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 2000 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Jeep Wrangler. While idling at a stop light, the vehicle was not operational after the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The failure occurred without warning. The shifter was able to be moved, but the vehicle did not respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had a defective transfer case that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle started to make an abnormal knocking and bucking noise. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the transmission mount was rotted away from the frame. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN number was unavailable. Updated 4/15/15 updated 9/21/2017
I purchase this 2000 Jeep Wrangler from a Toyota dealership and paid the coverage warranty during the time of purchase. When I purchased this vehicle I noticed there was a weilding underneath the axle and told the salesman about it and he said not to worry about it, it won't cause any damage. Four months later the axle broke on a freeway for no reason. We told the Jeep dealership to fix the problem. They didn't even help us with the problem and quoting us 1,000 dollars to get it fixed from a Jeep Wrangler dearlership. This problem was already there when we purchased this vehicle. They should have fixed it before selling it to us. The warrenty we purchased did not cover the damage because it wasn't under warrenty. So,they can not fix the problem and need to tow it to a professional body lifting shop. …
While driving 25mph shifted vehicle to 2nd gear from 1stgear. Put vehicle in 4-wheel drive, and in between shifting, vehicle jumped out of 4-wheel drive and shifted into 2nd gear. Applied gas, and vehicle went sideways. Slid down road into a ditch and hit telephone pole. Had tried to back up, and noticed vehicle was not in 4-wheel drive. Sometimes later had placed vehicle in 4-wheel drive, and due to snow it failed to go into 4-wheel drive mode. Checked under vehicle and noticed snow/ice had built up on skip plate. Cleared skip plate and was able to put it into 4-wheel drive.
I own a 2000 Jeep Wrangler which I bought new. Recently I began having trouble shifting into second gear and sometimes it would pop out while driving. Soon after I began to have brake issues and had a mechanic look at it. He said he had never seen a Jeep rusted out so bad with so few miles on it and said it was a hazard to drive. He said the brake lines were rusted through as well as the support for the transmission . He said the frame was in terrible shape and said I was lucky the thing didn't fall apart while I was driving it. This vehicle only has 85,000 miles on it.
While driving at any speed, the consumer noticed the front end of the vehicle making a noise. The vehicle was serviced and the technician noticed the transfer case-o-ring needed to be replaced. The o-ring was split and needed to be replaced. Within a week the vehicle started to make a noise again but it was worse. The o-ring went out and was losing fluid in the transfer case which caused the need to be rebuilt due to all the damage from the faulty parts.
Each time the car was put into reverse when backing out of garage or parking lot, the automatic transmission would abruptly jump into reverse gear with a very loud and abrupt motion. If you did not have your foot on brake when you put it in gear, car would leap backwards. Dealer found a leaking valve base gasket in the transmission, which he replaced. Car has been fine since, with no further problems with the transmission.
Persistent leak problems since Jeep was 6 months old. Return to dealer over 5 times before noticeable leaks stopped (behind dash board, floor at drivers and a passenger side) fix under originally warranty. 4 new leaks and return of two old leaks - not covered by extended warranty now dealer wants $650 to fix. Additionally have numerous transmission problems and paint rusting problems since a month after I purchase the vehicle.
Jeep Wrangler nv3550 manual five speed transmission noise. At 20,000 miles the transmission made irregular noises that Chrysler claims are normal. Now, just as the warranty is running out they claim these same noises are a failing transmission that needs repair at the cost of $2000.
Vehicle was cutting off while in 1st gear with parking brake on. Half an hour later, consumer heard a door bang, vehicle had hit house, and caught on fire. Consumer felt vehicle started on its own. Please provide any further information.
Transmission complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 70 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Jeep Wrangler, 28% of the model year's 251 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (50 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 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 2000 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.