How many transmission & powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?

NHTSA lists 282 complaints in this category for the 2012 Wrangler, which is 34% of the 834 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?

There is a related recall, campaign 13V234000, but it covers the power steering return tube assembly on 2012-2013 Wranglers with the 3.6L engine and automatic transmission, not the transmission itself.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2012 Wrangler?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 18,250 at the time of failure for transmission & powertrain complaints on this model year.

Was the 2012 Jeep Wrangler worse than other years for transmission problems?

Yes, relative to other Wrangler model years in this dataset, 2012 has the highest share at 34%, followed closely by 2013 at 35% and 2024 at 24%.

Did the transmission issues cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury tied to transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 282 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, 34% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 18,250. A related recall (13V234000) covers the power steering return tube, not the transmission itself.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 282; 34% of 834
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 18,250 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the automatic transmission's electronic shift lever is overly sensitive, causing accidental and unintended downshifts with barely any lever movement.
Some describe the transmission slipping between gears at a stop or while idling, including unexpected shifts from drive into 2nd or 3rd gear.
Others report difficulty engaging 1st gear, with grinding, notchy shifting, or the need to start the vehicle in 2nd gear after the 1st gear synchro failed.
A subset of owners describe the manual clutch burning out or stalling the vehicle at low speed, in one case with visible smoke.
Some owners report the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly while parked on an incline, including one case that resulted in a crash.
At least one owner reported the automatic transmission failing to shift above 40 mph while RPMs climbed, forcing them to pull over.

When 2012 Jeep Wrangler transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 14, 2011, latest Jan 8, 2026.

282 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q3 to 2026 Q1; peak 2014 Q2 (83).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler

NHTSA 13V234000Jun 4, 2013Transmission & Powertrain180,131 vehicles
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. The power steering line may contact and wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid.
Risk: A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.
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. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N28.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Wrangler model year

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

200541 (6%)
200657 (8%)
200746 (8%)
200867 (8%)
200934 (9%)
201068 (10%)
201140 (8%)
2012282 (34%)
2013230 (35%)
201488 (13%)
201551 (11%)
201674 (16%)
201750 (16%)
2018176 (10%)
201979 (11%)
202047 (8%)
2021143 (15%)
202263 (16%)
202350 (14%)
2024175 (24%)
202511 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission & powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?: NHTSA lists 282 complaints in this category for the 2012 Wrangler, which is 34% of the 834 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?: There is a related recall, campaign 13V234000, but it covers the power steering return tube assembly on 2012-2013 Wranglers with the 3.6L engine and automatic transmission, not the transmission itself.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2012 Wrangler?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 18,250 at the time of failure for transmission & powertrain complaints on this model year.
Was the 2012 Jeep Wrangler worse than other years for transmission problems?: Yes, relative to other Wrangler model years in this dataset, 2012 has the highest share at 34%, followed closely by 2013 at 35% and 2024 at 24%.
Did the transmission issues cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury tied to transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler.