Recall 13V234 affects 180,131 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles for power-steering-line wear that can leak transmission fluid. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 180,131 2012-2013 Wrangler vehicles with a 3.6L engine and automatic transmission because the power steering line can wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line. The resulting fluid loss can stop transmission function and increase crash risk; the Jeep dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler uses a transmission oil cooler line to carry transmission fluid between the automatic transmission and its cooler. That fluid helps control heat and keeps the transmission supplied with the pressure and lubrication it needs. The same area also has a power steering line, which carries hydraulic fluid for steering assist.
On affected Wranglers equipped with the 3.6L engine and automatic transmission, the power steering line sits close enough to the transmission oil cooler line to rub against it. Over time, that contact wears into the cooler line and opens a hole. Once the cooler line is breached, transmission fluid leaks out, leaving the transmission without the fluid it needs to operate correctly.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the line has already worn through, an owner notices the problem only after fluid loss begins or the transmission stops behaving normally.
Who's affected?
Includes both automatic transmission and power steering components for the same model years.
| 2012 Jeep Wrangler | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2012 Jeep Wrangler | power steering system |
| 2013 Jeep Wrangler | automatic transmission |
| 2013 Jeep Wrangler | power steering system |
| Units affected | 180,131 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of transmission fluid can lead to loss of transmission function, increasing crash risk. If the Wrangler stops moving normally, pull over where safe and call a Jeep dealer before driving farther. Repair will be free at any franchised Jeep dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler is included in this recall.
- Watch for Jeep's owner notice if you have not received one; owner notices began September 23, 2013.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to ask about the free power steering return tube assembly replacement that prevents wear on the transmission oil cooler line.
- Reference recall number 13V234 and Jeep campaign N28 when you call.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete. Stop driving and call a Jeep dealer if transmission function changes or fluid loss is visible.
What happens at the repair
The known dealer repair is replacement of the power steering return tube assembly. Once Jeep opens the repair, a Jeep technician replaces that tube assembly so it no longer contacts the transmission oil cooler line and wears into it. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Jeep has not listed a repair time for this work, so ask the service desk how long the vehicle will be in the shop once the repair is open.
Timeline
| June 4, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 23, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V234?
Recall 13V234 covers 180,131 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles with a 3.6L engine and automatic transmission. The power steering line can wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line, causing transmission fluid loss. Jeep dealers replace the power steering return tube assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Wrangler is included in recall 13V234. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the power steering return tube assembly replacement. Reference recall 13V234 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 13V234 is a free power steering return tube assembly replacement at a franchised Jeep dealer.
What is the safety risk for this Jeep Wrangler recall?
The safety risk is loss of transmission fluid and transmission function. Under NHTSA campaign 13V234, that loss of function increases crash risk. Until the free repair is complete, pay attention to transmission problems or fluid leaks and arrange dealer service promptly.
What if I bought my Jeep Wrangler used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler is included, then call a franchised Jeep dealer and reference recall 13V234.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V234000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-247-9753 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V234 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V234000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →