The six speed manual transmission continually jumps out of first gear while pulling away from a stop. This is dangerous because it could cause an accident to occur if the transmission was to jump out of gear during a take off and crossing lanes of traffic. I also am aware that this is a common problem, not only has Chrysler shipped a non-functional vehicle but have knowingly ignored a fix after 5…
2007 Jeep Wrangler powertrain problems
severe 78 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
78
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 78 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Jeep Wrangler, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 78 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A used 2007 Jeep Wrangler carries significant powertrain risk: manual transmissions frequently jump out of first gear without warning, creating collision hazards, while automatic models suffer overheating, slipping, and electrical failures. Engine failure from internal defects and transfer case cable breakage are documented problems. Budget for expensive repairs and expect dealer difficulty duplicating issues, even with known technical service bulletins addressing these faults.
Manual transmission popping out of first gear is the dominant complaint across 78 reports—it happens sporadically or escalates to multiple times daily, leaving drivers stalled at traffic lights, stop signs, and intersections. Owners describe a violent disengagement accompanied by a loud noise, forcing them to hold the shifter with force or start in second gear as workarounds. The problem is documented in Jeep Technical Service Bulletin #21-001-10 (issued March/April 2010) addressing synchronizer replacement, yet 2007 owners faced warranty disputes while 2008+ models received lifetime powertrain coverage, creating a two-tier standard.
Automatic transmission failures include overheating, torque converter slippage, and sudden loss of drive—sometimes occurring as early as 5,800 miles. Multiple dealer diagnostic attempts and repairs (transmission flushes, valve body replacement, complete rebuilds) have failed to resolve issues. Some vehicles experienced fire risk when hot transmission fluid sprayed onto exhaust components.
Engine failures at relatively low mileage (one at 86,000 miles) point to internal defects, with one owner's research indicating inverted pistons in 2007 production. That same owner purchased the vehicle with 122,000 miles and paid $1,600 for clutch replacement within a week.
Transfer case shift cable fails during normal 4WD engagement, leaving drivers unable to shift modes—a critical problem if stranded in poor weather or terrain. Clutch system hydraulic components have also failed early, particularly after off-road use, despite full replacement.
Electrical failures involving the total integrated power module have caused loss of steering, gauges, and engine control at highway speeds. Gear shift cables and linkages disconnect or break, preventing shifts or park engagement. Dealerships frequently report inability to duplicate intermittent faults, and some owners waited months for repairs with no resolution.
Same Jeep Wrangler powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Manual transmission jumps out of first gear
Six-speed manual transmission violently or suddenly disengages from first gear during acceleration from a stop, leaving the vehicle in neutral. Occurs sporadically or becomes frequent—as often as several times per day in some cases. Problem worsens in hot weather. Owners report holding the shifter with force to keep it in gear, or switching to starting in second gear to avoid the issue.
When: Starting from a dead stop, traffic lights, stop signs, low to medium acceleration; occurs within weeks to months of ownership; has been reported on 2007-current models; one owner experienced it at 17,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission pops, bangs, or locks up when engaging first gear from a stop; Vehicle suddenly loses forward momentum and stalls or enters partial neutral; Loud, startling noise when disengaging; Shifter feels loose or requires forced pressure to stay in gear; Problem escalates from occasional (once or twice monthly) to frequent (multiple times daily); More likely during hot weather or moderate acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: TSB #21-001-10 REV A (dated 4-20-2010 or March 2, 2010) addresses replacement of 1-2 synchronizer assembly with stronger detent springs, or complete transmission replacement. Repair cost cited as $1,200 total with owner responsibility of ~$400 after warranty. One owner reports transmission rebuild did not resolve recurring issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep TSB #21-001-10 issued; Chrysler/Jeep acknowledged as known problem covered under powertrain warranty (at time of complaint); some dealers unable or unwilling to duplicate problem; lifetime powertrain warranty offered starting 2008 model year, but 2007 owners excluded
Transfer case shift cable failure
Transfer case shifting cable (TCSC) fails or disconnects at either end—from the transfer case or shift lever—during routine 4WD engagement (2HI to 4HI, 4LOW, or reverse). Plastic components are weak and fail during normal use within a few thousand miles. When cable breaks or disengages, vehicle becomes stuck in neutral position and unable to shift into low-range 4WD, creating safety risk in emergency off-road or poor-weather situations.
When: During shifting between drive modes (2HI ↔ 4HI ↔ 4LOW); within few thousand miles of ownership; can occur at low speeds (2–3 mph) or while rolling
Symptoms owners cite: Snapping sound when shifting transfer case; Transfer case shift lever becomes loose, flopping freely; Vehicle will not move forward even with transmission in gear and clutch released; Vehicle rolls backward when parked on slope after cable failure; Transfer case stuck in neutral position
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case shift cable replacement (Mopar Part #52060462AG); removal and replacement by dealer. One owner towed vehicle to dealership for repair. Aftermarket solution available: Advance Adapters Product #715596 meets durability requirements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep aware of issue; no recall issued; aftermarket alternatives exist but OEM part remains weak design
Clutch system failure (hydraulic)
Clutch pedal suddenly goes to floor and will not release clutch, or clutch makes rattling noise indicating throwout bearing failure. In one case, throwout bearing came apart after first off-road excursion. Subsequent full clutch replacement and hydraulic system overhaul (master, slave, lines, fluid flush) failed to resolve issue. Plastic components in hydraulic system are inadequate for off-road use. System shares brake fluid reservoir, creating potential risk to braking system if clutch hydraulics fail.
When: Shortly after purchase (within one week to one month); after first off-road use; one month post-clutch replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal goes to floor with no resistance; Clutch does not release; Rattling noise in clutch area (throwout bearing); Clutch throwout bearing separates or comes apart
Repairs/costs cited: Full clutch replacement including throwout bearing, flywheel, and related components; cost cited as $1,600 by one dealer. Clutch master, slave cylinders, and hydraulic lines replaced; system bled with pressure and vacuum application. Despite repairs, plastic components failed again.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs and possible recalls noted; one dealer stated VIN was not covered under recall scope despite matching year, make, model; dealer eventually agreed to complete repair at no cost citing flawed design
Automatic transmission slipping, overheating, and fluid loss
Automatic transmission fluid overheats, causing torque converter to slip and transmission to enter limp mode. In extreme cases, hot transmission fluid purges onto hot exhaust manifold or catalytic converter, creating fire hazard and severe smoking. Transmission fails to accelerate normally even after multiple dealer repair attempts. Occurs under normal driving conditions at low mileage (5,800–25,000 miles reported).
When: Early in ownership; as early as 5,800 miles; when driving for more than 45 minutes to an hour; on inclines in 2WD or 4WD
Symptoms owners cite: Torque converter does not lock up properly or slips for extended periods; Transmission overheating warning chime (no corresponding indicator light) with no visible gauge; Vehicle fails to move forward despite RPMs increasing; loss of forward momentum; Severe shuddering between 1–2 gear shifts; Smoke or steam from under hood or near exhaust; Transmission fluid sprays onto hot engine components; Vehicle enters limp mode intermittently; Hesitation or refusal to downshift unless throttle held for 2–4 seconds
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission flushed; valve body replaced; complete transmission rebuild attempted on at least one vehicle; some repairs unsuccessful despite multiple dealer attempts (12 occasions reported). One owner was given transmission rebuild estimate of undisclosed amount but vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed repeated software flashes (computer upgrades) but condition not resolved; dealer stated 'condition could not be duplicated / no codes stored'; manufacturer offered no assistance in one case
Engine failure—internal piston defect
Engine seized or blew with internal damage at low mileage (86,000 miles, one case at ~5,870 miles noted as transmission issue but involving full engine rebuild). Complaint indicates 2007 production defect involving pistons installed upside down. Engine cuts out without warning, loses all power, and cannot restart. Vehicle also loses oil (pools in driveway), indicating internal seal or gasket failure. Three separate engine replacements on one vehicle over 3 years (2017–2019) suggest recurring defect or poor repair quality.
When: Around 86,000 miles (second reported engine failure at much lower mileage); vehicle purchased and failed within 1.5 months; three replacements occurring at 45,233, 46,552, and 68,980 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle wobbles or vibrates when driving over 40 mph; Oil warning light comes on during driving; Engine suddenly cuts out and stalls at full speed; Engine will not restart; Large pool of oil in driveway or under vehicle; Loss of engine power on highway at 65 mph (uncontrollable coasting)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required. Three engine replacements performed; one case cost not stated. Complaint suggests 2007 production batch defect with inverted pistons.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed fuel pump malfunction initially; no acknowledgment of design defect; owner unable to reach Chrysler corporate after multiple transfer attempts; no recall issued despite owner's research showing pattern in 2007 model year
Electrical system failure—total integrated power module (TIMP)
Total integrated power module (TIMP) fails during driving, disabling instrument panel, all gauges, engine (stall), door locks, security system, headlights (intermittent), and window motors. Described as well-known failure affecting all Jeep Wrangler models dating to 2006 and beyond. Owner lost power steering ability, making vehicle uncontrollable. Critical safety issue with no recall or fix issued by Chrysler.
When: While driving; one case at 2,900 miles (very early in ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Radio turns off for 5–10 seconds then resumes; All gauges quit working; Engine stalls during driving; Door locks and security system inoperable; Headlights turn on/off erratically or work intermittently; Window motors stop functioning; Loss of power steering during highway driving (65–75 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replaced; circuit brake panel replaced; repairs did not resolve recurring electrical failures in one documented case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No official fix or recall issued; failure described as 'well-known' but unaddressed by Chrysler/Daimler; one owner threatened legal action and escalation to North Carolina AG office
Gear shift cable and linkage failures
Gear shift cable disengages or fails, preventing vehicle from shifting into desired gears or getting stuck in park. Cable connector link breaks. Shifter assembly requires replacement. In one case, cable had to be manually reconnected to achieve park position. Multiple failures can occur on same vehicle.
When: At various mileages: 18,081 miles, 60,000 miles, 90,000–105,000 miles; recurrence possible
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift into reverse or drive; Gear shifter cable disconnects from transfer case or shift lever; Gear shifter stuck in incorrect position; Vehicle cannot be placed in park without manual intervention; Shifter assembly malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly replaced; gear shift cable reconnected or replaced; gear connector link replaced. Repairs can fail and recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosis and repair performed in some cases; manufacturer made aware but provided no extended support
Transmission electrical limp mode and sensor issues
Automatic transmission enters limp mode unprompted with check engine light illuminated, reducing power and drivability. Vehicle hesitates to accelerate or fails to accelerate normally. Issue recurs even after valve body replacement or other repairs. Some related to transmission fluid temperature warning system.
When: Various speeds and driving conditions; intermittent; one case at ~156,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle enters limp mode (reduced power mode); Hesitant acceleration or no response to throttle; Vehicle fails to move backward (reverse gear inoperative); Transmission behaves erratically after repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replaced; transmission fluid flushed; new transmission estimated at time of complaint but not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Open recall J30 for transmission fluid temperature warning noted in one complaint but ignored by dealer; recall J24 acknowledged but J30 omitted; manufacturer stated unable to offer assistance in one case
Transmission jumps out of second and third gears
Six-speed manual transmission intermittently pops out of second and third gears in addition to first gear, though first gear is the primary failure mode. Vehicle loses ability to stay in gear under normal acceleration, creating safety hazard during turns and lane crossings.
When: During normal driving and acceleration; increases in frequency over time
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jumps from second gear to neutral; Transmission jumps from third gear to neutral; Vehicle loses forward momentum unexpectedly during driving
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repair documented in complaint; dealer diagnosis unsuccessful
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; owner reported corporate contact unhelpful and dismissive
Transmission fluid line fitting failures and leaks
Transmission fluid lines and fittings fail, causing fluid to spray or shoot out when transmission fluid heats up, particularly on inclines. Hot fluid can contact exhaust or ignition points, creating fire hazard. Problem known to affect all four-door auto JK models; dealer acknowledges issue but recommends owner pay for transmission cooler upgrade rather than warranty repair.
When: When driving on inclines; when transmission fluid temperature rises
Symptoms owners cite: Hot oil light illuminates on inclines; Transmission fluid sprays from fittings and lines; Smell of hot transmission fluid; Risk of fire from fluid contacting hot engine parts
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission cooler installation suggested by dealer; owner disputes whether this is OEM responsibility or owner upgrade; no warranty repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledges problem affects all four-door auto JKs; suggests aftermarket transmission cooler as solution; no recall or warranty extension offered
Synthesized from 78 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Jeep wrangler. While driving 70 MPH, the coolant lines for the transmission blew out and caused the transmission to stall without warning. It was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced due to faulty coolant lines. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 144,000.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 Jeep Wrangler?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a meaningful issue. 78 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 67 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 30,000 and 86,000 miles, with the median around 56,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 86,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Jeep/Wrangler.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.