The start-stop system reports unavailable, then within a few miles of driving, the check engine light will come on, followed by problems with the transmission shifting gears, sometime causing the vehicle to stay in first or second gear while accelerating and creating a dangerous driving situation. Power cycling the vehicle sometimes helps. Diagnostic trouble codes show low voltage in one or more O2 sensors, "too lean" warnings and cylinders randomly misfiring. Engine runs very rough at idle with the strong smell of gas in the exhaust. Dash information shows battery voltage around 12.3 at start up increasing to low 13 while idling. This occured around 40,000 miles and dealer replaced the aux battery and reset system. It occurred again around 60,000 miles (20 months later) and owner replaced both auxiliary battery (testing showed bad) and main battery. System functioned normally after resetting codes. It occurred again about 8 months later at 72,000 miles. The F42 fuse was pulled, cleared codes and reset computer by removing battery power for 1 hour. System returned to normal.
Jeep Gladiator misfire problems
18 of the 999 owner complaints about the Jeep Gladiator describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2020 model year.
- owner complaints
- 18
- worst model year
- 2020
- typical mileage
- 1,036
By model year
- 20222
- 20213
- 202013
Often reported together
Check engine light 13Loss of power 4Start-stop 3Engine failure 3Overheating 2Fire or smoke 2Knocking 2Won't shift 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P0300 5
What owners say
At 90k miles head gasket failed letting coolant in engine cylinders which was diagnosed and repaired by a Jeep dealer. At 130k miles engine light back on with dealer suggesting it is rocker arm/lifter failure with cylinders misfiring. At initial purchase of vehicle touchscreen would black out and restart. Dealer replaced with another touchscreen but issue still exists after warranty term.
My vehicle has a 3.6 pentastar engine. Around 60000 miles the engine developed a noticeable tick. Now the engine has multiple cylinder misfires, is leaking oil all over the engine compartment and causing issues with other electronic components (wheel speed sensors, power steering, electronic shifting, brake lights) Upon research I found this is to be a known issue with this motor. There apparently have been some associated recalls but I couldn’t find them. There are class action lawsuits as well
I was never notified of Recall Y68 for my vehicle by Jeep or FCA, despite federal requirements that recall notices be sent by mail or electronic communication. I only became aware of the recall after my independent mechanic (Jay’s Auto Care, Kirkland WA) diagnosed a cylinder misfire and confirmed engine damage, and advised me to take the vehicle to Jeep. On June 26, 2025, I brought the vehicle to Rairdon’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Kirkland and reported the misfire, with documentation from my mechanic confirming engine damage. While the dealer performed the PCM update under Recall Y68, they refused to address the misfire and instructed me to wait until the check engine light returned before they would act further. On [XXX], when the fault reappeared, I returned immediately to the dealer. I was then told the repair would not be covered due to the time elapsed since my first visit. Jeep corporate was contacted (Case #[XXX]) but has failed to provide any resolution or even respond to my written request. As of August 2025, Jeep’s lack of recall notification, the dealer’s refusal to address a documented engine defect, and Jeep’s non-response have forced me to purchase and install a replacement engine at my own expense through my independent mechanic. Safety Concern: •The vehicle suffered continued drivability issues while waiting for Jeep’s required “re-trigger,” risking further engine damage. •Driving with a compromised engine presents safety hazards, including sudden stalling or loss of power. •Jeep’s failure to notify me of the recall and subsequent refusal to address the misfire left me with no safe or reasonable alternative. Requested Outcome: I am requesting the federal safety agency’s assistance in ensuring Jeep/FCA: 1.Properly documents whether notification for Recall Y68 was ever sent to me. 2.Provides reimbursement or goodwill coverage for the cost of the replacement engine and labor. 3.Reviews whether dealer handling of this recall complied with FCA/Fed recall INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (
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)
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)
Driving down the highway at normal rate of speed, the engine light came on and then started blinking and I loss power in the engine. After about 10-15 seconds, the engine light went off and the engine regained power. A few minutes later, the same thing occurred. In the mornings when the engine was cold, the engine would sputter when idling and the check engine light would come on. The dealership mechanics found the problem to be the cam shaft lobe being scored causing piston #5 to misfire. The dealership told me that there are 12,000 backlogged requests for this part. In other words, there is a known defect in the cam shaft. The price of repair is over $4000. This needs to be a mandatory recall by the manufacturer!! 12,000 back logged requests for this part? Really? This is a safet issues because of the engine power loss while driving down the highway. My truck was in the shop at the dealership for 41 days. Ridiculous.
Failed Right intake camshaft and roller rocker arm. Failure causes misfires and limp mode to be activated when trying to pass and accelerate and in my case was while going up a hill and unable to complete a safe pass of another truck. Known issue by Jeep and Stellantis as they have redesigned a kit for this specific part and upgraded software to increase pressure to the oiling system, but they have failed to replace parts and are 12000 orders behind on parts at ths current moment truck has been undriveable for greater than 45 days. Flashing check engine light and warning lights in place
Multiple cylinders miss fire, Camshaft 1 position slow responding. cylinder2, 4, and 6 repeatedly misfire. Passenger side engine is making excessive noise. This is the information given to me by Van Horn jeep mechanic. also confirmed by advanced auto. Advanced auto stated this is the 3rd jeep they have had in their shop recently to replace a faulty Camshaft. My Jeep only has 66024 hwy miles. Vin [XXX] (2021Jeep Gladiator) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine began making a ticking noise and quickly began misfiring and displaying error messages. Dealership diagnosed issue as a camshaft failure, and which is a very common issue on the 3.6L V6. Issue happened on a rural road at night, but could've been a serious safety issue if it had happened in a different setting.
Related recalls
Engine
- 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 Jeep Gladiator misfire
Which Jeep Gladiator years have misfire or rough idle problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2020 (13 complaints), 2021 (3 complaints) and 2022 (2 complaints).
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