2020 Jeep Gladiator: misfire or rough idle

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

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.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Engine · OH

At 90k miles head gasket failed letting coolant in engine cylinders which was diagnosed and repaired by a Jeep dealer. At 130k miles engine light back on with dealer suggesting it is rocker arm/lifter failure with cylinders misfiring. At initial purchase of vehicle touchscreen would black out and restart. Dealer replaced with another touchscreen but issue still exists after warranty term.

Filed Oct 15, 2025 · Engine · IL

My vehicle has a 3.6 pentastar engine. Around 60000 miles the engine developed a noticeable tick. Now the engine has multiple cylinder misfires, is leaking oil all over the engine compartment and causing issues with other electronic components (wheel speed sensors, power steering, electronic shifting, brake lights) Upon research I found this is to be a known issue with this motor. There apparently have been some associated recalls but I couldn’t find them. There are class action lawsuits as well

Filed Aug 21, 2025 · Engine · WA

I was never notified of Recall Y68 for my vehicle by Jeep or FCA, despite federal requirements that recall notices be sent by mail or electronic communication. I only became aware of the recall after my independent mechanic (Jay’s Auto Care, Kirkland WA) diagnosed a cylinder misfire and confirmed engine damage, and advised me to take the vehicle to Jeep. On June 26, 2025, I brought the vehicle to Rairdon’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Kirkland and reported the misfire, with documentation from my mechanic confirming engine damage. While the dealer performed the PCM update under Recall Y68, they refused to address the misfire and instructed me to wait until the check engine light returned before they would act further. On [XXX], when the fault reappeared, I returned immediately to the dealer. I was then told the repair would not be covered due to the time elapsed since my first visit. Jeep corporate was contacted (Case #[XXX]) but has failed to provide any resolution or even respond to my written request. As of August 2025, Jeep’s lack of recall notification, the dealer’s refusal to address a documented engine defect, and Jeep’s non-response have forced me to purchase and install a replacement engine at my own expense through my independent mechanic. Safety Concern: •The vehicle suffered continued drivability issues while waiting for Jeep’s required “re-trigger,” risking further engine damage. •Driving with a compromised engine presents safety hazards, including sudden stalling or loss of power. •Jeep’s failure to notify me of the recall and subsequent refusal to address the misfire left me with no safe or reasonable alternative. Requested Outcome: I am requesting the federal safety agency’s assistance in ensuring Jeep/FCA: 1.Properly documents whether notification for Recall Y68 was ever sent to me. 2.Provides reimbursement or goodwill coverage for the cost of the replacement engine and labor. 3.Reviews whether dealer handling of this recall complied with FCA/Fed recall INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (

Filed Jul 27, 2025 · Engine · IL

To Whom It May Concern, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally report a serious mechanical failure involving my 2020 Jeep Gladiator (VIN: [XXX] ), which recently experienced a complete engine lock-up without any prior warning signs. The vehicle is now inoperable. Given the severity of the issue, I am requesting a thorough review under the manufacturer’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as an investigation into any applicable recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) that may relate to this failure. For your reference, I am aware of the following known issues tied to this vehicle model: Recall 21V‑028 – Clutch overheating and potential fire risk (manual transmission) TSB 18-024-21 – PCM software update and possible camshaft replacement (associated with Code: P0300) Notably, my vehicle exhibited no prior symptoms—such as loss of power, engine misfires, dashboard warnings, or burning odors—prior to the engine failure. I respectfully request the federal safety agency’s assistance in confirming: Whether my vehicle is currently subject to any open recalls or safety investigations Whether this type of engine failure has been reported by other 2020 Jeep Gladiator owners What recourse is available to owners under federal warranty or safety defect protections if the dealership is unable or unwilling to resolve the issue I can be reached directly at [XXX] or via email at [XXX] . I appreciate your time and urgent attention to this matter and hope we can find a swift and fair resolution. Sincerely, [XXX] VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 May 29, 2025 · Engine · TX

Driving down the highway at normal rate of speed, the engine light came on and then started blinking and I loss power in the engine. After about 10-15 seconds, the engine light went off and the engine regained power. A few minutes later, the same thing occurred. In the mornings when the engine was cold, the engine would sputter when idling and the check engine light would come on. The dealership mechanics found the problem to be the cam shaft lobe being scored causing piston #5 to misfire. The dealership told me that there are 12,000 backlogged requests for this part. In other words, there is a known defect in the cam shaft. The price of repair is over $4000. This needs to be a mandatory recall by the manufacturer!! 12,000 back logged requests for this part? Really? This is a safet issues because of the engine power loss while driving down the highway. My truck was in the shop at the dealership for 41 days. Ridiculous.

Filed Feb 22, 2021 · Engine · 8,000 miles · DE

I have had the jeep gladiator since november 2019 and it has had multiple engine issues on three different occasions leading up to what I was told was "blown head gaskets". It started after just a few months with less than 1000 miles with the check engine light coming on. The engine would also run rough. They believed it was bad fuel. At approximately 8 months the same thing happened at around 3500 miles. This time the said it was a bad cylinder. Now at 14 months and at around 8000 miles my high temp light came on out of no where and smoke appeared under the hood. I had previously joked with them that they had just disabled the check engine light as that never came on. I was only going about 20 miles per hour and pulled into a gas station. Megee motors has full records of the issues.

Filed Sep 16, 2020 · Engine · 112 miles · VA

Starting at just over 100 miles my vehicle started displaying a electronic start/stop systems errors and the check engine light came one. The cel was caused by engine misfires and show code p0300. I took the vehicle to the dealership and was told that fca was aware of the problem and it was well know, but no fix is available. The misfires cause engine stumble and inability to accelerate as expected when pulling out or crossing oncoming traffic. The federal safety agency may want to investigate as fca does not have an answer. This may be a defect in manufacturing or software and seems to be leading to outright engine failures for models with more miles. Photo attached showing the dashboard warnings that continue to occur.

Filed Sep 2, 2020 · Engine · 249 miles · OH

On my 2020 jeep gladiator rubicon ess and check engine light came on at 249 miles. Check engine light code was p0300 multiple cylinder misfire. Took it to the dealer monroe dodge and they replaced the battery for ess and did a recommended PCM flash for the check engine light. I pulled out of the dealership and check engine light was immediately back on followed by ess light. Dealer immediately hooked up the scanner and they said the p0300 multiple cylinder misfire is back on. Dealer is saying they have to tear into the engine. This seems to be a problem with these vehicles that the federal safety agency should investigate for manufacturing defect. Seems to be only with the engines made in saltillo south engine plant in mexico.

Filed Sep 1, 2020 · Engine · 1,700 miles · MD

2020 jeep gladiator at 1760 miles numerous auto start stop failures with check engine light and p300 code (engine misfire). Took to the dealer and was told bad gas and they reset the code. At 1900 miles after numerous auto stop start failures check engine light back on with noticeable misfires on cold start. Dealer changed coils and plugs. At 2300 miles check engine light back on with noticeable misfires. Dealer changed egr valve and did a software update. At 2850 miles check engine light back on. Dealer did another software update. 2 days and 50 miles later check engine light on with noticeable misfires. Currently at the dealer for 10 days later with no fix in sight. Many gladiators have this misfire problem.

Filed Aug 26, 2020 · Engine · 1,036 miles · WA

Auto start/stop unavailable warning light on cold start. Rough engine idle until up to temperature. Check engine light on next cold start. Code p0300 (multiple cylinder misfire). This had happened several times. This is my third time taking it in and now they are tearing down the engine on a truck with 1000 miles on it. Every occurance was cold start on engine and after putting truck into gear at low speed.