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 1999 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle was running and without warning it popped out of park into reverse and started surging. Consumer jumped out of the way before the vehicle hit an airplane on the field. The consumer stated that vehicle was parked in the grass on flat Land. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection.
The automatic transimission has been a problem since the car was bought brand new in November of 1999. First is the experience of, on occasion the car not starting while in park. The first time it happened I called Chrysler road side assistance, and they informed me just to put it in nuetral whenever that happened and it would start OK. I have had to do that very often. I assumed it was not a big deal. I have never been able to engage the lo 4 wheel drive mechanism, but have not had the need for it, hence never bothered to complain about it. This year the transmission has disengaged at various speeds between each gear. It is a consistent problem, and have taken car to mechanic, had lines checked, transmission fluid changes, etc., but still hasn't resolved the problem. …
Driving my 1999 Jeep Wrangler sport 4.0 l6 5-speed manual at appx. 65 MPH a slight vibration came from the gas pedal. I pulled over, after crawling under the vehicle I found the front drive shaft loose at the joint connecting to my stock np231j transfer case. Figuring it was just a worn u-joint I continued on my way at a much slower speed appx. 35 MPH for about 300 yards there was a loud pop along with metal and dirt flying from under the Jeep which made me pull over once again this time out of control and ending up in the ditch. Where I found the np231j shattered in 5 pieces, many more were thrown onto the road way.
1999 Jeep Wrangler had multiple rear differential failures before 70K miles. *** no answer required*** the original drive train was rebuilt using original mopar parts. The drive train failed for the second time at 69000 mile after only 11000 miles of use. This time the dealer refuses to provide any financial assistance. The vehicle had other failures which include water leaks, drive train seals failure, electrical failures, multiple ABS failures, air bag and seat belt problems, and the paint was peeling off the vehicle.
Vehicle was in the park position when gear switched from park to reverse, causing vehicle to hit garage. Consumer had to be taken to emergency room for injuries to knee/ eye and ears. Please provide further details.
In the evening, June 13th, 2001, my vehicle was parallel parked on a side street in boston, my partner shifted the automatic transmission into reverse, backed up approximately 2 feet, I was on the sidewalk guiding him back so as to not hit the car behind us. With his foot firmly on the brake, he shifted into drive, suddenly the engine revved high, and the vehicle lunged forward, striking a Toyota rav4 parked in front. My bumper guard hit their bumper hard and my grill lightly hit their rear mounted spare tire, but there was really no damage. Within a couple of seconds the engine idle returned to normal. Once the vehicle was out of the parking space, you could see tire skid marks approx. 3 feet long from the front tires, and the heavy smell of "burnt" rubber. …
I have a 1999 Jeep Wrangler sahara v.6. 5 speed manual transmission. My Jeep is in great shape however I started having steering problems. I noticed around the apex on both sides the frame had rusted away. I had it a new piece welded in place and it was working great. Then I noticed my transmission was having issues. I thought I was going to have to buy another transmission when it was discovered the plate that lies below the transmission was rusted from the frame and not supporting the transmission. I had that welded too. I looked the other day and noticed a hole between the size of a baseball and golf ball. I took it again to my welder and he said the whole bottom of my frame is rusted away. I was told by my body shop that because of jeeps design water was able to get and not out causing it to rust. The body of my Jeep is in great condition as well as my motor and transmission. …
I have contacted the manufacturer and several other Jeep Wrangler owners. Every owner I have contacted (30+) has experienced the exact same problem. The manufacturer is aware of the problem, but has not issued any advice or recall information. The transmission drops out of 5th gear, grinds in second, won't go into second when cold, and has all three problems in reverse. I have nearly been in several accidents due to the problem. Please help.
The throw-out bearing clips broke, which caused the clutch disc and pressure plate to be damaged, hense I had to have all replaced. When I called Jeep to try to get them to cover this part which I thought would be under my bumper to bumper warrenty, they told me it was a "wearible item". So I told them it was not a wearible item, and they said anything to do with the clutch is a wearible item, and this sequence of actions had lead me to you.
As I was driving down the road in my 1999 Wrangler, with only 70000 miles on it, and the entire rear end gave loose. Now I have a Wrangler, that is supposedly worth 14000, that is neither worth that nor is it drivable, and on top of that I have to shell out 1000 dollars in my own money to fix the thing.
Transmission complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Jeep Wrangler, 9% of the model year's 213 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1999 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 1999 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 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.