2021 Jeep Wrangler Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 143 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, 15% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 15,000 miles. Three related recalls (24V572000, 23V116000, 21V028000) cover clutch and powertrain control module software issues.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 143
- 15% of 934
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 5
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 15,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Clutch pressure plate overheats and fractures, sometimes producing smoke, a burning smell, or a fire under the vehicle.
- Manual transmission clutch fails suddenly, causing the engine to shut off and, in some cases, the vehicle to catch fire and burn completely.
- Transmission or shifter malfunctions with a 'service shifter' warning flashing on and off, with dealers pointing to a defective valve body.
- Vehicle refuses to move forward at a stop, then lurches forward and backward unexpectedly, leading to collisions with other vehicles.
- Gear shifter becomes frozen in Park along with illuminated warning lights, leaving the vehicle immobile even in remote locations.
- Owners report recall parts for the clutch/transmission issue are unavailable at dealerships despite an active recall notice.
When 2021 Jeep Wrangler transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 8, 2021, latest Sep 24, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler
- NHTSA 24V572000Aug 1, 2024Transmission & Powertrain94 vehicles
Power train:manual transmission:control module:software
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- NHTSA 23V116000Feb 23, 2023Transmission & Powertrain69,201 vehicles
Power train:clutch assembly
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- NHTSA 21V028000Jan 28, 2021Transmission & Powertrain42,887 vehicles
Power train:clutch assembly
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Wrangler model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
- NHTSA lists 143 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, which is 15% of the 934 total complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do 2021 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 15,000 miles.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler transmission or clutch?
- Yes. NHTSA has three related recalls: 24V572000 (powertrain control module software), 23V116000, and 21V028000, both covering clutch pressure plates that can overheat and fracture on manual transmission models.
- Are the 2021 Jeep Wrangler transmission complaints linked to crashes or fires?
- Of the complaints in this area, NHTSA data shows 4 crashes, 5 fires, and 1 injury reported.
- Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler worse than other years for transmission problems?
- At 15% share of complaints, the 2021 model is roughly in line with several other Wrangler years like 2016, 2017, and 2022, but well below 2012, 2013, and 2024, which had higher shares.