YearToAvoid

2011 Jeep Wrangler Transmission & Powertrain Problems

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler had 40 transmission & powertrain complaints, 8% of its 485 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 35,000. A related recall (11V145000) covers axle fastener torque, though most complaints describe manual transmission gears popping out in cold weather.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
40
8% of 485
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
35,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Manual transmission pops out of 2nd and 4th gear, especially in cold weather or after hitting bumps in the road.
  • 2nd gear crunches or grinds when shifting, with some owners reporting the problem worsening after multiple dealer visits.
  • Transmission overheats shortly after purchase, with owners reporting the manufacturer would not address the issue.
  • Gear shifter detaches from the vehicle while accelerating, traced to a fractured bolt from the welding process.
  • Owners report transmission fires, in one case linked to hot transmission oil dripping onto the engine, and in another to a transmission fire that caused loss of power and smoke.
  • Clutch reportedly burns out on steep inclines, with owners stating it lacked enough holding power for its intended use.

When 2011 Jeep Wrangler transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 21, 2010, latest Aug 12, 2024.

2011 Jeep Wrangler transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month2Dec 2010Nov 2011Aug 2012Mar 2014Mar 2015Aug 2016Apr 2018Aug 2024
40 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2010 to Aug 2024; peak Feb 2011 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler

  1. 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. 200541 (6%)
  2. 200657 (8%)
  3. 200746 (8%)
  4. 200867 (8%)
  5. 200934 (9%)
  6. 201068 (10%)
  7. 201140 (8%)
  8. 2012282 (34%)
  9. 2013230 (35%)
  10. 201488 (13%)
  11. 201551 (11%)
  12. 201674 (16%)
  13. 201750 (16%)
  14. 2018176 (10%)
  15. 201979 (11%)
  16. 202047 (8%)
  17. 2021143 (15%)
  18. 202263 (16%)
  19. 202350 (14%)
  20. 2024175 (24%)
  21. 202511 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Jeep Wrangler have transmission problems?
NHTSA lists 40 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2011 Wrangler, 8% of all complaints filed for the year. The most common pattern is gears popping out of 2nd or 4th, mostly reported in cold weather, at a median failure mileage of 35,000.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler?
Yes. Recall 11V145000, reported March 1, 2011, covers front and rear axle fastener torque degradation on 2010-2011 Wranglers. Dealers re-torque all nineteen fasteners free of charge.
Did the 2011 Jeep Wrangler transmission cause any fires?
NHTSA complaint data lists 3 fires tied to this component area, including cases where owners linked transmission oil or transmission failure to engine compartment fires.
At what mileage do 2011 Wrangler transmission problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 35,000 miles.

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.