Problems · by component

2010 Jeep Wrangler power train problems

68 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2010 Jeep Wrangler cite power train, 10% of all 686 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
68
10% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I will be driving down the road and a red lighting bolt will flash on my gauges then the jeep will either lose power or shut off. I was almost hit by a semi truck due to this. Once I cycle the key goes away till the next time it happens. Also the brake assist will randomly kick on typically applying braking power to the left rear passenger tire. This is not fixed by cycling the key. Jeep has recalled newer Wranglers for these exact issues but when I contacted Jeep they said it would cost me out of pocket”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 29, 2025Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11639416
“When starting the vehicle the check engine light comes on. Including the low tire pressure sensor comes on. The tires have been repaired yet the pressure system still says low. The car when shortly after it's been turned on only going several miles an hour and staying about 2RPMs starts to kick forward in a abrupt motion as if it wants to accelerate. Sometimes it's a hit or miss to start the car so I have to put it in neutral to start it. In conclusion everytime the vehicle starts to move from a complete stop or braking a loud clanking noise repeats a 2-3 times (clank,clank,clank) continues then stops after driving continually, then repeats after every stop that is made. I'm not sure what to make of it but my guess it has to do with the braking system even though no warning lights for brakes have come up.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 5, 2023Power train, Service brakes, EngineODI 11505618
“The contact owns a 2010 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the passenger's side steering column detached. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the transmission had a fluid leak. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the drag link, control arm, and adjustment sleeve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 9, 2023Steering, Power trainODI 11500890
“MY REVERSE WENT OUT ON MY 42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN MY WRANGLER AND I LOOKED IT UP AND SUPPOSEDLY THIS ISSUE IS EXTREMELY COMMON. LIKE STORY AFTER STORY AFTER STORY AFTER STORY AFTER STORY. THIS TRANSMISSION HAD A RECALL IN ITS EARLY DAYS WHERE IT WOULDN'T GO INTO PARK AND PEOPLE WERE CRASHING THEY FIXED THAT BUT EVER SINCE THIS TRANSMISSION CAME OUT ACCORDING TO GOOGLE. PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND IT SHOULDN'T JUST GO OUT LIKE THAT. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. WELL I WAS TRYING UNTIL I REALIZED THAT I WASN'T GOING ANYWHERE SO I HAD TO DRIVE OVER THE LITTLE HUMP THINGS. BUT MY REVERSE LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING COME ON BUT MY ENGINE JUST REVS. AND EVERYONE I'VE ASKED FROM PEOPLE IN NEW ORLEANS JEEP CLUB TO LOOKING IT UP ON GOOGLE EITHER HAS THIS PROBLEM OR HAD THIS PROBLEM OR KNOWS SOMEONE WHO EITHER HAS OR HAD THIS PROBLEM.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 21, 2020Power train, Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11375686
“VEHICLE IS CONSUMING EXCESSIVE OIL. I CHECK THE DIP STICK EVERY TIME I GET GAS TO BE SURE IT DOESN'T GO DRY. IT STARTED BEING VERY LOW AT JUST 3,000 SINCE LAST OIL CHANGE AND PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. THE DIPSTICK WILL NOW BE BELOW THE SAFE LINE AT 1,600 MILES SINCE LAST OIL CHANGE. I HAVE HAD THE PCV VALUE REPLACED AND IT DIDN'T NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL SPECIALTY JEEP MACHINES WHO HAVE SAID I WILL NEED A NEW ENGINE. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 24, 2020Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11330673
“6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. POPS OUT OF FIRST GEAR EVERY TIME. FIRST GEAR UNUSABLE, RESULTING IN HAVING TO USE 2ND GEAR TO START. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THIS JEEP HAS NEVER BEEN OFF-ROAD.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 14, 2019Power trainODI 11220145

Showing 6 of 68 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION SKID PLATE, WHICH IS CLOSE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CAN COLLECT DEBRIS.

Power trainReported May 16, 2012NHTSA 12V216000

Power train: axle assembly

Free remedy

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 12, 2010, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A DEGRADATION OF FASTENER TORQUE FOR VARIOUS FRONT AND REAR AXLE ATTACHMENTS TO THE CHASSIS MODULE.

Power trainReported Mar 1, 2011NHTSA 11V145000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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