2006 Jeep Wrangler Power Train Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Dec 7, 2025 · 57 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2006 Jeep Wrangler, 8% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 24,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “clutch pedal” (12% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Clutch pedal: mentioned in 7 of 57 complaints (12%)
  • Second gear: mentioned in 6 of 57 complaints (11%)

At what mileage do power train problems happen?

Based on 39 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles10 · 26%
10k–25k miles10 · 26%
25k–50k miles4 · 10%
50k–75k miles8 · 21%
75k–100k miles3 · 8%
100k–150k miles4 · 10%
150k+ miles0 · 0%

How serious are the reports?

Of 57 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury.

Jeep Wrangler power train complaints by model year

Peak: 2012, with 282 complaints
1995: 3219951997: 531998: 331999: 2019992000: 702001: 232002: 1420022003: 222004: 262005: 4120052006: 572007: 462008: 6720082009: 342010: 682011: 4020112012: 2822822013: 2302014: 8820142015: 512016: 742017: 5020172018: 1772019: 792020: 4720202021: 1462022: 652023: 5120232024: 1772025: 122026: 12026

n = 2,176 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearPower Train complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2026 Wrangler19%—
2025 Wrangler1217%—
2024 Wrangler17724%12,500
2023 Wrangler5114%21,000
2022 Wrangler6516%17,000
2021 Wrangler14615%15,000
2020 Wrangler478%3,750
2019 Wrangler7911%37,250
2018 Wrangler17710%27,294
2017 Wrangler5016%19,000
2016 Wrangler7416%31,000
2015 Wrangler5111%33,000
2014 Wrangler8813%44,000
2013 Wrangler23035%23,161
2012 Wrangler28234%18,250
2011 Wrangler408%35,000
2010 Wrangler6810%25,250
2009 Wrangler349%41,750
2008 Wrangler678%59,500
2007 Wrangler468%64,000
2006 Wrangler578%24,000
2005 Wrangler416%58,000
2004 Wrangler2614%32,500
2003 Wrangler2222%17,000
2002 Wrangler1413%20,000
2001 Wrangler2314%90,000
2000 Wrangler7028%35,400
1999 Wrangler209%52,000
1998 Wrangler3312%95,000
1997 Wrangler5313%73,815
1995 Wrangler3216%74,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2015, with 16 complaints
2006: 9200692007: 112008: 2200822009: 332010: 6201062011: 332012: 2201222013: 222015: 162015162016: 552017: 2201722018: 222019: 2201922020: 112023: 120231

n = 57 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (3)

Power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)Apr 15, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V222000 · 43,939 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2006 Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006. In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break. As a result, the vehicle may not be started when the clutch pedal is pushed down or the engine may crank and start without the clutch pedal being pushed down causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lurch.

Risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly moves there is an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R13.

Power train:clutch assemblyMay 3, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V147000 · 6,876 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 6 speed manual transmissions, the hydraulic clutch master cylinder linkage rod may break. This may not allow disengagement of the clutch when the pedal is depressed.

Risk: Unintentional vehicle movement, increased stopping distance, and engine stalling could occur which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder linkage rod free of charge. The recall began on august 7, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Power train:automatic transmissionOct 6, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V460000 · 256,409 vehicles

Problem: On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.

Risk: If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The transmission has been shifting very hard and erratic for years and if i hit a bump the steering wheel shakes violently. Has been doing these things since almost new the dealer would not fix any of it.

Received Feb 12, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11506817

The vehicle while operating under normal driving conditions had a check engine light appear. A certified mechanic found the tcm was faulty. Findings: p0218 high temp operation activated. P0714 transmission temp sensor intermittent. P0613 internal tcm problem. Instrument cluster: 1 tcm/single board…

Received Sep 10, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11354298

The transmission control module (tcm), part of the computer, fails and manifests as a failure to shift from 1st to 2nd, over revving, loud thuds/clunks when it does shift from 1st to 2nd. Computer (tcm) can be reset if battery (+) disconnected and grounded out. This problem is not rare, estimate…

Received Aug 29, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11252210
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep_Wrangler_Rubicon_(JL)_4xe at Retro Classics 2022. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2006 Jeep Wranglers have power train problems?

No. NHTSA has 57 owner complaints about power train for the 2006 Jeep Wrangler (8% of the 730 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2006 Jeep Wrangler power train?

Yes: 3 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do power train problems start?

The median reported mileage is 24,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about power train problems on the 2006 Jeep Wrangler?

The most frequent phrase is “clutch pedal”, in 7 of 57 complaints, followed by “second gear” (6).

Other 2006 Jeep Wrangler problems

See all 2006 Jeep Wrangler problems or power train problems across all Wrangler years.