Jeep Gladiator engine failure problems

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Electrical · FL

While stopped in active traffic at a red light on August 31, 2026, the vehicle suffered an unexpected, complete electrical failure and sudden total loss of motive power. The digital instrument cluster illuminated a red battery indicator accompanied by an urgent safety alert stating: "Stop Safely / Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon." Within seconds, total vehicle electrical power collapsed, the engine died completely, and the vehicle became immobilized in the active lane of travel, unable to restart or clear the intersection. When roadside assistance arrived and applied external jump power, the engine cranked and briefly started, but severe, rapid electromechanical ticking and chattering immediately occurred inside the primary Power Distribution Center (PDC). System voltage collapsed again within seconds, stalling the engine. The immobilized vehicle had to be winched onto a commercial flatbed to clear the roadway. Subsequent inspection confirmed a severed high-amp charging busbar fuse array inside the PDC on a vehicle with only 18,259 miles. A sudden, uncommanded electrical collapse and complete loss of motive power that immobilizes a vehicle in active traffic creates a severe hazard and an unreasonable risk of collision.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TN

On July 30, my 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon suffered an extremely dangerous, unexpected complete electrical and engine failure while in operation. The vehicle abruptly shut down without any warning, causing an immediate loss of power steering and power braking. Prior to and during this shutdown, diagnostic codes associated with lost communication were triggered, (Lost Communication with Transmission Control Module). A total loss of vehicle power and primary control systems while driving presents a severe, unacceptable safety hazard that places passengers and surrounding traffic at immediate risk of a high-speed collision or severe injury. Given that this model has low mileage (approximately 23,000 miles) and is under factory warranty, a catastrophic system shutdown like this indicates a critical safety defect within the electrical or powertrain control modules. I strongly urge the federal safety agency to formally document and investigate this life-threatening defect to ensure manufacturer accountability and prevent potential accidents.

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Engine · CO

5800 miles, the engine failed due to a connecting rod failure. Chrysler replaced the engine at no cost. Oil changes were done at the year mark as the mileage limit was not reached. Dealership indicates they replace several 3.6 engines a month for warranty failures Castle Rock Jeep, Castle rock Colorado.

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Transmission · CO

The vehicle does not have linerar acceperation. At times from a start, cold or warn engine, the vehicle will abruptly accelerate harder than the gas pedal was pressed. at light throttle, the vehicle will surge, shutter or chug. Erattic acceperation. after the engine replacement for a connecting rod bearing failure, the engine was running rough, poor mileage and stalled on a wet and cold morning (32degrees, raining). The stall happened on the deaccel lane of the interstate 25 (65 mph). THe dealership replaced one injector and said the problem was fixed. But it is not. Vehicle has not stalled, but we have not had the cold/wet weather.

Filed May 29, 2026 · Engine · FL

On May 27, 2026 at approximately 11:00 PM, my 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered catastrophic engine failure during normal operation at 78,190 miles. The alternator seized, causing the harmonic balancer (crankshaft damper) to fracture. The broken balancer fell into the engine block, causing extensive internal damage requiring complete engine replacement at significant cost. This failure sequence points to a design and/or manufacturing defect in the OEM alternator and/or its mounting system on the 3.6L Pentastar V6. A properly designed alternator should not seize with enough force to fracture the harmonic balancer and deposit debris into the engine block under normal operating conditions. The vehicle was not involved in any accident or operator abuse. It was being driven normally with no prior warning — no dashboard lights, no unusual sounds, no prior related mechanical issues. I request the federal safety agency investigate whether this failure pattern is systemic across 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles and other 3.6L Pentastar V6 platforms, including the Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and Dodge Durango. Sudden complete engine failure at highway speeds is an immediate crash hazard to the driver and surrounding motorists. I respectfully request a formal defect investigation and, if warranted, a safety recall with full remediation and reimbursement of repair costs to affected owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 13, 2025 · Engine · IL

My vehicle has a 3.6 pentastar engine. Around 75,000 miles the check engine light came on. I took it to the dealership to run diagnostics and find the problem. After completing the diagnostics the service tech informed me that is was an issue related to a TSB 09-011-25. This is a major manufacturing issue that causes engine failure. My engine needs to be replaced. This issue affects many vehicles in the Stellantis lineup and should be a recall. They have not made any effort to inform customers of this issue to have it inspected

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 Dec 30, 2024 · Steering · 35,000 miles · SD

The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while his wife was driving 80 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stopped the vehicle to regain control, and the steering wheel independently resumed normal functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the vehicle had been in the dealer’s possession for two weeks. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.