Transfer Case Problems of Jeep Wrangler - part 1

While towing the manual transmission Jeep Wrangler rubicon (transfer case in neutral and transmission in 1st gear) 4 wheels down there was an explosion under the Jeep with a ball of fire. The vehicle was incapacitated. There was not any smoke, noise or indications of an issue before and up to the explosion. This happened on a straight smooth 4 lane road at 40 mph.

See all problems of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

The oil cooler broke and is leaking oil all over my engine, transfer case and exhaust. Jeep says it's common and they expect me to pay $850 out of my pocket for a plastic part that will fail again. Shame on them. It was sitting in my garage and oil is everywhere on the ground. It's too dangerous to drive.

See all problems of the 2014 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

Jeep slips out of low range into neutral. When off road on steep terrain, transfer case slips into neutral. This is when going up or down dirt trails with axles locked. It is very dangerous when this occurs causing Jeep to lose momentum and slide up or down hills. Generally happens a few minutes after engaging low range.

See all problems of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

The mechanism of what happened to my vehicle is undetermined whether it was stationary or while driving. However I noticed a massive oil leak after driving. The entire under side of the Jeep where the transmission and transfer case are were completely soaked in motor oil. After taking it to a Jeep dealership, they diagnosed it to be a leak coming from the actual oil cooler housing. Come to find out my vehicle has already passed its warranty coverage date. And after doing a little bit of research, it seems I'm not the only person who has had this problem with their Jeep, not specifically just the 2014 models others as well. Other than the complaints from individuals who have purchased a Jeep, I have yet to find any comment from mopar, Chrysler, or the Jeep manufacturer themselves addressing the issue of having a plastic oil cooler housing. Fyi its not that easy of a repair so it could be quite costly to some.

#1, steering control is terrible with this Jeep. Have to correct the steering continuously just to keep it in the proper lane. Other new Jeep owners that I have listened to complain about this problem to their dealerships. They get the same answers as I have receiver from the service managers "it's a Jeep thing and you just have to live with it". This is a safety hazard and the company needs to correct it before someone gets killed. #2. Drivetrain. I have owned other Jeeps in my time but never one with a transfer case as still to shift as this one. And once again I am not the only Jeep driver complaining about how hard it is to shift from hi tolo four wheel drive and impossible to get into low low. I am not exactly weak and I have to pull on the lever to get it into low with all my might. My dealership tells me it will loosen up the more you use it. My wife drives this vehicle and she finds it impossible to put into low range no matter how hard she tries. I bought this new vehicle to be able to use it now not some time in the future.

My Wrangler has sever rust damage on the frame, windshield frame, passenger rocker, and firewall. The frame has rotted from the inside out and caused the transfer case mounting bolts to pull through. The vehicle was in motion when this happened but luckily I was pulling out of my driveway and not on the highway headed to work. The windshield frame rust caused holes that allowed water to leak inside the vehicle causing the floor to rust from the inside out as well. These issues continue to happen again and again with each new revision to this model. When and what will it take for the company to be held accountable to their negligence?.

See all problems of the 2005 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

The vehicle was in motion and pulling from my driveway onto a city street when this happened. Both drivers and passenger center sections of the frame rusted from the inside out with no visible indication on the outside of the frame rails. Water and debris enter through holes used in the manufacturing process and due to no drain holes in any of the lower points the water and debris rot the frame away. In my case the transmission pan on the drivers side of the vehicle fell free when the bottom of the frame rail on that side crumbled while entering a city road from a private drive at less than 5 mph. Damage was done to the transmission, transfer case, one axle, and the rear drive shaft. The vehicle was towed to a private garage but they were unable to place it on a lift to inspect the damage as the frame would have crumbled and snapped in additional places thus creating a hazard and possibly deadly situation the technician inspecting the damage. The vehicle was then placed on a flatbed and brought back to my home.

Vehicle was parked and would not engage into a gear. I turned off and restarted and was able to get inrto gear, and engine light was on, it would not get out of 6th gear, brought to dealer and they said transmission needed a re flash, and it was good, next day it would not go into gear, I shifted transfer case from 2h to 4h back to 2h and engine light was on, I was able to drive to dealership. I was told that they are putting in a new transmission and am waiting for completion. I do not feel safe with this vehicle and am looking for a buy back from manufacture, vehicle only has 1,500 miles on it.

See all problems of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

Transfer case rear main seal leak as diagnosed by two different Jeep dealerships (Jeep of hollywood and massey yardley Jeep). I have taken the car in twice for repair and the leak continues (02/24/2017 [hollywood Jeep] and 03/08/2017 [massey yardley]). The car is in for reevaluation and repair as I am writing this making it the third time in three weeks the car is being repaired for the same issue (03/17/2017 [massey yardley]). This involves the motor oil in the vehicle and leaks regardless of whether the vehicle is idle or being driven. Once the Wrangler is driven the the oil heats up, and thins out, causing the oil to leak in larger amounts and faster. This is a safety issue because leaking oil can start an engine fire or too much oil lost can cause an engine to be damaged or even seize. Jeep corporate customer service has been notified of this issue and their "case management" team has been involved in attempting to resolve the issue, however, to-date all customer service reps indicate there is no recall or investigation into these issues. As an aside, the car was taken to the dealer, by the original owner (per carfax report), for transfer case related issues 11/18/2015. I implore NHTSA to investigate this issue as this has the potential to be a life threatening issue.

I have a 2001 Jeep Wrangler with only 89,000 miles. The entire frame and undercarriage is rusted out and the transfer case has fallen off. I'm unable to drive it is so unsafe!! I can not believe that a vehicle only 15 years old would be in this condition!! I will be getting an attorney!! apparently there is not proper holes for drainage in the frame and it has caused the water to pool and rust out the frame. I still owe $6000 on this vehicle! I will never buy a Jeep again! I called Chrysler and because it's so far out of warranty and no recalls they are unwilling to do anything for me. . . Ugh.

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The contact owns a 2000 Jeep Wrangler. While idling at a stop light, the vehicle was not operational after the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The failure occurred without warning. The shifter was able to be moved, but the vehicle did not respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had a defective transfer case that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

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At 2 mph in 2h and 1st gear of manual transmission, drove onto a wet grassy area and engaged the transfer case into 4h. After 150 feet at 3 mph and vehicle rolling, I depressed clutch and shifted transfer case into 4l. Made u-turn and crept at 2 mph. Moving forward, depressed clutch, let off gas and shifted transfer case into 4h, drove to the edge of street and stopped. With foot on brake, and clutch depressed, I shifted the transfer case into 2h position but heard snapping sound and the lever went loose. Taking hold of the lever, I found it flopped freely forward and back. Manual transmission was in first gear, but when I let the clutch up, the vehicle didn’t move. Moved the gearshift to neutral and back into 1st gear. Released the clutch but the vehicle didn’t move. Turned vehicle off, engaged parking brake, and inspected underneath. Nothing hanging from the transmission or transfer case. Depressed clutch, put gearshift lever in neutral and started. Put the gearshift lever into 1st, but when I let up on clutch, the vehicle did not move. I released the clutch with gearshift lever in 1st and released the parking brake. The vehicle rolled backward into the swale. Vehicle towed to Jeep dealership. Invoice states, "customer states while shifting veh. Into 4h something snapped and now veh. Won't go into gear at all. Tech found transfer case shift cable broken at both ends. Completed removal & replacement of transfer case shift cable. ” my concern is this could happen when someone shifts into 4h while driving on a wet, slippery road surface up to 50 mph. The vehicle would quickly loose forward momentum, coasting to a stop, and possibly be struck from behind.

See all problems of the 2007 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

Noticed wobble underneath while driving. Inspected underneath and noticed light showing between transfer case skid plate and frame (should be tight) and bolt hanging down. Took into shop and lower mid frame on both sides is completely rusted through allowing skid plate bolts to fall out with nuts still attached. Skid plate also serves as transfer case mount and when it drops the driveshaft wobbles. Ultimately if it had completely let go on the highway the rear driveshaft would have locked up and locked the rear wheels causing uncontrolled skid, or the driveshaft would break causing danger to the passengers.

See all problems of the 1997 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

Going down the freeway about 60mph around 5:30pm. Feel some humming from the vehicle follow by a loud high pitch. Then heard a loud band and parts started to fall on the freeway. The car was still moving without power and light. I was on the third lane of a five lane freeway. Cars behind me slow down and allow me to pull to the side. I was stop between an entrance and the freeway. After exam the car with the shop. The transfer case was broken into pieces. Called Jeep and was told to toll the car to a dealer. After dealer confirmed the transfer case was broken into pieces with no clue. Jeep refused to pay because warranty was due on 2004 even knowing the vehicle has only 6500 miles on it. This Jeep was parked in the garage most of the past years. And every time when I came back from oversea. Oil and filter change were service on the car. I don't believe a 6500miles transfer case will just blow up.

See all problems of the 2002 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

Shifting the 4-wheel drive transfer case (tc) from 2hi to 4hi or 4low (or in reverse order) can cause the transfer case shifting cable (tcsc) (mopar part 52060462ag) to fail and become disconnected from either the tc or the shift lever in the cab (or both). The part?s plastic components are inherently too weak to withstand normal use. Safety risks which can arise upon component failure, if the vehicle owner and their family (children) are at a location and/or terrain where the vehicle is designed/marketed for travel (whether by recreation or necessity), and the location/terrain (I) subject to inclement weather (e. G. Snow, ice, flooding, extreme heat); or (ii) on an extreme incline which is unsafe to negotiate without 4wd; or (iii) any circumstance which requires 4wd to navigate to a safe location; or (iv) the tcsc fails when the tc becomes stuck in the neutral position while shifting, and is unable to escape impending harm (flash flood) . . . There is obvious risk to life/safety. The owner has a right to rely on the components and reasonable safety performance for which the product is designed/marketed. Jeep is aware of the issue, and the manual fails to cite this as a possible catastrophic event, leaving the unsuspecting owner at a loss in an emergency situation. It is not reasonable for this component to fail within a few thousand miles as reported by Jeep owners. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2011 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

While traveling in traffic lane, attempted to shift transfer case (not transmission!) to high range from low range. This is a 4-wheel drive vehicle with a manual x-fer case. (manufacturer ok's shift while in motion) vehicle ended up coasting in neutral, and upon later exam it was found that the flimsy plastic shift cable retaining clip on the cable which connects the shift lever in the cabin to the shift arm on the x-fer case had shattered. This in turn allowed the shift cable to fall off the lever, disabling the vehicle in an active traffic lane.

Driving my 1999 Jeep Wrangler sport 4. 0 l6 5-speed manual at appx. 65 mph a slight vibration came from the gas pedal. I pulled over, after crawling under the vehicle I found the front drive shaft loose at the joint connecting to my stock np231j transfer case. Figuring it was just a worn u-joint I continued on my way at a much slower speed appx. 35 mph for about 300 yards there was a loud pop along with metal and dirt flying from under the Jeep which made me pull over once again this time out of control and ending up in the ditch. Where I found the np231j shattered in 5 pieces, many more were thrown onto the road way.

See all problems of the 1999 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

Shifting the 4-wheel drive transfer case (tc) from 2hi to 4hi or 4low (or in reverse order) can cause the transfer case shifting cable (tcsc) (mopar part 52060462ag) to fail and become disconnected from either the tc or the shift lever in the cab (or both). The part’s plastic components are inherently too weak to withstand normal use. Safety risks which can arise upon component failure, if the vehicle owner and their family (children) are at a location and/or terrain where the vehicle is designed/marketed for travel (whether by recreation or necessity), and the location/terrain (I) subject to inclement weather (e. G. Snow, ice, flooding, extreme heat); or (ii) on an extreme incline which is unsafe to negotiate without 4wd; or (iii) any circumstance which requires 4wd to navigate to a safe location; or (iv) the tcsc fails when the tc becomes stuck in the neutral position while shifting, and is unable to escape impending harm (flash flood) . . . There is obvious risk to life/safety. The owner has a right to rely on the components and reasonable safety performance for which the product is designed/marketed. Jeep is aware of the issue, and the manual fails to cite this as a possible catastrophic event, leaving the unsuspecting owner at a loss in an emergency situation. It is not reasonable for this component to fail within a few thousand miles as reported by Jeep owners. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

Shifting the 4-wheel drive transfer case (tc) from 2hi to 4hi or 4low (or in reverse order) can cause the transfer case shifting cable (tcsc) (mopar part 52060462ag) to fail and become disconnected from either the tc or the shift lever in the cab (or both). The partã‚s plastic components are inherently too weak to withstand normal use. Safety risks which can arise upon component failure, if the vehicle owner and their family (children) are at a location and/or terrain where the vehicle is designed/marketed for travel (whether by recreation or necessity), and the location/terrain (I) subject to inclement weather (e. G. Snow, ice, flooding, extreme heat); or (ii) on an extreme incline which is unsafe to negotiate without 4wd; or (iii) any circumstance which requires 4wd to navigate to a safe location; or (iv) the tcsc fails when the tc becomes stuck in the neutral position while shifting, and is unable to escape impending harm (flash flood) . . . There is obvious risk to life/safety. The owner has a right to rely on the components and reasonable safety performance for which the product is designed/marketed. Jeep is aware of the issue, and the manual fails to cite this as a possible catastrophic event, leaving the unsuspecting owner at a loss in an emergency situation. It is not reasonable for this component to fail within a few thousand miles as reported by Jeep owners. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. While driving approximately 5 mph he attempted to accelerate further but the vehicle hesitated before lunging forward. The failure continued to occur before the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane and turned off. Upon examination he noticed that transmission fluid was leaking from the transfer case. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer but it was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileages were 47,063.

Linkage broken that engages and disengages transfer case. Bushing and cable has been replaced several times.

See all problems of the 2009 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

2006 GMC sierra, was towing a 2005 Jeep Wrangler using a tow bar. The transfer case of the Jeep engaged causing the wheels of the Jeep to lock up. The vehicle in tow spun around, traveled off the left side of the roadway. The Jeep struck the concrete wall and rolled over and broke free of unit 1. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0435-90) updated 08/06/10.

. I have a 2008 rubicon 4-door, I was out in the desert in an area that required being in 4 high, when I got to a regular dirt road, I tryed to shift out of 4 low and the transfer case shifter just went completely limp. I was stuck in a total neutral state and could not move. It took some time to manually manipulate the shift cable from underneath the Jeep to get it into 2 high so I could get out of the area. Apparently, Chrysler is well aware of this problem and the root cause of it is a 50 cent bushing that becomes broke or pulls away from the transfer case. This is a dangerous situation if you are in a remote area and are unable to get under the Jeep and successfully get the case into gear. The Jeep is stuck in nutrual could kill someone if it loses its powertrain on a steep hill. This also happend a second time further up transfer case shifter case cable 2 years later. Left me stranded in the wilderness twice. I was injured with an exhaust burn attemting to reconntect the broken cable. Jeep says at thier driving camp shifting with more than 2 finger light touch will break the transfer case linkage.

Letter re the problems experienced with a 2010 Jeep Wrangler feels that vehicle falls under the new car lemon law (entire package not imaged, forwarded to nvs-200) the consumer stated there have been repeated attempts to repair the vehicle. However, the vehicle remains defective. The consumer stated the vehicle was running sluggish and burning oil, but no leaks were found. The problem went on for several months. The consumer believed the engine was defective, but the dealer would not approve a new engine, so they kept replacing parts. The vehicle was eventually returned to the consumer, with the same problem. The dealer checked the engine again, and discovered it was burning 1 quart of oil per hour and it was determined the engine needed to be replaced. The hard top was leaking and ruined the carpet. The starter was defective. Also the transmission was exhibiting a burning smell, it would slip and wouldn't go into gear and the fluid was no longer the correct color. Also, the temperature gauge rose just under the overheating point. The radiator cooling fan was defective. Also, there was a grinding noise coming from the transfer case.

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The contact owns a 2007 Jeep Wrangler. The contact was driving 40 mph when the steering wheel started to shake uncontrollably. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that the steering damper seal was fractured. The dealer replaced the steering damper seal and the manufacturer was notified of the failure who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 35,000 and the current mileage was 55,000. Updated 02/22/12 the transfer case shift control cable was also replaced. Updated 02/23/12.

I was towing my 2005 Jeep Wrangler when a passing motorist signaled me that there was a problem. I stopped and checked the Jeep which was covered with an oily material. I had a tow truck tow the Jeep to san marcos Chrysler/Jeep. It was determined that it was necessary to rebuild the front and rear differentials and replace the transfer case and both front axles. They claimed it was caused by having a one size larger tire on the front tires than the back tires. This would only cause the problem if the car was driven in 4 wheel drive which it never was.

4-wd light stays on. Dealer states that they did test the veh and said that the computer has to be replaced. Veh. Has less then 800 miles on it.

While driving at any speed, the consumer noticed the front end of the vehicle making a noise. The vehicle was serviced and the technician noticed the transfer case-o-ring needed to be replaced. The o-ring was split and needed to be replaced. Within a week the vehicle started to make a noise again but it was worse. The o-ring went out and was losing fluid in the transfer case which caused the need to be rebuilt due to all the damage from the faulty parts.

2000 Wrangler sport, 4. 0 liter, 5-speed transmission - loud transmission noises at idle with clutch out. Took it back to dealer (earnhardt's Jeep in tempe) twice when vehicle still under warranty. Dealer replaced clutch once, which resolved problem with gear sticking but not noise problem. Dealer said noise problem common to that year and no fix as yet, but said I would be eligible for fix when factory developed one. Went to tate's in holbrook yesterday. They showed me on computer that there is now a factory identified fix involving replacing a shaft and bushing or bearing in the transfer case, but said they won't fix mine since out of warranty. Wrote a letter to earnhardt's but haven't heard anything yet. Fix is 21-001-01 dated February, 2001.

When driving on ice or snow the 4-wheel drive kicks out, causing vehicle to jerk and potentially slid. No impact had been reported. The vehicle was in motion when it felt as if the transmission dropped out. The vehicle had to be stopped to get back into 4wd. The lever was held tightly and popped out again. The vehicle was driven in 2wd for several miles then was able to be placed back into 4wd and stayed. Also, the upholstery had started to tear on the driver's seat and the gaskets on both mirrors deteriorated.

Transmission makes a grinding noise when in neutral and clutch let out. Dealer checked for running rough and found that flash for computer was not available. Once flash was available, brought in Jeep for flash and manufacturer replaced transfer case shift rod, per TSB. Grinding noise was not fixed, pointed it out and dealer told me that was how this model and year sounds. Brought it back around 13,000 miles and dealer determined that a new transmission was needed. Ordered and replaced standard 5 speed transmission. Seemed to fix problem, although there is still just a slight sound which dealer said was normal.

There is a rattling sound from transmission at all times. Dealer replaced transfer case at 7543 miles. An oil seal was leaking and replaced as well. Neither remedied the problem. Dealer informed consumer that Jeeps were noisy and that the noise was normal. Consumer took vehicle to another Jeep dealer at 9580 miles where they put in a new transmission and repaired the drivers door and tail gate for not closing properly.

The transfer case is broken. Nlm.

See all problems of the 1998 Jeep Wrangler 🔎.

The transmission in my 2000 Wrangler makes noise when the vehicle is in neutral with the clutch released. The transmission and the transfer case have both been replaced and the problem is still ongoing. The transmission has also popped out of gear while taking off and during regular driving. The dealership told me that all the 2000 models make this noise and that there is no fix for this problem.

The vehicle experienced a leak from the transfer case and other transmission problems. Nlm.