2020 Jeep Gladiator Engine Problems

On May 27, 2026 at approximately 11:00 PM, my 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered catastrophic engine failure during normal operation at 78,190 miles. The alternator seized, causing the harmonic balancer (crankshaft damper) to fracture. The broken balancer fell into the engine block, causing extensive internal damage requiring complete engine replacement at significant cost. This failure sequence points to a design and/or manufacturing defect in the OEM alternator and/or its mounting system on the 3.6L Pentastar V6. A properly designed alternator should not seize with enough force to fracture the harmonic balancer and deposit debris into the engine block under normal operating conditions. The vehicle was not involved in any accident or operator abuse. It was being driven normally with no prior warning — no dashboard lights, no unusual sounds, no prior related mechanical issues. I request NHTSA investigate whether this failure pattern is systemic across 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles and other 3.6L Pentastar V6 platforms, including the Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and Dodge Durango. Sudden complete engine failure at highway speeds is an immediate crash hazard to the driver and surrounding motorists. I respectfully request a formal defect investigation and, if warranted, a safety recall with full remediation and reimbursement of repair costs to affected owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11740885

Incident

May 27, 2026

At 90k miles head gasket failed letting coolant in engine cylinders which was diagnosed and repaired by a Jeep dealer. At 130k miles engine light back on with dealer suggesting it is rocker arm/lifter failure with cylinders misfiring. At initial purchase of vehicle touchscreen would black out and restart. Dealer replaced with another touchscreen but issue still exists after warranty term.

NHTSA ID

11735748

Incident

Nov 16, 2024

Intake lifters seizing and or rockers needle bearings failing resulting in camshaft lope damage

NHTSA ID

11722148

Incident

Feb 18, 2026

Engine failure due to coolant leak: in December, 2025, vehicle was towed to dealership due to overheating engine. While driving home from work, Vehicle was exhibiting engine overheating including temperature warning lights, temperature gauge fluctuating from normal to extremely high, a strange sound coming from the front of the vehicle (almost like a fan was not working) and running rough, like a diesel idle. I immediately pulled the vehicle off to the side of the road & shut it off. (Fortunately engine didn’t seize or exhibit these symptoms while I was on the highway just minutes before) I called dealership & they said it needed to be towed in. After having my vehicle for 10 days, Dealership stated thermostat needed to be replaced. Vehicle then exhibited same symptoms a few weeks later along with a check engine light, vehicle is returned to dealership. Dealership NOW tells me they’ve “seen enough of these to know that it’s most likely going to need a left side cylinder head” due to coolant leak into the engine. I am now aware there have been multiple reports to NHTSA for similar issues and that a service bulletin has been issued to the dealerships for this very reason: its a KNOWN issue with no recall in sight. Jeep at this juncture, acknowledging it’s a problem, REFUSES to assist with very costly repair, instead suggesting I should report to NHTSA.

NHTSA ID

11713827

Incident

Jan 21, 2026

My jeep has 140,000 mile engine oil has been changed on time every time. And the engine has cylinders that are missing and it's using antifreeze and riddles like a diesel from time to time. I looked it up and it seems to be a common problem with these engine and there has not been a recall for this. But funny thing is they make a repair kit for this issue. Why has this not been recalled yet it's on all the jeep forms. Even wright ups of fires after a while of driving in this condition.

NHTSA ID

11705624

Incident

Jul 12, 2025

My vehicle has a 3.6 pentastar engine. Around 75,000 miles the check engine light came on. I took it to the dealership to run diagnostics and find the problem. After completing the diagnostics the service tech informed me that is was an issue related to a TSB 09-011-25. This is a major manufacturing issue that causes engine failure. My engine needs to be replaced. This issue affects many vehicles in the Stellantis lineup and should be a recall. They have not made any effort to inform customers of this issue to have it inspected

NHTSA ID

11699092

Incident

Oct 24, 2025

My vehicle has a 3.6 pentastar engine. Around 60000 miles the engine developed a noticeable tick. Now the engine has multiple cylinder misfires, is leaking oil all over the engine compartment and causing issues with other electronic components (wheel speed sensors, power steering, electronic shifting, brake lights) Upon research I found this is to be a known issue with this motor. There apparently have been some associated recalls but I couldn’t find them. There are class action lawsuits as well

NHTSA ID

11693727

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle had suddenly started to vibrate and shake. The contact stated that the vehicle was maintaining its lane but was lurching from left to right. No warnings illuminated. The contact stated that she pulled off to the side of the road; however, when she turned the vehicle on, it would start shaking again. The contact stated that she would keep driving while the vehicle was shaking, and the shaking would eventually stop. The contact stated that the shaking was occurring at any speed and was also triggered when she would drive over any small bumps or dips in the road. The contact stated recently, while she was driving in traffic at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle started to shake again, however, this time violently. The contact stated that at the time, it was raining. The contact stated that it felt like the vehicle had lifted up, and then she crashed into the guard rail on the driver's side front bumper. The contact stated that the bumper and an LED light bar attached to the front grill had made contact and were slightly damaged, and the driver's side headlight stopped functioning. The police were not called, and the contact was not injured. The contact reported that the driver's side front air bag had deployed but had not inflated and was draped on her lap. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact reported that after the crash, she observed the check oil and check brake warnings illuminated. The contact stated that she needed to depress the brake pedal with more force in order to stop. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA ID

11693667

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Mileage

109,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power, lost braking power, and lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving at high speeds, which caused the contact to be frightened. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure had not been determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11687699

Incident

Jun 30, 2025

Mileage

55,000 mi

I was never notified of Recall Y68 for my vehicle by Jeep or FCA, despite federal requirements that recall notices be sent by mail or electronic communication. I only became aware of the recall after my independent mechanic (Jay’s Auto Care, Kirkland WA) diagnosed a cylinder misfire and confirmed engine damage, and advised me to take the vehicle to Jeep. On June 26, 2025, I brought the vehicle to Rairdon’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Kirkland and reported the misfire, with documentation from my mechanic confirming engine damage. While the dealer performed the PCM update under Recall Y68, they refused to address the misfire and instructed me to wait until the check engine light returned before they would act further. On [XXX], when the fault reappeared, I returned immediately to the dealer. I was then told the repair would not be covered due to the time elapsed since my first visit. Jeep corporate was contacted (Case #[XXX]) but has failed to provide any resolution or even respond to my written request. As of August 2025, Jeep’s lack of recall notification, the dealer’s refusal to address a documented engine defect, and Jeep’s non-response have forced me to purchase and install a replacement engine at my own expense through my independent mechanic. Safety Concern: •The vehicle suffered continued drivability issues while waiting for Jeep’s required “re-trigger,” risking further engine damage. •Driving with a compromised engine presents safety hazards, including sudden stalling or loss of power. •Jeep’s failure to notify me of the recall and subsequent refusal to address the misfire left me with no safe or reasonable alternative. Requested Outcome: I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in ensuring Jeep/FCA: 1.Properly documents whether notification for Recall Y68 was ever sent to me. 2.Provides reimbursement or goodwill coverage for the cost of the replacement engine and labor. 3.Reviews whether dealer handling of this recall complied with FCA/Fed recall INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (

NHTSA ID

11682121

Incident

Jun 25, 2025

To Whom It May Concern, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally report a serious mechanical failure involving my 2020 Jeep Gladiator (VIN: [XXX] ), which recently experienced a complete engine lock-up without any prior warning signs. The vehicle is now inoperable. Given the severity of the issue, I am requesting a thorough review under the manufacturer’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as an investigation into any applicable recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) that may relate to this failure. For your reference, I am aware of the following known issues tied to this vehicle model: Recall 21V-028 – Clutch overheating and potential fire risk (manual transmission) TSB 18-024-21 – PCM software update and possible camshaft replacement (associated with Code: P0300) Notably, my vehicle exhibited no prior symptoms—such as loss of power, engine misfires, dashboard warnings, or burning odors—prior to the engine failure. I respectfully request NHTSA’s assistance in confirming: Whether my vehicle is currently subject to any open recalls or safety investigations Whether this type of engine failure has been reported by other 2020 Jeep Gladiator owners What recourse is available to owners under federal warranty or safety defect protections if the dealership is unable or unwilling to resolve the issue I can be reached directly at [XXX] or via email at [XXX] . I appreciate your time and urgent attention to this matter and hope we can find a swift and fair resolution. Sincerely, [XXX] VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11676455

Incident

Jul 8, 2025

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious mechanical issue involving my 2020 Jeep Gladiator (VIN: [XXX] rienced a complete and unexpected engine lock-up. The vehicle is now undrivable and presents both a functional and potential safety concern. Prior to this failure, there were no warning signs—no engine misfires, loss of power, burning smells, or dashboard warning lights. The incident occurred suddenly and without any preceding symptoms. I am aware of several issues affecting this model year, including: Recall 21V-028 – Involving clutch overheating and potential fire risk in manual transmission vehicles TSB 18-024-21 – Pertaining to PCM software updates and camshaft replacement due to engine misfire (P0300) While I understand that technical service bulletins do not carry the same weight as recalls, the combination of TSB-related concerns and my complete engine failure raises questions about broader mechanical reliability and consumer safety. I have reached out to the dealership (Napleton’s River Oaks CDJR) to request evaluation and warranty support under the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. However, I am also submitting this report to the NHTSA for documentation and investigation purposes, in the event this issue reflects a larger pattern affecting other vehicles of the same make and model. I respectfully request that the NHTSA review this case and consider whether further investigation is warranted, particularly if other consumers report similar issues. Please feel free to contact me if additional information or documentation is needed. I can be reached at [XXX] or [XXX] k y [XXX] n t [XXX] ely, [XXX] Vehicle: 2020 Jeep Gladi [XXX] ] INFORMATION REDACTED [XXX] ] INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C [XXX] ATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11672892

Incident

Jul 8, 2025

almost had an accident do you to the Jeep 2020 gladiator going haywire steering wheel got hard like you had no power steering luckily I was going 45 miles an hour wipers went crazy the shifter went into parking luckily my wife my son and myself we're OK no accident had towed to my house replaced both batteries auxiliary and main battery still nothing replaced can bus it says it does not have connection with ECM

NHTSA ID

11670506

Incident

Jun 22, 2025

Driving down the highway at normal rate of speed, the engine light came on and then started blinking and I loss power in the engine. After about 10-15 seconds, the engine light went off and the engine regained power. A few minutes later, the same thing occurred. In the mornings when the engine was cold, the engine would sputter when idling and the check engine light would come on. The dealership mechanics found the problem to be the cam shaft lobe being scored causing piston #5 to misfire. The dealership told me that there are 12,000 backlogged requests for this part. In other words, there is a known defect in the cam shaft. The price of repair is over $4000. This needs to be a mandatory recall by the manufacturer!! 12,000 back logged requests for this part? Really? This is a safet issues because of the engine power loss while driving down the highway. My truck was in the shop at the dealership for 41 days. Ridiculous.

NHTSA ID

11663605

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

The engine was loosing power and fuel economy declined. What was found is that the intake camshaft lobes worn down on the intake camshaft, passenger side. This issue has been has been found to be prevalent in many vehicles with this same 3.6 liter engine. Found online was also a class action lawsuit from Delaware that has been issued for this very defect.

NHTSA ID

11654855

Incident

Oct 31, 2024

Oil cooler leaking

NHTSA ID

11633809

Incident

Dec 29, 2024

Vehicle not working properly

NHTSA ID

11631367

Incident

Dec 2, 2024

I was under the hood of my vehicle changing air/oil filters and oil yesterday. I noticed several wires had the insulation melted off. I found the ODI Resume Investigation: PE24024 for underhood vehicle fires regarding Jeep and thought this might be exactly what is being investigated. I took pictures. If this site doesn't allow uploading pictures I can be contacted for them.

NHTSA ID

11614760

Incident

Sep 15, 2024

Driving on hwy at 55 miles per hours complete power loss. No engine no electrical. I was able to coast to stop but was not able to activate hazards . I had just had the aux battery for auto start stop replaced by lithia Jeep dealer in corpus Christi

NHTSA ID

11613765

Incident

Sep 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, they would smell a burning odor coming from the clutch. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the vehicle caught on fire after being driven for a while. The contact exited the vehicle and the fire department extinguished the flames. No injuries were sustained. A fire report and police report were filed however no information was not available. The contact stated the vehicle was towed to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however when the vehicle was taken to a dealer, the contact was informed that the recall remedy was not available as of yet and did not perform an interim fix. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11592583

Incident

Oct 15, 2023

Mileage

12,000 mi

The oil pump failed at 23,000 miles, then while traveling on [XXX] in New York, the engine failed at 48,000 miles. Fortunately we exited the freeway before a catastrophic failure could occur. The dealer was contacted and I was informed not to drive the vehicle, but to have it towed to the dealership. At the dealership they found the engine had a severe knock and informed me a complete new engine was needed. The engine was never taken apart for inspection, as they mentioned it would be at my expense, that of an additional $1800.00. The cost for engine replacement was $11916.16. If the engine seized on the freeway, a disaster could have occurred. Dealership stating the oil changes were over their recommendations. Four dealerships were contacted and all had different oil change intervals. Dealership stated the North East is a "severe service" area. The other three Chrysler dealerships never heard of this. Also the oil I ran was Amsoil full synthetic with the oil manufacturer recommending up to 12,000 miles oil change intervals, this dealer states 4,500 miles. Other dealers state "go by the book" of 7,500 to 10,000 miles, one states 6,000 miles, another states 6,500 mile intervals. A little long winded story, point being an engine failure traveling at highway speed could have caused severe, possibly life threatening results. My complaint is on the oil pump failure causing this problem, I base my case revolving around the oil pump failure causing engine oil starvation. The dealer states the engine was still getting oil. The oil pump is a two stage pump, low stage-40 PSI, high stage 80PSI. The high stage of the pump failed, not supplying enough oil to the top of the engine. If 40PSI was sufficient to maintain this engine, Chrysler would not have spent millions of dollars to develop a high pressure stage in this pump. Thank you for your consideration in this case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11575946

Incident

Jan 16, 2024

My entire Electrical system failed, the engine wouldnt start , the warning flashers would not work, the vehicle wouldnt go into neutral to be pushed. So I was blocking an intersection for about 2 hrs waiting on a tow truck to tow it to the nearest dealership. The dealership was unable to reproduce the problem just wants to replace the end result of a 150 amp fuse block blown at $400 for a $50 part. I attached what was actually going on with the vehicle in PDF format I researched on Gladiator forum and Jeep Garage forums and found this is a problem for many jeep models with the dual battery system but nobody had an answer as to why it happens other than something shorted out.

NHTSA ID

11537144

Incident

Aug 6, 2023

While driving on a main road, in a rural area, the "Electronic Stability Control Maintenance" alert was enabled. It was a cold January morning and approximately 35 degrees at 9am. My tire pressure alerts were also activated and I presumed that the Stability Control alert was due to a potential flat tire, not just a cold morning pressure imbalance, which happens frequently when there are drastic swings in temperature. Less than a minute later, the "Electronic Throttle Control Maintenance Required" alert flashed and I lost the ability to accelerate. I was in an area that was going uphill and no shoulder. Due to my momentum, I was able to get halfway up the hill and pull over into a residential driveway. I shut the car off, waited a minute and turned it back on. I attempted to pull back onto the road and noticed that a) I could still not accelerate and b) There was a large oil truck barreling up the hill and I would be a potential hazard and accident if I pulled in front of it. I then began to notice that smoke was billowing from under the hood. I turned back into the residential driveway and immediately shut off the vehicle and called for roadside assistance. The vehicle was taken by flatbed to the nearest dealership to be diagnosed. They ended up determining that there was moisture in the oil and claimed that it was common in this model year. They flushed the systems and gave me an oil change, which was was due for anyhow. The dealership kept the vehicle overnight and said they wanted to assess how it would perform in cold temperatures before returning my vehicle. I am very concerned that this is happening so soon. It is the first new vehicle I have ever purchased for myself and I do not take it off-road and live 10 miles from work, travelling on rural roads and recreational highway travel three-four times a year.

NHTSA ID

11501403

Incident

Jan 11, 2023

The ESS/Auto Start/Stop system is unavailable rendering the remote start for cold weather unavailable. This issue also effects the reliability of the battery and electrical supply as a whole potentially leading to unexpected engine stoppages and stranding due to a no start scenario. The issue is widespread and well documented among 2018-Current Jeep Rangler models as well as 2020-Current Jeep Gladiator models. Causes are reported by dealers ranging from premature failure of the start/stop auxiliary battery to TPM/distribution box failures. My vehicle has experienced this issue twice with the first occurrence shortly after purchase. With many of the effected vehicles reaching the end of their warranty period, the number of vehicles circulating on highways will increase creating a safety hazard. Further, the failure of this system may create an EPA compliance issue as the ESS/Auto Start/Stop system is required equipment to meet EPA fuel economy standards for the fleet.

NHTSA ID

11501012

Incident

Jan 6, 2023

I recently purchased this vehicle used, while driving the lights go off and the vehicle shuts off while moving. Not displaying any warning indicators at the time. Luckily vehicle is a manual, so I have been able to coast to a stop safely. Situation could be very dangerous. Once off the vehicle will go dead and won't restart. After a few moments vehicle will restart until the problem occurs again without warning. Jeep/chrysler has obvious issues with this vehicle and has not done any recalls. Even though they have documented occurrences with similar vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11496191

Incident

Dec 4, 2022