YearToAvoid

2013 Jeep Wrangler Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 230 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler, 35% of its 650 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 23,161 miles. A related recall, campaign 13V234000, covers a power steering return tube issue tied to this system, with 4 fires and 3 crashes reported.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
230
35% of 650
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
4
Median mileage
23,161 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report vehicle fires starting underneath the Jeep or near the driver's seat while driving or shortly after parking.
  • Several owners describe stalling or sudden power loss at highway speed, with the transmission failing to shift properly afterward.
  • Multiple complaints describe an oil-burning smell during extended driving, linked to the power steering return tube covered under recall 13V234000.
  • A number of owners tried to get the recall repair done but were told replacement parts were unavailable for months, leaving the defect unfixed.
  • Some owners report no failure yet but flag the same recall notice, indicating the issue was present but not yet triggered.

When 2013 Jeep Wrangler transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 18, 2013, latest Sep 6, 2026.

2013 Jeep Wrangler transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per quarter792013 Q22014 Q32016 Q12017 Q32019 Q12020 Q32023 Q4
230 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2014 Q2 (79).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler

  1. 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.

  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 and powertrain complaints does the 2013 Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA lists 230 complaints in this area for the 2013 Wrangler, which is 35% of all 650 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission-related recall for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler?
Yes. Recall campaign 13V234000 covers 2012-2013 Wranglers with a 3.6L engine and automatic transmission, addressing a power steering return tube assembly defect; the remedy is a free replacement.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2013 Wrangler?
NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 23,161 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
Have there been fires or crashes linked to this problem area?
NHTSA records 4 fires and 3 crashes and 4 injuries tied to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler.

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.