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 2006 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The transmission has been shifting very hard and erratic for years and if i hit a bump the steering wheel shakes violently. Has been doing these things since almost new the dealer would not fix any of it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Wrangler. The contact took the vehicle to aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (2198 ne 163rd st, north miami beach, fl 33162, [phone]) for routine maintenance. The contact notified the dealer that he received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 15V222000 (power train). The dealer verified the recall and stated that they would perform the recall repair as well as the other maintenance repairs. When the contact went to retrieve the vehicle, the recall repairs were not completed. The dealer stated that they would call the contact back when the parts were available. The contact checked back with the dealer six to seven times both in person and on the phone and was informed that the parts were still not available. The contact had to initiate the calls since the dealer never called back over a three month timeframe. …
While traveling on a slight grade at approx 60 MPH vehicle downshifted then noted plume of white smoke exiting from rear I vehicle. Upon pulling over a small engine compartment fire was noted an easily extinguished. Upon further inspection ride side of engine compartment was notes to be covered in transmission fluid. This was right side only further inspection revealed transmission fluid coming from right sided transmission breather tube just behind dipstick on right side. Cause on fluid discharge appears to be an over heating or pressurization of transmission case as there are no other ports of exit. Trams case is intact and areas around transmission are dry free of debris or evidence of leakage. Fluid level prior to event was correct and no possibility of over filling as fluid level was inspected on regular basis. …
The PCM used with automatic transmissions has a serious and very common failure. Chrysler has known since 2006 and has made no effort to date to rectify the issue. The TCM side (internal with the PCM) has a problem that causes harsh shifting issues. The only known successful repair is to replace the PCM. This has caused them to be unavailable and when they are, they are 3 to 5 times more expensive than other years. Also, these remanufactured PCM's are not reliably repaired, it is usual that several different PCM's be installed before a reliable one is found. I know of a 2006 Jeep tjl that had six mopar remanufactured computers installed in 90 days, all by the same dealership, before one that actually worked was found. There are hundreds of posts on every online forums that jeepers use that discuss the problem in great detail. …
2006 Jeep Wrangler unlimited after getting fuel filled I pull out of station and it starts hesitating and then stalls in middle of street. It nearly caused an accident from car behind me I had to restart and it would stall and bog few more times then run OK. Today I fueled up and pulled out of station at a 6 lane divided road with an interstate with on and off ramps both sides so I had only 100 feet to cross three lanes to get into left turn lane for interstate as this lane goes under and at light turns left to on ramp, just to give you insight on situation, I fuel up pull out and it shuts off cars have to stop I am in middle of three lane dead in the water it starts back up and I pull up thank god a safe distance to car in front of me and it bogs down and the surges making the Jeep thrust forward had to brake hard no accident was caused but god forbid it could have please research this.
The transmission control module (TCM), part of the computer, fails and manifests as a failure to shift from 1st to 2nd, over revving, loud thuds/clunks when it does shift from 1st to 2nd. Computer (TCM) can be reset if battery (+) disconnected and grounded out. This problem is not rare, estimate several 1,000 Jeep wranglers '05 and '06 with automatic transmissions are experiencing this now or will. Chrysler has no interest in repairs or providing parts. From Jeep forums, best guess is a resistor or capacitor on the computer motherboard fails or critical electrical connections were poorly/incorrected soldered leading to insufficient and inconsistent connectivity.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Wrangler. While accelerating from a complete stop, the transmission shifted violently into second gear. The engine began to rev rapidly. The failure occurred only after the vehicle was initially started or whenever the engine was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the PCM was reprogrammed. Three weeks later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the PCM was replaced; however, the failure recurred nine months later. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while unloading goods from the passenger's side of the parked vehicle, the vehicle began to roll away in reverse and downhill until crashing into another parked vehicle. The contact suffered injuries to the head. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the vehicle allowed her to erroneously remove the key from the ignition without the vehicle being shifted into park. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was 54,700.
I was traveling at about 45 MPH on open road when the vehicle shook so bad I pulled off the road, because I had trouble hanging on to the wheel. I looked this up and it was called a death wobble. I bought the vehicle used in 2013 after trading in a 1999 Wrangler that I never had such a problem with. I have replaced the stabilizer bar and stabilizer link bushings, track bar and bushings and still get a wobble but not as bad. There is certainly something wrong but no one is admitting it. Why does it take someone getting seriously injured or killed to get the problem recognized and fixed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Wrangler. While parked, the gear lever failed to shift into the park position. The emergency brake was engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the shifter assembly. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05v46000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,277.
Related recalls
Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2006 Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006. In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Clutch assembly
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 6 speed manual transmissions, the hydraulic clutch master cylinder linkage rod May break. This May not allow disengagement of the clutch when the pedal is depressed.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder linkage rod free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Clutch linkage failure
On May 2, 2006 daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) submitted to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) a part 573 report advising that certain model year 2006 Jeep wrangler vehicles would be voluntarily rec alled to replace a defective clutch linkage component.the recall action is identified by NHTSA no. 06V147 (dcc no.
Transmission complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Jeep Wrangler, 8% of the model year's 730 complaints. The component named most often is clutch assembly (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-222 (pedal/hand lever(motorcycle), Apr 15, 2015); NHTSA recall 06V-147 (clutch assembly, May 3, 2006); NHTSA recall 05V-460 (automatic transmission, Oct 6, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles, and 51% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 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.