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 2009 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The manual transmission malfunctioned, it is available for inspection upon request. My safety and others are put at risk due to the transmission not accepting first gear when in 1st gear, and it "pops" out of gear unexpectedly, leaving me and others in the middle of an intersection. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by dealers, the manufacturer knows about the problem, to my knowledge. There were not any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. This issue happens very frequently, and happens to thousands of others with this Jeep. And it's extremely dangerous.
TIPM failure while driving is very unsafe. Can cause lights, wipers, and other failures while driving, including intermittent dangerous stalling and non starting. Please don't wait until deaths or injury occur before action of this widely known issue.
Brought my Jeep to an automotive shop to have crank case and transmission oil changed. They discovered that the rear drive shaft was in dire straight. There are 16 bolts; 8 at each end that keep the drive shaft in place. 1 was completely missing, 12 were broken (in multiple places on multiple bolts) and 3 bolts were all that was keeping the drive shaft in place and they were all attached to the rear of the shaft. The shop insisted that I see it first hand and that they had never seen anything like it before. I was completely horrified, there is no telling how long it had been that way. I am not hard on my vehicle, I don't hot rod, off road or go mudding. There were no indications of a problem and the Jeep service department didn't discover anything during their "umpteen" vehicle point inspection. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Wrangler. While driving at a very low speed, there was an abnormal noise coming from the gear shifter as it independently shifted out of the first gear. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission assembly and multiple parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to part unavailability. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated when shifted into 4 wheel drive. In addition, the air bag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V290000 (air bags) and 16V352000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. Part distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the transmission malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to specify why the failure occurred, but stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact mentioned that the transmission was previously replaced three times for the same failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but did not offer any additional assistance. The failure mileage was 171,907. The VIN was not available.
At 1030 am 08 September 2016, my Jeep Wrangler caught fire and was determined a total loss. I dropped my Jeep off for a noise in the transmission on 06 September 2016, I then received a phone on the 8th that my Jeep had caught fire because the transmission had overheated. The dealership was in possession of my vehicle through this process and stated that I would need to file a claim through my insurance company.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that after the starting the vehicle, the first gear slipped. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified if the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000. The VIN was not provided.
Transmission pops out of first gear routinely. It is a safety concern and occurs when crossing traffic at turns eliminating drive to wheels and leaving operator vulnerable to injury or death from oncoming traffic. Jeep has issues TSB TSB 21-001-10 rev a but no recall. This is a known issue with many vehicles with same transmission. There will be injury or death from this one day.
Manual transmission pops out of 1st gear on acceleration forcing the driver to quickly put into 2nd gear. This happens without warning and does cause a safety hazard. If the vehicle stalls out when going into 2nd gear it could easily cause serious injury or death.
Transmission complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Jeep Wrangler, 10% of the model year's 626 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2009 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 7 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 2009 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 22,000 miles, and 54% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 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.