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2021 Jeep Gladiator: won't start

6 of the 294 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator describe won't start.

owner complaints
6
of this car's complaints
2%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 87 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

What owners say

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Electrical · OR

Complete failure and shut down of all systems while driving through an intersection. Result found by dealer: Frayed wiring harness on right side of engine rubbing near exhaust parts. Known problem in several models of Jeep due to TBS issued to dealers. Jeep failed in intersection in [XXX] and was able to coast to curb. Started later and was able to drive it back to Prescott, AZ with fingers crossed, took to York Jeep dealer for repairs. They have the repair file. Was 6 mos out of warranty but only about 12k miles ref: Case Number: XXX Release Date: 1/16/2021 Symptom/Vehicle Issue: Check Engine Light On, Service Shifter Message, No Crank No Start. Transmission Wiring Harness Chaffed Or Pinched Near Exhaust DPF Discussion: Initial complaint is that the Check Engine Light is illuminated, Service Shifter Message is displayed, and/or a crank no start condition exists. Upon scanning the vehicle for DTC’s you may find one or more of the following: P2453, P2454, P0335, P0336, P242B, P242C, U0074, U11C3. Diagnosis: Inspect the wiring harness near connector XY230A leading down to the transmission. The harness routing may allow the wiring to make contact with the sharp edge of the DPF gasket flange. It has also been found that the wiring harness could be routed close to the exhaust causing chaffing. Both of these situations could result in damage to the harness and a potential open or short. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 21, 2025 · Transmission · VA

Without any warning and after about 7 minutes of driving, Jeep turned off while driving at about 40 mph. There were no dash lights or warnings and the Jeep has never had an issue or any other symptom previously. Would not start and had to be towed. 8 hours later it was still in a crank no start condition. Both batteries were fully charged so not a battery issue. I'm a long time Jeep owner, VP of the Middle Peninsula Jeep Association LLC and fairly well versed in Jeep mechanics. I only say that to let you know that I have a lot of experience with Jeeps, was able to exclude certain causes and have not encountered thisnwith any of my previous Jeeps. Jeep is in show condition and meticulously cared for. The day after vehicle shut off, all dash lights and windows also stopped working so issue also caused batteries to fully drain. Dealership says it is needs a new PDC. I strongly suspect this is due to manufacturer defect related to PCM and some of manufacturing defects associated with COVID-era manufacturing issues. Uncertain if it could also be related to other open recall. Vehicle has less than 50K on it. It really doesn't feel right that just a large component would go out on such a new Jeep and definitely isn't in accordance with the quality I've come to know and expect when owning other Jeeps. Would appreciate anything you can do to assist. On another note, about half of the Gladiators I see have the 3rd brake light out (mine included). Any idea what the issue could be with that as I also have to get that replaced, too. Many thanks!

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MI

Hi - So my 2021 Jeep gladiator has 2 batteries. The battery that controls the auto start-stop system failed (while driving). I was at a light on a busy road and the auto stop/start kicked in at a light but because of the failed second battery with no warning, my Jeep died would not start backup and I was unable to even get it into neutral. So I was forced to sit in heavy traffic until the wrecker came. My complaint it why no warning and why did it go into auto stop mode when the battery was in a failed situation.

Filed Jul 17, 2024 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

The vehicle would not turn over, but the battery came on. The vehicle wouldn’t allow me to turn off the battery and stayed in the position while I waited for the tow truck. By the time the vehicle made it to the dealership they refused to do a diagnostic and attempted to charge me for battery replacement even though it was due to a car malfunction. While the care was glitching the dash displayed messages about the stability control module and transmission were out and malfunctioning. If I were to be driving, the vehicle would have shut down while I was driving.

Filed Oct 29, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · MI

While driving multiple warnings appears on the dash including bus communication, airbag, transmission communication, and abs. The vehicles engine began to randomly change rpm. The transmission began to shift speratically and was unable to maintain speed. The vehicle would not allow me to turn on hazard lights to warn surrounding motorists. Similar warnings appeared on the dash once before and the vehicle would not start and left me stranded. When taken in for service for the no start issue, the dealer performed no repairs for this issue and stored P codes were cleared prior to the vehicle being returned to me. I am currently awaiting a service appointment for the issue that happened while driving.

Filed Feb 21, 2022 · Electrical, Steering · AR

1. Major electrical system intermittent failures, each incident progressively longer lasting and various malfunction warning lights/messages displayed in dash. 2. Loss of power steering while driving on three separate occasions within a 40 day period. First incident was loss of steering for only a few seconds. Second incident vehicle had to beame shut off and on multiple times before the computer reset and the vehicle drove fine. Third incident was catstrophic loss of electrical the system while driving, vehicle was pulled into middle turn lane where the engine died and would not start. Vehicle unable to start, shift, display hazard warning indicators etc. Vehicle displayed many errors and stated due to safety it would not be allowed to start without servicing. 3. Jeep has been at dealer three times. First incident, electrical malfunctioning was blamed on power step installation. Second incident was blamed on loose ground wire in engine bay. Third incident has yet to be determined by dealer. Vehicle is still at dealer, and there were approximately 73 computer DTC's pulled by the technicians that I was informed of. 4. Many various warning lamps and messages appeared on dash. Everything from shifter, engine, power steering, 4WD, no bus error, TPMS, electronic stability control, anti lock brakes, airbag system etc. These errors flickered on and off randomly before moving to next error displayed.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported October 13, 2022 · 60,413 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.

Recall number 22V767000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator won't start

Is won't start a common problem on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?

6 of 294 owner complaints about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator (2%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 2020.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?

There is 1 recall and 87 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator

Loss of power 12Power steering loss 12Check engine light 11Start-stop 11Fuel pump 9Won't shift 9Stalling 8Pulling 8Adaptive cruise 6Fire or smoke 6Overheating 6Seat belt 6Slipping 6Wipers 6Headlights 5Shudder 5Sudden acceleration 5Windshield crack 5

All model years of the Jeep Gladiator

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