2021 Jeep Gladiator Powertrain (other) Problems

2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S equipped with 6 speed manual transmission purchased from Landers Jeep in Little Rock Ar. Vehicle required the A-19 clutch recall. Recall was completed and I took ownership 6/17/2025. I returned the vehicle within the first week of ownership due to the "service transmission" light periodically coming on. Dealership reset the clutch counter and attempted to give me advice on how to drive a vehicle I was more than capable driving before purchasing. After 13 months and 13k miles I have now gotten a "clutch hot fully release clutch pedal and reduce clutch use" warning twice while traveling down the interstate at 65mph. When this light comes on the vehicle enters "limp mode" and dramatically loses power, not to mention the original recall warnings of fire and fragments. Now clutch is slipping and vehicle power is reduced. Today at a scheduled service appointment to readdress this issue, I was informed by the service manager at Landers that they only fix recalls once and will not readdress the issue.

NHTSA ID

11750672

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

Engine oil light came on. Inspected at Tom Obrien Jeep for low oil pressure. Technician found that one of the oil sprayers was not bolted onto block, screw was there and tight, sprayer was in oil pan. It was incorrectly assembled. Jeep would not warranty due to lack of oil change receipts which is irrelevant.

NHTSA ID

11748859

Incident

Feb 7, 2024

Engine light came on, vehicle went into limp mode. Transmission would not shift any higher than 3rd gear and kept slipping while on interstate! Was almost hit by several 18 wheelers! Jeep dealership said our vin is not part of the service bulletin but they did get the P0733 code! Make it make sense! I guess we’re supposed to get run over by 18 wheelers before they’ll fix it!

NHTSA ID

11743537

Incident

May 1, 2026

There was a recall for the clutch. I took it to the dealer (Autonation Jeep in Santa Clarita, CA). Ever since then, there is an intermittent, non-reproducible grinding and clicking (sound and feeling through the pedal) in the clutch (like a loose piece/nut is bouncing around and clanking and grinding against the clutch). The clutch pedal is also more spongy, catching only about halfway down, and sometimes feeling like at full depression it is not entirely engaged. I have taken it back to the dealer twice, and both times they will not work on it because they cannot hear or reproduce the feel/sound. The sponginess of the clutch is subjective, they say, and their opinion is that it feels fine.

NHTSA ID

11741018

Incident

Nov 11, 2025

I recently experienced significant transmission issues, specifically hard engage in reverse (cold), and failure to shift higher than 3rd gear. The rear axle is leaking and the front axle is shaking. My jeep has the P0733 code for the D-clutch failure confirmed at a Jeep dealership, along with the steering damper Campaign XF1 and the Dana M220 axle (TSB 03-001-23) and should be included in these TSB’s/CSN’s/Campaigns! It is currently sitting at the Jeep Dealership in Covington, La unable to be driven needing $9790 worth of repairs from all of these and I’ve barely had it a year! I am so disappointed in Jeep

NHTSA ID

11739847

Incident

May 8, 2026

Last year I received a message, letter and perhaps an email related to my jeep and recall for the clutch plate assembly. The recall was performed twice because first was incorrect. Transmission had to be replaced a few weeks later. Since then, I've had numerous visits to dealership, and had several incidents this week traveling across country to clear "Service Transmission messages: on the display, and two incidents where the jeep went into "limp mode" at high speeds. Four more stops have not fixed the problem. Now I am at a place who has found that the transmission was not installed properly, the software wasn't properly flashed and things were left hanging (connectors and cables) without being properly secured. The transmission was replaced under warranty, which has run out, but these messages have been appearing since the original recall. Now, I am going to have to pay a large fee (over 3000 dollars) to get Jeep back. Plus paying 100 to another dealership in Kansas to have them look at the jeep without a remedy. (See:Jeep Recall 19A / NHTSA Campaign 23V116, NHTSA Recall 24V-572, NHTSA Recall 21V-028 / Jeep Recall Y01 ) - my Jeep is listed as "0 recalls" but the dealership has not reported any work on my vehicle to CarFax. The repair shop is working with me to collect evidence (Photos, documentation, and data about the Jeep's issues. ALL of this began immediately after the first recall last year, and these problems have not been remedied, and the Jeep has become dangerous when on the highway. (Limp mode multiple times: 17 Feb2026, 13 May 26, 13 May 26 all at highway speeds). This should have been covered under warranty, and I should not be subjected to "No repair" because a dealership "Doesn't see a problem" - the computer doesn't keep any codes for these incidents, thus they will not dig into the problem, and now warranty has expired so they can charge whatever they wish.

NHTSA ID

11739011

Incident

May 13, 2026

Passenger side rear axle leaking gear oil. Issued was repaired by dealership No warning I just saw the oil on the tire and in my driveway

NHTSA ID

11718716

Incident

Jan 22, 2025

My vehicles rear locker went out on me while driving on the road and completely destroyed itself. I have video evidence on how that looks at the shop where it cost me over 3k to get a new one because I could t drive it or I had to get a whole new rear differential. My steering is already been going loose at 70k miless

NHTSA ID

11711060

Incident

Oct 16, 2025

Without any warning and after about 7 minutes of driving, Jeep turned off while driving at about 40 mph. There were no dash lights or warnings and the Jeep has never had an issue or any other symptom previously. Would not start and had to be towed. 8 hours later it was still in a crank no start condition. Both batteries were fully charged so not a battery issue. I'm a long time Jeep owner, VP of the Middle Peninsula Jeep Association LLC and fairly well versed in Jeep mechanics. I only say that to let you know that I have a lot of experience with Jeeps, was able to exclude certain causes and have not encountered thisnwith any of my previous Jeeps. Jeep is in show condition and meticulously cared for. The day after vehicle shut off, all dash lights and windows also stopped working so issue also caused batteries to fully drain. Dealership says it is needs a new PDC. I strongly suspect this is due to manufacturer defect related to PCM and some of manufacturing defects associated with COVID-era manufacturing issues. Uncertain if it could also be related to other open recall. Vehicle has less than 50K on it. It really doesn't feel right that just a large component would go out on such a new Jeep and definitely isn't in accordance with the quality I've come to know and expect when owning other Jeeps. Would appreciate anything you can do to assist. On another note, about half of the Gladiators I see have the 3rd brake light out (mine included). Any idea what the issue could be with that as I also have to get that replaced, too. Many thanks!

NHTSA ID

11700771

Incident

Sep 29, 2025

I am writing regarding my 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave, which recently suffered engine damage due to a faulty head gasket. I understand the vehicle is approximately 5,000 miles over the 60,000-mile warranty; however, I believe this issue should not be my financial responsibility given the circumstances. At around 60,000 miles, I brought my Jeep in for a full service and inspection to ensure it was in top condition. I was informed at that time that everything looked fine and that there were no issues to address. Since then, I’ve continued to maintain the vehicle properly and drive it with care. The sudden head gasket failure, which ultimately led to engine damage, came as a complete surprise. This situation has been extremely difficult — not only because of the unexpected cost, but also because this Jeep was meant to be my long-term vehicle. My family and I have been loyal Mopar customers for years, and I’ve always trusted in the quality and reliability of your vehicles and service network. Given that I sought professional service and maintenance through authorized channels, and that no issues were identified at the time, I kindly request that Mopar consider a goodwill repair or assistance. I don’t believe it’s fair to be held financially responsible for a mechanical failure that likely existed but went undetected during a recent inspection. I’m grateful that nothing happened to me on the road, as I was unaware of the developing problem under the hood. I truly hope Mopar can stand behind its reputation for integrity, safety, and customer care by helping me through this situation. Thank you for your time, understanding, and continued support. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

NHTSA ID

11691593

Incident

Oct 2, 2025

Gladiator on 3rd transmission and likely to need a 4th now at 26,000 miles. Each one failed the same way. The second gear in the manual transmission starts occasionally popping out of gear while driving and progresses in frequency over time to the point that it is impossible to keep in second gear at all. This may result in unsafe conditions such as loss of control of the vehicle. Each of my first two transmissions which were replaced were inspected by dealership technicians and the problem found to be easily repeatable. On tearing down of the transmission, pieces of internal components such as synchros were found to be disintegrated. I believe the transmissions were inspected by engineers from Jeep or its parent company though no findings were made available to myself. There were no warnings beyond the gradual escalation of the issue itself. The problem started happening at about 8000 to 10,000 miles on each transmission.

NHTSA ID

11682645

Incident

Aug 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted abnormally roughly. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle was jerking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while driving to the dealer, and the dealer reset the code. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ID

11667247

Incident

Jun 9, 2025

Mileage

119,000 mi

Brought vehicle in for new tires. Upon inspection it was found that the rear axle seal was leaking. Contacted Jeep customer service and was told vehicle had no recalls. I state that there was a Customer Service Notification for this issue and was told there was not. Was told vehicle was out of warranty and was at was at my expense. Told the service rep that this issue was brought up when it was in warranty and was told by dealership that it wasn't an issue. Customer rep then told me i needed to get a second opinion at that time and that there was nothing that could be done.

NHTSA ID

11651461

Incident

Mar 27, 2025

[XXX] 2021 Jeep Gladiator had a recall on the rear axle seal leak they told me the parts were on back order and the dealership allowed the recall to time out. When they ordered them I took it in and they said the parts were the wrong parts and needed to reorder them. Jeep will rev up to around 7000 rpms and hesitates to go up steep hills. Power stearing fluid keeps leaking from somewhere. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11648643

Incident

Mar 17, 2025

2021 Jeep Gladiator at 43K miles brought in for oil change. Lube tech noticed that the right rear axle seal was leaking fluid with fluid sprayed over the inner wheel and nearby assembly. FSA Customer Satisfaction Notification states to reference CSN 26A and that the recommended remedy is to replace the right rear shaft. If not repaired/replaced, this could lead to damage to the transmission. I contacted my local dealership who informed me that my vehicle had no open recalls, even though Jeep forums state the problem is affecting thousands of Gladiators like mine.

NHTSA ID

11619871

Incident

Oct 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11618158

Incident

Oct 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear axle was leaking. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the "Rear Axle Locked" message was flashing on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact discovered an unknown recall for the rear axle fluid leak. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,080.

NHTSA ID

11603745

Incident

Jun 26, 2024

The vehicle would not turn over, but the battery came on. The vehicle wouldn’t allow me to turn off the battery and stayed in the position while I waited for the tow truck. By the time the vehicle made it to the dealership they refused to do a diagnostic and attempted to charge me for battery replacement even though it was due to a car malfunction. While the care was glitching the dash displayed messages about the stability control module and transmission were out and malfunctioning. If I were to be driving, the vehicle would have shut down while I was driving.

NHTSA ID

11602928

Incident

Jul 12, 2024

My 2021 Jeep Gladiator received the 19A Clutch Recall in late June 2024. The recall was issued due to clutch pressure plates disintegrating, blowing a hole in the transmission housing, and causing vehicle fires. Upon return, my vehicle was unable to drive smoothly. After further investigation, I determined that if the clutch and throttle were operated concurrently, the engine would shut off. The engine would shut off anywhere between 1 MPH and highway speed causing issues with operating hydraulically assisted systems (power brakes and power steering). In practice, this led to the engine shutting off between most gear shifts causing a jerky driving condition due to the engine needing to clutch start itself. I did not test how well the steering or brakes worked while the engine was shut off due to safety concerns. While pulling into my driveway, I momentarily lost control of the vehicle when the engine died while traveling at low speed and with the steering wheel turned. I lost power steering and was unable to correct the direction in travel before driving onto my lawn. I returned the vehicle to the dealership and replicated the issue for them. They confirmed the issue was present. The issue was determined to be a faulty ECU flash causing the issue. A revised flash was made available to dealerships 7/12/24 and installed in my vehicle 7/15/24. Component that Failed: Faulty ECU flash Safety: The vehicle's engine would shut off while moving Reproduced by Dealership: Yes Inspected by Manufacturer: No Warning lights or messages: No Additional Info: I have been in contact with other owners with the same issue. This faulty ECU flash seems to only have had this effect on 2021 models. The following is personal input. I hope the irony is not lost on you all that a safety recall fix caused an arguably more pronounced and repeatable safety problem. Additionally, I notified Jeep Cares that this could kill or injure someone and they told me to send Chrysler a letter.

NHTSA ID

11602818

Incident

Jun 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 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 local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with a loud rattling noise coming from the clutch. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11602280

Incident

Jul 15, 2024

Mileage

42,000 mi

Transmission failure 850RE. 86000 miles. Known problem with this transmission. Left wife and children stranded in a very dangerous location on highway. Could not move vehicle off roadway.

NHTSA ID

11596817

Incident

Jun 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11592814

Incident

Jun 6, 2024

Started hard shifting and then really struggled to shift and accelerate once I slowed down. Took to dealership and they said the transmission will need to be replaced. The engine light came on just shortly after the hard shifting and inability to accelerate.

NHTSA ID

11587702

Incident

Apr 22, 2024

There is an active parts recall for some Gladiators, Recall 26A, for the right rear axle shaft. This part on my vehicle has been failing for over 6 months. The ABS system, Traction Control, and 4WD system have active fault codes, preventing these systems from working as intended. In the last month, this problem has become unsafe due to 3 separate incidents where the traction control has triggered during normal driving conditions, causing the vehicle to become inoperable. In each of these incidents, I was travelling in a straight line, on dry roads, when the traction control system activated, preventing all acceleration to occur. In the first occurrence I was in a tunnel, and unable to pull over as there was no shoulder. This was driving in a straight line, accelerating up to about 15 mph before the traction control kicked in and disabled the drive train. Traffic was able to safely pass me while I coasted through the tunnel with my hazards on. Turning the vehicle off, then back on was the only way to cure this condition. The next 2 times were both at unprotected stop signs, meaning cross traffic did not have a stop sign. When I pulled out into the middle of the road, the traction control activated, causing the vehicle to lose forward momentum and power. One of these incidents, traffic did have to slow and alter course to account for my vehicles failure in the road. During the 6 months of the axle going out, the ABS system triggers at intermittent times during normal driving/braking conditions. I have tried working with the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, and with Chrysler directly. Both parties deflect responsibility to the other, stating there is no way to help escalate these problems because they are a recall item. I have been directed to wait for parts and to continue driving the vehicle, despite it seeming like a safety risk.

NHTSA ID

11563405

Incident

Nov 30, 2023

Clutch has overheated during routine maneuvers with a distinctive punjent odor and smoke. According to the recall notice, the clutch pressure plate can overheat which may result in cracks in the transmission case allowing heated debris to be expelled from the transmission case. "Heated debris expelled from the transmission bell housing may come in contact with an ignition source in the vehicle or surrounding area, potentially leading to a fire. A fire can result in increased risk of occupant injury and injury to persons outside the vehicle." Concerned for our safety, we replaced the clutch but have been refused reimbursement.

NHTSA ID

11554675

Incident

Nov 2, 2020