Jeep Wrangler transmission problems

2,253 of the 23,013 complaints filed about the Jeep Wrangler are about the transmission — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2012.

2,253

Complaints

100%

Share of all complaints

60

Crashes

69

Fires

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year

1987 Wrangler 2 0.1%
1988 Wrangler 2 0.1%
1989 Wrangler 8 0.4%

Median failure at 4,000 miles

1990 Wrangler 5 0.2%
1991 Wrangler 10 0.4%
1992 Wrangler 13 0.6%
1993 Wrangler 13 0.6%
1994 Wrangler 19 0.8%
1995 Wrangler 32 1.4%

Median failure at 74,000 miles

1997 Wrangler 57 2.5%

Median failure at 73,814 miles

1998 Wrangler 35 1.6%

Median failure at 120,000 miles

1999 Wrangler 21 0.9%

Median failure at 52,000 miles

2000 Wrangler 75 3.3%

Median failure at 32,800 miles

2001 Wrangler 25 1.1%

Median failure at 90,000 miles

2002 Wrangler 14 0.6%

Median failure at 20,000 miles

2003 Wrangler 25 1.1%

Median failure at 8,600 miles

2004 Wrangler 29 1.3%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

2005 Wrangler 41 1.8%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

2006 Wrangler 58 2.6%

Median failure at 29,097 miles

2007 Wrangler 47 2.1%

Median failure at 62,500 miles

2008 Wrangler 68 3.0%

Median failure at 59,000 miles

2009 Wrangler 34 1.5%

Median failure at 41,750 miles

2010 Wrangler 72 3.2%

Median failure at 22,000 miles

2011 Wrangler 40 1.8%

Median failure at 35,000 miles

2012 Wrangler 285 12.6%

Median failure at 18,500 miles

2013 Wrangler 231 10.3%

Median failure at 22,000 miles

2014 Wrangler 89 4.0%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

2015 Wrangler 51 2.3%

Median failure at 33,000 miles

2016 Wrangler 74 3.3%

Median failure at 31,000 miles

2017 Wrangler 50 2.2%

Median failure at 19,000 miles

2018 Wrangler 177 7.9%

Median failure at 27,588 miles

2019 Wrangler 78 3.5%

Median failure at 37,250 miles

2020 Wrangler 47 2.1%

Median failure at 3,750 miles

2021 Wrangler 139 6.2%

Median failure at 15,000 miles

2022 Wrangler 61 2.7%

Median failure at 17,000 miles

2023 Wrangler 48 2.1%

Median failure at 21,000 miles

2024 Wrangler 166 7.4%

Median failure at 12,500 miles

2025 Wrangler 11 0.5%
2026 Wrangler 1 0.0%

What owners said

2016 Jeep Wrangler Los Lunas, NM

POWER TRAIN

When I was coming to a stop at a stoplight, my vehicle started to violently wobble almost having me to loose control. I was unable to slow down when pressing the brakes and almost hit vehicles in front of me.this has happened numerous times and I have had my tires rotated and alignment done just recently.

NHTSA complaint #11763902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Jeep Wrangler Maryville, TN

POWER TRAIN

After the 68c recall the power of the electric drive is limited. Frequent power loss occurs on highway driving during acceleration (merging onto highway or passing other cars). Despite the battery being charged up to 50% there is only 25% power available. The car is a plug in hybrid vehicle. The internal combustion engine starts in these cases with several seconds delay. During that time the car does not accelerate sufficiently to safely merge onto a highway or pass other cars. The power loss happens without warning during critical drive situations like merging onto a highway or passing other cars. The driver expects a continuous level of power by the car, not a sudden power loss. This is reported by countless other drivers on all social media platforms as a consequence of the 68C recall that affects 350 000 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe. Jeep does not respond to customer complaints or requests for clarification.

NHTSA complaint #11763913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Glenburn, ME

POWER TRAIN

manual transmission pops out of 2nd gear during deceleration, (grinding not all the way in nuetral) untill put back in gear again. getting worse over time. found alot of same thing on internet, some getting 2 ,3, or 4 transmisions under warrenty

NHTSA complaint #11762834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Jeep Wrangler Port Charlotte, FL

POWER TRAIN

In September of 2023 our 13’ Jeep Wrangler Rubicon had an ABS Module failure. We went to our local Jeep (Gettel Jeep of Punta Gorda, FL) where they placed us on a list @number 1600. They told us to was safe to drive however use caution in the snow. As of August the Jeep became unable to drive. We have sent the module off for repair unsuccessful and we have sent it back for the second time. I have been in a rental car for 5 weeks and I am a caregiver to my mother and I a a home healthcare sales representative that relies on my Jeep for work and caregiver. We believe Chrysler corporation has done a poor job managing this ABS issue that I a very known problem and puts me and my elderly mom at risk daily. I have also paid for repairs via Gettel without results. I should have not been expected to pay for repairs that didn’t correct the problem.

NHTSA complaint #11762467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Jeep Wrangler at 23,050 miles Brooklyn, NY

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that parts for a recall repair might have been replaced with defective parts. The contact was informed that there was no failure and the vehicle was released; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the clutch was slipping. The contact was informed that the clutch needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure was because the contact was changing gears at 2,000 RPM and the gears should be shifted at 2,500 RPM. The vehicle was taken to an alternative dealer where the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed incorrectly. The contact was informed that the recall repair needed to be performed a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure prior to the recall repair, but the failure became more persistent after the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that a second recall repair was denied. In addition, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the initial dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 23,050.

NHTSA complaint #11761305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Oxford, CT

POWER TRAIN

Recall 19A was a full clutch assembly replacement on January 2024 at 60,000 miles. I purchased the vehicle in January 2025 with 64,000 miles. I have owned the jeep for 1 year and 8 months. I now have 78,000 miles. Service transmission light comes and goes if the vehicle cools down the light goes off and drives normal. When the service transmission light is on the clutch is overheated and slips I can not move the vehicle out of 1st gear. I drove it to a dealer and they state I have a bad clutch it is overheating. I do not believe I should pay for a clutch after a brand new clutch kit was installed 17,000 miles ago.

NHTSA complaint #11760027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Jeep Wrangler Vineyard Haven, MA

POWER TRAIN

Driving the vehicle and it had uncontrolled acceleration. The wipers went on and multiple lights went on, engine, brakes to name a few. The brake peddle did work. Picture below was after incident and not all the lights.

NHTSA complaint #11760178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Jeep Wrangler San Marcos, CA

POWER TRAIN

On August 26, 2026, my 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, with approximately 32,000 miles, experienced a sudden loss of power while my family and I were driving. The vehicle lost power in an intersection, creating a serious safety hazard with surrounding traffic. We were stranded until help arrived, and the vehicle had to be towed because it would not restart. Before the loss of power, the A/C stopped blowing cold air. The check-engine light came on, dashboard components and warning indicators began flashing, the battery warning light appeared, and a “Service Charging System” warning was displayed. This was not simply an inconvenience. The sudden loss of power left us unable to move the vehicle in an intersection and created a significant risk of being struck by another vehicle, potentially causing serious injury or death. I am a military veteran, and this incident caused a severe stress and trauma response because I believed my family's safety and my life were in danger. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this incident is related to a safety defect involving the charging system, electrical system, hybrid propulsion system, battery system, power electronics, software, or another component capable of causing sudden loss of motive power. I understand NHTSA has previously investigated loss of motive power involving Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles. I am reporting this incident so it can be included in NHTSA's safety data and evaluated for a possible broader safety defect. I can provide the VIN, towing records, photographs/videos of the warnings, diagnostic trouble codes, dealership findings, and repair records. I respectfully request that NHTSA document and investigate this safety complaint and determine whether further action or a safety recall is warranted.

NHTSA complaint #11759864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Jeep Wrangler Hartsville, TN

POWER TRAIN

I took my 2022 Jeep Wrangler to my local Jeep dealership for a 21D Fire risk campaign recall inspection and powertrain software update. Car had to be towed to dealership a few days after services were completed, and was diagnosed at dealership, with an offline TCM, throwing a U0101 code. Car was in good working, driving order prior to the recall and software update and is now completely inoperable.

NHTSA complaint #11759015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Jeep Wrangler Torrance, CA

POWER TRAIN

I own a 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4-Door Sahara 4xe (VIN [XXX], plug-in hybrid). Since new, this vehicle has had repeated electrical and high-voltage (HV) hybrid battery system failures. About eight months after purchase, at approximately 6,590 miles, the vehicle lost power and would not restart in a parking lot ("Service Charging System" warning) and had to be towed to the dealer (Repair Order #[XXX], 10/18/2023–10/20/2023); a 12V battery failure was diagnosed. On February 9–10, 2026, the dealer performed Recall Campaign 68C (JL/WL PHEV HV Battery) on this vehicle — a software/module update to the BPCM, HCP, AHCP, PCM, TCM, and IDCM, plus an HV battery diagnostic analysis (Repair Order #[XXX]). On [XXX], at approximately 22,692 miles, the check engine light illuminated and the dealer diagnosed a hybrid (HV) battery failure. The manufacturer (Stellantis/FCA US LLC) subsequently opened a warranty case (#[XXX]) and a lemon-law repurchase case (#[XXX]), confirming the vehicle could not be repaired and offering repurchase or $15,000 cash compensation. As of this filing, the vehicle remains at the dealership, out of service, well past the dealer's own promised repair completion date. Across its ownership, this vehicle has been out of service for HV-battery- and electrical-system-related repairs for a documented cumulative total of approximately 50 days. I am filing this report because a vehicle losing propulsion/electrical power unexpectedly, and a manufacturer needing to run an HV battery software recall campaign on this same vehicle only six months before a full HV battery failure, both raise safety concerns beyond an ordinary warranty repair, and I want this pattern on record in case other owners of this model are experiencing the same failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11758933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Castroville, TX

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel was inoperative, except for the RPM gauge and speedometer. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and then stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was unable to be shifted into any gear and became inoperative. The San Antonio Police Department was contacted to assist with moving the vehicle out of traffic so the vehicle could be towed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument cluster had short-circuited and caused the powertrain to become unable to shift into any gear. The mechanic determined that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11758227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Jeep Wrangler Caguas, PR

POWER TRAIN

The engine/dash wiring harness connector XY230A suffered severe thermal degradation, resulting in a melted pin and causing a complete loss of communication with the Transmission Control Module (TCM, Code U0101-00) and continuous dashboard warning lights (Service Connection Error). This vehicle has a chronic history of unresolved electrical failures, having been brought to Stellantis Puerto Rico dealerships three times for the exact same issue, most recently in June 2026. This condition is directly related to the thermal and fire hazard characteristics described under Safety Recall Campaign 26V363 (Mopar Recall 21D) for 2022 Wranglers. However, the Stellantis regional warranty manager formally denied recall and powertrain warranty coverage based on routine oil change loyalty metrics and second-owner status. The dealership forced an upfront payment of $2,311.38 under a partial diagnosis to replace the harness. The vehicle was rendered inoperable and held for 30 days and actually held in service. in addition, they don't bring loaner. The manufacturer's regional warranty manager from Stellantis initially confirmed that I would incur zero costs for this repair but later retracted the decision formally denying recall and powertrain warranty coverage due the reason mentioned above. Regional management flatly denies any relationship between this melted harness failure, the active safety recall or the vehicle's electrical repair history I formally demand a full reimbursement of all repairs and rental expenses, and that my powertrain warranty and safety recall rights be fully honored as originally promised

NHTSA complaint #11758275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Denver, CO

POWER TRAIN

When using electric mode, repeatedly and consistently, when I try to accelerate (for example to get onto a highway) despite having the acceleration fully depressed, the car does not accelerate. After some time, the gas powered engine will rev, the RPM will shoot up and then the car will start to accelerate. If I slow down the electric engine will take back over, but then if I try to accelerate again the same thing will occur. I have videos of the dashboard confirming electric mode, delay to accelerate and eventual activation of the gas motor and RPMs. This same issue was noted by Jeep technicians after the fix for a previous recall on the battery. This is dangerous, If I am not able to accelerate I can not safely drive change lanes, go onto highways, or avoid danger. it has been occurring, but my first video is from Feb 2026, and most recently July 2026.

NHTSA complaint #11758009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Jeep Wrangler Los Alamitos, CA

POWER TRAIN

While traveling at highway speed on the freeway, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power/engine shutdown without prior warning. The instrument cluster immediately displayed a vehicle graphic outlined with red lines alongside an alert message instructing to shift the vehicle into Park and turn the engine off. > The sudden loss of propulsion in live freeway traffic created an immediate safety hazard and collision risk while attempting to navigate across active lanes to the shoulder. > The vehicle previously had its high-voltage traction battery replaced approximately one year ago under warranty. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized dealership for diagnostic scanning and triage. Dealership said they can do a software update… that’s not okay

NHTSA complaint #11758074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Jeep Wrangler Wood River, IL

POWER TRAIN

When driving the vehicle down the highway it just randomly hard shifted out of know where almost causing us to be rear-ended. The dash then said service transmission continue in drive do not shift or turn engine off until you reach a desired location. You may not be able to shift again until services. It then limited power to the vehicle. It was show codes U1003, U0101, and U0402 multiple times. The vehicle was taking to a dealer where it was "parked" only it wouldn't go into park. We had to put the e-brake up holding it in place at the dealer so it wouldn't roll. Then when attempting to shut the vehicle off it only stopped the engine from running. It stayed in ACC mode all night until the dealer could mess with it the next day. The dealer is now saying it's just a dead battery. This is unsafe and could have ended very badly just for a dead battery that showed no signs of issues before hand. For a vehicle that on has approximately 57k miles and is 4 years old this is horrible.

NHTSA complaint #11758081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Jeep Wrangler Spring Branch, TX

POWER TRAIN

When driving in fully electric mode on the highway, my 4xe lit up an error message of “electric mode temporarily unavailable” and lost all power and momentum. I went from 70mph to 50 mph in heavy traffic before the hybrid motor came back to provide power after approximately 4-5 seconds. This is a repeating occurrence when attempting to drive in fully electric mode, even at low speeds. I have nearly been hit in rear end collisions when I have lost power as there is no warning, the acceleration just fails and I lose all power and momentum.

NHTSA complaint #11758042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Jeep Wrangler North Hampton, NH

POWER TRAIN

Acceleration lag: either bucking or temporary loss of motive power when attempting to pull into traffic has almost caused us to be hit several times. We had the problem almost immediately after purchase, but the lag was short and the Jeep would leap forward and back tires would squeal which caused the back tires to wear quickly compared to front. The bucking and loss of power while accelerating became dangerous after I took to the dealership in Feb 2026 when they also did recall 68C related to the battery. We stopped charging it completely and still had the issue. Took back to the dealership in March 2026 and they said they could not replicate issue. Tried to schedule an appt last week and they never got back to me. We have avoided several accidents so far but I am now afraid to drive it. Assuming these are unrelated but just in case: at 10k miles the check engine light came on, and I couldn’t add ANY fuel (automatic shut off happened immediately) and the fuel cap wouldn’t open. Foss Motors wrote: "CHECKED FOR CODES IN SYSTEM. VEHICLE HAD CODES P2451 FUEL TANK ISOATION VALVE A STUCK, PO4EC EVAP SYSTEM LARGE LEAK DETECTED AND P04EE EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK DETECTED. PERFORMED EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK VERIFICATION TEST. TEST EVAP SYSTEM AND FOUND ISOLATION VALVE STICKING. COMPLETED REPLACEMENT OF ISOLATION VALVE. Replaced fuel filler tube 68413327AD and 68412848AC fuel cap." In Sept 2025 (~45k miles) - Check engine light came on again soon after with errors: PO4EC EVAP SYSTEM LARGE LEAK DETECTED and P04EE EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK DETECTED. They could not find leak or issue.

NHTSA complaint #11757424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Jeep Wrangler Brooklyn, NY

POWER TRAIN

While driving on the highway, the check engine light illuminated. Approximately 5 to 10 minutes later, the battery warning light came on. Upon exiting the highway and coming to a stop at an intersection, the automatic engine Start/Stop system engaged and shut down the engine. When attempting to safely proceed, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical failure due to the 48V mild-hybrid eTorque system failing to restart the engine. The vehicle refused to crank, would not shift, and became entirely disabled and stranded in the middle of a live intersection, creating an extreme safety and collision hazard. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership, where technicians officially confirmed the failure. The dealer diagnosed the root cause as an internal electrical failure of the Motor Generator Unit (MGU / Belt-Driven Hybrid Starter Generator Assembly), which completely disabled the vehicle's charging and hybrid restart capabilities. The failed component is available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11756283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Wrangler Chandler, AZ Fire

POWER TRAIN

VEHICLE & INCIDENT: 2019 Jeep Wrangler JL 2.0L Turbo. While climbing an extended grade on Hwy 87, vehicle experienced a sudden sluggish throttle anomaly and rapid coolant temperature spike from ~215F to 255F under load. Vehicle was pulled off and shut down within ~20 seconds. SUSPECTED FAILURE MODE & UNDERHOOD FIRE: Upon opening the hood, pressurized coolant had sprayed across the engine bay from a split in the smaller rubber hose branch of the engine coolant outlet assembly (Mopar PN 68280797AC). The hose split longitudinally ~13mm with the center ~32mm from the hose end. The vehicle is equipped with a Baja Designs T-Fitting to replace 68280784A The hot, pressurized coolant sprayed directly onto the exposed, center section of the turbocharger between the compressor and turbine sections and on the turbine section itself. The coolant is suspected to have flash-ignited on contact with the turbo, creating an active under hood fire that began spreading to the hood insulation liner. The fire was successfully doused roadside with water, preventing a total vehicle burn-down. No other fuel sources were noted and the lines to the turbocharger were intact and did not show evidence of a leak. SAFETY CONCERN / HAZARD FOR NHTSA: 1. FIRE HAZARD: Pressurized factory coolant hoses and plastic junctions on the 2.0T GMET4 are routed in close proximity to the unshielded turbine housing. A hose rupture under normal grade-climbing thermal loads results in high-pressure atomized coolant hitting an ignition source well above its auto-ignition point. 2. COMPONENT DEGRADATION: Rubber lines near the engine outlet appear susceptible to heat-fatigue failure under high ambient/high load conditions, posing a sudden fire hazard at highway speeds. REPAIR: Roadside trim/re-clamp of the split hose allowed temporary transit. Replacing full hose assembly (68280797AC), upgrading radiator lines, and performing a full OAT coolant flush/vacuum refill. No oil contamination was noted after the incident.

NHTSA complaint #11755697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Jeep Wrangler Bismarck, ND

POWER TRAIN

Purchased vehicle in question on 9/11/25 as a lease through the local Jeep dealership near my residence. Sometime around 4/26 to 5/26 my vehicle started to display odd operational patterns which were brought to my local dealerships attention. The first event where I was able to record any type of documentation was around 5/25/26. While driving, the vehicle would suddenly go into "limp mode" and rapidly decrease speed. Several check engine lights would appear to include: Service Electronic Throttle Control, Service Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control and the standard CEL. When this does happen, the vehicle will decrease speed suddenly without warning and becomes difficult to operate until it is pulled over and parked. Vehicle has been to my local dealership several times (4) and out of service for over 70 days with the latest stay 30+ days. According to documentation from the dealership, the listed error/issue has been recreated on their end at least one time but no data was captured with that fail. My local Jeep dealership Service Manager (CF) replied to an email of mine (7/16/26 at 1703) with the following statement: Verified customer concern of check engine light on connect to wytec and found p2173 stored in powertrain control module. Also found c121c stored in ABS module. Believe ABS code is related to PCM code, cleared codes test drove multiple times. Finally able to get customer concern to duplicate but no data was captured on this failure. We are continuing to drive the vehicle while monitoring data to catch freeze frame data while concern occurs but have not been able to do so far at this time. The condition, when it occurs presents a serious safety concern for the driver and other drivers as it will cause a sever throttle limitation and can cause the vehicle to slow down rapidly. As of 8/9/26, no fix confirmed for my vehicle and the dealership and manufacture are pushing to return my vehicle with confirmed fix. Jeep case number 97378351

NHTSA complaint #11755722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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