2002 Jeep Wrangler Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 13%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Jeep Wrangler, 13% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Going down the freeway about 60mph around 5:30pm. Feel some humming from the vehicle follow by a loud high pitch. Then heard a loud band and parts started to fall on the freeway. The car was still moving without power and light. I was on the third lane of a five lane freeway. Cars behind me slow down and allow me to pull to the side. I was stop between an entrance and the freeway. After exam the car with the shop. The transfer case was broken into pieces. Called Jeep and was told to toll the car to a dealer. After dealer confirmed the transfer case was broken into pieces with no clue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10556452, filed 2013-12, 6,500 miles“In 4-low trying to get out of snow in a 2002 Jeep Wrangler, the axle broke for no apparent reason. This is not being covered by warranty since I was told it happened when spinning tires hit pavement, although I never did get to pavement.”
NHTSA complaint #10013750, filed 2003-04, 6,000 miles“The 2002 Jeep Wrangler has approx. 85000 miles on it. Never used off road - just to and from work. Brought vehicle in for work on clutch and repair shop states that the vehicle frame is rotted through and need to be replaced before transmission is able to be removed. Front fenders have rusted through in same spot on each side.”
NHTSA complaint #10597868, filed 2014-06, 85,000 miles“At 65 MPH on I-95 in maryland, the clutch and bearings burned out. All power to power brakes and steering were lost immediately making an emergency stop and steering was very difficult. Recent dealer maintenance failed to detect any excess ive wear or potential for failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10058684, filed 2004-02, 16,500 miles“March 2009: while driving at 55mph, hear a rattle noise, then the shift on the floor shakes violently. Pull over, cannot find anything wrong, travel home less than 50 MPH, fine. Few more times, on the highway, car does it again. Put in fuel injector cleaner, change oil, clean all around battery. Does not do it for a week or two then does it again. Told to replace camshaft sensor & crankshaft sensor. Did and ran fine no issues for two weeks. 4/13/09 after sitting at a red traffic light, proceeded to turn right, engine died. …”
NHTSA complaint #10273183, filed 2009-06, 105,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 13 | 18% |
| 2024 | 179 | 24% |
| 2023 | 51 | 14% |
| 2022 | 68 | 17% |
| 2021 | 149 | 16% |
| 2020 | 47 | 8% |
| 2019 | 80 | 11% |
| 2018 | 177 | 10% |
| 2017 | 50 | 16% |
| 2016 | 74 | 16% |
| 2015 | 51 | 11% |
| 2014 | 88 | 13% |
| 2013 | 230 | 35% |
| 2012 | 282 | 34% |
| 2011 | 40 | 8% |
| 2010 | 68 | 10% |
| 2009 | 34 | 9% |
| 2008 | 67 | 8% |
| 2007 | 46 | 8% |
| 2006 | 57 | 8% |
| 2005 | 41 | 6% |
| 2004 | 26 | 14% |
| 2003 | 22 | 22% |
| 2002 | 14 | 13% |
| 2001 | 23 | 14% |
| 2000 | 70 | 28% |
| 1999 | 20 | 9% |
| 1998 | 33 | 12% |
| 1997 | 53 | 13% |
| 1995 | 32 | 16% |
| 1994 | 19 | 13% |
| 1993 | 13 | 12% |
| 1992 | 11 | 14% |
| 1991 | 8 | 11% |
| 1990 | 5 | 6% |
| 1989 | 7 | 11% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
| 1987 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2002 Jeep Wrangler
26 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Jeep Wrangler
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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