Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Jeep Wrangler powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Jeep Wrangler have filed 48 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 51,000 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
48
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Wrangler | 33 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 127 |
| 2013 Wrangler | 101 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 80 |
| 2015 Wrangler (this page) | 48 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 71 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 47 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 134 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 56 |
1crash
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 48 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 ↗(Rev. A) Power Inverter Load Ratings
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service 4wd Light On, Message AWD System Service Required
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a range of critical powertrain failures that have created dangerous driving situations. Stalling while in motion is the most serious complaint—engines shut down completely with no warning, dropping RPMs to zero and killing power steering at highway speeds. These failures happen randomly and unpredictably, sometimes multiple times per hour, and owners report spending over $5,000 on attempted repairs without resolution. Dealers and mechanics cannot replicate the problems or provide explanations, though one independent mechanic suspected a non-replaceable fuel pump relay issue.
Manual transmission owners report the transmission violently pops out of gear, especially in first and second gear when accelerating from a stop. The grinding and vibration during shifts is so severe it causes one owner anxiety attacks. This creates immediate danger at intersections and traffic lights where the vehicle loses propulsion.
Clutch failures occur catastrophically at very low mileage (7,000 to 18,000 miles) with the clutch literally shredding itself apart rather than wearing gradually. Oil filter housing cracks and leaks oil, accelerating clutch failure and causing engine damage. Engine misfires occur prematurely with lifters, cams, and rockers failing around 55,000 miles—a defect the dealer acknowledged as known and common but not recalled.
Automatic transmissions unexpectedly downshift or shift into reverse instead of drive, and rear axle bearings fail repeatedly during normal highway driving without off-road use. An engine fire occurred during normal driving. Owners consistently report dealers and manufacturers unwilling to stand behind defective components.
Same Jeep Wrangler powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden stalling and loss of propulsion while driving
Engine cuts out completely while vehicle is in motion, RPMs drop to zero and engine shuts down. Vehicle requires restart to regain power. Occurs randomly and unpredictably, sometimes multiple times per hour or not at all. No check engine light typically displayed. Loss of power steering occurs during failure. In severe cases, vehicle will not restart immediately and requires 5-10 minutes before restarting.
When: Occurs randomly while driving, sometimes at 35-40 mph and below 2000 RPM, sometimes at highway speeds. Can happen within 1 hour multiple times or intermittently over long periods.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; RPMs drop instantly to zero; Loss of propulsion; Loss of power steering; Electrical systems remain functional (radio, blinkers); Difficult restart after stalling; No check engine light in most cases
Codes mentioned: No code typically present, P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire) in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic suggested fuel pump relay issue, but noted relay is not replaceable on 2015 Jeep Wrangler. Some owners report over $5000 in attempted repairs including transmission rebuild, throttle body replacement, PCV replacement, crankshaft sensor replacement, camshaft sensor replacement, fuel pump replacement, fuel pump fuse and relay fuse replacement. Suspected TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) fault in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep dealer unable to replicate problem and stated no code present. Jeep customer care referred owner back to dealer. Other Chrysler vehicles have recalls for similar problems but not 2015 Jeep Wrangler.
Manual transmission pops out of gear (1st and 2nd gear)
Manual transmission violently jerks or pops out of gear, particularly when accelerating from a stop in first gear or during low-speed shifting. Occurs regularly regardless of temperature, driving conditions, or shifting speed. Vehicle loses propulsion and enters neutral position, creating dangerous situations at intersections and during turns. Loud grinding and severe vibration during 1st to 2nd gear upshift.
When: When accelerating from dead stop in 1st gear, during low-speed shifting, at intersections and traffic lights. Occurs regularly and repeatedly (every 2-3 weeks in some cases).
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerking out of gear; Loud grinding noise; Severe gearshift vibration; Vehicle loses forward motion; Transmission enters neutral unexpectedly; Grinding sensation reverberates through shift lever to driver's hand and arm; Popping sound when shifting
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: One case reports internal failure in synchronizer requiring transmission replacement. Parts cited: Shifter part #52060062AF replaced with #52060062AG, though replacement part cannot be located in continental U.S. Some owners report transmission replacement cost of approximately $3000 with manufacturer covering half.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer agreed to cover half of $3000 transmission replacement cost in one case. TSB 06-001-15 mentioned. Some dealers claim unfamiliarity with issue despite multiple owner reports online and in forums.
Automatic transmission unexpected downshifting and shift failure
Automatic transmission downshifts randomly without warning while driving at normal speeds, or vehicle enters wrong gear (goes backward instead of forward). Vehicle shakes and rattles violently requiring pull-over and shift to Park/Drive cycle to resume normal operation. Vehicle refuses to shift out of gear on highway, causing loss of ability to change gears.
When: While driving at 15-55 mph during normal operation or when placing transmission in Drive from Park.
Symptoms owners cite: Random unexpected downshift; Violent shaking and rattling; Transmission enters reverse instead of forward; Unable to shift out of gear; Check engine light intermittently flashes; Abnormal engine sounds; Intermittent traction control failure
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: One owner waited 2.5 months for transmission repair at one dealer, another was told 6-month wait. No repairs completed in some cases. Transmission rebuild attempted in at least one case. Battery removal and software update attempted in one case with temporary resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturers referred owners to dealers. Long wait times (2.5 to 6 months) reported at multiple dealerships.
Clutch failure and catastrophic transmission damage
Manual transmission clutch fails suddenly, not from gradual wear but from catastrophic mechanical failure. Clutch shreds itself apart, damaging flywheel and transmission housing. Failure occurs at very low mileage (7,000 to 18,000 miles). Flywheel shows no wear pattern consistent with normal wear, indicating sudden failure.
When: At 7,000 miles, 13,900 miles, and 18,000 miles respectively. First failure can occur when taking off at highway speeds or crossing railroad tracks.
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift out of gear; Sudden catastrophic clutch failure; Loud noise during failure; Loss of vehicle control; Violent jerking when failure occurs
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports clutch replacement at 18,000 miles; dealer quoted wear-part exclusion at 12,000 miles but mechanic determined sudden failure, not wear. Another owner had clutch assembly replaced twice by independent mechanic before first reported failure. Replacement parts not specified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially denied warranty coverage citing normal wear exclusion, but mechanic assessment of sudden failure led to warranty dispute. TSB 06-001-15 referenced. Other Jeep owners report same failure pattern in forums. No recall issued for 2015 model year despite similar recalls on other model years.
Engine misfires and lifter/cam/rocker failure
Engine develops tapping noise caused by premature failure of lifters, cams, and rocker arms. Dealer acknowledges misfire is common problem routinely seen in Wranglers but provides no root-cause diagnostic. Subsequent check engine light shows cylinder misfire code (P0302). Misfire persists after plug and coil replacement.
When: At 54,000-55,000 miles on vehicle purchased with 49,000 miles. Problem documented as recurring issue across multiple model years and production runs.
Symptoms owners cite: Tapping noise from engine; Check engine light with cylinder misfire code; Engine misfiring
Codes mentioned: P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced lifters, cams, rockers, and related gaskets/seals. Cost not specified. Parts replaced: lifters, cams, rockers, camshaft exhaust, camshaft intake, valve arm, tappet valve lash, gasket cylinder, gasket intake.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged misfire is common known problem in Wranglers and stated 2011-2013 TSB extended warranty also applied beyond those model years to engines from specific production runs, but refused to provide details. Jeep customer care denied warranty extension despite known defect. Class action suit filed for Pentastar engine defects. TSB Extended warranty exists for 2011-2013 but not extended to 2015.
Oil filter housing/oil cooler cracking and leaking
Oil filter housing and oil cooler component develops cracks and leaks oil during normal driving. Defect occurs at relatively low mileage (48,000 to 83,000 miles). Oil leak causes burning smell and engine damage from oil loss. Oil leak contributes to clutch failure in at least one case. Design flaw affects all Chrysler products using this part. Defect recurring across multiple years.
When: At 48,000 miles in one case, 83,000 miles in another case, and below 10 degrees in a third case causing repeated cracking.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from oil filter housing; Burning smell from engine; Accumulation of fluid under vehicle; Cracked oil cooler housing; Clutch slipping caused by oil leak; Engine damage from oil loss
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler/filter housing replacement cost approximately $300 for part, upwards of $1000 for complete repair at non-dealership. One owner replacing for third time since 2022. Defect is known and recurring on all Chrysler products using this part.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives. Known defect not addressed with recall.
Radiator failure and leaking
Radiator develops holes and leaks, causing overheating and coolant loss. Defect occurs early in vehicle life. Poor radiator construction causes repeated failures requiring multiple replacements. Overheating risk can cause hose burst and engine seizure.
When: At 160,000 miles in one case, but narratives indicate defect present from new.
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator leaking; Loss of heat function; Heating core failure; Engine overheating; No heat output from vents in some areas of cabin
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple radiator replacements by dealership reported. Repair cost approximately $2000 for radiator and heating core replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership replaced radiator multiple times. No manufacturer response documented.
Rear driveshaft contact with fuel and EVAP tanks
On lifted vehicles with OEM MOPAR 4-inch lift kit, rear propeller shaft makes contact with fuel tank and EVAP tank during wheel articulation when right or left front wheel raises. Contact damages OEM driveshaft, boot sleeve, fuel tank, and EVAP tank. Risk of fuel tank rupture and fire.
When: During wheel articulation while driving, particularly when front wheel raises independently.
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft contact with fuel tank; Driveshaft contact with EVAP tank; Damage to OEM driveshaft; Damage to fuel tank; Damage to EVAP tank; Boot sleeve damage
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: OEM driveshaft replaced with aftermarket rear driveshaft with smaller diameter to mitigate articulation contact. Owner incurred costs for replacement driveshaft installation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: MOPAR/Jeep dealer refused reimbursement, stating issue requires safety recall or official directive from Chrysler before warranty coverage. No recall or TSB issued despite documented design flaw and safety risk of fuel tank rupture.
Engine fire during operation
Vehicle catches fire in engine compartment during normal driving. All instrument panel gauges illuminate, brake pedal becomes soft, vehicle slows and smoke appears. Fire spreads rapidly when door opened. Vehicle deemed total loss by insurance company.
When: While driving at 25 mph at 59,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: All instrument panel gauges illuminated; Soft brake pedal; Smoke from engine compartment; Engine compartment fire on driver side; Fire spreads when door opened
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to salvage yard and deemed destroyed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No contact made with dealer or manufacturer.
Manual transmission shifter failure and looseness
Shifter suddenly becomes loose and detached from its mounting, hitting center console. Shifter fails to reach 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, or Reverse gears depending on lever rotation. Operator unable to properly shift transmission, causing stalling in busy intersection.
When: After vehicle parked for 1 hour, shifter suddenly becomes loose with no gradual wear.
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter suddenly becomes loose; Shifter hits center console; Inability to reach certain gears; Shifter does not stay in place; Failure to engage 1st and 2nd gears; Inability to engage Reverse gear
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Defective shifter part #52060062AF replaced with part #52060062AG. Replacement part unavailable in continental U.S.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Replacement parts unavailable through dealership network.
Traction control and wheel speed sensor repeated failure
Wheel speed sensor, particularly right rear, fails repeatedly causing immediate loss of traction control and ABS system. Failure creates warning lamps and OBD codes. Same component replaced 7 times across 2 separate dealerships.
When: Multiple occurrences with repeated failures of same component.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of traction control; Loss of ABS system; Warning lamps illuminated; OBD code present
Codes mentioned: Retained OBD code present
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel speed sensor replaced 7 times total across 2 dealerships. Component continues to fail despite replacements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Transmission moaning noise and replacement
Transmission produces loud moaning noise when shifting into Drive and Reverse. Noise occurs when vehicle is stationary and during low-speed driving. Persists for over one year before manufacturer addresses with transmission replacement.
When: Over one-year period of operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud moaning noise in Drive; Loud moaning noise in Reverse; Noise when stationary; Noise during stopped-and-start operation
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement performed by dealership. No additional details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler replaced transmission after over one year of owner complaints.
Rear axle bearing failure and seal leakage
Rear axle bearings fail repeatedly on both sides during normal highway driving, ruining brakes and calipers. Occurs multiple times (4 times in one case) without off-road use. Rear axle seals leak, requiring seal replacement and differential cover resealing. Defect is known to manufacturer as common problem.
When: Multiple occurrences during highway driving at 15,000 miles and beyond.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear axle bearing failure on both sides; Brake and caliper damage from bearing failure; Rear axle seal leakage; Differential cover leakage; Fluid accumulation under vehicle
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Certified technician identified need for rear axle replacement. Dealership replaced seals and resealed differential cover; owner responsible for differential fluid. No axle replacement provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep manufacturer acknowledged as known common problem but refused warranty coverage, requiring owner to pay for repairs.
Vehicle frame and driveshaft corrosion and rust
Severe corrosion on driveshaft and entire vehicle frame including nuts and bolts at very low mileage (15 miles). Indicates vehicle may have been submerged in water or sat in water. Multiple vehicles on dealer lot exhibited same condition.
When: At 15 miles on odometer at time of discovery.
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme driveshaft corrosion; Frame corrosion; Nut and bolt corrosion; Widespread rust
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Undercarriage repainted to cover rust and corrosion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated undercarriage needed to be repainted. Applied undercoating to cover corrosion rather than address underlying condition.
Engine vibration at 4th gear and high RPMs
Vehicle produces moaning, groaning noise and severe vibration starting at 1500 RPM when shifting into 4th gear at 58 mph (2000 RPM). Vibration increases noticeably at 65 mph (2200 RPM). Noise and vibration consistent across all road surfaces and present since vehicle was new.
When: Immediately after new vehicle purchase, occurs whenever vehicle operates in 4th gear above 1500 RPM.
Symptoms owners cite: Moaning noise at 1500 RPM in 4th gear; Groaning noise at 1500 RPM in 4th gear; Severe vibration in 4th gear; Bad bearing noise; Out-of-balance condition; Noise present on all road surfaces
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Electric door lock failure
Electric door locks fail and do not operate. Defect is not caused by fuse. Manufacturer acknowledges it is computer error on Jeep but refuses warranty coverage.
When: Multiple occurrences throughout vehicle ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Electric door locks inoperable
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep acknowledged computer error as cause but refused to cover repair.
Sway bar locking failure
Sway bar does not stay locked on Rubicon model with locking sway bar feature. Vehicle becomes unstable on highway and normal streets, very bouncy ride. When turning at normal rate of speed, tires come off the ground. Dealer unable to fix issue since vehicle purchase.
When: Since vehicle was purchased new in 2015, continuous issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Sway bar does not lock; Sway bar unlocks immediately after locking; Dashboard light indicates unlocked but locked position selected; Vehicle unstable on highway; Excessive bounciness; Tires leaving ground during normal turns
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to repair issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Transmission difficulty shifting into 4th gear and grinding
Transmission develops difficulty or refuses to shift into 4th gear. When forced into gear, produces grinding noise. Issue progressively worsens over time. Repair required extended 17-day service period, but problem persists after return.
When: Progressively worsens over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty shifting into 4th gear; Grinding noise during 4th gear shift attempt; Refusal to engage 4th gear; Forced shifting required; Progressive worsening
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle serviced for 17 days, returned with same complaint, returned again next day. Problem worsens after attempted repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
ABS modular failure
ABS module fails in vehicle. National backorder on replacement parts indicates known widespread issue.
When: Not specified in narrative.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS system failure
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement parts on national backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Instrument cluster and gauge failure/intermittent operation
Instrument panel gauges illuminate unexpectedly. Odometer and other gauges flash sporadically and shut off while driving. Check engine light flashes intermittently.
When: While vehicle is operating.
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel gauges illuminate; Odometer flashing sporadically; Gauges shut off while driving; Check engine light flashing; Vehicle shaking
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 48 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a meaningful issue. 48 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 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 15,000 and 66,630 miles, with the median around 51,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 66,630. 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/2015/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.