Problems · by component

2020 Jeep Gladiator power train problems

55 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Jeep Gladiator cite power train, 11% of all 485 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 4 recalls on this component.

Complaints
55
11% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Power trainODI 11770698
“Clutch overheated and cause an immense amount of smoke during drive with no warning indication from hud. Dealer stated that clutch has gotten well passed 390c Heat from clutch has also caused front driver caliper to lock up and damage rotors.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2026Power train, Service brakesODI 11762397
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11743102
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 5, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11729265
“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?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2025Power train, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11694493
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11687699

Showing 6 of 55 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

4 recalls on this component

Power train: clutch assembly

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

Power trainReported Feb 23, 2023NHTSA 23V116000

Power train: clutch assembly

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

Power trainReported Jan 28, 2021NHTSA 21V028000

Power train: clutch assembly

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

Power trainReported Mar 3, 2020NHTSA 20V124000

Power train: driveshaft

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The rear driveshafts may have been incorrectly assembled without grease in the monoblock joint.

Power trainReported Aug 29, 2019NHTSA 19V636000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.