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 2017 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the contact saw smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the clutch disintegrated causing the clutch to catch on fire. There was no crash nor injuries due to the fire. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was not contacted. A police report was not filed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with the clutch needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21V028000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the transmission independently shifted out of reverse(R). The contact immediately grabbed the gear shifter immediately and shifted back into reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission crankshaft and drive train had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure returned several weeks later. The vehicle was taken to another certified mechanic, was diagnosed it with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact learned that the transmission had been replaced by the previous owner at 9,588 miles in 2019. The vehicle was not repaired again. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The dealer had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-45 MPH, the vehicle lost power. On another occasion, while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. While shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The driver was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was running, and the heat was functioning. The vehicle was towed to a AAA Service Center, where the filter and oil were changed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to AAA again, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was restarted, and when the gear shifter was shifted into the desired position, the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred 5 years later. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
We were driving home from about a location an hour away. We were almost to our home when the transmission started to slip. The hot oil light came on as we were trying to ascend our hill where we live. We all of the sudden saw flames coming out the side of the vehicle. We were able to exit the vehicle and get to safety but the jeep burned completely to the ground. There was only 60k miles on it and it had been well maintained.
Jeep caught on fire on the interstate. 17 year old boy had to pull over and escape vehicle. Vehicle left the side of the road even after being in park and brake. Vehicle continued unmanned on interstate into oncoming traffic engulfed in flames. It has not been confirmed by a dealer. Vehicle was inspected by State Farm. NO warnings given prior to incident.
I bought my 2017 jeep with 29,000 miles on it. I had an issue with the rear driverside brake locking up around 40,000 miles. I feel this is a safety issue due to how hot the brakes got and at times would be smoking. It being the weekend and my only vehicle, repaired myself for approximately $280. I have had to replace several coil packs around $50,000 miles. My main complaint today, at 66,000 miles it seems to be leaking oil. I took to mechanic this morning and was told this is a common problem with jeeps. The oil cooler housing is cracked and leaking. This part is made out of plastic. The repair for this is going to cost $1200 to $1500. I have read complaints regarding this issue and do not understand why this hasn't been recalled. This is a major safety concern and could possibly cause a fire. I have owned jeeps my whole life and as of today, I will never purchase another. …
Have the rear axle gears chipping/breaking off. Have mentioned this several times to dealer and they said the noise is normal for Jeeps. Took to independent repair shop and he found the gear issue, and asked me if anyone has worked on this rear end before, which would be no. He stated it looks as if someone has broke the original seal on it. I bought it at Performance CJDR in Delaware Ohio, and I'm wondering if something happened to it before I took ownership of vehicle. In process of repair at Bobbitt's Automotive repair in Lancaster Ohio... On my oil changes, the Rear Differential has always been checked OK... Now that vehicle is out of Power train Warranty this happens... My feeling is that this was always an issue with this vehicle, and was being covered up
When driving at highway speed of appx. 60mph, driver heard a loud pop followed by grinding from under the vehicle. Driver pulled over, and assessed for visible damage, none was seen. A tow truck was called, as the severe grinding sound continued if the vehicle moved at all. It was taken back to the dealership where they discovered that the front driveshaft was completely destroyed. No one was injured, however had this happened during busy traffic it could have caused an incident. The front driveshaft, along with all applicable seals were replaced, at the owners expense as were the towing costs. No cause was found. See also NHTSA ID number: 11156532. My incident was not as severe, however very similar.
The plastic oil filter housing cracked leading to large oil leaks. This had been leaking for awhile and was not immediately noticed due to its placement in the valley between cylinder banks atop the engine. While investigating separate U-joint noise and driveshaft vibration that came on suddenly at 58,000 miles I found oil all over the driveshaft and traced it to the cracked housing. The repair was ~$650. Mechanics stated this is a common issue when oil change technicians over tighten the filter in the plastic housing.
Transmission complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 Jeep Wrangler, 16% of the model year's 311 complaints. The component named most often is clutch assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2017 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 5 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 2017 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles, and 59% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 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.