Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Jeep Wrangler powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Jeep Wrangler have filed 47 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 20,000 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
47
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Wrangler | 101 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 80 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 48 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 71 |
| 2017 Wrangler (this page) | 47 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 134 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 56 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 40 |
| 2021 Wrangler | 125 |
7fires
When does it fail?
Of the 47 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Jeep Wrangler, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 47 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 ↗(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
The 2017 Jeep Wrangler powertrain complaints cluster reveals systemic defects across both manual and automatic transmissions. Manual transmission owners report reverse gear popping out and grinding gears as early as 500 miles, with many unable to shift into reverse or forced to manually hold the lever in place. Owners describe progressive worsening of reverse synchronizer failure, shift fork breakage, and one case required a 115-day parts wait and four-month repair cycle. Automatic transmission owners report stalling when shifting into reverse—especially on cold mornings—loss of motive power on highway drives, and complete transmission failure at 4,000 miles.
Fire hazards appear across multiple failure modes: clutch disintegration catching fire, transmission hot oil igniting, and a transfer case that blew up on the highway at 70 mph. Oil filter housings made of plastic crack from heat cycling, creating substantial leaks that drip onto hot exhaust. One owner reports the fire department stated they routinely respond to Jeep Wrangler fires. Driveshafts break and separate catastrophically at highway speeds, with one case creating a hole through the vehicle floor. Engine stalls without warning, check engine lights illuminate sporadically and resist repair even after three dealer attempts, and transmission mounts fail allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Extensive rust develops early, with multiple dealerships diagnosing but refusing to repair corrosion issues.
Same Jeep Wrangler powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Reverse gear popping out and grinding
Transmission pops out of reverse gear during operation or when power is applied. Gears grind heavily when entering reverse. Some units lack a reverse lockout mechanism, allowing accidental engagement at highway speeds when shifting from 5th to 6th gear. Owners must manually hold the gear shifter to keep the vehicle in reverse.
When: From early ownership (500 miles onward) through higher mileage; one case at 47,000 miles, another at 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Popping out of reverse gear; Grinding gears in reverse; Loss of reverse lockout function; Inability to shift into reverse; Shifter must be held manually in reverse position
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of synchronizer parts, shift fork, reverse idler gear (part 5134496AA), and reverse synch (part 5134498AA) reported. One owner replaced transmission at 9,588 miles; another waited 115 days for replacement parts (4 months total repair time). Dealer quotes around $1,000 labor for diagnosis, with warranty coverage varying by mileage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some repairs covered under warranty; lemon law claims filed in Florida; Chrysler opened cases for some owners; FCA/dealers downplayed problem as normal for 2017 models before admitting issue
Engine stall in reverse or when shifting gears
Engine stalls when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear, particularly on first start of the day or in cold weather. Also reported stalling when shifting into drive and when transitioning between gears. Computer update applied in one case but problem recurred. Check engine light may or may not illuminate.
When: Winter 2019 onward; can occur on first start of day; progressively occurs throughout day in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls when shifting to reverse; Engine stalls when shifting to drive; Dramatic drop in engine RPM when shifting; Stuttering or stumbling before stall; Unusual noise before stall; No check engine light in many cases
Codes mentioned: P0014 (engine misfire) reported in one narrative
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report computer updates as attempted fixes; torque converter failure suspected by owners reviewing online forums; one vehicle was replaced at 2,262 miles due to audible knocking; some dealers unable to replicate issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer updates attempted; dealer service varied, with some unable to replicate problem; Chrysler case opened for diagnosis
Transmission failure and loss of drive
Transmission fails to engage any gear, leaving vehicle immobilized. Vehicle may suddenly lose all forward motion while in drive. In one case, gearshift could not be moved into any gear after 5,000 miles of normal driving.
When: 5,000 miles (one case); 37,000 miles (recurrence after prior replacement); 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not move forward when in drive; Vehicle will not shift into any gear; Complete transmission lockup; Loss of motive power
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required; parts needed included reverse idler gear and synch. Repair time 115 days in one case; owner paid towing costs and at least 5 days of dealer diagnosis time
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance provided by manufacturer in some cases; lemon law claim filed in Florida with state attorney general
Driveshaft failure and separation
Front driveshaft separates or breaks catastrophically, creating severe vibration and banging noise. In one case, driveshaft severed, separated from steel encasement, and exploded through the vehicle floor creating a hole. Generates loud banging and wrenching noise with violent side-to-side shaking and heat from floor.
When: 17,700 miles (driveshaft explosion); highway driving at 60 mph in both reported cases
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging and wrenching noise under vehicle; Violent shaking side to side; Heat from vehicle floor; U-joint noise and driveshaft vibration; Grinding sound from undercarriage; Complete driveshaft destruction
Repairs/costs cited: Front driveshaft and all seals replaced at owner expense along with towing costs (one case); approximately $650 repair noted for U-joint issue investigation; cause not determined in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no recall or assistance provided; one owner referenced similar NHTSA case 11156532
Plastic oil filter housing cracking and oil leak
Oil filter housing made of plastic becomes brittle from heat cycling and environmental exposure under the engine plenum. Plastic cracks over time, creating substantial oil leaks. Oil drips onto exhaust creating potential fire hazard. Can lead to low oil levels and engine damage if not caught.
When: Reported at 50,000 miles through higher mileage; appears as gradual deterioration from heat cycling
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from filter housing; Oil dripping on driveshaft and exhaust; Burning oil smell; Large oil puddles on driveway; Low oil level conditions; Potential fire hazard from oil on exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $650 to $1,500 depending on labor rate; replacement parts and filter housing replacement required; mechanics report this is a common issue with 2017 Wranglers; over-tightening of filter by technicians cited as contributing factor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall initiated despite multiple complaints; no manufacturer assistance mentioned
Clutch disintegration and fire
Clutch disintegrates during highway driving, catching on fire. In one case, clutch failure occurred at 55 mph with smoke visible from engine compartment. No warning lights preceded failure.
When: 33,000 miles (at 55 mph highway speed); 2,000 miles (with burning odor in cabin)
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment; Clutch disintegration; Fire/flames from vehicle; Burning odor in cabin; Vehicle unable to move after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replacement required; one owner suggested possible recall applicability (campaign 21V028000) but VIN was not under recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle was not under applicable recall (21V028000) despite relating to similar powertrain fires
Vehicle fire from transmission or transfer case failure
Vehicle catches fire while driving at highway speeds with no warning. One fire originated from transmission overheating and hot oil. Another from transfer case that blew up in flames. Vehicles became total losses.
When: 60,000 miles (transmission fire); 65-70 mph highway speed (transfer case fire); under 6,000 miles (spontaneous engine area fire)
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke and flames from engine area; Red oil on fire coming from undercarriage; Transmission hot oil light illumination; Transfer case failure and fire; No prior warning lights in many cases
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles totaled by fire; no repairs possible; good Samaritans extinguished fire in one case; fire department called and reportedly stated they have responded to many Jeep Wrangler fires over 10 years
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warning or recall issued; fire department recommended NHTSA investigation; manufacturer made aware in some cases but no recall initiated
Engine stall and loss of power while driving
Vehicle suddenly loses power and slows to a stop during highway driving, particularly on extended trips. Loss of motive power occurs without warning. Vehicle must be turned on and off multiple times to resume normal operation. No check engine light codes stored.
When: During extended interstate trips over 3+ hours; repeatedly occurs across multiple long drives
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power; Vehicle slows to stop; No check engine light codes stored; Engine running but unable to move; Heat still functioning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer has not taken problem seriously due to lack of stored codes; oil and filter changed in one case but failure recurred; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer did not discuss with Jeep technical support; no manufacturer assistance provided
Engine misfire and check engine light recurrence
Check engine light repeatedly illuminates due to engine misfire condition. Owner brought vehicle back three times for same repair in three months without proper correction. Traction control light also illuminates, putting vehicle in limp mode. Problem recurs despite multiple dealer visits.
When: Multiple visits over three-month period; 2015 and 2017 models both affected
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on while in motion and stationary; Engine misfire; Traction control light illumination; Limp mode activation; Vehicle stalls without warning light; Intermittent problem that reoccurs
Codes mentioned: Engine misfire code
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to properly diagnose and correct after three repair attempts; brakes also squeaking after replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No adequate response from dealership despite multiple visits and warranty coverage
Transmission pan gasket leak
Transmission pan gasket leaks repeatedly after repair or replacement. One vehicle had pan and gasket replaced, but leak recurred within several months.
When: March 2024 repair, recurred December 2024; vehicles manufactured Nov 2016 had recall for same issue
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leak from pan gasket; Recurrent leak after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Pan and gasket replaced in March 2024; currently at dealer for second repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for Nov 2016 manufactured vehicles but this March 2017 vehicle excluded despite similar defect
Rear axle gear damage
Rear axle gears chip or break off. Independent mechanic found that original seal appeared broken before ownership. Problem discovered after vehicle is out of powertrain warranty, raising suspicion that issue existed before purchase.
When: Out of powertrain warranty period; oil changes showed no problems before failure
Symptoms owners cite: Noise from rear axle reported as 'normal' by dealer; Gears chipping or breaking off; Parts found in differential fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Repair in process; dealer initially said noise was normal for Jeeps; independent shop found original seal may have been compromised
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer dismissed as normal noise; manufacturer not contacted
Excessive rust and corrosion
Extensive rust and oxidation throughout vehicle body, inside and out. Multiple dealerships diagnosed corrosion issues but did not repair. Dealership records of rust reports were allegedly deleted from system. Rust appears on door and throughout vehicle.
When: Reported at 16,000 miles and persisting throughout ownership; new vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rust and oxidation visible on body panels and doors; Interior moisture and corrosion; Metal deterioration throughout vehicle; Water leaks contributing to rust
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealerships examined but did not repair; alleged deletion of warranty records
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but did not assist; no recall or corrosion warranty program offered
Transmission mount failure
Left side transmission mount not functioning correctly, allowing excessive movement of drivetrain. Causes severe shaking of shifter when traveling over rough roads.
When: Early vehicle ownership; new vehicle with low miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive shaking of gear shifter; Severe vibration when traveling over rough roads; Transmission moving excessively in mount
Repairs/costs cited: Mount issue identified on new vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not specified
Automatic transmission failure at low mileage
Automatic transmission failed after only 4,000 miles on brand new vehicle. Dealership/FCA replaced throttle body, entire transmission, torque converter, and transmission cooler system.
When: 4,000 miles on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement with throttle body, torque converter, and cooler system replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Major parts replaced but no explanation given for cause; little support from dealership or FCA
Synthesized from 47 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Anti lock braking system and traction control activate at low speeds - at 5-10 MPH. It applies the brakes without warning and cuts power to the engine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 60 MPH, a loud banging and wrenching noise suddenly occurred and the vehicle began to shake violently from side to side. The driver could also feel heat coming from the floor of the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle, a tow truck was called to the scene. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the driveshaft had severed,…
Recurrent transmission pan gasket leaking. Repaired and replaced pan and gasket in March 2024 and reoccurred December 2024. Uploaded March Report, currently at dealer for repair 2nd incident now. Vehicles manufactured Nov 2016 had a recall for this same issue but this vehicle wasn’t included due to it being a couple months manufactured. Likely should have been included.
My car was brought to the dealer for the same repair 3 times in the last three months. It was never corrected properly. Check engine light dashboard was on (while in motion and stationary on roads and highways)because there was a engine caliber misfire. Brakes were squeaking after being replaced. Brought my car back to the dealer on friday, november 27, demanding this repair be done properly.…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a meaningful issue. 47 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 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 9,500 and 37,000 miles, with the median around 20,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,500; a quarter make it past 37,000. 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/2017/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.