2020 Jeep Gladiator: complete transmission failure

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 Jun 24, 2025 · Transmission · NC

Transmission failed to go into reverse. 2020 Gladiator Rubicon with 57k miles.Transmission had been pausing and then shifting into reverse with a clunk sound. Have taken to a Jeep service shop and they did not find any error codes and were not sure of the cause. Problem started getting worse in the past couple of days to where when try to put in reverse, it will not do anything. the "R" light flashes. Have to shift into drive and then back to reverse to get it to go into revers. However, this has stopped working to where to at times cannot get the transmission to go into revers. the transmission also shifts hard on the upshift from 3-4th gear at certain RPMs/speeds. when has issue of not being able to get into reverse yesterday, had to push the vehicle back while in nuetral in order to get it to where i could then put it in drive.In drive on the main road, it would not shift out of first gear, so had to park it and get a ride home. several hours later was able to get the vehicle home. it appears from looking online that a lot of people have had this exact same issue with the 8 speed auto transmission. the only solution it to replace the transmission which costs upwards of $6k. As many issues there are with this transmission, Jeep should have a recall to fix this issue instead of customers having to shell out thousands of $s. Needless to say, i will never buy another jeep product. JEEP=Junk Each and Every Piece!

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 Feb 28, 2024 · Transmission · LA

transmission will not shift all the time and gets hung up! After following a group this seems to be a problem with the gladiator automatic transmission. It will not shift into reverse and shifts hard from 3rd to 4th. This should be a recall due to so many people having issues and the only thing to fix it is to get a new transmission.

Filed Feb 3, 2024 · Transmission · TX

At only 65,000 miles and hitting all of my scheduled maintenance my transmission failed while driving causing me to get stuck in 5th gear and jerking me off the road.

Filed Jan 8, 2024 · Steering, Transmission · GA

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, The front end of the vehicle was wobbling violently. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the Death Wobble. The contact stated that he decelerated below 50 MPH and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving above 55 MPH and when hitting a bump. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that unknown tires, the socket drag link outer, the steering damper, the front bar, the power steering gear and the arm Pitman needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when shifting into reverse (R). The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound shortly after driving from a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission fluid was flushed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed twice due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the transmission failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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).