Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Jeep Gladiator problems
Owners filed 484 complaints about the 2020 Jeep Gladiator with NHTSA between Jun 2019 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (183).
Complaints
484
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
11
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system183
- Steering181
- Power train55
- Engine45
- Suspension32
- Visibility/wiper23
- Service brakes17
- Vehicle speed control11
- Structure11
- Exterior lighting11
- Fuel/propulsion system9
- Forward collision avoidance7
- Back over prevention4
- Seat belts3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
34
111
36
34
44
56
127
42
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 111 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 34 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 56 |
| 2025 | 127 |
| 2026 | 42 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
183 reports2 fires1 related recall
“Instrument Panel Failure. The center LCD screen that displays speed, tachometer, oil temp, coolant temp, oil pressure, battery voltage, and transmission temps, fuel gauge, tire pressure readings, warning messages, and many other things just stopped working. This is obviously a safety risk and can cause an increased risk to safety and crashes, as it has been recalled on many other Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers. This screen started out working upon purchase, but would often have a digital background that would show up. The dealership it was purchased from informed us there was nothing wrong with the screen. It just stopped working and there is nothing on the display.”
Steering
181 reports2 crashes
“TRUCK WOBBLIES WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE STEERING TAKES TWO TO THREE INCHES TO TURN THE STERRING WHEEL BEFORE THE TRUCK STARTS TO TURN. NOT RESPONSIVE AS IT WAS.”
Power train
55 reports2 crashes4 fires4 related recalls
“My 2020 Jeep Gladiator has been experiencing transmission slipping, jerking at 20–30 mph, and rough shifting into Reverse, with diagnostic code P0733. An authorized Jeep dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the transmission problem matches Jeep’s Technical Service Bulletin regarding D-clutch failure. Despite confirming the defect and the need for repair, the dealership returned my vehicle without fixing it. I am concerned about the potential safety risks and request that NHTSA investigate this known issue and consider whether a safety recall is warranted.”
Engine
45 reports1 crash3 fires
“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…”
Suspension
32 reports
“the rear control arm welds have repeatedly broken on this 2020 jeep gladiator which creates a hazardous handling condition that may lead to a tragic accident. the local dealer, Hilltop Jeep in Richmond, CA and Stellantis Customer Service have passed the buck and said it isn't their responsibility and have referred us to a body shop to get the suspension repairs done. this seems like a manufacturing defect.”
Visibility/wiper
23 reports
“Steering damper is affected by a recall and i have not received the recall. Causes truck to abruptly jerk left or right causing a lif e threatening matter to everyone one the road”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.