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 2005 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Ecm computer , o2 heater sensor from ecm and controls transmission shift points . Replaced o2 sensors and transmission is controlled by ecm not shifting correctly will stay in first gear and hard shift to second can create loss of control in wet weather conditions.
The dashboard will display odd behavior and all of a sudden the ignition will cut. Total loss of power. This has happened in the past with children in the vehicle. Very dangerous. Resetting the key will reset but it is random.
The 2005 Jeep Wrangler sport was a total loss after it caught on fire and severely damaged the engine and the inside of the vehicle. It just had the transmission replaced the day before the incident. The vehicle continued to demonstrate transmission issues despite the new transmission (including difficulty shifting and a loss of power while going uphill). While driving uphill, the vehicle's transmission slipped and smoke started pouring out of the engine. The driver immediately put it in park and turned off the engine. The driver ran from the vehicle and saw that there was a fire underneath the car - near the transmission pan. The entire vehicle went up in flames within 2 minutes. Unfortunately, it was a total loss by the time the fire department arrived to put out the fire. An investigation will be completed to determine if a transmission fluid leak caused the fire. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, smoke emitted from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road, where the engine was turned off and then the front end and underneath the vehicle ignited into flames. The contact exited the vehicle safely and noticed that the transmission fluid leaked onto the ground. The fire department extinguished the flames and informed the fire originated within the transmission. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
2005-2006 Jeep wranglers are incurring an apparent large number of PCM/ECU failures (as evidenced in many online forums and a high backlog of PCM orders which Jeep/Chrysler is unable to fill or provide an eta for). The failure of the PCM reveals itself in many ways including emissions system failures (and resultant vehicle inspection failures I will add), transmissions failing to shift, hard forceful transmission shifts with vehicle lunges and more. On my vehicle specifically the o2 sensor codes are coming on and the vehicle will randomly not shift out of second gear which presents itself as a safety hazard when entering high speed freeways and interstates. The o2 sensors were replaced new with OEM parts and the codes did not go away. …
The vehicle was in motion and pulling from my driveway onto a city street when this happened. Both drivers and passenger center sections of the frame rusted from the inside out with no visible indication on the outside of the frame rails. Water and debris enter through holes used in the manufacturing process and due to no drain holes in any of the lower points the water and debris rot the frame away. In my case the transmission pan on the drivers side of the vehicle fell free when the bottom of the frame rail on that side crumbled while entering a city road from a private drive at less than 5 MPH. Damage was done to the transmission, transfer case, one axle, and the rear drive shaft. …
The bushing that attaches the transmission shifter linkage cable broke and the transmission was rendered inoperable. This situation has hundreds of incidents detailed on the internet and Jeep should be forced to recall the effected vehicles since this is obviously a defective design and manufacturer part. Chrysler/Jeep is being dishonest with consumers by saying they have not heard of the problem, yet the parts manager at my dealership told me this is a well documented issue and Jeep is aware of the problem. Also associated with this issue, is the defective shifter tube sleeve nylon insert that cracks. This is also well documented on the Jeep forums. Jeep is aware that both parts are defective and they should be forced to fix the problem free of charge for owners. Please help!
My Wrangler has sever rust damage on the frame, windshield frame, passenger rocker, and firewall. The frame has rotted from the inside out and caused the transfer case mounting bolts to pull through. The vehicle was in motion when this happened but luckily I was pulling out of my driveway and not on the highway headed to work. The windshield frame rust caused holes that allowed water to leak inside the vehicle causing the floor to rust from the inside out as well. These issues continue to happen again and again with each new revision to this model. When and what will it take for the company to be held accountable to their negligence?
Jeep started stalling either when parked or in traffic. Dealership says its the powertrain control unit (PCM or computer). Twice engine stalled as I was driving. Once as I was making a turn luckily had enough momentum to pull over and another time getting ready to proceed after a red light it stalled all of a sudden and again able to pull over. I have found many Jeep owners with this same problem and I am aware Jeep is aware but nothing has ever been done. Started mothers day 2018 and a few times up till July when I just parked it and had it towed to 3 shops including dealership.
My Jeep started making a very loud noise when driving. The more gas I gave it the louder it got and now it is un drivable due to a distributor oil pump. Biggest problem is all the Jeep parts people had no idea what the part it was and now they do not have any in the system nor can they tell me when they can have me one. There is a lot of complaints regarding this, stand up and do right for us jeepers!
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft May be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle May not be able to achieve 'park' position.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on November 28, 2005.
Transmission complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Jeep Wrangler, 6% of the model year's 650 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-460 (automatic transmission, Oct 6, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 2 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.