Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. ● P0430 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2.** ● P0456 - EVAP System Small Leak. Customers may also comment on one or more of the following: ● **Vehicle fails emissions inspection testing.** ● Pinging/detonation sound from the engine after warm up at 1000-1500 RPM at low speed. (EMEA and APAC Only). ● The vehicle stalls at low speeds and/or coming to a stop This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Jeep Wrangler powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler have filed 56 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 38,500 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
56
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Wrangler | 48 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 71 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 47 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 134 |
| 2019 Wrangler (this page) | 56 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 40 |
| 2021 Wrangler | 125 |
| 2022 Wrangler | 51 |
| 2023 Wrangler | 41 |
4fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 56 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 3 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.
The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV transmissions that have fault codes P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗To inform dealers about the 850RE valve body PN: R8348504A connector: the original 16-pin connector included six pins that were not used in this application. To simplify the design, the connector has been optimized and updated to a 10-pin configuration.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission "Transmission For transmission concerns related to DTCs P0733-00, P1DA8-00, and/or P1D92-00, a repair is available, and transmission replacement is NOT required. Please reference TSB 21-009-25 Rev. A, for details on D-clutch replacement. Please also note, visible ""glitter"" or debris in the pan and fluid color/condition/odor is NOT an indicator of transmission health and should not be used as the reason for unit replacement. Complete unit replacements instead of repairs for these DTCs may be subject to chargeback."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Wrangler powertrain cluster shows distinct and serious failure patterns across manual and automatic transmissions, clutch assemblies, and electrical controls.
Manual-transmission owners report clutch pressure plates fracturing at relatively low mileage, causing grinding noise, overheating warnings, and catastrophic failure with transmission damage and fire risk. Multiple owners describe clutch failure explosions that occurred during highway driving with children in the vehicle. One owner had a clutch replaced three times in four years despite keeping mileage below 43,000. Jeep issued recall 23V116000 with a software update to warn of clutch overheating, but the update does not fix the mechanical defect. Remedy parts remain unavailable over a year after the recall notice, forcing owners to drive vehicles they know are fire hazards or pay $1,100–$3,600 out-of-pocket for clutch repair. Jeep has refused warranty coverage and reimbursement in multiple cases.
Automatic-transmission owners report jerky downshifting, transmission lockup in park, and complete failure as early as 266 miles. Manual transmissions develop rattling between gears and slipping symptoms.
Electrical control failures are pervasive, with Body Control Module issues generating 50+ simultaneous error codes, engine shutdown at traffic lights, power steering loss while driving, inability to turn off the vehicle, and random windshield wiper activation. Dealerships have replaced the BCM multiple times without resolution and report finding no cause despite active failures.
Axle locker systems produce false warnings during normal driving and fail to disengage after off-road use. Rear differential contamination with metal shards indicates internal wear.
Same Jeep Wrangler powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Clutch Failure and Transmission Damage
Clutch pressure plates fracture or degrade, causing clutch slippage, overheating, grinding noise, and catastrophic failure that ruptures the transmission. Owners report the clutch developing a burning smell, making grinding sounds resembling manual transmission learning curve, and ultimately failing with loud explosions. In several cases, fractured pressure plate pieces blow holes through the transmission housing. Some vehicles experience multiple clutch failures (up to 3 replacements in 4 years) despite being low-mileage (under 43k miles). The defect is known to pose a fire risk.
When: Typically between 32,000–120,000 miles; some failures occur early in ownership or under stop-and-go traffic. One vehicle failed with only 1,000 miles. Slippage symptoms often present for months before catastrophic failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch slipping out of gear in normal driving; Grinding noise resembling manual transmission grinding; Burning smell from clutch area; Service Transmission warning message; Clutch overheating warning light; Loud bang or explosion from transmission; Vehicle smoke or fire after clutch failure; Inability to shift gears or delayed engagement; Erratic revving when shifting
Codes mentioned: Service Transmission, Service Shifter, Clutch overheating warning, Check Engine Light, PID95-00-TCM Clutch Failure
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch assembly replacement costs $1,100–$3,600. Transmission replacement required when pressure plate fragments damage transmission housing (cost not specified in narratives). In one case, owner paid $7,000+ over multiple repairs. Some owners forced to pay out-of-pocket despite open recalls with no remedy yet available; Jeep has refused reimbursement in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V116000 (Power Train) issued; software update (recall) provides warning light for clutch overheating but does not repair the underlying mechanical defect. Remedy parts unavailable for extended periods (described as over 7 months to over a year after recall announcement). Some dealerships performed recall twice on same vehicle with failure recurring both times. Jeep initially refuses warranty coverage and reimbursement, citing 'no remedy available yet'; some owners report GM dealership involvement but unclear final resolution. Campaign 21V028000 also referenced for similar issues.
Transmission Control and Shifting Failures
Transmission exhibits electronic control failures causing loss of drive engagement, inability to shift gears, delayed or stuck shifter, transmission lockup in park, and unintended downshifting. Automatic 8-speed transmission failed at 266 miles with jerky downshifting on freeway acceleration. Manual transmissions develop rattling between 3rd and 4th gear. Owners report transmission becomes unresponsive after stop-and-go traffic or at traffic lights, requiring shifting to neutral and back to drive to re-engage.
When: As early as 266 miles (new vehicle); commonly occurs between 5,000–70,000 miles. Some symptoms present for months before complete failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Inability to shift out of park or difficulty engaging drive; Transmission stuck in neutral or slipping into neutral; D (Drive) or R (Reverse) indicator flashing on shifter; Jerky or erratic downshifting during acceleration; Rattle between 3rd and 4th gear (manual); Loss of transmission response at stops; Engine revving to 5,000 RPM when shifting; Check Engine Light with blinking D or R indicator; Abnormal sound from gear shifter
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Service Transmission, Service Shifter, Transmission Control Module (TCM) codes
Repairs/costs cited: Automatic transmission replacement required at 266 miles; dealership contacted factory for repair guidance and awaited specialized tools. Manual transmissions with rattle diagnosed as clutch defect requiring $3,600 repair. No costs cited for electronic control repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 23V116000 parts unavailable; dealers unable to complete repairs. One vehicle required recall repair twice with failure recurring both times. No alternative remedy provided; owners advised to drive cautiously until parts become available.
Body Control Module and Electronic Control Failures
Multiple electrical control system failures in the Body Control Module (BCM) and related controllers cause cascading warning light activation, loss of critical vehicle functions, and erratic behavior. Owners report 50+ error codes displayed simultaneously, including Service Shifter, Service ABS, Service 4WD, Traction Control Failure, and Emergency Brake lights. Some vehicles exhibit multiple unrelated failures at once: engine shutdown at traffic lights, inability to turn off vehicle for hours, windshield wipers activating randomly, power steering loss, brake system disengagement while driving, and gear shifter lockup.
When: Early in ownership or after extended use (100,000 miles noted in one case). Some failures triggered after minor recall service.
Symptoms owners cite: 50+ error codes displayed simultaneously on instrument cluster; Service Shifter warning with inability to move shifter; Service ABS/Antilock Brake System warning while driving; Service 4WD and Traction Control Failure lights; Emergency Brake light on when brake not engaged; Engine shutdown at traffic lights requiring restart attempts; Loss of power steering while driving; Inability to turn off vehicle for extended periods; Windshield wipers engaging randomly or when off; Loss of gear position information on display while driving; Vehicle display shows incorrect trim level (e.g., Rubicon instead of Sahara); Powertrain Malfunction Indicator Light; Electronic Throttle Control failures; Gear shifter lock preventing movement from park; Vehicle hesitation during acceleration
Codes mentioned: Service Shifter, Service Antilock Brake System, Service 4WD, Traction Control Failure, Emergency Brake Light, Powertrain Malfunction Indicator Light, Electronic Throttle Control, 50+ miscellaneous codes
Repairs/costs cited: Body Control Module replaced three times in one vehicle without resolving the issue. Dealership performed 50+ mile test drives and reported no problems found despite active failures. Most repairs either incomplete or ineffective; dealerships unable to diagnose root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No effective remedy identified. Dealerships replace BCM but failures recur. One owner reported recall performed but condition worsened afterward. Manufacturer provided no guidance; owners advised to contact NHTSA Hotline or try different dealership. Extended warranty denied coverage citing electronic failure exclusions.
Axle Locker System Malfunction
Transfer case and axle locker systems engage or disengage unexpectedly, causing loss of control on uneven terrain and false warning lights. Owners report Service Axle Locker System warning light appearing repeatedly during normal driving when 4WD is not engaged. After 4-wheeling, axle lockers fail to disengage properly, requiring miles of additional driving before warning clears. One owner reports transfer case slipping into neutral while on steep off-road terrain with axles locked, causing loss of momentum and sliding hazard.
When: Can occur within first year of ownership; one case cited use in September 2019 with persistent issues thereafter.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Axle Locker System warning light appearing repeatedly; Axle locker warning message on dashboard with dinging alert; Transfer case slipping into neutral on steep terrain while 4WD engaged; Axle lockers failing to disengage after off-road use; Rear differential noise or clunking when shifting from park to reverse/drive; Axle lockers appearing to stay engaged at all times
Codes mentioned: Service Axle Locker System, Axle Locker sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced front axle sensor without resolving warning light; warning returned after service. Differential flushed and metal parts cleaned (metal contamination noted). Second service included sensor replacement, but problem recurred. One case had parts on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers report no trouble found during diagnostics despite active warning lights. One dealer stated codes must remain constantly illuminated to qualify for repair, not intermittent. Another dealer characterized rear differential noise as normal. No recalls mentioned for this system.
Engine Shutdown While Driving
Engine shuts off unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion, with loss of power steering and inability to re-engage transmission. Occurs at traffic lights, during deceleration, and at highway speeds. Restarts possible but may require multiple attempts or extended waiting period. Related to broader electrical control failures.
When: Various speeds including low-speed traffic and highway (70 MPH). One instance at stop light; others during normal highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shutoff with no warning; Complete loss of power steering following engine shutdown; Inability to shift into drive after restart; Multiple restart attempts required; Extended period (1+ hour) needed before transmission re-engages; All exterior lighting going out (night driving); Vehicle coasting to shoulder unable to safely stop
Codes mentioned: No specific codes cited; related to TCM and electrical control failures
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in reported cases. Dealership contacted factory for guidance; towing required in most instances.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recalls address engine shutdown. One owner advised to contact NHTSA Hotline. Manufacturer directed owners to alternate dealerships without resolution.
Rear Differential Damage
Rear differential contains metal shards and debris, indicating internal wear or contamination. Grinding noise from rear suggests imminent or active failure. One case reports significant metal debris requiring differential replacement.
When: Failure diagnosis at 120,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding sound from rear of vehicle; Metal shards visible inside rear differential
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential replacement required (cost not specified); vehicle not repaired by owner.
Synthesized from 56 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I have had both w12 & y07 recalls done and didn't have any problems with my clutch before then, now my clutch is making a strange noise and slipping. A software update to degrade power to my engine doesn't fix a clutch problem. Recalls are suppose to fix problems, not create more.
while in the middle of an intersection vehicle locked up in park,check engine light came on,had to be towed to dealer ship, code given was pid95-00-tcm clutch failure-cause undetermined, they charged $172.58, even though i have a mopar extended warranty it was not covered
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a meaningful issue. 56 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 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 8,665 and 66,201 miles, with the median around 38,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,665; a quarter make it past 66,201. 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/2019/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.