2020 Jeep Gladiator: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Engine · IL

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious mechanical issue involving my 2020 Jeep Gladiator (VIN: [XXX] rienced a complete and unexpected engine lock-up. The vehicle is now undrivable and presents both a functional and potential safety concern. Prior to this failure, there were no warning signs—no engine misfires, loss of power, burning smells, or dashboard warning lights. The incident occurred suddenly and without any preceding symptoms. I am aware of several issues affecting this model year, including: Recall 21V‑028 – Involving clutch overheating and potential fire risk in manual transmission vehicles TSB 18-024-21 – Pertaining to PCM software updates and camshaft replacement due to engine misfire (P0300) While I understand that technical service bulletins do not carry the same weight as recalls, the combination of TSB-related concerns and my complete engine failure raises questions about broader mechanical reliability and consumer safety. I have reached out to the dealership (Napleton’s River Oaks CDJR) to request evaluation and warranty support under the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. However, I am also submitting this report to the federal safety agency for documentation and investigation purposes, in the event this issue reflects a larger pattern affecting other vehicles of the same make and model. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this case and consider whether further investigation is warranted, particularly if other consumers report similar issues. Please feel free to contact me if additional information or documentation is needed. I can be reached at [XXX] or [XXX] k y [XXX] n t [XXX] ely, [XXX] Vehicle: 2020 Jeep Gladi [XXX] ] INFORMATION REDACTED [XXX] ] INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C [XXX] ATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 5, 2024 · Engine · 12,000 miles · NC · fire

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, they would smell a burning odor coming from the clutch. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the vehicle caught on fire after being driven for a while. The contact exited the vehicle and the fire department extinguished the flames. No injuries were sustained. A fire report and police report were filed however no information was not available. The contact stated the vehicle was towed to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however when the vehicle was taken to a dealer, the contact was informed that the recall remedy was not available as of yet and did not perform an interim fix. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Nov 20, 2023 · Transmission · NV · crash · fire

I was driving on the highway going 80mph in 6th gear and my wife smelled something then the gears started grinding I put it in neutral as I was slowing down I was trying to get to the exit which was about 1/4 mile away so I put the truck in 4th and thats when the transmission exploded sending fire and transmission parts on the highway. I saw flames come out from under the vehicle and from the engine compartment, I told my wife to get out and we got everything that we could grab and within 5 minutes the Jeep was engulfed in flames

Filed May 22, 2022 · Electrical, Transmission · CA · fire · 1 injury

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.

Filed Feb 6, 2021 · Transmission · 4,000 miles · MI

Very concerned about the clutch pressure plate recall, I am paying a lot of money for this jeep that I dont feel safe driving as it can catch on fire. The fact that there is no fix right now is ridiculous. I have driven jeeps my whole life and never had a life threatening issue like this. If there is no solid solution I will never get another fca again

Filed Feb 2, 2021 · Transmission · 16,000 miles · CO

I noticed a strong burning smell driving my 2020 jeep gladiator while driving a forest access road in colorado. When I turned the car off and then back on again the car failed to move when put into gear. After multiple attempts - the jeep would go into gear but the wheels never engaged. It was towed from the mountains to the dealer in denver where it was discovered that the clutch was "charred". The jeep had 16,000 miles on it.I have driven manual transmissions my entire life (I am 60 yrs old) and never had a clutch go under 100k on 6 vehicles

Filed Nov 7, 2020 · Body, Engine · 23,000 miles · MA · fire

I entered the highway and my power steering light came on. I then lost power steering. Immediately got off at the next exit and pulled into the gas station. As I exited my vehicle I observed smoke coming from the hood vents. The engine bay then became fully engulfed in flames and the fire department responded to extinguish the fire. Vehicle is total loss.

Filed Aug 18, 2020 · Fuel system · 12,900 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2020 jeep gladiator. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, flames were coming from the bed of vehicle towards to the cab. The contact was able to pull over the vehicle and jump out. The contact stated the fire was extinguish by the fire department. A fire department report was filed which stated the fire started underneath the bed of vehicle. The insurance adjuster deemed the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated local dealer and manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. A case was filed with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 12,900.*dt*ln*jb*jb*dt

Filed Mar 14, 2020 · Transmission · IA

I bought a brand new 2020 gladiator not even a month old, 6 speed manual. Vehicle started smoking profusely and was expecting a fire, luckily only burnt clutch smell. Concerned about driving it and its brand new. The truck can either start on fire or explode! This is basically a rolling ticking time bomb. It's in at the dealership now with still no remedy. Fca should buy this back from me. W12 recall pressure plate is only a guess and frankly its [xxx]. The entire transmission needs to be replaced with a more robust and rugged solution that matches jeeps brand. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 27, 2019 · Transmission · 7,000 miles · AZ · fire

Driving on interstate 70 with approx speed of 65. Caught on fire. Flames and lots of smoke coming from under jeep. Smoke entered cab. What I think is transmission fluid left trail on interstate. I have photo.*dt*jb*dt