another occasion, while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. While shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The driver was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was running, and the heat was functioning. The vehicle was towed to a AAA Service Center, where the filter and oil were changed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to AAA again, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11716113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rainbow City, AL

POWER TRAIN

I bought my 2017 jeep with 29,000 miles on it. I had an issue with the rear driverside brake locking up around 40,000 miles. I feel this is a safety issue due to how hot the brakes got and at times would be smoking. It being the weekend and my only vehicle, repaired myself for approximately $280. I have had to replace several coil packs around $50,000 miles. My main complaint today, at 66,000 miles it seems to be leaking oil. I took to mechanic this morning and was told this is a common problem with jeeps. The oil cooler housing is cracked and leaking. This part is made out of plastic. The repair for this is going to cost $1200 to $1500. I have read complaints regarding this issue and do not understand why this hasn't been recalled. This is a major safety concern and could possibly cause a fire. I have owned jeeps my whole life and as of today, I will never purchase another. The jeep brand has declined in reliability and has proved to be a huge financial mistake.

NHTSA complaint #11714489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ames, IA

POWER TRAIN

Parts of the manual transmission are failing and appear in the bottom of the transmission when changing the fluid. It appears to be part of the synchro. This is apparently not uncommon for these manual transmissions. There were no warning lamps or messages indicating a failure or problem with the transmission. A transmission failure can startle a driver and cause an accident. It did not in this case.

NHTSA complaint #11693818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Worth, TX

POWER TRAIN

Transmission clunking when changing gears, while my abs light is on. The break pedals rumble and the car is scary to drive. These issues are with a faulty abs control module.

NHTSA complaint #11688805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 37,000 miles Denmark, WI

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the transmission independently shifted out of reverse(R). The contact immediately grabbed the gear shifter immediately and shifted back into reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission crankshaft and drive train had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure returned several weeks later. The vehicle was taken to another certified mechanic, was diagnosed it with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact learned that the transmission had been replaced by the previous owner at 9,588 miles in 2019. The vehicle was not repaired again. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The dealer had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,000.

NHTSA complaint #11681289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 2,000 miles Kaycee, WY

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was restarted, and when the gear shifter was shifted into the desired position, the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred 5 years later. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

NHTSA complaint #11657173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North East, MD

POWER TRAIN

Recurrent transmission pan gasket leaking. Repaired and replaced pan and gasket in March 2024 and reoccurred December 2024. Uploaded March Report, currently at dealer for repair 2nd incident now. Vehicles manufactured Nov 2016 had a recall for this same issue but this vehicle wasn’t included due to it being a couple months manufactured. Likely should have been included.

NHTSA complaint #11628503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lancaster, OH

POWER TRAIN

Have the rear axle gears chipping/breaking off. Have mentioned this several times to dealer and they said the noise is normal for Jeeps. Took to independent repair shop and he found the gear issue, and asked me if anyone has worked on this rear end before, which would be no. He stated it looks as if someone has broke the original seal on it. I bought it at Performance CJDR in Delaware Ohio, and I'm wondering if something happened to it before I took ownership of vehicle. In process of repair at Bobbitt's Automotive repair in Lancaster Ohio... On my oil changes, the Rear Differential has always been checked OK... Now that vehicle is out of Power train Warranty this happens... My feeling is that this was always an issue with this vehicle, and was being covered up

NHTSA complaint #11607329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brighton, MI

POWER TRAIN

The plastic oil filter housing cracked leading to large oil leaks. This had been leaking for awhile and was not immediately noticed due to its placement in the valley between cylinder banks atop the engine. While investigating separate U-joint noise and driveshaft vibration that came on suddenly at 58,000 miles I found oil all over the driveshaft and traced it to the cracked housing. The repair was ~$650. Mechanics stated this is a common issue when oil change technicians over tighten the filter in the plastic housing.

NHTSA complaint #11589646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kerhonkson, NY

POWER TRAIN

Transmission failure.

NHTSA complaint #11587581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA Fire

POWER TRAIN

We were driving home from about a location an hour away. We were almost to our home when the transmission started to slip. The hot oil light came on as we were trying to ascend our hill where we live. We all of the sudden saw flames coming out the side of the vehicle. We were able to exit the vehicle and get to safety but the jeep burned completely to the ground. There was only 60k miles on it and it had been well maintained.

NHTSA complaint #11570368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Elizario, TX

POWER TRAIN

Oil filter housing is made of plastic and over time the plastic, exposed to heat cycle and elements from being under the plenum, becomes brittle and cracks. The cracks in the oil filter housing create a susbtantial oil leak that drips engine oil onto the exhaust and is a potential for a fire. If the oil level is not properly maintained it could also create a lack of lubrication on the engine for a potential engine lock up while being driven.

NHTSA complaint #11564935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Del Rio, TX

POWER TRAIN

When driving at highway speed of appx. 60mph, driver heard a loud pop followed by grinding from under the vehicle. Driver pulled over, and assessed for visible damage, none was seen. A tow truck was called, as the severe grinding sound continued if the vehicle moved at all. It was taken back to the dealership where they discovered that the front driveshaft was completely destroyed. No one was injured, however had this happened during busy traffic it could have caused an incident. The front driveshaft, along with all applicable seals were replaced, at the owners expense as were the towing costs. No cause was found. See also NHTSA ID number: 11156532. My incident was not as severe, however very similar.

NHTSA complaint #11565005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Daphne, AL Fire

POWER TRAIN

Jeep caught on fire on the interstate. 17 year old boy had to pull over and escape vehicle. Vehicle left the side of the road even after being in park and brake. Vehicle continued unmanned on interstate into oncoming traffic engulfed in flames. It has not been confirmed by a dealer. Vehicle was inspected by State Farm. NO warnings given prior to incident.

NHTSA complaint #11536634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Babylon, NY

POWER TRAIN

Faulty torque converter causes vehicle to stall.

NHTSA complaint #11506793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Babylon, NY

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle stalls when going into reverse mainly during first start of the day, but has happened throughout the day as well. Many people in online wrangler forums are attributing this to a faulty torque converter. No symptoms prior to this failure but it’s affecting many jeeps with low mileage like mine.

NHTSA complaint #11506795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pine Mountain Club, CA Fire

POWER TRAIN

The transfer case randomly blew up in a ball of fire while driving on a highway speeds of 65-70mph while the vehicle was in 2wd. Vehicle was totalled due to the fire.

NHTSA complaint #11503709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Beaver Falls, PA

POWER TRAIN

In November 2019, 47,000 miles I began experiencing issues with the vehicle popping out of reverse and grinding gears. A shift fork was replaced under warranty. Now, at 68,000 miles I am experiencing the exact same issue. The part is now out of 2 year warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11475703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Reading, PA

POWER TRAIN

ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVATE AT LOW SPEEDS - AT 5-10 MPH. IT APPLIES THE BRAKES WITHOUT WARNING AND CUTS POWER TO THE ENGINE.

NHTSA complaint #11444342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 33,000 miles Newburgh, NY Fire

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the contact saw smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the clutch disintegrated causing the clutch to catch on fire. There was no crash nor injuries due to the fire. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was not contacted. A police report was not filed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with the clutch needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21V028000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA complaint #11425156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 26,000 miles Ipswich, MA

POWER TRAIN

INTERMMITTENT STALLING WHEN PUT IN REVERSE. HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY IN COLD WEATHER. HAS SHUTTERED SEVERAL TIMES AND ONE STALL WHEN PUT IN DRIVE BUT HAPPENS MOSTLY WHEN REVERSING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE WINTER 2019 WITH NO RESOLUTION AFTER DEALERSHIP CHECKED IT OUT. HARD TO DIAGNOSE BECAUSE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME.

NHTSA complaint #11398165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,000 miles Albers, IL

POWER TRAIN

OIL SPILLAGE ON DRIVEWAY. STARTED AFTER COLD WEATHER MOVED INTO AREA. NOW COSTING 1500.00 TO FIX PROBLEMS. HAVE NOTICED OF SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF SAME AREA BREAKAGE ON MULTIPLE OTHER SAME YEAR AND STYLE VEHICLES VIA INTERNET SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES.

NHTSA complaint #11397302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20,000 miles Cincinnati, OH

POWER TRAIN

BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2017, AND IN MID-2018, HAD A SYNCHRONIZING ARM REPAIRED, AS THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING OUT OF REVERSE. IN 2019, HAD IT LOOKED AT AGAIN BECAUSE IT WAS SLIPPING OUT OF 4TH GEAR, AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. IN LATE 2020, HAD IT IN TO CHECK A CREAKING NOISE WHEN DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH (LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP), AND IT WAS FULL OF RUST, THEY SAID IT NEEDED REPLACED SOMETIME SOON. SO WE TOOK IT IN NOW (FEB. 2021) AND THEY SUGGESTED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED AS WELL BECAUSE IT SLIPPED OUT OF 4TH FOR THEM WHEN THEY DROVE IT. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY RECOMMENDED CALLING CHRYSLER, WHO OPENED A CASE, AND NOW I'M TAKING IT IN TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND FOLLOWED UP THROUGH THE CASE AT CHRYSLER. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE, AS I'VE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS AND FIXES.

NHTSA complaint #11397396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warrington, PA

POWER TRAIN

OIL LEAKS FROM THE OIL COOLER HOUSING AT 34000 MILES

NHTSA complaint #11396664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,000 miles Temperance, MI

POWER TRAIN

NOTICED OIL LEAK SMELL, TOOK TO MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSIS SHOWS THE OIL HOUSING UNIT, PLASTIC COVER ON THE COOLER IS CRACKED AND LEAKING. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN OFF ROAD AND IS COMPLETELY STOCK.

NHTSA complaint #11390972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,000 miles BAY Shore, NY

POWER TRAIN

MY CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME REPAIR 3 TIMES IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS. IT WAS NEVER CORRECTED PROPERLY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DASHBOARD WAS ON (WHILE IN MOTION AND STATIONARY ON ROADS AND HIGHWAYS)BECAUSE THERE WAS A ENGINE CALIBER MISFIRE. BRAKES WERE SQUEAKING AFTER BEING REPLACED. BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, DEMANDING THIS REPAIR BE DONE PROPERLY. NAME OF THE DEALERSHIP IS EMPIRE JEEP DODGE LOCATED ON SUNRISE HIGHWAY IN WEST ISLIP NEW YORK. MY VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP - BEING WORKED ON. PER THE CONVERSATION WITH THEIR ASSOCIATE TODAY, MY CAR SHOULD BE READY BY TODAY 12/1 OR TOMORROW 12/2. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE THAT WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR IN ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 THAT I NEED TO HAVE THE INSPECTION DONE BY NOVEMBER 30. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED FURTHER DETAILS.

NHTSA complaint #11377294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Lake Worth, FL

POWER TRAIN

ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVATE AT LOW SPEEDS - AT 5-10 MPH. IT APPLIES THE BRAKES WITHOUT WARNING.

NHTSA complaint #11337827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 11,000 miles Indianapolis, IN

POWER TRAIN

I BOUGHT A NEW 2017 JEEP WRANGLER MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE CAR WILL POP OUT OF REVERSE AND WILL GRIND THE GEARS UNTIL I PUT THE CLUTCH IN OR TAKE IT OUT OF GEAR. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE SHIFTER. THEY SAID IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED THAT IS THE ISSUE AND THEY ARE REPLACING UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA complaint #11300541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 43,000 miles Clark, NJ

POWER TRAIN

THE JEEP STALLS WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE WHEN I FIRST TRY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING.

NHTSA complaint #11292560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mcdonough, GA 2 injured

POWER TRAIN

GEARS POP OUT WHILE IN REVERSE AND GRIND WHEN IN REVERSE MY JEEP IS COVERED IN RUST AND SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO FALL APART THE DEALERSHIP ACTUALLY SOLD ME A BRAND NEW RUSTY JEEP THAT THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE EVEN CHRYSLER IS GIVING ME A HARD TIME. I HAD SEVERAL LEAKS AROUND THE DOORS WINDOW AND THE TOP AND STILL THEY REFUSE AS WELL AS ME AND MY GRANDSON HAVE CUT OUT HANDS ON SHARP EDGES ON ALL THE SEATS AND TWO OF THE REAR SEAT THE SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK

NHTSA complaint #11291001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2017 Jeep Wrangler problems

← Full 2017 Jeep Wrangler report