2020 Jeep Gladiator Powertrain (other) Problems

The start-stop system reports unavailable, then within a few miles of driving, the check engine light will come on, followed by problems with the transmission shifting gears, sometime causing the vehicle to stay in first or second gear while accelerating and creating a dangerous driving situation. Power cycling the vehicle sometimes helps. Diagnostic trouble codes show low voltage in one or more O2 sensors, "too lean" warnings and cylinders randomly misfiring. Engine runs very rough at idle with the strong smell of gas in the exhaust. Dash information shows battery voltage around 12.3 at start up increasing to low 13 while idling. This occured around 40,000 miles and dealer replaced the aux battery and reset system. It occurred again around 60,000 miles (20 months later) and owner replaced both auxiliary battery (testing showed bad) and main battery. System functioned normally after resetting codes. It occurred again about 8 months later at 72,000 miles. The F42 fuse was pulled, cleared codes and reset computer by removing battery power for 1 hour. System returned to normal.

NHTSA ID

11743102

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

This complaint is a follow-up to NHTSA complaint number 11729095. Since submitting the original complaint, the issue has continued and is now occurring while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle is experiencing intermittent electrical and communication failures affecting multiple systems. The issue began approximately three weeks ago after completing a normal drive and has persisted since that time, occurring randomly and without warning. Both the main battery and auxiliary battery have been replaced; however, the condition remains unresolved. Current symptoms include: •Multiple warning messages and warning lights activating simultaneously while driving (including “Service Antilock Brake System” and “Service Shifter”) •Loss of communication between multiple control modules •Fault codes that temporarily clear but return •Instrument cluster instability and erratic system behavior Power steering assist becomes intermittent during these events, making steering significantly more difficult, particularly when navigating curves or operating in heavy traffic. This creates a serious safety hazard due to reduced vehicle control. Diagnostic trouble codes associated with this condition include multiple communication-related faults (U-codes), indicating loss of communication between critical control modules. The condition may temporarily improve when the auxiliary battery system is bypassed and the battery sensor is disconnected, but the failures consistently return. The issue is ongoing, intermittent, and reproducible. No accidents have occurred to date; however, the condition presents a clear and increasing safety risk. Photographic evidence of warning indicators and system faults occurring during vehicle operation is available. Root cause remains UNKNOWN but is suspected to involve the auxiliary battery system, battery management system, wiring, or vehicle communication network.

NHTSA ID

11729265

Incident

Apr 5, 2026

Driver side rear wheel speed sensor. This is a known issue national back order on the part, mechanic installed new part system does not reset and clear. In the current state, abs offline four-wheel drive system service required traction control service required. What is the true fix for this?

NHTSA ID

11694493

Incident

Oct 5, 2025

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 am filing a safety complaint regarding repeated and unresolved transmission issues with my Jeep. The vehicle has undergone two full transmission replacements after a $10,000 repair, yet critical symptoms persist, including transmission overheating (up to 240°F) and a loud whining noise while accelerating. These problems continue despite no warning lights or diagnostic codes, creating a false sense of safety. On August 4, 2025, the vehicle reached 240°F and produced loud mechanical noise while driving. This mirrors the same symptoms from before the original transmission repair and represents a clear safety hazard. These issues put me at risk of sudden transmission failure, loss of power, or loss of control while driving. The dealer has confirmed the overheating and replaced the transmission twice, but the problem remains. A brake hookup was also installed incorrectly, causing additional safety concerns that were only corrected after my insistence. Despite multiple service visits, Jeep refuses to: Provide a loaner vehicle Escalate to a corporate-level inspection Offer a buyback or reimbursement Jeep offered only an extended warranty with a deductible, which I declined as inappropriate given the unresolved repair. I have also submitted a formal legal demand to Jeep, which remains unanswered. The lack of diagnostic codes paired with dangerous symptoms and unresolved failures is deeply concerning. This issue should be investigated for a potential defect in the transmission system or software diagnostics. I request that NHTSA investigate this matter and that Stellantis/Jeep be held accountable for unsafe practices and poor post-repair support.

NHTSA ID

11680536

Incident

Mar 26, 2025

I took my vehicle to a local dealer to have to recall completed. They told me that they would not complete the safety recall due to vehicle modifications. Dealer stated that they had completed the recall on a previous vehicle and due to the same modifications the new software rendered the vehicle unusable. When the first 19a recall came out and there was no manufacturer remedy, I purchased a new clutch and had an authorized Jeep dealer (dealer I purchased the vehicle from) to install.

NHTSA ID

11674413

Incident

Jul 14, 2025

Transmission failed to go into reverse. 2020 Gladiator Rubicon with 57k miles.Transmission had been pausing and then shifting into reverse with a clunk sound. Have taken to a Jeep service shop and they did not find any error codes and were not sure of the cause. Problem started getting worse in the past couple of days to where when try to put in reverse, it will not do anything. the "R" light flashes. Have to shift into drive and then back to reverse to get it to go into revers. However, this has stopped working to where to at times cannot get the transmission to go into revers. the transmission also shifts hard on the upshift from 3-4th gear at certain RPMs/speeds. when has issue of not being able to get into reverse yesterday, had to push the vehicle back while in nuetral in order to get it to where i could then put it in drive.In drive on the main road, it would not shift out of first gear, so had to park it and get a ride home. several hours later was able to get the vehicle home. it appears from looking online that a lot of people have had this exact same issue with the 8 speed auto transmission. the only solution it to replace the transmission which costs upwards of $6k. As many issues there are with this transmission, Jeep should have a recall to fix this issue instead of customers having to shell out thousands of $s. Needless to say, i will never buy another jeep product. JEEP=Junk Each and Every Piece!

NHTSA ID

11668917

Incident

Jun 23, 2025

On May 17th 2025, I brought my vehicle to the Jeep Chrysler Dodge of Paramus (315 Rte 4 West, Paramus, NJ 07652) for the recall repair. Today, on May 20, 2025, I received my vehicle back after refusing an additional $580 charge for a hydraulic clutch master cylinder replacement, which the dealership claimed was unrelated to the recall. I declined this service due to the financial burden and my belief that the repair should be covered under the recall, but this leaves my vehicle in a potentially unsafe condition. As a Material Planning Specialist in Paramus, NJ, I rely on my Gladiator for daily commuting, and operating it with a damaged component poses significant risks. The repair delay, while only three days and not yet qualifying for New Jersey’s Lemon Law, has resulted in my vehicle being returned without addressing a critical safety issue. During the repair, the dealership informed me that the hydraulic clutch master cylinder is damaged and requires replacement at an additional cost of $580, claiming it is unrelated to the recall. However, when I spoke with the service manager on May 20th, they admitted they have no evidence that the master cylinder damage is not due to the recalled clutch pressure plate. Given the recall’s documented risk of the pressure plate fracturing and causing collateral damage to nearby components (e.g., transmission case), I believe the master cylinder failure is likely a direct result of the defective clutch system. The recall repair should cover such related damages, yet the dealership refuses to include this repair under the recall’s scope without providing a clear explanation or diagnostic evidence.

NHTSA ID

11662191

Incident

May 20, 2025

While driving in rush hour traffic, stop and go driving, a service shifter message started to intermittently appear, then the forward collision warning message started to frequently chime in and off, then I lost power steering, check engine light illuminated, other messages auto start stop service, service sway bar disconnect, transmission was stuck in 3rd gear then after a stop it would not shift out of 1st even switching to manual shift mode, was able to pull over to side of road. Turned off the vehicle, used my code reader to clear the codes, started the vehicle back on and everything was clear and vehicle drove as normal. Sure glad it didn’t happen at speed! I have read of other people having the same issue so I wanted it to add my concern as well.

NHTSA ID

11661742

Incident

May 2, 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

Vehicle shut off spontaneously. All dash lights lit up. No steering, Could not turn .was able to drift to side of highway and avoid being hit from traffic. Would not start for 10 min. After manny attempts finally started but could not shift into gear. Errors on the dash. Had to turn off and on a few times to get going again.

NHTSA ID

11640720

Incident

Feb 4, 2025

Vehicle not working properly

NHTSA ID

11631367

Incident

Dec 2, 2024

Multiple issues occuring starting (documented) at 22,719 miles (09/27/2022) - stop/start and remote start had not been functioning properly - vehicle died. Required towing to dealer. Both batteries were dead. Upon leaving dealer they had not reconnected stop/start. Fast forward to 05/04/2024 and vehicle once again unchargeable to start. Took warrantied battery back to dealer and they wanted us to tow it there to check. We spent 350.91 to replace ourselves due to a lack of confidence with Jeep. Then on 05/20/2024 took it to a 4x4 center and discovered multiple issues with vehicle from manufacturing and dealer work. To start -- 1) the rear differential pinion seal is leaking 2) the power stearing box is aluminum and showed signs of flex and contact 3) dealer installed lift was incomplete leaving the front axle off center (visually observed about a 3" offset).

NHTSA ID

11596078

Incident

Sep 27, 2022

Manual Transmission started slipping/malfunctioning related to overheating. Jeep dealership stated it was driver issue, and nothing else was wrong with manual trasmission. Dealer charged me $3500 to repair/replace transmission @ 35000 miles. Dealer refusedto cover repairs and repeatedly stated there was no issues with factory manual transmissions. Filed claim under Manufacturers website and nothing has been done. note: manual transmission was replaced with OEM manual transmission, and no recall work was performed. Replacement transmission is now showing signs of slippage due ti overheating.

NHTSA ID

11591725

Incident

Jan 26, 2023

The clutch has been under recall for over 1 year (399 days at this point) without any solution from the manufacturer. This is also the 3rd recall of the clutch assembly. When will this be fixed?????

NHTSA ID

11579682

Incident

Feb 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving, the clutch was slipping. While shifting gears, the clutch failed to engage. The backup camera was inoperable. Additionally, while exiting the express ramp, there was a burning odor detected. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed him about the fees and replacement of the defective part. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA ID

11578941

Incident

Feb 26, 2024

Mileage

38,000 mi

My clutch stopped working and was repaired under 19A recall. Now I am getting serv 4WD notices, my vehicle has gone limp and unknown fluid leaked the day after repaired. Vehicle has been in the shop over 5 times since clutch stopped working 26 Nov 2023. Consistently breaking down or getting service light failures.

NHTSA ID

11575931

Incident

Nov 26, 2023

transmission will not shift all the time and gets hung up! After following a group this seems to be a problem with the gladiator automatic transmission. It will not shift into reverse and shifts hard from 3rd to 4th. This should be a recall due to so many people having issues and the only thing to fix it is to get a new transmission.

NHTSA ID

11574422

Incident

Nov 15, 2022

Local dealer has told me there is no known repair. My vehicle is in my driveway and has been undriveable for six months.

NHTSA ID

11574056

Incident

Sep 12, 2023

Some problems with the clutch and the manufacturer doesn't have the parts to fix the recall issue

NHTSA ID

11570672

Incident

Feb 5, 2024

At only 65,000 miles and hitting all of my scheduled maintenance my transmission failed while driving causing me to get stuck in 5th gear and jerking me off the road.

NHTSA ID

11569676

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

So I purchased this vehicle in August of 2021. 6 months after purchasing I received another recall saying this is not safe to drive. I have only a 2 seater car to try and take my family places. It’s getting ridiculous I have paid 65000 for a car not safe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11566834

Incident

Jan 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the clutch felt loose intermittently. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11564666

Incident

Aug 10, 2023

Mileage

50,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, The front end of the vehicle was wobbling violently. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the Death Wobble. The contact stated that he decelerated below 50 MPH and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving above 55 MPH and when hitting a bump. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that unknown tires, the socket drag link outer, the steering damper, the front bar, the power steering gear and the arm Pitman needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when shifting into reverse (R). The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound shortly after driving from a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission fluid was flushed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed twice due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the transmission failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11564201

Incident

Oct 15, 2021

I was driving on the highway going 80mph in 6th gear and my wife smelled something then the gears started grinding I put it in neutral as I was slowing down I was trying to get to the exit which was about 1/4 mile away so I put the truck in 4th and thats when the transmission exploded sending fire and transmission parts on the highway. I saw flames come out from under the vehicle and from the engine compartment, I told my wife to get out and we got everything that we could grab and within 5 minutes the Jeep was engulfed in flames

NHTSA ID

11556057

Incident

Oct 20, 2023