2012 Jeep Wrangler Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 282about this part
- Share
- 34%of 836 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,250miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 282 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, 34% of the 836 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,250 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engineering defect oil pan on transmission leaking had pan replaced at dealer they claimed it was not under warranty do to rust. I found drain from A/C drains on top of transmission onto oil pan which rusts out pan as in pictures water stain on transmission and pan from A/C condensate car has 29,000 miles I have more pictures if needed”
NHTSA complaint #11338929, filed 2020-07, 29,000 miles“Engineering defect I had to replace the oil pan on the transmission I found that the condensate from the air condition was draining on top of the transmission and running down to the corner of the oil pan and rotting the pan out. Will send pictures I sent this complaint in before but did not hear from you.”
NHTSA complaint #11351973, filed 2020-08, 29,000 miles“The left rear brake caliper engages randomly. When engaged the vehicle is slowed somewhat. Sometimes there will be coming off the disc pads. I have noticed that I can clear the condition by following the hill start assist on/off procedure. A mechanic told me this is a computer failure and he can fix it for $1300. I think it is a serious safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10938960, filed 2017-01, 15,000 miles“My airbag light has come on at 80,000 miles 1.20.2019. I was told it is the clockspring. 2 months ago my wa580(nag1) transmission began to shift itself going uphill trying to find the right gear. I was told it was the valvebidy which is not under warranty even though the same part was replaced at 35,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11172121, filed 2019-01, 80,000 miles“Engine dash lights ABS, traction control and engine light came on then off then back on will in motion. Also while in motion, an RPM surge occurred which almost caused me to rear end the car in front of me. This surge has occurred twice in the last day so have parked the vehicle for fear of having an accident that could result in bodily harm.”
NHTSA complaint #11056333, filed 2017-12, 59,000 milesRelated recalls
- 13V234000Jun 4, 2013Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and an automatic transmission and…Covers: Jeep Wrangler 2012–2013
Related service bulletins
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Plate - Planetary
- 10228020Apr 2, 2022Customer Satisfaction Notification V51 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
- 10221150Apr 16, 2021Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during…
- 10170368Dec 12, 2019Customer Satisfaction Notification V51 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
- 10138874Jun 1, 2018Customer Satisfaction Notification S80 Aftermarket Dana 60 Front Axle The aftermarket front axle steering knuckles have been machined with an incorrect taper during the…
- 10219849Jun 1, 2017Customer Satisfaction Notification S80 Aftermarket Dana 60 Front Axle The aftermarket front axle steering knuckles have been machined with an incorrect taper during the…
- 10121700Jul 21, 2016Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with updated software. The customers may experience…
- 10218102Mar 11, 2016Diagnostic And System Improvements.
- 10140236Mar 11, 2016Flash: 3.6L Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with updated software. The customers may experience a…
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 2012 Jeep Wrangler
204 complaintsEngine
172 complaintsElectrical system
148 complaintsAir bags
128 complaintsOther or unknown
54 complaintsBrakes
52 complaintsFuel system
45 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
41 complaintsElectronic stability control
30 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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