Home · 2017 Jeep Wrangler 4-door 4xe · Complaints

What 304 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Jeep Wrangler 4-door 4xe

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (304)Crash / fire / injury (43)Brakes (72)Engine (61)Transmission & drivetrain (50)Electrical system (44)Airbags (26)Body & structure (19)Steering (19)Fuel system (15)Speed control (14)Visibility & wipers (9)

50 of 304 complaints match · Transmission & drivetrain · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Feb 6, 2026Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-45 MPH, the vehicle lost power. On another occasion, while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. While shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The driver was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was running, and the heat was functioning. The vehicle was towed to a AAA Service Center, where the filter and oil were changed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to AAA again, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11716113

Jan 30, 2026Transmission & drivetrainBrakes

I bought my 2017 jeep with 29,000 miles on it. I had an issue with the rear driverside brake locking up around 40,000 miles. I feel this is a safety issue due to how hot the brakes got and at times would be smoking. It being the weekend and my only vehicle, repaired myself for approximately $280. I have had to replace several coil packs around $50,000 miles. My main complaint today, at 66,000 miles it seems to be leaking oil. I took to mechanic this morning and was told this is a common problem with jeeps. The oil cooler housing is cracked and leaking. This part is made out of plastic. The repair for this is going to cost $1200 to $1500. I have read complaints regarding this issue and do not understand why this hasn't been recalled. This is a major safety concern and could possibly cause a fire. I have owned jeeps my whole life and as of today, I will never purchase another. The jeep brand has declined in reliability and has proved to be a huge financial mistake.

NHTSA ODI 11714489

Oct 16, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

Parts of the manual transmission are failing and appear in the bottom of the transmission when changing the fluid. It appears to be part of the synchro. This is apparently not uncommon for these manual transmissions. There were no warning lamps or messages indicating a failure or problem with the transmission. A transmission failure can startle a driver and cause an accident. It did not in this case.

NHTSA ODI 11693818

Sep 22, 2025Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlBrakes

Transmission clunking when changing gears, while my abs light is on. The break pedals rumble and the car is scary to drive. These issues are with a faulty abs control module.

NHTSA ODI 11688805

Aug 18, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the transmission independently shifted out of reverse(R). The contact immediately grabbed the gear shifter immediately and shifted back into reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission crankshaft and drive train had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure returned several weeks later. The vehicle was taken to another certified mechanic, was diagnosed it with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact learned that the transmission had been replaced by the previous owner at 9,588 miles in 2019. The vehicle was not repaired again. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The dealer had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,000.

NHTSA ODI 11681289

Apr 28, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was restarted, and when the gear shifter was shifted into the desired position, the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred 5 years later. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

NHTSA ODI 11657173

Dec 3, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Recurrent transmission pan gasket leaking. Repaired and replaced pan and gasket in March 2024 and reoccurred December 2024. Uploaded March Report, currently at dealer for repair 2nd incident now. Vehicles manufactured Nov 2016 had a recall for this same issue but this vehicle wasn’t included due to it being a couple months manufactured. Likely should have been included.

NHTSA ODI 11628503

Aug 8, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Have the rear axle gears chipping/breaking off. Have mentioned this several times to dealer and they said the noise is normal for Jeeps. Took to independent repair shop and he found the gear issue, and asked me if anyone has worked on this rear end before, which would be no. He stated it looks as if someone has broke the original seal on it. I bought it at Performance CJDR in Delaware Ohio, and I'm wondering if something happened to it before I took ownership of vehicle. In process of repair at Bobbitt's Automotive repair in Lancaster Ohio... On my oil changes, the Rear Differential has always been checked OK... Now that vehicle is out of Power train Warranty this happens... My feeling is that this was always an issue with this vehicle, and was being covered up

NHTSA ODI 11607329

May 20, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The plastic oil filter housing cracked leading to large oil leaks. This had been leaking for awhile and was not immediately noticed due to its placement in the valley between cylinder banks atop the engine. While investigating separate U-joint noise and driveshaft vibration that came on suddenly at 58,000 miles I found oil all over the driveshaft and traced it to the cracked housing. The repair was ~$650. Mechanics stated this is a common issue when oil change technicians over tighten the filter in the plastic housing.

NHTSA ODI 11589646

May 8, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission failure.

NHTSA ODI 11587581

Feb 6, 2024Transmission & drivetrainFire

We were driving home from about a location an hour away. We were almost to our home when the transmission started to slip. The hot oil light came on as we were trying to ascend our hill where we live. We all of the sudden saw flames coming out the side of the vehicle. We were able to exit the vehicle and get to safety but the jeep burned completely to the ground. There was only 60k miles on it and it had been well maintained.

NHTSA ODI 11570368

Jan 11, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Oil filter housing is made of plastic and over time the plastic, exposed to heat cycle and elements from being under the plenum, becomes brittle and cracks. The cracks in the oil filter housing create a susbtantial oil leak that drips engine oil onto the exhaust and is a potential for a fire. If the oil level is not properly maintained it could also create a lack of lubrication on the engine for a potential engine lock up while being driven.

NHTSA ODI 11564935

Jan 11, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

When driving at highway speed of appx. 60mph, driver heard a loud pop followed by grinding from under the vehicle. Driver pulled over, and assessed for visible damage, none was seen. A tow truck was called, as the severe grinding sound continued if the vehicle moved at all. It was taken back to the dealership where they discovered that the front driveshaft was completely destroyed. No one was injured, however had this happened during busy traffic it could have caused an incident. The front driveshaft, along with all applicable seals were replaced, at the owners expense as were the towing costs. No cause was found. See also NHTSA ID number: 11156532. My incident was not as severe, however very similar.

NHTSA ODI 11565005

Aug 5, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel systemFire

Jeep caught on fire on the interstate. 17 year old boy had to pull over and escape vehicle. Vehicle left the side of the road even after being in park and brake. Vehicle continued unmanned on interstate into oncoming traffic engulfed in flames. It has not been confirmed by a dealer. Vehicle was inspected by State Farm. NO warnings given prior to incident.

NHTSA ODI 11536634

Feb 11, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

Faulty torque converter causes vehicle to stall.

NHTSA ODI 11506793

Feb 11, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

Vehicle stalls when going into reverse mainly during first start of the day, but has happened throughout the day as well. Many people in online wrangler forums are attributing this to a faulty torque converter. No symptoms prior to this failure but it’s affecting many jeeps with low mileage like mine.

NHTSA ODI 11506795

Jan 25, 2023Transmission & drivetrainFire

The transfer case randomly blew up in a ball of fire while driving on a highway speeds of 65-70mph while the vehicle was in 2wd. Vehicle was totalled due to the fire.

NHTSA ODI 11503709

Jul 25, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

In November 2019, 47,000 miles I began experiencing issues with the vehicle popping out of reverse and grinding gears. A shift fork was replaced under warranty. Now, at 68,000 miles I am experiencing the exact same issue. The part is now out of 2 year warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11475703

Dec 19, 2021Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlBrakes

ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVATE AT LOW SPEEDS - AT 5-10 MPH. IT APPLIES THE BRAKES WITHOUT WARNING AND CUTS POWER TO THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI 11444342

Jul 16, 2021Transmission & drivetrainFire

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the contact saw smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the clutch disintegrated causing the clutch to catch on fire. There was no crash nor injuries due to the fire. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was not contacted. A police report was not filed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with the clutch needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21V028000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA ODI 11425156

Feb 27, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

INTERMMITTENT STALLING WHEN PUT IN REVERSE. HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY IN COLD WEATHER. HAS SHUTTERED SEVERAL TIMES AND ONE STALL WHEN PUT IN DRIVE BUT HAPPENS MOSTLY WHEN REVERSING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE WINTER 2019 WITH NO RESOLUTION AFTER DEALERSHIP CHECKED IT OUT. HARD TO DIAGNOSE BECAUSE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME.

NHTSA ODI 11398165

Feb 22, 2021Transmission & drivetrainEngine

OIL SPILLAGE ON DRIVEWAY. STARTED AFTER COLD WEATHER MOVED INTO AREA. NOW COSTING 1500.00 TO FIX PROBLEMS. HAVE NOTICED OF SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF SAME AREA BREAKAGE ON MULTIPLE OTHER SAME YEAR AND STYLE VEHICLES VIA INTERNET SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES.

NHTSA ODI 11397302

Feb 22, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2017, AND IN MID-2018, HAD A SYNCHRONIZING ARM REPAIRED, AS THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING OUT OF REVERSE. IN 2019, HAD IT LOOKED AT AGAIN BECAUSE IT WAS SLIPPING OUT OF 4TH GEAR, AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. IN LATE 2020, HAD IT IN TO CHECK A CREAKING NOISE WHEN DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH (LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP), AND IT WAS FULL OF RUST, THEY SAID IT NEEDED REPLACED SOMETIME SOON. SO WE TOOK IT IN NOW (FEB. 2021) AND THEY SUGGESTED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED AS WELL BECAUSE IT SLIPPED OUT OF 4TH FOR THEM WHEN THEY DROVE IT. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY RECOMMENDED CALLING CHRYSLER, WHO OPENED A CASE, AND NOW I'M TAKING IT IN TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND FOLLOWED UP THROUGH THE CASE AT CHRYSLER. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE, AS I'VE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS AND FIXES.

NHTSA ODI 11397396

Feb 17, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

OIL LEAKS FROM THE OIL COOLER HOUSING AT 34000 MILES

NHTSA ODI 11396664

Feb 1, 2021Transmission & drivetrainEngine

NOTICED OIL LEAK SMELL, TOOK TO MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSIS SHOWS THE OIL HOUSING UNIT, PLASTIC COVER ON THE COOLER IS CRACKED AND LEAKING. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN OFF ROAD AND IS COMPLETELY STOCK.

NHTSA ODI 11390972

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Working with the data? Download all 304 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2017 Jeep Wrangler 4-door 4xe verdict →