YearToAvoid

2010 Jeep Wrangler Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 68 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2010 Jeep Wrangler, 10% of all complaints that year, with 6 fires and 2 crashes reported. Median mileage at failure was 25,250 miles. Two related recalls address a debris-collecting transmission skid plate and axle fastener torque.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
68
10% of 685
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
25,250 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Manual transmission pops out of first gear during acceleration from a stop, sometimes multiple times per day at very low mileage.
  • Debris collects between the transmission skid plate and the exhaust/catalytic converter, leading to sparks or fire underneath the vehicle after off-road or highway driving.
  • Some owners report fires starting near the transmission area even without off-road debris exposure, including a case where flames appeared after a brief stop.
  • Sudden loss of power and RPM drop while driving, accompanied by warning lights and, in one case, a failed PCM.
  • One owner reported a dealer-installed chime meant to warn when transmission fluid became too hot, tied to an unspecified recall notice.

When 2010 Jeep Wrangler transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 26, 2010, latest Jan 29, 2025.

2010 Jeep Wrangler transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per quarter62010 Q12011 Q22012 Q32014 Q12015 Q22017 Q12019 Q2
68 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2010 Q1 to 2025 Q1; peak 2011 Q1 (6).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2010 Jeep Wrangler

  1. NHTSA 12V216000May 16, 2012Transmission & Powertrain65,246 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission

    Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 jeep wrangler vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. The transmission skid plate, which is close to the catalytic converter, can collect debris.

    Risk: If this occurs, the debris can ignite without warning, resulting in a vehicle fire.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate with a skid bar, free of charge. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

  2. NHTSA 11V145000Mar 1, 2011Transmission & Powertrain18,326 vehicles

    Power train:axle assembly

    Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 jeep wrangler vehicles manufactured from july 12, 2010, through september 10, 2010. Some vehicles may experience a degradation of fastener torque for various front and rear axle attachments to the chassis module.

    Risk: This could result in noise, or ultimately, degradation in steering and handling characteristics which could lead to loss of directional control of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will re-torque all nineteen fasteners to the maximum residual torque values. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 24, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Wrangler model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201068 (10%)
  2. 201140 (8%)
  3. 2012282 (34%)
  4. 2013230 (35%)
  5. 201488 (13%)
  6. 201551 (11%)
  7. 201674 (16%)
  8. 201750 (16%)
  9. 2018176 (10%)
  10. 201979 (11%)
  11. 202047 (8%)
  12. 2021143 (15%)
  13. 202263 (16%)
  14. 202350 (14%)
  15. 2024175 (24%)
  16. 202511 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission problems have been reported for the 2010 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has logged 68 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2010 Jeep Wrangler, which is 10% of the 685 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission-related recall for the 2010 Jeep Wrangler?
Yes. Recall 12V216000 addresses a transmission skid plate that can collect debris near the catalytic converter, and recall 11V145000 covers degraded fastener torque on front and rear axles.
Did the transmission issues cause fires?
Yes. NHTSA data shows 6 fire incidents and 2 crashes tied to the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2010 Wrangler.
At what mileage do transmission problems usually appear on the 2010 Wrangler?
The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2010 Wrangler is 25,250 miles, though several sample complaints describe issues at much lower mileage.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.