Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Jeep Wrangler powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Jeep Wrangler have filed 101 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 36,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
101
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Wrangler | 43 |
| 2010 Wrangler | 63 |
| 2011 Wrangler | 33 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 127 |
| 2013 Wrangler (this page) | 101 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 80 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 48 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 71 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 47 |
2crashes
3fires
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 101 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 101 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with updated software. The customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTCs): · **P0456 - EVAP System Small Leak (13 MY only).** · U0140 Lost Communication With Body Control Module. Attempting to clear the DTC may be unsuccessful. Other enhancements included in this update: · Improved fuel pump relay operation. · Improved remote start time after key activation. · Improved Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD) timer calibration.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: 3.6L Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with updated software. The customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTCs): · U0140 Lost Communication With Body Control Module. Attempting to clear the DTC may be unsuccessful. Other enhancements included in this update: · Improved fuel pump relay operation. · Improved remote start time after key activation. · Improved Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD) timer calibration.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler powertrain exhibits multiple failure patterns spanning electrical control, transmission operation, and mechanical integrity. Most frequent is sudden engine stalling during driving—at traffic lights, highway speeds, or in reverse—followed by hard restart or complete no-restart requiring 5–15 minutes or battery disconnection. No check engine codes appear despite the failures. When the engine does restart, the automatic transmission often refuses to shift into drive or reverse, or shifts violently with RPMs spiking to 5,000–6,500 before engagement finally occurs.
A second critical category involves loss of power while accelerating, particularly above 70 mph. Dealers have replaced ABS systems, stability control units, oil filter housings, camshafts multiple times, cam phasers, and PCMs on the same vehicles with no lasting fix. Owners also report transmission oil cooler tube failures (subject to recall N28/NHTSA 13V-234 issued in mid-2013), but Chrysler restricts replacement parts to 1–2 per week per dealership, creating waiting lists of 10–40+ owners—some waiting over six months despite the recall stating crash risk.
Two catastrophic fires are documented: one originating at the transmission, another in the engine bay hours after purchase. Axle failures, emergency brake unintended engagement, and gearshift arm detachment during off-road use round out the mechanical failures. Throughout, dealers often cannot diagnose problems, cite no stored codes, and leave vehicles unfixed despite multiple service visits.
Same Jeep Wrangler powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling and no-restart events
Engine stalls without warning at various speeds and driving conditions, sometimes requiring 5–15 minutes or battery disconnect to restart. When it restarts, owner reports ticking sound, loss of power, transmission unable to shift into gear, or gears that don't engage. Occurs repeatedly and unpredictably, creating dangerous situations on highways and at intersections.
When: 60,000+ miles; 2018 model year onset; varies by owner (some at 16k–92k miles); sporadic timing after 45 min–1 hr of driving or at stop lights
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling at high and low speeds, in drive and reverse; Long restart times (up to 15 minutes); Ticking sound on restart; Loss of engine power after restart; Transmission will not shift into drive or reverse; Gears fail to engage despite shifter movement; No warning lights or check engine codes appearing
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay replaced by dealer without success; transmission work performed without success; owners report dealerships unable to locate problem despite repeated visits; no diagnostic codes stored
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls specifically addressing this stalling issue for 2013 model year, though owners reference TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) as known issue; similar issues noted in 2017–18 models with recall (per owner research)
Transmission oil cooler tube failure and delayed recall repair
Transmission oil cooler tube subject to Safety Recall N28/NHTSA 13V-234 (issued June–August 2013), stated to wear and leak, creating fire risk and potential transmission loss. Massive part shortage: Chrysler supplying only 1–2 tubes per week per dealership, creating waiting lists of 10–40+ owners. Repair delays exceed 6 months despite recall notice stating risk of crash.
When: Recall issued June–October 2013; complaints filed through 2014; parts on national backorder indefinitely
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission oil cooler tube wear and leak (potential fire hazard per recall notice); No reported actual failures in these narratives, only delay in repair availability
Repairs/costs cited: Protective sleeve installation required; power steering tube replacement and bleed specified in recall procedure; some dealers perform incomplete work and misrepresent completion; parts unavailable for months despite multiple owner requests
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Recall N28/NHTSA 13V-234 issued; manufacturer severely restricts part supply (1–2 per week per dealer); Chrysler informs customers parts on back order with no ETA; some owners report dealer told to 'put a bandaid on it'; no expedited remedy offered
Transmission does not shift into gear; sudden violent drivetrain shocks and jerking
While accelerating or at stops, automatic transmission refuses to shift into drive or reverse, or shifts violently and jerks. Occurs at all speeds; vehicle may be stuck in neutral or require hard acceleration to finally engage. RPMs spike to 5000–6500 while transmission holds in low gear.
When: 27,200–92,000 miles; recurrent events over months
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not shift into gear on demand; RPM rises to 5000–6500 before gear engagement; Violent, jerking transmission shifts; Vehicle stuck in neutral or unable to move despite being in drive; Occurs at traffic lights, low-speed turns, and highway speeds; Happens after stalling and restart
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum hose disconnected (found once during April 2014 service, reconnected, problem returned after 3 weeks); subsequent dealer visits unable to locate root cause despite repeated occurrences; no permanent fix achieved
Loss of power and limp mode during highway driving
Vehicle enters power derate/limp mode while driving highway speeds, preventing acceleration and illuminating check engine and stability control lights. Occurs most when vehicle exceeds 70 mph; nearly caused multiple accidents due to sudden power loss. Dealership replacements of ABS, stability control, oil filter housing, camshaft (multiple times), cam phasers, and PCM have not resolved issue after 10+ service visits.
When: Intermittent; occurs at highway speeds (70+ mph); same vehicle entered limp mode twice on day of purchase and during drive to dealer (July 2018)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power/acceleration at 70+ mph; Vehicle enters limp/power derate mode; Check engine light illumination; Sway control/stability control lamp illumination; RPM revving but no vehicle response; No warning before onset
Codes mentioned: P0369 (Camshaft Position Slow To Change Bank 2), P2638 (Torque Request Denied), C121C (Stability/sway control related)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced ABS system, stability control system, oil filter housing, camshaft (twice), cam phaser (all 4), re-flashed PCM, replaced PCM; vehicle returned to dealer 10+ times; no lasting repair achieved; well-maintained, never off-roaded vehicle
Vehicle fire—transmission area and engine bay
Two catastrophic vehicle fires reported. First fire originated on top of transmission, traveling under 30 mph; required 2,000 gallons of water, 2 trucks, 6 fire extinguishers, and additional water truck to extinguish; gas tank ruptured. Second fire reported from passenger side engine bay after check engine light flashed during idle; loud bang heard, smoke from hood; fire consumed front of vehicle; occurred 8 hours after purchase with only 50 km driven; deemed total loss by insurance.
When: One fire at unknown mileage (under 30 mph); second fire at ~50,000 km (8 hours post-delivery from dealership)
Symptoms owners cite: Flames underneath transmission area (first fire); Check engine light flashing immediately before fire (second fire); Loud bang sound from engine bay (second fire); Smoke and flames from hood/passenger side area (second fire); Fire spreads rapidly; described as 'chemical fire' by witness (first fire)
Repairs/costs cited: First vehicle: completely destroyed; second vehicle: total loss, not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Second vehicle had outstanding recall 14V-631 not completed before delivery; manufacturer did not respond to owner notifications within timeframe of complaint
Sudden acceleration event
While shifting from drive to park in parking lot at zero speed, engine roared and vehicle accelerated over curb and approximately 20 feet into corner of building. Driver's foot remained hard on brake with no effect throughout event. No airbag deployment. Police report filed.
When: January 10, 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended acceleration while shifting to park; Loss of brake effectiveness; Engine roars before acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership for repairs; warning light active; owner drove at reduced speed (~20 mph) to shop
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership customer service stated no known issues or recalls related to sudden acceleration
Shift arm detachment and loss of gear engagement
While downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear during off-road 4WD driving on steep slope, 6-speed manual transmission shift arm pulled away from its mount. Vehicle went into neutral and freewheeled approximately 20 yards before speed increase forced driver to brake, causing vehicle to slide sideways. Owner made temporary repairs in field and drove 280 miles home with temporary fix in place.
When: Off-road driving incident; vehicle subsequently driven 280 miles home
Symptoms owners cite: Shift arm assembly detached from mount; Inability to engage gears; stuck in neutral; Vehicle freewheel with no brake engagement possible initially; Vehicle slides sideways on steep slope due to extended braking
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary field repair made by owner; permanent repair status unknown
Transmission case cracking and metal thinness
During routine maintenance, transmission case fractured around bolt hole where transmission oil pan attaches. Mechanic noted the case material in this area appeared abnormally thin. Case sent to factory for inspection. Owner notes vehicle is 'trail-rated' for off-road use and believes thin case creates serious failure risk especially in off-road conditions.
When: Discovered during routine maintenance at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission case cracked around oil pan bolt hole; Abnormally thin metal in failure area
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission case sent to factory by dealer; permanent repair status unknown
Rear axle shaft seal leak
During state vehicle inspection, passenger's side rear axle shaft seal found to be leaking. Owner took vehicle to dealer but vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
When: At approximately 116,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear axle shaft seal leaking; Accelerator response failure (vehicle felt as if transmission had seized) at ~30 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer but not diagnosed or repaired
Right rear axle failure and brake system malfunction
While driving at 70 mph on highway with 72,000 miles, vehicle swerved violently to right and left multiple times, nearly flipped. Right rear axle failed completely; calipers and brake rotors damaged; ABS and traction control lights illuminated; brakes locked up; rim became too hot to touch. Vehicle barely moved even with gas pedal pressed hard. Failure occurred less than 2 months after powertrain warranty expiration. No warning before failure.
When: 72,000 highway miles; 2 months post-warranty expiration
Symptoms owners cite: Violent swerving right and left at highway speed; ABS and traction control lights illuminate; Brakes lock up; vehicle produces burning smell; Right rear rim too hot to touch; Vehicle will not move in gear without heavy throttle; No pre-failure warning
Repairs/costs cited: Right rear axle, calipers, brake rotors, speed sensor replacement required; Chrysler powertrain warranty would not cover repair because it was performed by independent shop (Belle Tire) rather than Jeep dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refused warranty reimbursement because work was not performed at official dealer
Hill start assist malfunction and brake-hold-up on hills
Hill start assist uses incorrect clutch switch input, causing brakes to remain locked even after clutch fully engaged when starting on incline. This creates engine stall risk during traffic and accelerates brake and clutch wear. System programmed to use partial clutch depression switch instead of full clutch engagement switch, preventing proper brake release.
When: Continuous during hill start situations
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes remain locked despite full clutch engagement; Engine stalling when starting in traffic on hills; Excessive brake and clutch wear; Inability to move vehicle smoothly when starting on incline
Repairs/costs cited: Owner describes needed fix as ECU reprogramming to use correct clutch switch input
Emergency brake system malfunction and unintended engagement
While driving at 45 mph with children in vehicle, emergency brake system engaged abruptly with loud bang. Brake engagement snapped rear axle, damaged speed sensor and brake rotor. ABS light came on. Owner reports awful burning smell. Repair costs significant; all affected components required full replacement.
When: While driving at 45 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended emergency brake engagement; Loud bang sound; ABS light illumination; Severe burning smell; Rear axle snapped; Speed sensor damaged; Brake rotor destroyed
Repairs/costs cited: Emergency brake system failure; axle, speed sensor, and brake rotor replacement required
Check engine light and no-code stalling events
Vehicle stalls without warning at traffic lights and on highways, with restart requiring 5–10 minutes or battery disconnection. No check engine lights or diagnostic codes appear despite stalling. Power steering lost during stalls. Problem recurs multiple times over weeks.
When: Recurring over 3.5 months (4 stall events reported); one stall at 65–70 mph in middle lane of highway
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling with no warning lights; Loss of power steering during stall; Vehicle dies and will not restart immediately; Requires 5–10 minutes to restart or battery disconnect; Occurs in all gears (low and high); No diagnostic codes present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose due to no stored codes; owner purchased code reader and found no codes; problem not fixed
Transmission case breakage and in-service transmission fluid loss risk
Transmission case broke during routine maintenance around bolt hole where oil pan attaches. Mechanic noted case material appeared thin in failure region. Owner concerned about failure during off-road driving due to vehicle's 'trail-rated' design intent.
When: Discovered during routine maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission case fractured around oil pan bolt hole area; Abnormally thin metal noted by mechanic in failure region
Repairs/costs cited: Case sent back to factory by dealer
Excessive fuel spillage during refueling
Fuel pump lock lever engages on pump, but fuel pump disengages too late, causing excessive fuel to spurt out and cascade down vehicle side. Problem persists across multiple vehicles and fuel pump styles, various temperatures, and 10+ different states. Two different dealerships attempted repair without success.
When: Repeated events at numerous gas stations across US from west coast to northeast
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump does not disengage when fuel tank full; Excessive fuel sprays out of pump nozzle; Fuel cascades down side of vehicle; Variation only in velocity of spray, not frequency of problem
Repairs/costs cited: Two dealerships attempted repairs; problem persists despite multiple attempts
Electrical gremlins: windshield wipers, lights, and radio
Windshield wipers come on randomly, often tied to turn signal switch. Lights dim on navigation and radio when wipers turned on. Lights and radio malfunction appears related to electrical/computer issue. Owner reports hundreds of similar complaints online.
When: Recurring intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers activate randomly; Wiper activation interferes with turn signal function; Dashboard and radio lights dim when wipers engaged; Radio static when other systems activated
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner attributes to electrical/computer fault
Jerky transmission shifting and transmission refuses to shift
Transmission clunks and jerks during shifts, refusing to shift into gear. Check engine light illuminates. RPMs climb higher and higher without transmission response. Vehicle will not shift even up to 40 mph.
When: While shifting from park
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise during shift from park to reverse; Check engine light illumination; Transmission will not shift from drive to gear; RPMs increase without transmission response; Vehicle fails to accelerate despite throttle input; Condition persists at speeds up to 40 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not operated after incident; parked and not driven
Engine overheating and reduced heater output
Engine temperature rises to 80% of gauge on repeated occasions. Dealer has replaced water pump twice, thermostat, and flushed coolant multiple times without resolving issue. Heater output reduced, especially in winter, creating windshield defrost hazard. Coolant appears dirty and discolored despite being 10-year/150k-mile rated fluid. Owner added secondary coolant fan to manage temperature but issue persists.
When: Began 1 year after purchase; continues through at least 2 winters
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature at 80% of gauge; Inadequate heater output; virtually no heat in second winter; Dirty, discolored coolant despite no documented top-offs; Clogged heater core suspected
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replaced twice; thermostat replaced; coolant flush performed multiple times; secondary cooling fan added by owner; issue unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to resolve issue; owner still under 5-year/100k powertrain warranty but cooling system repairs not covered
Automatic transmission slow upshift on inclines
Automatic transmission does not shift into higher gear when accelerating up incline until RPMs reach 5000–6000, despite light throttle input. Problem occurs any time vehicle accelerates uphill.
When: Recurring during hill acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: RPMs spike to 5000–6000 before transmission shifts on incline; Transmission holds in lower gear on uphills despite light throttle; Delayed shift response on steep terrain
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to locate cause despite multiple visits
Stalling and transmission shift failures with electrical anomalies
Vehicle stalls randomly, most often when shifting into reverse after sitting idle. Engine loss causes loss of power steering. Transmission also shifts jerky with no apparent reason. Electrical faults cause windshield wipers to engage randomly, interfering with turn signals. Dashboard lights dim when wipers activated. Owner suspects underlying electrical/computer fault.
When: Recurring intermittently; multiple events over time
Symptoms owners cite: Random stalling, especially in reverse after idle; Jerky transmission shifts; Loss of power steering during stall; Random wiper activation; Interference between wiper and turn signal controls; Dashboard/radio light dimming during wiper use
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports reading hundreds of similar complaints online
Stalling after extended drive and slow restart
Vehicle stalls after driving longer than 45 minutes to 1 hour, failing to restart immediately. Vehicle eventually restarts and returns to normal. Failure became regular occurrence. No warning lights illuminated. Failure mileage approximately 92,000 miles.
When: After 45 min–1 hr of continuous driving; at ~92,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling without warning after prolonged driving; Difficult restart after stall; Returns to normal operation after restart; No warning lights present; Recurring episodes
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not taken to dealer or independent mechanic; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case opened; owner referred to NHTSA Hotline; reference to Safety Recall J30
Faulty oil pump and CPU reflash attempt
Vehicle stalled at 40 mph with check engine light illumination; would not accelerate above 40 mph after restart. Dealer determined faulty oil pump and replaced it. Initial diagnosis was CPU needing reflash, which was performed, but problem recurred, leading to oil pump diagnosis.
When: At ~16,529 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling at 40 mph; Check engine light illumination; Unable to accelerate above 40 mph post-restart; Vehicle towed to dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pump replaced after initial CPU reflash attempt failed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Electrical fire under driver seat
While driving at 55 mph, vehicle stalled. Driver's seat became hot followed by smoke coming from under seat. Driver exited vehicle safely. Fire department called and extinguished fire. Vehicle towed to independent mechanic and deemed destroyed.
When: At ~2,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling at 55 mph; Driver's seat becomes hot; Smoke appearing under seat; Electrical fire originating under seat
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; towed to independent mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of incident
Electrical issues: cigarette lighter and radio/charger interference
When using charger in cigarette lighter socket, radio becomes static-only; radio function lost when charger engaged. Indicates electrical circuit design fault or power distribution issue.
When: Recurring when charger used
Symptoms owners cite: Radio produces static when charger in cigarette lighter; Radio becomes non-functional when charger engaged; Power distribution issue between lighter and radio circuit
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired
Water pump and thermostat replacement without resolution
Water pump replaced twice and thermostat replaced in attempt to resolve engine overheating issue, but condition persists. Coolant system appears contaminated with grit and slime despite 10-year/150k-mile rated coolant. Multiple flushes ineffective.
When: Recurring over multiple winters; began 1 year after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating to 80% gauge; Dirty, discolored coolant (grit and slime visible); Reduced heater output, especially in winter; Inadequate defrost function
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replaced twice; thermostat replaced; multiple coolant flushes performed; secondary cooling fan added by owner; issue unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cooling system repairs denied under powertrain warranty by dealer
Axle housing cracking on light impact
Vehicle clipped/rubbed rock on side of road while traveling approximately 30–35 mph in near-straight line. No damage to wheels, tires, ball joints, control arms, or other suspension bracketry. Axle housing cracked open, causing loss of steering system function and vehicle control. Owner reports many documented cases of this same failure pattern online and notes aftermarket companies sell reinforcement products for this known weakness.
When: At 30–35 mph on light rock contact
Symptoms owners cite: Axle housing cracks open on light side impact; Loss of steering system function from axle crack; Loss of vehicle control; Crack in same location as other reported failures
Repairs/costs cited: Not detailed in narrative
Transmission loss of power during acceleration
While depressing accelerator pedal at approximately 30 mph, transmission fails to respond despite engine RPM increase. Vehicle feels as if transmission has seized. Rear axle shaft seal also leaking (discovered during state inspection).
When: At ~30 mph; ~116,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission failure to respond during acceleration; Engine RPM increases but transmission does not engage; Feels as if transmission has seized; Rear axle shaft seal leaking
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer but not diagnosed or repaired
Synthesized from 101 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
In august 2013 I received safety recall n28 / NHTSA / 13c-234 transmission oil cooler tub for my 2013 Jeep wrangler rubicon, I received a second notification in october 2013. After receiving the second notification I contacted the dealership where I purchased my Jeep and was told I was third on their list to have the safety recall completed. My sales rep. Explained the reason for the delay was…
No heat! Clogged heater core! Grit and slime in dirty/discolored OEM coolant (10 yr/150k mile rated). Never touched or added to, unless undocumented by dealer. This is our family vehicle that my wife/kids use daily, and it is about 10f here in vt right now. Very common Chrysler issue apparently and dealer does nothing but attempt to flush multiple times which does not solve the problem and is a…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a meaningful issue. 101 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 59 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 10,000 and 65,000 miles, with the median around 36,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 65,000. 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/2013/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.