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9.9

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
225 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2021 Jeep Gladiator drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2021 Jeep Gladiator Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #44

Jun 162024

Gladiator

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Lepanto, AR, USA

problem #43

Jun 062024

Gladiator

  • miles
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.

- Morgantown, PA, USA

problem #42

Apr 222024

Gladiator

  • miles
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.

- Janesville, WI, USA

problem #41

Nov 302023

Gladiator

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Pocatello, ID, USA

problem #40

Nov 022020

Gladiator

  • miles
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.

- Monroe, OR, USA

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problem #39

Oct 242023

Gladiator

  • miles
While driving multiple warnings appears on the dash including bus communication, airbag, transmission communication, and abs. The vehicles engine began to randomly change rpm. The transmission began to shift speratically and was unable to maintain speed. The vehicle would not allow me to turn on hazard lights to warn surrounding motorists. Similar warnings appeared on the dash once before and the vehicle would not start and left me stranded. When taken in for service for the no start issue, the dealer performed no repairs for this issue and stored P codes were cleared prior to the vehicle being returned to me. I am currently awaiting a service appointment for the issue that happened while driving.

- Rochester, MI, USA

problem #38

Oct 242023

Gladiator

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

COMPLAINT: It is unacceptable that there is NO fix for this safety recall. The vehicle can not be considered safe to drive by my local Jeep dealer until a fix is done. Jeep has had since Feb and still there is no remedy. I am losing the safe use and operation of my vehicle.

- Millersville, MD, USA

problem #37

Aug 262023

Gladiator

  • miles
The manual transmission would slip out of second gear while driving. This happened often and with no grinding noise. This causes problems while driving as the car will not be in gear when driver thinks that it is. This can be dangerous when driving in certain situations. There is no warning when it is about to happen. Car was at dealer for 31 days before they diagnosed the problem.

- Millersville, MD, USA

problem #36

Feb 232023

Gladiator

  • miles
The contacts son owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Harrisonville, MO, USA

problem #35

Oct 062023

Gladiator

  • miles
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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #34

Feb 152023

Gladiator

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Stellantis announced a recall in Feb/Mar 2023 for manual transmission Jeep gladiators and wranglers. My vehicle is a 2021 gladiator. There was some initial discussion of July 2023 as a solution and recall taking place, then eventually that was pushed back to Sep 2023. Now in Sep 2023 Jeep is saying it may be Jan 2024 for a solution to be announced, . Then they will take time in phases for different model years to get the solution, Hopefully a new and Improved clutch. According to the latest plan, I would not get the recall performed until July 2024. This is ridiculous. Jeep knows they need to replace approx 70,000 clutches to makes this right. I should not have to wait (at this date) for a year and a half and perhaps longer. Can you make Jeep either provide the clutches now, or fully reimburse us for installing aftermarket clutches in our vehicles? We do not want to be driving ticking times bombs for exploding clutches, thanks!

- The Villages, FL, USA

problem #33

Jul 202023

Gladiator

  • miles
It got 7 problem issues and almost lost control due to electronic throttle control failed while drove on freeway and tow teardrop (1400 lbs). Malfunction indicator light, traction on (could not turn off), electronic stability control active popped up ( could not turn off), service forward collision warning light, cruise control fault warning light, service stop/start system warning light, service adaptive cruise control warniing light (all of them popped up that could not turn off). I went to jim click Jeep dealership and they never seen them before. I am very disappointed and I feel that my truck is "lemon" I told them to fix asap but they can not fix and have to wait till August 9 (appointment) to check whats wrong.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #32

Jun 142023

Gladiator

  • miles
Fuel pump is on safety recall with no fix in over a year

- Port Isabel, TX, USA

problem #31

Feb 282023

Gladiator

  • miles
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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Palmyra, PA, USA

problem #30

Dec 162022

Gladiator

  • miles
In December contacted my dealer about my vehicle catching fire. Due to a clutch recall that the maker already knew about. I was blown off as if the problem didn't exsist and told the dealer would not honor Jeep warranty so not to bring it there. The next option is an hour away and they were booking 2 months out. Then in March I looked up the recalls and the exact issue with my Jeep was recalled now on my Jeep with no remedy. This recall has been open on these since 2020 with no remedy. Called Jeep and they have no remedy or care in helping me make sure my brand new 2021 Jeep doesn't burn down. Also, the clutch has caused my transmission to now start slipping in 3rd gear. Someone needs to hold Jeep accountable.

- Yakima, WA, USA

problem #29

Feb 012023

Gladiator

  • miles
Death wobble when hitting bumps on highway after 55mph.feels like front end wants to come of the jeep very scary situation. 2-Clutch noise when pressing and realeasing

- South Milwsukee, WI, USA

problem #28

Sep 102022

Gladiator 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 6,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the clutch plate overheated. The clutch hot, fully release clutch and reduce clutch use message was displayed. There was a strong burning odor detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that a clutch replacement was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the clutch was replaced but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V028000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage occurred at approximately 6,000.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #27

Oct 232022

Gladiator 6-cyl

  • miles
Transmission exploded while driving the highway creating a large hole on the side and sending shrapnel out which damaged further components. Transmission fluid was dumped all over the highway and vehicle lost power. It is available and I have photos and a video of when the failure accured. There are mutliple others who have had the same issue onFacebook group called Jeep Clutch Recal, related to a clutch recall that came out just before my Jeep was manufcatured. The failure occured with no other warnings available to me, Jeep told me that there was a fault code but would not give me a printout of the code or when it appeared saying the information was propriatery. Youtube video of failure https://youtu.be/1FBB33TWLPQ

- Vancouver, WA, USA

problem #26

Oct 092022

Gladiator

  • miles
As I was driving my vehicle was losing power intermittently to the drive train. It was like the clutch was being engaged partially although I was not shifting gears. As I made a left turn I was nearly in a collision as power was not transferred to the drive train as it normally would have been. another 10 miles later my vehicle lost all power to the drive train although the engine was still running. I coasted to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. I could smell something burning although no flames were evident. I waited a few minutes and restarted the vehicle. I tried shifting gears but the transmission would not engage. I left the vehicle at the side of the road and called the dealership where I purchased the vehicle as well as notifying Jeep Cares (I don-??t think so). The vehicle was in the shop for 4 weeks as the clutch had to be replaced as well as some transmission cables which I understand were damaged from the heat generated by the clutch and pressure plate failure. I now understand there was a recall related to a faulty clutch pressure plate system and I am told the fix, a software modification that reduces power to the drive train when excessive heat is detected, was done prior to my purchasing the vehicle new in April 2021. The repairs done to my vehicle were done as a good will gesture according to the dealer but I have no confidence that the same thing will not happen again. Losing power in an intersection or on a major highway is a safety concern that I now have. In addition I have read of these Jeep vehicles with manual transmissions and faulty clutch / pressure plate systems actually catching fire. In my conversations with representatives from Jeep and AutoNation where I purchased the vehicle no one is willing to admit there is an ongoing problem and safety issue. This is why I am notifying the NHTSA.

- Grand Lake, CO, USA

problem #25

Sep 092022

Gladiator

  • miles
The start stop mechanism has stopped working The traction control keeps randomly turning off when driving as does the screen. It doesn-??t come back on until I turn car off and restart The clutch has apparently burned up without getting the clutch overheating warning. It only has 28k miles on it and I am an experienced manual driver. I have been going back and forth with the dealer who acknowledged that it is rare to need a new clutch/fly wheel this early but says Jeep will not cover it under warranty. I am super frustrated with the service I have received and contradicting information given from dealership.

- Swansboro, NC, USA

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