Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Was delivering mail started to smell something got out to check package got back in smoke was coming from vents around dash area went for help when returning to vehicle it was in flame tried to salvage as much mail as possible and it burned completely
The program control module (PCM) contains the transmission control module and all safety features designed into these vehicles. In my case I am developing transmission shifting problems as a first sign with hard shifts and incorrect temperature reading recorded from the transmission. The false high readings can result in unexpected engine shut down and other unsafe operating conditions. Chrysler is no longer providing support for replacement PCM computers, despite this problem affecting large numbers of 2005 and 2006 vehicles with the PCM/tom combination when the solder joints on the PCM/tom circuit board developers corrosion and solder fractures affecting the computer programming. My dealer currently has 29 units that they do not have replacements for on back order with no plans to provide any support to current owners. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Wrangler. The contact was an independent mechanic and stated that the battery almost failed and the 02 oxygen heat sensor was not able to complete the final test of reprogramming. Also, the action sensor heat module could not be reprogrammed. The contact called auburn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (1901 grass valley hwy, auburn, ca 95603, [phone]) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that there was an electrical short that burned through the electrical wires, the heating controls, and other components. The contact opened the paneling and noticed that the wires and various components were melted. The dealer stated that the ground wiring needed to be replaced and further inspection was required to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
The ECU has failed 4 times in my Jeep. By doing a little research on a couple of Jeep pages it is a common problem for this particular model. It has been replaced under warranty, for the past 2 years. I have been told that Chrysler will not replace it again. The problem that is caused is the way the transmission shifts from 1st gear to 2nd gear . Sometimes the Jeep will go into "limp mode". This has been going on since August of 2016, a total of 4 ECU's has been installed.
The vehicle while operating under normal driving conditions had a check engine light appear. A certified mechanic found the TCM was faulty. Findings: p0218 high temp operation activated. P0714 transmission temp sensor intermittent. P0613 internal TCM problem. Instrument cluster: 1 TCM/single board engine control message not received data list for TCM is reading 1023 degrees fahrenheit or 1.10 volts having code p0613 TCM is faulty.
The heater fan speed switch starts failing by only working on high speed. Then it quits completely. I have had the whole unit replaced before about 3 years ago. It just did exactly the same thing again and I have had it replaced again. This time the replacement unit doesn't allow me to change the location of where the heat comes out. It is stuck on the defroster.
While driving on the route smoke start coming out from air / heat vents. I stopped the car, got out of opened frond hood, but was nothing there. Walked to passenger door and saw fire where passenger keeps legs. Got my paperwork from the car and by the time I run away from the car the whole thing was ball of fire.
Jeep Wrangler x 2006 automatic. Sthall while running in highway .then would not start ,no crank. No fuel pump start , no panel indicators working. Shows a 06- 02 code error in panel. Mean fueling calibration error. 3 or 4 days later it start like new.
Submitted repair copies for refund in September 2015. Follow up calls to FCA stated check in mail, check has been canceled, someone will follow up with you. Today February 18, 2016 and still told someone will contact me about refund.
Electrical complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Jeep Wrangler, 4% of the model year's 730 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Jeep Wrangler electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2006 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 3 recalls 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 2006 Jeep Wrangler electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.