2008 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 7%of 614 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4, 7% of the 614 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,000 miles. 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Hello, I'm requesting that a factory recall be placed on my 2008 Jeep wrangler. The issue is that the shifter cable falls off from the transmission lever because at the end of the cable there is a cheap 1 cent plastic insert that dries up and disintegrates, thus the shifter cable to fall-off. Thanks be to god, that nothing major happened to us, but potentially it could be fatal in other cases. …”
NHTSA complaint #10606007, filed 2014-06, 80,000 miles“While beginning to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle violently shifted out of first gear and into neutral. The event is so violent that the first time this happened I thought someone had hit me from behind. The problem is happening with increased frequency, and now happens about once per week.”
NHTSA complaint #10549786, filed 2013-10, 90,000 miles“I have a manual transmission and the stick shifter that is stick constantly causes it to pop out of first and second gear when I am driving. This happens very frequently and has been a safety concern because those behind me in traffic, at a light or in a four way stop believe I am accelerating when in fact I have been kicked out of either gear back to neutral. I have had some close calls with vehicles almost rear ending me and for the safety of myself and those of others I feel this should be addressed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11229794, filed 2019-07, 1 miles“I had a lifetime warranty package on my 2008 Jeep wrangler. I also keep great records of my maintained and did most of it at the dealership. I was driving 65mph on the highway and the transmission / engine area started smoking. When I pulled over group llc and lames were dripping from the transmission / engine area. Smoke quickly filled the vehicle and with-in 2 minutes the Jeep wrangler was up in flames. I contact chrysler group llc and they sent an inspector out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10615834, filed 2014-07, 116,000 miles“My Jeep keeps doing a death wobble on the highway today I took my 68 year old mother to airport and it did it going 55 on way back did it at 60 and I lost my transmission vfluid on 476 had to be towed”
NHTSA complaint #10717338, filed 2015-05, 85,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10026168Jul 12, 2008Chrysler/dodge/jeep: flash:diagnostic trouble code, dtc p0740 or p1798 and automatic transmission shift improvements 1-2 or 2-3 cold shift improvements.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4
198 complaintsAir bags
140 complaintsElectrical system
101 complaintsSteering
84 complaintsSuspension
68 complaintsEngine
28 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsElectronic stability control
17 complaintsWheels
14 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology