Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Jeep Wrangler powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Jeep Wrangler have filed 80 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 44,000 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
80
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Wrangler | 63 |
| 2011 Wrangler | 33 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 127 |
| 2013 Wrangler | 101 |
| 2014 Wrangler (this page) | 80 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 48 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 71 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 47 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 134 |
5crashes
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 80 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Jeep Wrangler, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 80 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 ↗Service 4wd Light On, Message AWD System Service Required
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) set in the PCM memory: ? U0140 - Lost Communication With Body Control Module. Customers may also describe one or more of the following conditions: ? Less than desired shift points during Wide Open Throttle (WOT) operation. ? Perceived misfire under normal acceleration. Software update is also available for customers with vehicles equipped with Manual Tr
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Jeep Wrangler powertrain shows a cluster of serious failures, with oil leaks from the plastic oil cooler housing and filter adapter being the dominant complaint across dozens of narratives. Owners report the plastic part cracking and leaking between 17,000 and 103,000 miles, often suddenly with no warning. The leaks pool atop the engine and run down onto the transmission, exhaust, and drivetrain, creating fire hazards and forcing expensive repairs ($600–$2,000 in labor plus parts). Burning oil smell and visible smoke are common precursors.
Transmission problems are the second major failure mode: unexpected downshifting on grades, refusal to upshift under load, getting stuck in gear or park, and complete loss of drive reported at mileages as low as 2,800 and 3,500 miles. Some owners describe erratic shifting—the transmission hunting through gears on its own—while others report the vehicle becoming immobilized or rolling unexpectedly when parked.
Transfer case failures occur, with one owner reporting premature gear wear and housing corrosion at 64,990 miles. A rear main seal leak on the transmission is documented, causing leaks even at idle.
Engine overheating in 4WD is reported immediately upon warranty activation, with coolant temps spiking to 300 degrees during light off-road use.
Additional electrical and control issues include a TIPM module failure, engine stalling without warning, and malfunction indicator lights that persist despite dealer repairs. Oil pump failures and pressure-switch misdiagnosis are also cited.
Same Jeep Wrangler powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Oil cooler housing and filter adapter cracking and leaking
Plastic oil cooler housing (part 68105583AA or similar) on 3.6L Pentastar V6 cracks unexpectedly, causing copious oil leakage. Multiple owners confirm this is a known design change from metal to plastic in the 2014 model year. Oil pools atop the engine and runs down onto transmission, exhaust, and drivetrain, creating fire hazard. Repair costs $600–$2,000+ including labor. Dealerships report this is common; independent mechanics cite seeing it frequently on 2014–2016 Wranglers.
When: 17,000 to 103,000 miles; many failures occur around 40,000–60,000 miles and within first 2–3 years
Symptoms owners cite: Puddles or pools of oil under vehicle, especially in V-shaped reservoir at base of cooler housing; Burning oil smell from engine compartment; Smoke visible from engine area; Oil running down transmission pan and onto exhaust; Fire hazard due to oil on hot exhaust components
Repairs/costs cited: Plastic oil cooler housing replaced; dealers sometimes cite over-tightened oil filter as cause but owners and independent shops dispute this. Part numbers include 68105583AA, 68105583AE, 68087998AA, R2123503AC. Some owners report dealer refusal to cover out-of-warranty failures despite acknowledging it as a known defect. Repair includes removal of intake plenum gaskets.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Jeep acknowledged issue as 'common' to some owners but declined warranty coverage for vehicles past 100,000-mile powertrain limit or purchased used. One dealer tech reportedly advised owner to pay and seek reimbursement from corporate, but corporate refused. Manufacturer has not issued TSB or warranty extension.
Automatic transmission shifting failures and loss of drive
Automatic transmission exhibits erratic or complete loss of shifting function. Occurs on road under load, on grades, and even while parked. Vehicles downshift unexpectedly to lower gears, fail to upshift under acceleration, rev without responding, hunt through gears on own, or become locked in park/drive. One owner reports vehicle spinning out at 70 mph when transmission downshifted abruptly on downhill freeway.
When: 2,800 to 71,452 miles; some failures reported very early (3,500–4,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden downshift to 1st or 2nd gear without driver input, especially on grades or hills; Refusal to upshift during acceleration; engine revs to 4,000–6,000 RPM without shifting; Transmission hunting or shifting multiple times in sequence on its own; Vehicle stuck in low gear, unable to accelerate; Vehicle will not move forward when in Drive after restart attempts; Erratic idle and tachometer behavior; Vehicle stalling or loss of motive power while driving; Check engine light or malfunction indicator light may illuminate; some failures produce no codes
Codes mentioned: P06DD (oil pump issue, though root cause unclear), CAN-bus communication error (reported in one case after PCM flash)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose in many cases. Independent mechanics reported transmission fluid leaks from input shaft seal, transmission pump and seal leaks, and one case of transmission needing complete replacement at 55,300 miles. Repeated repairs on same vehicle without resolution reported. One owner had entire transmission replaced, PCM replaced, ECU replaced, and numerous sensors replaced without solving the shifting issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. After mandatory PCM flash for unrelated recall, one owner's transmission problems worsened; Jeep and dealership unable to identify issue despite multiple repairs. Manufacturer has not acknowledged systemic transmission control issue. One case (narrative #20) suggests possible software defect but manufacturer refused to acknowledge.
Transfer case failure with internal gear and housing corrosion
Transfer case components show premature wear, corrosion, and gear degradation far beyond normal usage. One owner reports transfer case adapter and external housing heavily rusted with gears worn away at only 64,990 miles on a never-offroaded, dealer-maintained vehicle, yet no visible leaks or warning lights prior to sudden failure.
When: 64,990 miles (single documented case, but complaint notes damage indicates prolonged issue)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang from under vehicle; Complete loss of forward motion; vehicle immobilized despite engine running and electrical systems functional; No warning lights prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: New transfer case required. Owner and independent mechanics confirmed wear pattern inconsistent with normal use despite no off-road or water crossings.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA case opened (82582111) but provided no explanation for failure cause. Dealer unable to explain. No recall; case treated as warranty repair.
Transfer case rear main seal leaking
Rear main seal on transfer case leaks oil regardless of whether vehicle is idle or driving. Leak increases significantly when oil heats and thins. Repeated repairs at multiple dealerships failed to resolve the issue.
When: Not explicitly stated; complaint filed 03/17/2017; vehicle originally had transfer case issue noted 11/18/2015
Symptoms owners cite: Motor oil leaking from transfer case; Leak increases when oil heats during driving; Leak occurs at idle and during operation
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired three times in three weeks by two different dealerships (02/24/2017, 03/08/2017, 03/17/2017) without resolution; rear main seal is target of repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA corporate customer service notified but indicated no recall or investigation. Case management team involved but unable to resolve.
Engine overheating in 4WD operation
Engine and transmission coolant temperatures spike immediately to alarm status (300 degrees) upon light-duty 4WD use on modest grades, despite vehicle being brand new (2,900 miles). Problem replicates consistently with any load in 4WD; vehicle operates normally in 2WD on pavement at highway speeds.
When: 2,900 miles; very early in vehicle ownership (April 2014, purchased March 2014)
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant temperature alarm at 300 degrees within 2 minutes of light 4WD use on 5% grade; Temperature rises from normal to alarm in two minutes; Requires engine shutdown and maximum blower/heater to cool; Problem does not occur in 2WD on pavement, even at high speeds
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented in narrative; vehicle behavior described as defect upon delivery.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented in narrative.
Vehicle rolling away when parked
Vehicle rolls backward or forward when parked with transmission in Park and parking brake engaged. Occurs on slopes and level ground. One instance involved vehicle rolling away down mountain after passengers exited.
When: 2,800 miles; 11,000 miles; incident on slope in mountains
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slowly rolling away despite Park gear and parking brake engaged; Vehicle rolling backwards down inclines or mountain roads; Vehicle will not remain stationary after shutdown on slope
Repairs/costs cited: One owner duplicated problem by parking on driveway incline; vehicle moved into reverse 3–5 minutes after stopping, moving 6–12 inches backward, despite being in 1st gear (manual transmission) with clutch engaged and parking brake applied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented; manufacturer sent specialist to inspect in one case but no documented resolution.
Engine stalling and loss of motive power while driving
Engine shuts off abruptly while driving at normal highway or street speeds, with no warning light or check engine light illuminated. Vehicle can be restarted but problem recurs on subsequent driving. Attributed to transmission malfunction by independent mechanic, though root cause not definitively identified.
When: 40,000 miles and later; one case recurred multiple times over several months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off suddenly while driving at 55–60 MPH or during acceleration; No warning light illuminated prior to stall; Check engine light may illuminate after stall; Vehicle can be restarted but problem recurs; Problem happened at least three separate times for one owner
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanics performed unknown repairs; problem persisted despite multiple visits. Dealer unable to diagnose. Root cause not identified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case; case number provided but no documented resolution.
TIPM module failure and electrical shutdown
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) module—essentially the fuse box and part of the vehicle computer—fails, preventing engine start and disabling door locks and alarm, though windows and radio continue to function.
When: Not explicitly stated; complaint filed 06/05/2016
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not start; no cranking sound; Dashboard illuminates like 'Christmas tree' (all warning lights); Power windows and radio functional; Door locks and alarm non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed as 'common problem'; TIPM module replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged as known/common issue; repair performed under warranty.
Transmission not responding to accelerator; refusing to accelerate
Engine revs but transmission fails to deliver power, or acceleration is severely delayed and sluggish. Occurs after PCM flash update. Owner must ease off gas and gradually accelerate, or engine revs to 5,500 RPM without corresponding power delivery.
When: After PCM flash recall; also reported at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to 5,500 RPM without vehicle accelerating; Must ease off gas and gradually re-apply to get power to wheels; Transmission does not respond during on-ramp acceleration; Hazardous on high-speed entries (Interstate 95)
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented.
Erratic idle, stalling, and rough running when stopping
Vehicle exhibits shuddering, vibration, and erratic idle speed (tachometer bouncing 1,000–1,500 RPM range) when coming to a stop. Engine may stall if brake not released. Occurs almost daily upon first morning start, then resolves. One instance vehicle would not move forward when shifted to Drive despite RPMs rising.
When: Occurs 5–7 days per week on first morning drive; one incident on evening drive
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shudders and vibrates when approaching stop; Tachometer erratic, bouncing between 1,000–1,500 RPM; Vehicle stalls if brake pressure maintained; Vehicle acts as if accelerator is depressed while brake is applied; RPMs rise but vehicle does not move forward when shifted to Drive
Repairs/costs cited: Owner referenced online forum discussing similar issue ('runs rough, stalls frequently when stopping'). Dealer unable to find problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented.
Malfunction indicator light and transmission shift-limit issues
Malfunction indicator light comes on repeatedly despite dealership claiming no problems found. Vehicle occasionally limited to 15 MPH and 1,800 RPM, or alternatively RPMs surge to 5,000–6,000 and vehicle stays in 1st gear. Dealership claims module reported in error is not even installed in vehicle.
When: Not explicitly stated
Symptoms owners cite: Malfunction indicator light comes on repeatedly; Vehicle limited to approximately 1,800 RPM and 15 MPH; RPMs surge to 5,000–6,000 range; Vehicle will not shift out of 1st gear
Codes mentioned: Implausible data from unidentified module (per dealership claim)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable or unwilling to address; claims module does not exist in vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented.
Oil pump failure and pressure-switch misdiagnosis
Check engine light appears within first 5 miles of driving, with diagnostic code P06DD indicating oil pump problem. Low oil pressure light does not illuminate. Dealer initially replaces pressure switch; code recurs. Owner then smells burning oil and vehicle enters limp mode at 3,000 RPM. Eventually oil cooler/housing replaced after pump replacement. Multiple dealerships confirm this is a common failure pattern for this model/year at similar mileages.
When: Approximately 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates within 5 miles of driving; Code P06DD (oil pump/pressure); Low oil pressure light does not illuminate; Burning oil smell; Limp mode engaged at 3,000 RPM; Vehicle then begins leaking large amounts of oil
Codes mentioned: P06DD
Repairs/costs cited: Pressure switch replaced (misdiagnosis); later oil pump replaced; finally oil cooler/housing replaced. Multiple dealerships confirm common pattern. Apparent root cause is plastic oil cooler housing failure, not pump or switch.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented.
Synthesized from 80 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Takata recall vehicle was in park noticed oil drops on concrete inspection under the Jeep showed no leaks went to Jeep forum discovered leak was at top, the plastic oil cooler was the problem, oil drips down into a v type reservoir so therefore when you take off at the reservoir full of oil now blows all under the motor. Went on to Jeep forum and noticed that the complaint had been done numerous…
2014 wrangler has known faulty oil pressure sending unit sensor as there was a tsb on july 15, 2014 stating such. Tsb # 18-034-14 rev. A and rrt 14-046. 1,000 miles short of the 3 yr, 36k mile warranty, but 6 months past the 3 year and Jeep wants $411 to fix their known problem. Jeep states since it is a sensor, it not covered by the longer powertrain warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, there was a loud noise coming from the vehicle. The failure recurred while driving in third and fourth gear. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Abs ,traction control, and brake lights stay on I took it to the dealer they told me it was internal failure on the abs module I can't afford 1200$ to fix it I'm in a jeep club this is a common problem it should be recalled and fixed for free it's a safety hazard. And you lose power you can't even pass another car when all the lights are illuminated.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a meaningful issue. 80 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 70 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 23,500 and 63,000 miles, with the median around 44,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 23,500; a quarter make it past 63,000. 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/2014/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.