Jeep Wrangler transmission and drivetrain problems, 2016–2027
895 of the 6,691 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Jeep Wrangler 2016–2027 name the transmission and drivetrain (NHTSA’s “Power Train” heading — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading). The loudest years: 2024 (196), 2018 (180), 2021 (143). Filed under the same heading across these years: 2 manufacturer bulletins, 6 recall campaigns. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Jeep Wrangler transmission and drivetrain problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the transmission and drivetrain | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | — | 1 TSB | the year → |
| 2026 | 0 | — | — | 16 TSBs | the year → |
| 2025 | 12 | 16% | — | 36 TSBs | the year → |
| 2024 in depth | 196 | 21% | — | 81 TSBs | the record → |
| 2023 in depth | 51 | 14% | — | 82 TSBs · 2 recalls | the record → |
| 2022 in depth | 63 | 16% | — | 108 TSBs · 2 recalls | the record → |
| 2021 in depth | 143 | 15% | 15k | 153 TSBs · 3 recalls | the record → |
| 2020 | 47 | 8% | — | 148 TSBs · 3 recalls | the year → |
| 2019 in depth | 79 | 11% | 38k | 92 TSBs · 3 recalls | the record → |
| 2018 in depth | 180 | 10% | 29k | 81 TSBs · 4 recalls | the record → |
| 2017 | 50 | 16% | 19k | — | the year → |
| 2016 in depth | 74 | 16% | 31k | 18 TSBs | the record → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the transmission and drivetrain. Nothing here is a rate.
When the transmission and drivetrain complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2016: 16 · 2017: 7 · 2018: 26 · 2019: 46 · 2020: 52 · 2021: 61 · 2022: 59 · 2023: 155 · 2024: 127 · 2025: 215 · 2026: 131
Across the model years, half of the 229 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the transmission and drivetrain problem between 7,000 and 49,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the transmission and drivetrain, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
Follow-Up to Complaint #11696210 This is a formal update to my original safety complaint regarding my 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe (VIN: ), which suddenly decelerated from 50 mph to 10 mph on October 11, 2025 — a terrifying incident that occurred immediately after an over-the-air (OTA) Uconnect software update.
I am submitting this formal escalation request regarding my 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe (VIN XXX). My vehicle has an extensive and well-documented history of mechanical failure, unresolved safety concerns, and open recalls without available remedies.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. While driving approximately 65 MPH over a bump in the road, the vehicle shook profusely. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred several times.
Around 7000 miles we started to get a vibration that would last till we slowed down every time we hit a bump with our Wrangler jl at highway speed. It has since turned into a violent shake that will literally rattle your teeth. You can feel the shake throughout the whole care and especially on the wheel.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 55 - 60 mph, the RPM gauge went high but the temperature gauge was normal. A burning odor was detected, metal grinding noises were heard, and the vehicle inadvertently lurched forward.
What is on file about the transmission and drivetrain, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 24V572000 HighAug 1, 2024 · 94 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- 23V641000 ModerateSep 18, 2023 · 6,298 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US), LLC is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The rearview camera may fail to display the rearview image and the reverse lights may not illuminate when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 111, "Rear Visibility" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- 23V116000 CriticalFeb 23, 2023 · 69,201 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- 21V028000 CriticalJan 28, 2021 · 42,887 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- 20V124000 CriticalMar 3, 2020 · 33,237 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- 18V280000 HighMay 1, 2018 · 71 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
2 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- Sep 24, 2026
- TRANSMISSION KIT - WITH TORQUE CONVERTER
- Sep 10, 2026
- Shifter If shifter is having trouble shifting between 1st and 2nd gear, then adjust cables as described in service library.
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Jeep Wrangler
Source: the same files- electrical problems
- engine problems
- steering problems
- fuel system problems
- suspension problems
- body and structure problems
- airbag problems
Every system, every model year: Jeep Wrangler problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Jeep Wrangler years have the most transmission and drivetrain complaints?
2024, 196; 2018, 180; 2021, 143. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2024 (21%).
Is there a recall for the transmission and drivetrain on the Jeep Wrangler?
Yes — 6 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 24V572000 (2021), 23V641000 (2023), 23V116000 (2023), 21V028000 (2021). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do transmission and drivetrain problems show up on the Jeep Wrangler?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 25,300 miles across the model years; half of them between 7,000 and 49,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Power Train" heading cover?
The transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.