Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
5th gear went out - in February 2001 I had to have the transmission rebuilt as the 5th gear quit working while on the highway. When slowing the vehicle down for an exit ramp the gear shift popped out of 5th gear and would not go back into 5th gear. You could actually shift into 5th position but was like putting the vehicle into neutral. I had the transmission rebuilt at that time but it recently did the same thing as I was driving down the highway and had to slow due to a traffic jam, the shift popped out of 5th gear and 5th gear no longer worked. I was in the hov lane and it was very scary as traffic was very heavy and I could not get the car into gear.
Problems with transmission on 1995 Jeep Wrangler. Nar 06/27/2003 the consumers transmission failed while driving on the interstate it lost 2 gears without warning. The vehicle had to be towed away and damages cost approx $1873.93. After during research the consumer found that several jeeps had experienced the same problems so it was evident that it was a manufacturer problem, so the consumer wishes to be fully reimbursed for repairs. The consumer had brakes and shock work performed in the past.
Transmission fluid line connectors melts down when plastic gets hot when connection melts, transmission fluid pours out of Jeep onto hot exhaust system, caused fire twice out of six times. Consumer states transmission fluid line has a yellow plastic connector when the Jeep gets hot the plastic melts allowing the fluid to pour onto the hot exhaust.
Consumer noticed vehicle's transmission slipping, minor atf leak, & had vehicle inspected. Atf was heavily contaminated by particulate matter generated by mechanical waste. No leak was initially found upon inspection, however one was visibly apparent after inspection as atf sprayed from an unknown source across both ends of the undercarriage after turning out of a parking lot and onto a main road. Atf began to burn off of vehicle creating a thick smoke, making it difficult for other drivers to see and they avoided consumer's vehicle. Consumer put her hazards on without the ability to accelerate regardless of how hard consumer pressed on gas. High rpms were noted then and the weeks prior. After attempting to park on a sloped residential driveway, the vehicle failed to go into gear and the parking brake was the only thing preventing it from rolling back down. …
I originally didn't consider filing a complaint until I had the third major complication occurred. I've since talked to other Jeep owners with the 4.0 and have found motor mount and transmission failures are more prevalent than they should be. After the third problem (tranny), I began my search on the internet and found this site. It confirmed my suspicions about the substandard materials that dc is using in major components. I tried to reason with a service rep at dc by explaining that I'm a died in wool Jeep fanatic (5 Jeep jams) but she basically told me that motor mounts and tranny problems at these early miles is part of the vehicle ownership package. That May be true at dc, but not at other car makers like Toyota and Ford. This is definitely my last dc product. I'm glad I found this site; I know where to go in the future.
Currently, after Chrysler refused to warranty the vehicle, I had to take them to small claims court, which is scheduled for April 16, 1999. I am furious at the way this has been handled, and chysler has given no cusomer satisfaction, and have turned their noses up in the air, and al of my complaints previous to trial, both mail, and through the phone and personal fell on deaf ears. If you wish, please have someone contact me, I have plenty more to say about the defect, it's circumstances and the overall aspect of having to spend extra time and money to go to court to have a problem fixed that should have been fixed by Chrysler a long time ago, thank you.
Normal driving when 5th gear went out. Like everyone else. Feels like neutral. I have also had friends with Jeep cherokee's have the same problem. If anyone else has this problem and feel like more than one voice is easier to hear, feel free to email me at [email].
The left end of the rear track bar detached from the rear axle housing, resulting in instability when turning. Vehicle taken to dealer, said that entire rear axle housing had to be replaced, at owner's cost. Chrysler denies responsibility for failure.
When the consumer returned home they noticed that the vehicle had rolled down the driveway and hit a pile of rock and lumber, possibly related to the emergency brake failure or the transmission interlock system. (consumer did not specify failure) nlm
The shaft is defective and per the serviceman has found that there are several accounts of the defective shaft which in turn has caused the gears to grind and costing me 2 transmissions to resolve.
Transmission complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Jeep Wrangler, 16% of the model year's 202 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1995 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.