Skip to content
Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2020 Jeep Wrangler Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
47about this part
Share
8%of 618 total for the year
Median mileage
3,750miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler, 8% of the 618 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I believe the vehicle clutch failed and the vehicle lost forward propulsion. Prior to the loss of clutch pressure and propulsion, a strong burning smell was noted coming form the vehicle, followed by smoke. The vehicle was in motion, going through stop and go traffic, on a city street. I believe this is related to recall 20v124000. The vehicle has 138 miles on it and was being driven home after being purchased new from the dealership.”

NHTSA complaint #11323805, filed 2020-05, 138 miles

“The neutral automatic start/off switch was activated as I was stopped at a red light. Vehicle suddenly turned off and jerked as I was proceeding to go on a green light and vehicle did not want to turn back on until 20 min later.”

NHTSA complaint #11408075, filed 2021-04, 14,900 miles

“2020 Jeep wrangle jl with less than 3000 miles will periodically lose acceleration and not go past 3 gear. This has happened multiple times after driving for a bit and attempting to accelerate from a red light or stop sign. I have noticed if you turn off the vehicle and back on, it seems to fix the problem but the unexpected loss of acceleration and ability to reach normal operating speed has put me in danger situations numerous times. Not sure if it is related but I also noted that the auto start/stop warning light was on the last time it happened.”

NHTSA complaint #11344055, filed 2020-08, 2,500 miles

“Approaching light turning from yellow to red. Applied breaks. Vehicle would not stop. Abs system engages loudly car shakes uncontrollably - does not come to stop. Vehicle proceeds into intersection and is unable to break. Vehicle speed 35-40 approaching light with 50-60 yards to stop safely. Complete failure of breaks. Third time had to return vehicle to dealer for failure of systems.”

NHTSA complaint #11306801, filed 2020-02, 1,832 miles

“Brand new jlur first road trip, got less then 500 miles out of co into hays,ks. Vehicles has lees then 5000 miles, was passing a vehicle at 68 MPH. Lost all forward gears, got a code for valve body silenoid high voltage. Jeepcares did nothing for a tow. It's a little sad you pay $55,000+ for a vehicle, just to have a vehicle sit in the shop with no loaner. Transmission is on a 2 month back order. Word of advice stay away from any the new jl/jt model jeeps.”

NHTSA complaint #11397987, filed 2021-02, 5,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202618%
20251318%
202417924%
20235114%
20226817%
202114916%
2020478%
20198011%
201817710%
20175016%
20167416%
20155111%
20148813%
201323035%
201228234%
2011408%
20106810%
2009349%
2008678%
2007468%
2006578%
2005416%
20042614%
20032222%
20021413%
20012314%
20007028%
1999209%
19983312%
19975313%
19953216%
19941913%
19931312%
19921114%
1991811%
199056%
1989711%
198824%
198725%

Other parts of the 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Steering
239 complaintsElectrical system
183 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsEngine
56 complaintsSuspension
51 complaintsFuel system
43 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsWheels
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Jeep Wrangler

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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