With a longstanding automotive history dating back to the 1940s, Jeep has come a long way over the years. With vehicles originally designed for use in World War II, Jeep now boasts a diverse line of passenger vehicles providing the same rugged durability and versatility of its early models.
Still, if you’re thinking about buying a Jeep, you might want to know, “are there any major Jeep transmission problems I should be aware of?”
There have been numerous transmission issues reported by owners of such models as the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, and Compass. These include:
- Improper shifting
- “Service shifter” warning lights illuminating
- Vehicle rollaway incidents
- Transmissions slipping
- Manual transmission defects
Before you buy a used Jeep, take the time to familiarize yourself with some of these common issues that have not been formally recalled. We’ve outlined them in detail for you below, along with possible repairs for each defect where applicable.
More about Jeep Transmissions
Over the years, Jeep has offered its rugged vehicles in a few different transmission configurations. Earlier model years, like the 2011 Wrangler, were equipped with a standard six-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic when sold new.
In more recent model years, like the2018 Grand Cherokee, you’ll find a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, which is designed to allow for even smoother shifting and acceleration. Jeep’s newest transmission, a nine-speed automatic, first became available in the 2016 Cherokee.
You can learn more about Jeep’s nine-speed automatic transmission and how it works in this YouTube video.
Common Jeep Transmission Problems
2015 Jeep Cherokee: Transmission not Shifting Properly
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11354767, 11354765
There have been a number of complaints about the transmission on the 2015 Cherokee not shifting properly. In one September 2020 complaint, an owner reports that the transmission is “kicking” every time it shifts and that the vehicle occasionally loses power.
A similar NHTSA complaint also reports that the car “jerks into motion” after hesitating when it is initially started. This owner claims that the vehicle sometimes “jerks so hard like you were rear-ended.”
Although the vehicle has been taken to the dealership for inspection, mechanics have been unable to diagnose the problem.
2015 Jeep Cherokee: “Service Shifter” Warning Light
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11354141, 11354307
Multiple 2015 Jeep Cherokee owners have also complained about recurring issues with the vehicle’s “service shifter” warning light illuminating on the dashboard.
One owner reports that this message displayed on the instrument panel along with the shift option warning lights. This problem has reportedly disappeared and reappeared several times.
Another owner filed a complaint about a similar issue in September of 2020, alleging that the warning lights come on after the engine is started.
This owner reports that the warning will go away when the switch is turned on and off several times but has not mentioned whether the issue has been assessed by a mechanic.
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Vehicle Rollaway Incidents
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11181292, 11196140
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has also seen its share of complaints about the transmission. One recurring and dangerous issue seems to be the vehicle slipping out of gear and rolling away.
In an NHTSA complaint filed in February of 2019, the owner of a 2016 Grand Cherokee states that after the vehicle was stopped and put into park, he or she exited the vehicle; the vehicle then began rolling backward without warning.
A similar incident was reported in April of 2019 when the owner of a 2016 Grand Cherokee filed a complaint that the vehicle rolled away after it was parked in a driveway. The vehicle reportedly struck a person’s home and caused significant damage, but the dealer has been unable to recreate or diagnose the problem.
2016 Jeep Compass: Transmission Slipping
Source: Vehicle History Reviews
Several Vehicle History reviews report issues with the 2016 Jeep Compass SUV’s transmission. One reviewer, Alaze R., mentions having transmission issues but does not specify any details.
Two other reviewers, Jennifer R. and Kaitlyn T., report that the transmissions on their 2016 Compasses will occasionally slip or stall. However, neither reviewer has reported having the issue diagnosed by a mechanic.
2017 Jeep Wrangler: Manual Transmission Issues
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11254252, 11291001, 11300541
Several NHTSA complaints have been filed over issues with the 2017 Jeep Wrangler’s manual transmission. One owner reported in September of 2019 that the car “pops out of reverse and grinds terribly.”
The dealer has allegedly told the owner that the transmission may need to be entirely rebuilt to resolve the issue.
This is similar to a more recent NHTSA complaint filed in January of 2020, where the owner of another 2017 Jeep Wrangler with manual transmission reported that the vehicle will pop out of reverse and grind gears constantly.
In this case, however, the issue was diagnosed as a defective shifter that is being replaced under warranty.