2021 Jeep Gladiator: engine overheating

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Transmission · 26,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that two years ago the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); to prevent the clutch from overheating. However, the failure started after the vehicle was repaired under the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to perform the inspection or confirm the failure due to the age and mileage on the vehicle. The contact stated that the software update included a transmission kill switch to be activated whenever the clutch overheated, but the kill switch failed to operate as intended. The message that the clutch was overheating was displayed on the instrument panel during the failure. There was a burning odor and smoke during the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.

Filed Nov 11, 2023 · Transmission · OR

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.

Filed Feb 3, 2023 · Transmission · 6,000 miles · NV

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V028000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage occurred at approximately 6,000.

Filed Sep 28, 2022 · Transmission · NC

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.

Filed Apr 25, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

When operating the vehicle under heavier loads (5%+ grades, towing even light trailers, higher highway speeds) vehicle loses power limiting speed to 15-50mph depending on how hot the water or oil temperature is. I have had this issue in ambient temperatures as low as 31°F while towing 4000lb up a steep incline, but will absolutely overheat if ambient temp is over 100°F. Vehicle must be left running during a fuel stop or heat soak caused by the vehicle is not running will prevent me from merging back on the highway at a safe speed....max speed is 50mph until the engine oil cools off. Air conditioner use as expected makes the problem worse. There are many threads going on the Jeep internet forums with many diesel equipped Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators having the same issues, so I know these aren't isolated incidents from my vehicle alone. If you were to search "Ecodiesel power derating as temps rise" on Google, you would see some discussion. Engine fan runs at full speed, coolant is full, and radiator/grill is clean/free of debris. I have owned this vehicle since new and have operated in many types of conditions/loads over the past 14 months 23,000 miles from 9°-126°F. The first time I had the issue was late May of 2021 (At approx 5,000 miles) and it has happened no less than 20 times since then. The only visual alarm is when coolant temp reaches 248° and the vehicle speed drops to 10mph. The gauge does not read linear........Meaning the vehicle is almost already overheated by the gauge shows the temp is rising. I can only assume the is intentionally programmed into the code by the vehicle manufacturer to make the operator feel like the high temps are normal. I have not had the vehicle inspected by the local dealer because in the past they were never able to duplicate the conditions in my opinion due to laziness or incompetence. I own an auto repair shop and know the problem to be an undersized cooling system which Chrysler does not have an approved fix for.

Filed Apr 25, 2022 · Engine · IL

Overheating during normal driving.