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.
Jeep Gladiator stalling problems
20 of the 999 owner complaints about the Jeep Gladiator describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2021 model year.
- owner complaints
- 20
- worst model year
- 2021
By model year
- 20261
- 20241
- 20233
- 20224
- 20218
- 20203
Often reported together
Loss of power 4Fuel pump 3Check engine light 3Won't shift 2Power steering loss 2Knocking 2Engine failure 2Won't start 1
What owners say
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.
Two of the same faults occurred within the same month of each other. The first: while driving home from work on the highway, while heavily raining, without warning every alarm light possible engaged, windshield wipers went full speed, vehicle would not shift, and my steering locked up (not to be confused with lost power steering). After about a mile I was able to encourage the Jeep off the side of the highway. While waiting for my tow, with the E Brake set and in Park, the Jeep kept trying to crawl forward on its own. I was unable to turn the vehicle off as it would not respond, in addition to an alarm warning saying not to turn off the Jeep. The second occurrence was in the parking garage at work; I pulled through the parking stall, put the Jeep in reverse to back up and the same fault took place. No steering, wipers on full speed, every alarm on the dash was engaged. Thankfully I was not a highway speed. I was able to turn off the Jeep this time after about 5 minutes of attempting to.
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!
While driving, vehicle completely shuts off. No electrical, No brakes, No steering. Almost ran off curvy road. Vehicle stays in drive with no electronics. Major safety issue. Have appointment with dealer next week. However this could have been serious. After sitting I was able to push the start button and it finally came back on. Then 100 feet down the road it stalled and blacked out again. This time I disconnected the battery, reconnected it and got it one mile to my home. Something is seriously dangerous. I tried to drive it today and it occurred a third time. Dealer wants me to drive it in but not sure how to handle this.
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 (
I am filing a safety complaint concerning my [Year] Jeep Gladiator (VIN: [Insert VIN]), which has experienced two high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures—the latest occurring on [XXX]. This issue is directly related to the Jeep HPFP recall previously issued in 2023. After the first HPFP failure, the fuel system—including the pump, injectors, fuel lines, rails, filter, and tank—was replaced under warranty using Jeep’s reengineered HPFP component. The vehicle then sat at the dealership for five months awaiting parts and repair. Jeep also issued a compensation check, which I accepted based on the belief that the reengineered pump was a permanent fix. However, the same failure occurred again on [XXX], requiring a nearly identical replacement of the full fuel system. The recurrence of this failure, even after the “fix” Jeep implemented through the recall, raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the reengineered HPFP. I am concerned this is a systemic design flaw that has not been resolved. To date, my vehicle has been out of service for extended periods, and these failures could result in engine stalling, fuel leakage, or loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Jeep has not provided adequate assurance that the reengineered part will prevent future failures. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether the reengineered HPFP provided through the recall is effective and whether additional action is needed to protect consumers. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Instrument panel failure when driving over any small bumps. Randomly turns off while driving. Complete loss of electrical system.
I was turning a corner and as soon as I made the turn, the truck completely stalled. Lights were on and the screen was prompting me to step on the brake and press start even though the gear was on Drive. The gear wouldn't shift to neutral to at least remove the car from the busy street. The dash lights were flashing and as I tried to restart the car, it just made a grinding sound. Almost got hit by two other vehicles. No other symptoms observed other than when on a freeway a few months ago, the vehicle was having difficulty switching to a higher gear in a stop and go traffic. It was stuck at 30mph even when gas pedal was engaged and everyone behind and around were picking up higher speed than 30.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with a loud rattling noise coming from the clutch. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
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 stalling
Which Jeep Gladiator years have engine stalls while driving problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2021 (8 complaints), 2022 (4 complaints) and 2020 (3 complaints).
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