Problems · by component

2008 Jeep Wrangler power train problems

100 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2008 Jeep Wrangler cite power train, 8% of all 1,255 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
100
8% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,250.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2024Power trainODI 11600576
“I have a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that has a lifetime powertrain warranty. Since I purchased the vehicle in 2008 I have maintained it exactly as required to keep the warranty valid. This includes the 5 year lifetime warranty powertrain inspections which are performed every 5 years. I have documented proof of the inspections. In January 2024 my ABS brakes failed and I went to my local dealership where I purchased the vehicle. The dealership service department told me that my ABS module failed with a code of C2200 ABS Module Internal Failure. the part number is 68030936-AB. The dealership said they ordered the part from the manufacturer. Since January 09, 2024 I have called the dealership about the ABS module. They told me I could drive the vehicle and that it would brake, but the antilock brakes would not work. This ABS module also controls the Electronic Stability Program, and that does not work either. Chrysler has not manufactured the broken part. Chrysler sold me the vehicle with a lifetime powertrain warranty and this part is included in the warranty. However, Chrysler has failed to provide a replacement part or offered another vehicle to safely drive.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 26, 2024Power train, Service brakesODI 11596883
“The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission overheated, and the oil warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2024Power train, Engine and engine coolingODI 11596464
“Transmission pops out of first gear randomly. Was making a left turn across a 4 lane highway when transmission popped out this time. Thankfully this time oncoming traffic had enough time to slow down and not t-bone me. When this happens it feels as though I’ve been hit from behind and makes a very loud popping noise. Dealer aware of tbs 21-001-10 but vehicle is out of warranty period so have to pay out of pocket to have this well know safety issue fixed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 30, 2022Power trainODI 11458966
“THE DASHBLIGHTS STARTED ACTING POSSESSED WHILE DRIVING AND WINSHIELD WHIPERA CAME ON WITHOUT BEING ACTIVATED BY SWITCH. NOW THE GUAGES ARE STUCK STRAIGHT UP AND IT WONT SHIFT OUT OF PARK..THE RADIO AND WINDOWS STILL WORK AND THE LIGHTS CONE ON WITHOUT BEING TURNED ON.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 22, 2020Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11375823
“ALRIGHT I HAVE A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA JK. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2DOOR SOFT TOP. AND I HAVE NOTICED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN THERE IS WET CONDITIONS ON ANY CURVY ROAD THAT WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TAKE A CURVE TO THE RIGHT WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL ON THE TRANSMISSION WILL DOWN SHIFT AND CAUSE THE BACK TIRES TO SPIN AND LOSE TRACTION WHICH INTURN SENDS THE [XXX] END SIDEWAYS. AND IT DOES IT BOTH UP AND DOWN HILL AND PRETTY MUCH ONLY ON RIGHT TURNS THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH PUTS THE DRIVER SIDE REAR END INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE A LITTLE. AND I TRULY BELIEVE IF IT WAS A YOUNG DRIVER OR ANYONE THAT HASN'T DROVE ANYTHING WILDLY BEFORE IN THERE LIFE IT COULD CAUSE A BAD ACCIDENT. BUT IF YOU TURN THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF IT DON'T DO IT IS BAD IF AT ALL. WHICH MAKES ME THINK IT'S WIRING OR THE COMPUTER AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I'VE HAD IT HAPPEN ON BACK ROADS AND MT ROADS EVEN TURN ON THE INTERSTATE RAMP. ANY ROAD WHERE YOU REMAIN IN MOTION WITH A DECENT CURVE TO THE RIGHT. ALOT ON THIS WINDING MT ROAD OVER THE RIDGE TO THE NEXT TOWN. IT'S CALLED JOPPA MOUNTAIN. AND IT SIDESTEPS WITH YOU THERE LIKE IT HAS ME QUITE A FEW TIMES, AND YOU ARE NOT ON YOUR GAME IT…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2020Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11359924

Showing 6 of 100 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2008 JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2006 THROUGH JULY 2008, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE WARNING SYSTEM.

Power trainReported Nov 5, 2009NHTSA 09V436000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.