2020 Jeep Gladiator: engine overheating

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · SC

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 390°c Heat from clutch has also caused front driver caliper to lock up and damage rotors.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Engine · NH

Engine failure due to coolant leak: in December, 2025, vehicle was towed to dealership due to overheating engine. While driving home from work, Vehicle was exhibiting engine overheating including temperature warning lights, temperature gauge fluctuating from normal to extremely high, a strange sound coming from the front of the vehicle (almost like a fan was not working) and running rough, like a diesel idle. I immediately pulled the vehicle off to the side of the road & shut it off. (Fortunately engine didn’t seize or exhibit these symptoms while I was on the highway just minutes before) I called dealership & they said it needed to be towed in. After having my vehicle for 10 days, Dealership stated thermostat needed to be replaced. Vehicle then exhibited same symptoms a few weeks later along with a check engine light, vehicle is returned to dealership. Dealership NOW tells me they’ve “seen enough of these to know that it’s most likely going to need a left side cylinder head” due to coolant leak into the engine. I am now aware there have been multiple reports to the federal safety agency for similar issues and that a service bulletin has been issued to the dealerships for this very reason: its a KNOWN issue with no recall in sight. Jeep at this juncture, acknowledging it’s a problem, REFUSES to assist with very costly repair, instead suggesting I should report to the federal safety agency.

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Electrical · MI

The information screen in the instrument cluster between the speedometer and tachometer went blank. Sometimes it will light up blue or even function. The screen is the display for fuel, temperature, odometer, gear selected, etc. From what I have read this happens to many of these vehicles. The fix dealers are using is to use remanufactured parts which are back ordered with no known date of delivery. I am informed the remanufactured part is about $500 not including labor. The vehicle will run and drive, however I won't know how much gas I have, I don't know if the vehicle is overheating, and I don't know how many miles I have traveled without trying to track it. If I want the new part to have an accurate odometer I have to leave it with the dealer for an unknown period of time. This seems potentially unsafe and likely to impact many vehicles given that the part is remanufactured and back ordered. A systemic flaw of this nature seems like something which could warrant a safety recall.

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Transmission · TX

I am filing a safety complaint regarding repeated and unresolved transmission issues with my Jeep. The vehicle has undergone two full transmission replacements after a $10,000 repair, yet critical symptoms persist, including transmission overheating (up to 240°F) and a loud whining noise while accelerating. These problems continue despite no warning lights or diagnostic codes, creating a false sense of safety. On August 4, 2025, the vehicle reached 240°F and produced loud mechanical noise while driving. This mirrors the same symptoms from before the original transmission repair and represents a clear safety hazard. These issues put me at risk of sudden transmission failure, loss of power, or loss of control while driving. The dealer has confirmed the overheating and replaced the transmission twice, but the problem remains. A brake hookup was also installed incorrectly, causing additional safety concerns that were only corrected after my insistence. Despite multiple service visits, Jeep refuses to: Provide a loaner vehicle Escalate to a corporate-level inspection Offer a buyback or reimbursement Jeep offered only an extended warranty with a deductible, which I declined as inappropriate given the unresolved repair. I have also submitted a formal legal demand to Jeep, which remains unanswered. The lack of diagnostic codes paired with dangerous symptoms and unresolved failures is deeply concerning. This issue should be investigated for a potential defect in the transmission system or software diagnostics. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this matter and that Stellantis/Jeep be held accountable for unsafe practices and poor post-repair support.

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 31, 2024 · Transmission · GA

Manual Transmission started slipping/malfunctioning related to overheating. Jeep dealership stated it was driver issue, and nothing else was wrong with manual trasmission. Dealer charged me $3500 to repair/replace transmission @ 35000 miles. Dealer refusedto cover repairs and repeatedly stated there was no issues with factory manual transmissions. Filed claim under Manufacturers website and nothing has been done. note: manual transmission was replaced with OEM manual transmission, and no recall work was performed. Replacement transmission is now showing signs of slippage due ti overheating.

Filed Mar 16, 2022 · Airbags, Electrical · PA

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.

Filed Feb 4, 2021 · Transmission · 22,500 miles · ME

There are now 2 recalls on manual transmission clutch failures. Original recall 20v124000 and a new one 21v028000. Both are for catastrophic pressure plate failures for clutch slipping, overheating and fragmenting. What is going to happen to all these pressure plates when the clutch disk wears down over time as is normal for a manual transmission and starts slipping then? It will most likely overheat these pressure plates and cause failure then. If these pressure plates are defective they need to be completely replaced and not just reroute electrical lines and reprogram the software to limit engine torque. Fix the issue!