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 2013 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that after her husband had arrived at his destination, upon returning to the vehicle and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was eventually able to restart and returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact stated that the failure seemed to occur after driving the vehicle for longer than 45 minutes to one hour. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure Safety Recall J30. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that it felt as if the transmission had seized. The contact stated that the RPM was revving however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that during a state inspection, the contact was informed that the passenger's side rear axle shaft seal was leaking. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
In September of 2023 our 13' Jeep Wrangler Rubicon had an ABS Module failure. We went to our local Jeep (Gettel Jeep of Punta Gorda, FL) where they placed us on a list @number 1600. They told us to was safe to drive however use caution in the snow. As of August the Jeep became unable to drive. We have sent the module off for repair unsuccessful and we have sent it back for the second time. I have been in a rental car for 5 weeks and I am a caregiver to my mother and I a a home healthcare sales representative that relies on my Jeep for work and caregiver. We believe Chrysler corporation has done a poor job managing this ABS issue that I a very known problem and puts me and my elderly mom at risk daily. I have also paid for repairs via Gettel without results. I should have not been expected to pay for repairs that didn't correct the problem.
When driving approximately 45 mph and above the entire car starts to violently shake. I don't know what part causes this problem. I've heard it could be : steering damper, ball joints, tie rods, track bar, front suspension damper cause this. IDK. Until I can afford to take it to a service shop and get it checked and repaired, it sits parked because I'm afraid to drive it. This started about a month ago. Jeep (Stellantis) should be recalling and repairing ALL Wranglers with this problem not just newer models. My car has LOW miles but somehow got excluded from the lawsuit settlement apparently which is going by model years. This is a safety issue.
ABS and check engine light. I am a rural mail carrier, because my ABS light is on it causes my jeep to not accelerate pulling away from mailboxes therefore putting myself and other drivers at risk. The problem has been reproduced at the dealer. Warning lights illuminated at 19687 miles and are still on to this day, no resolution from Jeep. Jeep engineer came to dealership and could not say what was wrong with vehicle.
The oil cooling housing. There was sludge around it and the lines from below the jeep ruptured. causing oil to leak all over the transmission bell. This caused smoking and over all engine. My dad a certified ASE mechanic has looked at it multiple times and fixed various components related to the cooling/heating system.
My new to me, but still under factory warranty, Jeep Wrangler sahara 2dr, caught fire and burned the day I got it. It had been driven 250kms from the Jeep dealer to me, then parked until the evening. I took it for a drive for about 40km without incident, parked, and had dinner with a friend. After dinner, I used the remote start to test it, unlocked it, and got in and drove off. I stopped at a store a minute up the road, left it idling, and came out to find my check engine light flashing. I cycled the ignition, and the light went out. I proceeded towards home, but two minutes later the light came back on, followed by a very loud bang, then then the smoke from the hood. I was travelling at about 10km/hr in a neighbouthood having just turned from a stop. …
I pulled into parking space, foot on brake,( zero speed naturally) as I started to move shifter from drive to park, the engine roared and Jeep accelerated up over curb and ~ 20ft till I hit the corner of the la fitness building ( my destination) all the time with my foot depressed very hard on the brake. Damaging front bumper, grill , headlight and windshield on left corner (driver side). I deployed all my strength to brake during event with no effect, turned off car, and put it in park. Air bag did not deploy. 1-10-2019 at ~ 8:45 am. Carrolton texas (75007 ) police report # 2019008855, officer elmore # 680 filed on 1-10-2019. I called huffines Jeep dealership to inquire if issues with sudden acceleration had been reported (officer reccomend I check before I drive to their repair shop) bob in customer service said he did not know of any issues or recalls. …
Driving approx 65 MPH on highway. RPM jumped then car lost power. Would not shift past neutral and unable to remove key. Auto door unlock failed. Vehicle was evacuated and then struck from behind at high speed.
2013 Jeep Wrangler rubicon, caught fire after coming off of a highway. Traveling under 30 MPH, I saw flames underneath the Jeep behind me ( my friends Jeep ). By the time I noticed it was a ball of flame. I immidiately slamed on the brakes and waved him down. He could barely stop because his brakes also went out( he said the ABS light flipped on) my other friend jumped out of the vehicle I was traveling in and attempted help said friend in the Wrangler. Same friend had a giant bucket of water in his bed of the truck I was driving. I grabbed it and ran to the Wrangler. I looked underneath the Jeep, the flames were smaller and I could see that the origin was on top of the transmission. There was nothing I could do, I didn't have a cup or a device to scoop water to put the fire out. At this time I realized that this was a form of chemical fire. So water would have made it worse. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and an automatic transmission and manufactured January 23, 2011, through February 23, 2013.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Transmission complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 230 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 Jeep Wrangler, 35% of the model year's 654 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-234 (cooling unit and lines, Jun 4, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles, and 52% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 4 fires and 4 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.