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 ↗2020 Jeep Wrangler powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler have filed 40 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 →
Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Wrangler | 71 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 47 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 134 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 56 |
| 2020 Wrangler (this page) | 40 |
| 2021 Wrangler | 125 |
| 2022 Wrangler | 51 |
| 2023 Wrangler | 41 |
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 40 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.
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 ↗850RE D Clutch Repair Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must have at least 11,265 km (7,000 mi.) and exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● P0733-00 - Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio. ● P1DA8-00 - Incorrect Gear Ratio Clutch A B or D Defective. ● P1D92-00 - Incorrect Gear Ratio - Clutch 4 Defective. Customers may also comment on one or more of the following: ● Transmission slips when shifting. ● Vehicle will not move in reverse. ● Vehicle will not shift higher than third gear This bulletin involves replacing the D clutch.
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 2020 Wrangler's powertrain carries multiple documented failure patterns. Manual transmission clutches overheat and fail catastrophically, with owners reporting burning smells, grinding, smoke, and sudden loss of drive—sometimes at highway speeds, occasionally resulting in vehicle fires. The factory recall (23V116, superseding 21V028) has been unable to remedy the problem because replacement parts remain unavailable nationwide, with some owners waiting over six months. Several owners report the "Service Transmission" light returning immediately after recall service, and dealerships have demanded additional diagnostics fees for vehicles still under recall.
Automatic transmissions exhibit unexpected downshifting into first gear, loss of all forward gears during acceleration, transmission lag from stops, and intermittent power loss—with some failures occurring on new vehicles during their first road trip. Valve body solenoid codes appear in some cases; replacement transmissions are backordered.
The 3.6L V6's rocker arms fail prematurely at 69,000–70,000 miles, with rollers wearing loose and dropping, sending metal debris through engine oil and causing audible ticking, rough idle, misfires, and progressive power loss.
Clutch pedals stick at the floor intermittently, shifter cables detach repeatedly despite replacement, and rear differentials fail with loud noise and bouncing. ABS brakes have failed to stop vehicles in traffic, and the AutoPark system engages falsely, immobilizing the vehicle with no object present. Transmission parts distribution delays remain a chronic complaint across the model year.
Same Jeep Wrangler powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Clutch overheating and failure (Recall 23V116/21V028)
Manual transmission clutch fails due to overheating, characterized by burning smell, grinding noises, smoke, and loss of drive. Several owners report catastrophic failure with vehicle fires. Some failures occur after clutch recall work was performed or while awaiting parts.
When: Various mileages from as low as 138 miles on new vehicle to 70,000 miles; some failures weeks after recall service attempted
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from transmission; Grinding or metal-on-metal noise; Smoke from underneath vehicle; Loss of clutch pressure and forward propulsion; Vehicle comes to halt or extreme deceleration; Clutch slippage; Clutch pedal sticks intermittently at floor
Codes mentioned: P219A (Bank 1 air/fuel imbalance)
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replacement cost cited at $4,500. Recall parts repeatedly on backorder nationwide, delays exceeding 6 months reported. One owner paid ~$1,000 diagnostics after recall repair failed to resolve Service Transmission light. Another paid $1,527 for aftermarket Centerforce II clutch.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V116 (supersedes 21V028) issued for clutch pressure plate and software logic. Parts unavailable for extended periods. Manufacturer and dealers blamed 'user error' in at least one case and denied warranty coverage. FCA/Stellantis refused reimbursement for aftermarket repairs in one case.
Transmission control and power loss (multiple modes)
Transmission loses forward gears, downshifts unexpectedly under load, fails to engage, or restricts acceleration. Includes valve body solenoid failure and intermittent loss of all forward gears during highway driving.
When: Under 5,000 miles to 108,000+ miles; some failures during new vehicle first road trip
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of forward gears or all forward gears while driving; Extreme deceleration or downshift to 1st gear without input; Vehicle unable to exceed 3rd gear or low RPM ceiling; Dead gas pedal; loss of acceleration response; Vehicle stalling or downshifting with burning odor; Transmission lag 2-3 seconds from stop; Auto Start/Stop warning light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Valve body solenoid high voltage code, U1267 (Service Shifter MIL)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required in some cases; cited 2-month backorder for replacement transmission. One repair bill pending at time of complaint. Another vehicle had insufficient engine power after unrelated fuel line repair by dealership.
Pentastar V6 rocker arm and valvetrain failure
Rocker arm rollers prematurely wear, become loose, and drop from cam. Metal debris from failed rocker arms contaminates oil and circulates through engine, damaging camshaft and other components. Leads to engine misfires, ticking, rough idle, and progressive performance loss.
When: 69,000 to 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Audible ticking or knocking from engine; Rough engine idle; Engine misfires; Decreased performance, hesitation, loss of power; Bucking and surging; Check Engine light
Codes mentioned: P219A (Bank 1 air/fuel imbalance)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports three dealerships and multiple online forums confirm this is a common defect. Repair involves rocker arm, lifter, valve, and camshaft component replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership initially dismissed P219A code as likely O2 sensor without deeper diagnosis. Later confirmed rocker arm failure at dealership.
Shifter cable detachment and slippage
Transmission shifter cables detach from bracket or fail mechanically, leaving vehicle unable to shift gears. Occurs repeatedly on same vehicle despite replacement attempts. Accompanied by burning smell.
When: Multiple incidents on single vehicle: 3/29/22, 9/20/22, 10/14/22, 10/17/22, 11/22/22
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift gears; Burning smell; Vehicle coasts or must be pulled to roadside
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced cables with new cables; problem recurred. Owner filed Lemon Law complaint.
Clutch pedal sticking and binding
Clutch pedal sticks at floor intermittently or binds when depressed. Can cause jerking forward, engine stall, or unsafe rollback on inclines. Progressive deterioration over time.
When: Reported as progressively worsening
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal sticks to floor; Pedal binds when held down; Pedal pops up hitting driver's foot; Jerking forward upon release; Engine stall when pedal fails to release properly; Risk of vehicle rollback on uphill stops
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced leaky hose in August 2021 but issue persisted and worsened. Subsequent repair attempt pending at time of complaint.
Rear differential failure
Rear differential begins to fail, causing loud acceleration, difficulty driving, and bouncing. Part on backorder with no clear availability timeline.
When: Failure progressing over 1+ month
Symptoms owners cite: Loud acceleration noise; Difficulty driving; Bouncing while moving; Progressive worsening
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential replacement ordered from Mopar; on backorder with no known arrival date. Vehicle deteriorating while awaiting part.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mopar stated no clear timeline for part availability.
Transmission and instrument cluster failures
Transmission fails unexpectedly; instrument cluster fails separately within one year, causing loss of critical driver information including speed and warning indicators.
When: Transmission failure in 2025; instrument cluster failure at 108,073 miles in 2026
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission inability to operate normally; Instrument cluster malfunction; Loss of speed indication; Loss of warning indicators
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle VIN not included in recall population despite similar failures being recalled in other 2020 Wrangler VINs.
Transmission downshift with loss of power and overheating (low-speed failure during recall wait)
While driving at very low speed, transmission downshifts with burning odor and intermittent power loss. Occurs on vehicle awaiting recall repair parts.
When: Approximately 21,000 miles; during recall wait period
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalling at low speed (2 MPH); Downshifting without driver input; Burning odor; Intermittent power loss
Repairs/costs cited: Parts on backorder; vehicle not yet diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V116 parts not yet available; parts distribution noted as disconnect.
Steering wheel loss of response (reported with transmission recall notice)
Steering wheel fails to respond to driver input while attempting turns. Reported alongside transmission recall notification, but vehicle has salvage title so repair denied.
When: At approximately 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel does not respond to input during turns; No warning light
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied repair due to salvage title on vehicle, despite acknowledging it as known issue related to Recall 23V116.
Rear locker light false activation
Rear differential locker engages automatically during highway driving when not requested. Can be difficult to disengage at highway speeds, posing risk of axle damage.
When: Intermittent activation; one case starting in May with recurrence in June
Symptoms owners cite: Rear locker light illuminates without driver input; Service locker light illuminates; Vehicle locked in locker mode without request; Difficult or impossible to disengage locker button
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced unspecified part; light recurred on drive home from dealership.
AutoPark false activation preventing vehicle movement
AutoPark (Park Collision Warning) system randomly triggers and engages, locking vehicle and preventing movement when no object is present. Occurs during daylight and night, low-speed reversing. System does not log events for diagnostics.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: AutoPark engages without collision present; Vehicle immobilized by false engagement; Random activation in reverse at low speed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner recorded 200MB video evidence; dealership service unable to diagnose or recreate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership will not escalate without ability to recreate issue in shop; will not accept video evidence.
Brake system failure (ABS non-function)
Brakes fail to stop vehicle in traffic. ABS system engages but vehicle does not decelerate and proceeds into intersection.
When: Third occurrence at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to apply braking force; ABS engages but ineffective; Uncontrollable vehicle shake; Vehicle unable to stop from 35-40 mph in 50-60 yards
Engine surge at idle and stops
Engine surges forward unexpectedly when brakes are applied at stops or when vehicle is at complete stop in Drive. Creates safety risk at traffic lights.
When: August 2020 with 5,000 miles; again June 2022 with 26,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended forward acceleration when braking; Forward surge while at complete stop in Drive
Auto Start/Stop system malfunction
Auto Start/Stop feature activates unexpectedly, shutting off engine at traffic light and preventing restart for extended period.
When: While stopped at red light
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off at red light; Vehicle jerks as it shuts down; Engine will not restart for ~20 minutes
Transmission gear lock and cylinder misfire
Engine revs to 5,000 RPM but transmission will not shift out of 1st gear. Subsequently develops cylinder misfire that migrates across cylinders.
When: Engine revving issue; misfire appears to be progressive
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in 1st gear despite high engine RPM; Cylinder misfire (initially Cylinder 4, then moving to Cylinder 3); Check Engine light
Transmission vibration at cruising speed
Chassis vibration originating from transmission area at highway speed, particularly noticeable under load. Produces harmonic echo through vehicle.
When: At 83 MPH in 7th gear
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle chassis vibration; Vibration from center of vehicle near gear selector; Harmonic noise from vibration; More noticeable under load
Fuel system damage and related cooling line rupture (post-dealership repair)
Vehicle developed fuel leak from high-pressure fuel line on lower engine. Following dealership repair for fuel leak in January 2025, vehicle experienced coolant line rupture and complete loss of engine power. Fuel leak alone was only pre-existing mechanical issue.
When: Fuel leak present January 2025; coolant and power issues post-repair
Symptoms owners cite: Gas leak from high-pressure fuel line; Loss of engine power post-repair; Damaged coolant reservoir line
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership had vehicle and performed fuel line repair (January 29, 2025); vehicle subsequently lacked power and required coolant reservoir replacement.
Synthesized from 40 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 2020 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 2020 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 40 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 40 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 19,377 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2020/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.