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): ● **P0300 - Multiple Cylinder Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating). ● P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating). ● P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating). ● P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating). ● P0304 - Cylinder 4 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Jeep Wrangler powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler have filed 51 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 18,300 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
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Wrangler | 134 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 56 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 40 |
| 2021 Wrangler | 125 |
| 2022 Wrangler (this page) | 51 |
| 2023 Wrangler | 41 |
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What stands out
Owners have filed 51 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.
Transmission Auxiliary Oil Pump Failure Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P0B0D-00 - Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Motor Control Module. Customers may also comment on the following: ● Vehicle is in limp mode This bulletin involves replacing the transmission oil pump.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● P0300 - Multiple Cylinder Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating). ● P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating). ● P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating). ● P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating). ● P0304 - Cylinder 4 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst hea
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a pattern of critical powertrain failures across the 2022 Wrangler. The most alarming is clutch combustion: vehicles emit burning plastic smell before the clutch ignites, sending flames and fragments through the transmission case. This has occurred as early as three months into ownership and forced multiple tow-truck calls. Some owners have had the clutch replaced three times—once is a defect, three times is a sign of a deeper design problem.
Engine shutdown at highway speed is equally dangerous. Drivers report losing all power at 55–75 mph with minimal warning, forcing them to glide to the shoulder while trucks and cars brake hard to avoid rear-ending them. The 4xe hybrid models compound this: the vehicle drops to 3–4 mph crawl speed on grades or when switching modes. One recall (ZB7) was supposed to fix this in December 2022, but owners report failures reoccurring within days.
Transmission jerking and slipping happen across the range, with some vehicles lurching forward without pedal input or refusing to shift out of Park. Electrical gremlins follow: batteries won't hold charge, fuses sit loose in the box, and "Service Charging System" warnings leave the vehicle immobilized.
The worst part: the clutch recall has been sitting unfixed since March 2023 with no parts available. Owners are driving vehicles flagged as fire hazards with no timeline for repair.
Same Jeep Wrangler powertrain reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Clutch Overheating and Combustion
Clutch assembly overheats and ignites during normal operation, often while depressing or releasing the clutch pedal. Owners report burning plastic smell preceding failure, combustion with flames visible, and transmission housing damage from internal parts ejecting.
When: 3 months to 33,000 miles; timing varies from early ownership to higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal burning plastic odor from clutch area while driving or shifting; Clutch pedal feels squishy or spongy; Smoke and fire from transmission/clutch housing; Loss of motive power accompanying burning smell; Vehicle must be towed after ignition event
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch and flywheel replaced by dealer; some vehicles required multiple replacement cycles (up to 3 replacement events reported). Repairs take 4–6 weeks. One owner cited $900+ out-of-pocket costs in Mexico.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V116000 (Power Train) issued; repair parts have been on long backorder with no available ETA, delaying recall completion by months. Manufacturer denied warranty claims in some cases. Some dealers stated parts would not be available until August 2024 or later.
Loss of Motive Power / Engine Shutdown at Highway Speed
Vehicle loses all power or engine shuts down abruptly while driving at highway speeds. Engine-off condition occurs with little to no warning. In hybrid (4xe) models, loss of power occurs when switching from electric to hybrid mode or during battery depletion.
When: Throughout ownership; one instance reported at 800 miles, others at 34,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power at highway speeds (55–75 mph documented); Vehicle stalls or cuts out without warning lights preceding; Red turtle icon displayed on dashboard with 'Service Hybrid Electrical Vehicle System' message; In hybrid models: loss of motive power when e-save mode depletes or transitions to hybrid; Vehicle requires immediate coasting to shoulder; hazard lights needed; Vehicle can be restarted but failure recurs
Codes mentioned: ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning light, Check Engine Light (CEL)
Repairs/costs cited: Recall ZB7 (Loss of Motive Power) performed in December 2022 for some vehicles, but failures recurred after repair, suggesting fix ineffective. Towing required; vehicle immobilized and unsafe to move without power.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign ZB7 issued for 2021–2023 JL 4XE models; vehicles taken to dealer post-recall reported continued failures. Manufacturer opened case #85607518 for one complainant with promise of callback in 2–3 days. No documented resolution provided.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Warning / Repeated Limp-Home Events
ESC warning illuminates repeatedly or sporadically while driving. Vehicle enters reduced-power mode, disables driving functions, or forces safe-mode shutdown. Failures are cyclic, clearing briefly then reoccurring.
When: Multiple instances within short windows (e.g., 5 failures in 45 days, 4 instances in 4 days)
Symptoms owners cite: ESC warning light illuminates on dashboard; Vehicle jerks or hesitates during acceleration; Message 'Stop Safely - Vehicle will shut down in 30 Seconds' displayed; Vehicle will not shift or accelerate normally until restarted; Transmission will not shift from Park in some instances; Wiring harness issues or shifter internal failure following repair attempt
Codes mentioned: Service Electronic Stability Control signal, Service Shifter warning (reported after wiring harness repair)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced wiring harness and reported shifter assembly internal failure. Multiple tow events required. No successful long-term resolution documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response explicitly documented in these narratives. Recall 23V116000 mentioned but related to clutch/transmission, not ESC.
Transmission Failure / Slipping / Jerking
Transmission fails to engage properly, slips while driving, jerks or lurches without operator input, or refuses to shift from Park. Some events accompanied by burning smell and high engine RPM spikes.
When: 600 miles to 65,000+ miles; multiple failures on same vehicle documented
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jerks or lurches forward when accelerator depressed or when transitioning from stop; Transmission fails to engage or respond when shifting from Park to Reverse or Drive; Gear indicator flashes on dashboard; Message 'Service Transmission Continue in D - Do Not Shift or Turn Engine Off' displayed; Transmission slips; RPMs spike without speed increase; Burning smell during or before transmission failure; Vehicle stalls after transmission malfunction; Transmission fluid low or leaking from transmission casing
Codes mentioned: P0733 (Gear 3 incorrect ratio / transmission mechanical failure), Transmission Control Module (TCM) fault
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs included transmission cable replacement, TCM replacement, Body Control Module (BCM) replacement, and full transmission replacement. One vehicle required new transmission at 13,000 miles, then new transmission began leaking at replacement. Parts delays cited due to UAW strike.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 21-009-25 referenced; manufacturer suggested dealer inspection and potential warranty reimbursement. Recall 23V116000 issued but parts unavailable. Some vehicles remain unrepaired after multiple dealer visits.
Battery and Electrical System Failures
Battery fails to hold charge, vehicle electrical system becomes inoperable, and auxiliary battery goes dead. Fuses found improperly seated in fuse box. In 4xe models, battery and charging-related warnings persist post-recall.
When: Early in ownership (800 miles documented); recurring issues after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not crank or start; Service Charging System warning displayed; All electrical systems fail or go offline; Electrical stays on even when ignition is off (battery must be disconnected to kill power); Gear shift display shows all gears in orange and blinking instead of normal display; Multiple fuses improperly seated in fuse box; Battery dies overnight despite being fully charged; Messages for oil change and battery charging required despite recent service
Codes mentioned: Service Charging System warning, TCM (Transmission Control Module) fault secondary to electrical issue
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced main battery, auxiliary battery, and fuses. Recall 68C / 25V-741 (Electrical System) performed but failures worsened post-repair. One owner replaced both batteries and auxiliary fuse; issue resolved temporarily then recurred. Vehicles remain at dealership for extended periods (3.5 weeks, indefinitely post-recall 68C).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V741000 (Electrical System) and Recall 68C issued. Vehicle became undriveable after recall 68C completion per multiple complaints. Manufacturer stated no fix available for some complaints.
Rear Axle / Differential Failure
Rear axle warning light illuminates; differential develops cracks or broken pinion gear. Loss of power accompanies warning. One vehicle's differential was replaced once, then failed again with same warning light.
When: Slightly over 1 year of ownership (14+ months); 17,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Axle Locker Fault indicator light illuminated; Blinking rear axle fault indicator; Clunk sound from rear axle; Smoke from underneath rear of vehicle; Loss of forward momentum; vehicle unable to accelerate; Required emergency lane maneuver in heavy traffic
Codes mentioned: Axle position sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Broken pinion gear in differential diagnosed at first failure. Differential was replaced by dealer in March. Vehicle returned with same warning lights and was diagnosed at dealer again as needing axle replacement. Repeat failure of replaced component.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No explicit manufacturer response documented.
Hybrid System Power Loss / E-Save Mode Malfunction
In 4xe hybrid models, vehicle loses power in electric-only mode or during mode transitions. Loss of power occurs on grades, when transitioning from e-save mode, or when electric battery depletes. Vehicle enters limp-home mode with severely reduced speed.
When: Throughout ownership; documented during highway driving and grade climbing
Symptoms owners cite: Severe power loss climbing steep grades (output drops to 50% or below); Red turtle icon on dashboard with 'Service Hybrid Electrical Vehicle System' message; Vehicle restricted to 3–4 mph in electric-only mode; E-save mode becomes unavailable after loss-of-power event; Abrupt engine startup after power loss, causing jerking and startling shifts; Engine does not follow normal warm-up sequence; Loss of all power when electric battery depletes and vehicle is on highway
Codes mentioned: Service Charging System message, Service Hybrid Electrical Vehicle System message
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 68C included hybrid battery replacement, but power-loss behavior began or worsened after recall. One vehicle with recall 22V-865 (Loss of Motive Power) still experienced power loss 7 days after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall ZB7, 22V-865, 68C, and 25V-741 issued for related failures. Owners report parts unavailable for several months. Manufacturer stated no repair available through end of year or Q1 of following year for some models.
Acceleration Hesitation / Delayed Response and Lurching
Vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate immediately when gas pedal is depressed. Opposite effect also occurs: vehicle lurches forward unexpectedly without pedal input or with minimal input. Brake engagement can trigger forward lurch in hybrid models during regenerative braking transitions.
When: Throughout ownership; intermittent at all speeds; low speeds (parking lots) and highway documented
Symptoms owners cite: Acceleration hesitation at traffic lights, intersections, and highway merges; Vehicle fails to respond for several seconds when gas is applied; Sudden lurch forward without driver input or with only brake pedal pressed; In hybrid models: lurch during low-speed regenerative braking with <1% battery; Hard transmission shifts causing vehicle to 'buck' and jar passengers; Brake pedal feels soft; second hard brake press required for stopping power; Intermittent nature makes diagnostic difficult
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate failure or find cause in most cases. One vehicle had 12-volt battery replaced without resolving issue. No documented repairs successful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin referenced; manufacturer acknowledged 'known issue' but insufficient call volume to initiate recall. No formal remedy offered.
Clutch Recall Part Shortage / Extended Unavailability
NHTSA Campaign 23V116000 (Power Train) issued for clutch overheating fire risk, but replacement parts remain unavailable for extended periods after recall notice. Owners waiting months to over a year with vehicle at risk.
When: Recall issued March 5, 2023; parts unavailable through at least August 2024 and beyond; some complaints filed in 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Burning clutch smell (intermittent); Squishy/spongy clutch pedal (pre-failure indicator); No failure yet but owner fearful of fire risk
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement parts (clutch assembly) have not been supplied to dealers. Multiple owners report waiting 12+ months for parts. One dealer stated repair would not be available until August 2024. VIN tool confirms parts not available in multiple cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V116000 issued but no parts available. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for recall remedy per multiple complaints. Recall repair completion indefinitely delayed.
Synthesized from 51 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 2022 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 2022 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 51 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?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 15,000 and 34,000 miles, with the median around 18,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 34,000. 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/2022/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.