VehicleVerdict

2012 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler has 285 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 22% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

285

Transmission complaints

22%

Share of year

3

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

13V234000TransmissionJune 4, 2013 · 180,131 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and an automatic transmission and manufactured January 23, 2011, through February 23, 2013. The power steering line may contact and wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid.

Consequence

A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N28.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CLUTCH EMITTED SMOKE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH BURNED OUT AND REPLACED THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 5, 2015 · fire

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2012 Jeep Wrangler have?

NHTSA has 285 complaints about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler transmission — 22% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 13V234000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.