VehicleVerdict

2021 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler has 135 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 9% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

135

Transmission complaints

9%

Share of year

4

Crash-involved

3

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

24V572000TransmissionAugust 1, 2024 · 94 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.

23V116000TransmissionFebruary 23, 2023 · 69,201 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

Consequence

Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.

21V028000TransmissionJanuary 28, 2021 · 42,887 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

Consequence

Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.

What owners report

WHILE TOWING THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON (TRANSFER CASE IN NEUTRAL AND TRANSMISSION IN 1ST GEAR) 4 WHEELS DOWN THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION UNDER THE JEEP WITH A BALL OF FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCAPACITATED. THERE WAS NOT ANY SMOKE, NOISE OR INDICATIONS OF AN ISSUE BEFORE AND UP TO THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 7, 2021 · fire

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2021 Jeep Wrangler have?

NHTSA has 135 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler transmission — 9% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler transmission?

Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 21V028000, 23V116000, 24V572000.

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.