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2020 Jeep Gladiator

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Gladiator years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator are substantially higher than the model-year median of 23.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

212 reports with mileage · 271 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 183 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 181 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports7 fire reports5 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

183 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

I need help with the service shifter message , the truck get un drivable after this message blinks three times , is so annoying bc you loose power steering control and the truck don’t go up to 3000 rpm , please fix these Issues

NHTSA ODI #11474734

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2022
Electrical SystemPower TrainFireInjury

Electrical system malfunction. Gladiator is burned down completely. Copart now has it under my insurance companies instruction. Large electrical fire. I took my vehicle into the dealer because the start stop feature stopped working. I received a call at the end of the day and was notified that both my batteries where bad. The…

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Electrical system malfunction. Gladiator is burned down completely. Copart now has it under my insurance companies instruction. Large electrical fire. I took my vehicle into the dealer because the start stop feature stopped working. I received a call at the end of the day and was notified that both my batteries where bad. They replaced both under warranty and kept it over night for testing. Received a call the fallowing late morning informing my that my vehicle was repaired and was ready to be picked up. On my way home I was stopped at a light and noticed smoke coming out around the hood. I immediately pulled over and opened the hood. The electrical wire on the passenger side below the fuse panel were burning. I tried to put it out with a towel but was burned. I called 911 but by the time the fire department came it was too late. My Gladiator was completely burned down. This incident happened in front of a school as they where letting out. A police officer was there directing student to walk around the dangerous incident. The incident was inspected by the fire department and was confirmed in a report that it started in the engine compartment. No warning lamp or messages.

NHTSA ODI #11465618

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2022
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine

Ever since I got this vehicle it’s been a roller coaster. As I’m driving the vehicle home from the dealership the vehicle displays on the screen that it’s going to shut off. I pulled over immediately on the side of the road and the vehicle turned off while in drive at 0 MPH! I put my emergency signals on and waited 15-30 minutes…

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Ever since I got this vehicle it’s been a roller coaster. As I’m driving the vehicle home from the dealership the vehicle displays on the screen that it’s going to shut off. I pulled over immediately on the side of the road and the vehicle turned off while in drive at 0 MPH! I put my emergency signals on and waited 15-30 minutes before the car would let me turn it back on! I drove home and as soon as I’m pulling into the driveway the car literally shuts off in reverse with no signs foreshadowing this! It was so embarrassing. What a birthday surprise. I had to call triple A to come tow it back to dealership. They had to change battery. Which is about 1 hour away at least depending on traffic. Picked up the vehicle sometime that week. The beginning of the next week as I’m driving to work the vehicle displays on the dash that the engine is overheating! I notice the vehicle starting to smoke so I pulled over immediately. I missed work that day. I had to call another tow to the dealership. The manager said that the truck would be in the shop for a month at least because they have to order a new engine! They gave me a terrible rental. I got the truck back around a month later. Months go by random creaking occurs periodically. I go to the dealership and they say I need new ball joints. Item is on back order so they’ll let me know when it arrives. Months go by start/stop system doesn’t work anymore. I go to the dealership and they keep it for a few days and don’t end up fixing the problem but schedule an appointment for next month. Appointment comes and they fixed start/stop system supposedly but every now and then it stops working. Months go by airbag signal turn on. I go to the dealer and they said they fixed something but needed to order a part. I am waiting on their call for that part now as well. This has truly been a crazy experience. I would never recommend anyone to go to a Fred beans dealership like I made the mistake of doing. 70k for such a failure.

NHTSA ODI #11457040

Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

I am getting a "service shifter" error and then my power steering goes out and the vehicle goes into "limp mode" This has happened at 70mph on the highway causing me to almost lose control of the vehicle around turns and slow down to an unsafe speed. I have taken it to multiple dealers that could not duplicate the issue but coul…

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I am getting a "service shifter" error and then my power steering goes out and the vehicle goes into "limp mode" This has happened at 70mph on the highway causing me to almost lose control of the vehicle around turns and slow down to an unsafe speed. I have taken it to multiple dealers that could not duplicate the issue but could see codes in the system. The vehicle is once again in the shop now and they are trying to blame everything but the Jeep itself. I know a few other Gladiator owners this has happened to.

NHTSA ODI #11447739

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2022
Electrical SystemSteeringSuspension

First, my secondary battery died 1.5 yrs into ownership and completely disabled my vehicle at a stop light, which left me nearly getting slammed into multiple times from the rear at an extremely busy intersection. There was no warning that the battery was failing — no “idiot light” — and a fire truck had to assist in getting me …

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First, my secondary battery died 1.5 yrs into ownership and completely disabled my vehicle at a stop light, which left me nearly getting slammed into multiple times from the rear at an extremely busy intersection. There was no warning that the battery was failing — no “idiot light” — and a fire truck had to assist in getting me to safety. I was stranded for 3.5 hrs awaiting a tow to the dealership, who kept it for a week before it was replaced. Secondly, I have had no less than 5 terrifying “death wobble” incidents to date with the truck when traveling on the freeway at high speeds of 65 - 75 mph. My truck is stock from the factory with no modifications to suspension, tires, or anything, so this should NOT be happening. I stopped by a local dealership and was told that I would need the Fox steering dampener to fix this but no one seems to be able to asses my truck to rectify and replace it without forcing me to leave it for days or even a week or more, which I cannot do since I’m in outside sales and this is my work truck. As per your website, I have discovered an existing recall on this same issue for the 2018 - 2019 Jeep Wrangler. Apparently, Jeep has carried forward this issue to their new Gladiators. This is an VERY DANGEROUS defect. This appears to have generated 91 reports as per this article: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2020/08/jeep-addresses-gladiator-wrangler-steering-issue/ It is also addressed in this article: https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-2020-jeep-gladiator-has-a-major-steering-problem/ Lastly, I am on my second “head” or “stereo deck” and am still having multiple issues with the interface, which causes a random variety of heat/AC, lighting, stereo, phone, maps and auto start comfort settings (no heated steering or seat) and more. Local Jeep dealerships pretend to not know of any issues with a claim that there are no active recalls. I find this response appalling. I appeal to you for assistance for my safety. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11446414

Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

Truck had very low power from day 1. Start/stop functionality mpcb short. Engine shacking and making noises. Engine burns oil. Trucks fuel economy is worse then a v12!I was getting 14 miles per gallon. The steering sucks it tilts to the right. Truck feels very unsafe to steer. The steering radius on ir is terrible. Trucks engi…

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Truck had very low power from day 1. Start/stop functionality mpcb short. Engine shacking and making noises. Engine burns oil. Trucks fuel economy is worse then a v12!I was getting 14 miles per gallon. The steering sucks it tilts to the right. Truck feels very unsafe to steer. The steering radius on ir is terrible. Trucks engine temperature goes up when is idling. Starter was staying on and hard to start. Engine would stall crossing the street. Engine stalled in the highway going 65 mph.it generated 10 check engine codes.the chassis of the truck is not completely welded trough. There is gaps all over it.over all the truck flimsy and unstable. The 4x4 was making noises. My oil would get black after 3k miles of driving it.If I was to leave truck on for it to get warm or cold any body could jump in and steal it, even if I have the keys. Truck started having issues at 7 k miles Ac didn’t blow very cold air. Hot air from outside will come in the pit. At last truck broke down it stalled in the middle of a intersection, or would not no into neutral to push it out of the road. I was trying to start it but the stater was very sluggish and after 3 times of me pushing on the start button it started smoking, when I saw this I panicked and trying to make it stop from starting but the starter kept going and going until it kept smoking after 5 minutes it stoped, I open the hood and it smelled like a electrical fire, I was going to call the fire department but it ceased smoking, so I stopped and somehow got it to a safe place. Truck didn’t want to start ever since. I never did any upgrades so that I would not void my warranty, I always did my oil changes and did my tire rotations. Never overloaded my truck or took it off-road. I never put a big trailer on it.I always washed it and took the best care of it as possible.mind you this all happened at 34 thousand miles and I am under new car warranty, even after all this I would still buy another Jeep gladiator

NHTSA ODI #11425847

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2021
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

IN MOTION; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SWAY AT DISCONNECT, SHIFTER, SPEED CONTROL, NO BUS, SERVICE AIRBAG, COOLING FAN BEGAN RACING, SHIFTED OUT OF DRIVE TO NEUTRAL , FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION READING EMPTY, RED LIGHT OVER TEMP GAUGE WENT ON , ERRATIC STEERING AND BRAKING ; VERY UNNERVING, WENT IN TO BE FIXED AND AFTER 2 1/2 WEEKS I RECEIV…

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IN MOTION; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SWAY AT DISCONNECT, SHIFTER, SPEED CONTROL, NO BUS, SERVICE AIRBAG, COOLING FAN BEGAN RACING, SHIFTED OUT OF DRIVE TO NEUTRAL , FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION READING EMPTY, RED LIGHT OVER TEMP GAUGE WENT ON , ERRATIC STEERING AND BRAKING ; VERY UNNERVING, WENT IN TO BE FIXED AND AFTER 2 1/2 WEEKS I RECEIVED IT BACK LAST TUESDAY APRIL 27TH, AND YESTERDAY MAY 1ST CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON , THIS TIME WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON AND CAN'T TURN OFF , ABS LIGHT ON AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #11414785

14,000 miles · Apr 18, 2021
Electrical System

THE VEHICLE RADIO WILL EXPERIENCE A VERY LOUD POPPING SOUND THROUGH THE BASE RADIO SPEAKERS AS IT APPEARS TO SHORT OUT WHILE AT START UP OR DRIVING. THIS IS VERY STARTLING AND DISTRACTING TO THE DRIVER AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE RADIO ALSO LOSES TIME OFTEN, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 13 TIMES FOR TH…

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THE VEHICLE RADIO WILL EXPERIENCE A VERY LOUD POPPING SOUND THROUGH THE BASE RADIO SPEAKERS AS IT APPEARS TO SHORT OUT WHILE AT START UP OR DRIVING. THIS IS VERY STARTLING AND DISTRACTING TO THE DRIVER AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE RADIO ALSO LOSES TIME OFTEN, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 13 TIMES FOR THIS. JEEP CARES ADVISED ME TO GET TSB ( TECHNICIAN SERVICE BULLETIN) # 08-015-21. THIS UPDATE WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX " EVERYTHING " THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. WHEN AT START UP THE RADIO WENT TO A BLACK SCREEN AND LOCKED UP FOR NEARLY A WEEK. THE NEXT WEEK IT BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN AND THEN WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY THE LOUD POP APPEARED AGAIN AS THE RADIO SHORTED OUT AS IT HAS BEEN. A VIDEO OF THE LOCKED UP RADIO AND INFORMATION WAS SENT TO JEEP CARES WHO DISMISSED THESE EVENTS SAYING TO JUST TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT OCCURRES. THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE AS IT ONLY LAST ABOUT A MINUTE WHEN IT SHORTS OUT WITH THE STARTLING POP SOUND. JEEP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THESE BASE RADIOS SINCE 2018 AND NOW IN 2021 MY JEEP GLADIATOR IS STILL UNCHANGED, THE SUPPOSED TSB FIX HAS FIXED NOTHING. THE SUDDEN STARTLING LOUD SOUND HAS JARRED ME ENOUGH TO NEARLY GO OUT OF MY LANE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AS IT IS COMPARATIVELY LOUD AS A RIFLE BEING FIRED FROM THE SPEAKERS. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SAFETY CONCERN AS JEEP SEEMS TO BE IGNORING CUSTOMERS CONCERNS ON THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

NHTSA ODI #11408663

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2021
Electrical SystemSteering

STEERING WANDERS LEFT TO RIGHT START STOP BATTERY WON'T CHARGE REAR DEFROSTER 1/3 WORKS

NHTSA ODI #11390365

5,200 miles · Dec 28, 2020
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 JEEP GLADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED ERRONEOUS INFORMATION INDICATING AN INACCURATE SPEED. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER READING WAS 83 MPH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER ELK GROOVE JE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 JEEP GLADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED ERRONEOUS INFORMATION INDICATING AN INACCURATE SPEED. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER READING WAS 83 MPH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER ELK GROOVE JEEP LOCATED AT 8575 LAGUNA GROVE DR, ELK GROVE, CA 95757 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,200.

NHTSA ODI #11385307

Official recalls

7

24V652000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Sep 5, 2024

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.

23V116000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly

Feb 23, 2023

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.

21V028000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly

Jan 28, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.

20V580000 · Seat Belts; Seat Belts:front:retractor

Sep 24, 2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts:front:retractor

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.

Seat Belts

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.

Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.

20V191000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 10, 2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.

20V124000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly

Mar 3, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute a wire harness and inspect the clutch system, and replace components as needed. The recall began April 30, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W12.

19V636000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Aug 29, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A joint without grease may overheat and seize, possibly causing the driveshaft to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power. If the driveshaft completely separates from the vehicle it may become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is V95.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE25014 · Instrument Panel Cluster (ipc) Failure

Opened Oct 23, 2025 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

The Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) is opening a Preliminary Evaluation on 2020 Model Year Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers involving a malfunctioning Instrument Panel Clusters (IPC) resulting in the loss of important vehicle metrics and other status information.  ODI has received 89 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging a complete or partial loss of the IPC display while driving.  The subject vehicles' IPC display includes the speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, turn signal indicators, warning light, and other gauges that are normally illuminated while the vehicle is in operation.  Loss of the fuel gauge while driving may lead to an inability to determine the fuel level and result in a loss of motive power, and the loss of other safety-related information may impede a driver’s ability to take action to prevent a safety risk.  Furthermore, an IPC that is suddenly not visible to the driver may divert the driver’s attention from the driving task, potentially causing a vehicle crash. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation to evaluate the scope, severity and frequency of the alleged IPC malfunctions and to assess potential safety-related consequences. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov