Last year I received a message, letter and perhaps an email related to my jeep and recall for the clutch plate assembly. The recall was performed twice because first was incorrect. Transmission had to be replaced a few weeks later. Since then, I've had numerous visits to dealership, and had several incidents this week traveling across country to clear "Service Transmission messages: on the display, and two incidents where the jeep went into "limp mode" at high speeds. Four more stops have not fixed the problem. Now I am at a place who has found that the transmission was not installed properly, the software wasn't properly flashed and things were left hanging (connectors and cables) without being properly secured. The transmission was replaced under warranty, which has run out, but these messages have been appearing since the original recall. Now, I am going to have to pay a large fee (over 3000 dollars) to get Jeep back. Plus paying 100 to another dealership in Kansas to have them look at the jeep without a remedy. (See:Jeep Recall 19A / the federal safety agency Campaign 23V116, the federal safety agency Recall 24V‑572, the federal safety agency Recall 21V‑028 / Jeep Recall Y01 ) - my Jeep is listed as "0 recalls" but the dealership has not reported any work on my vehicle to CarFax. The repair shop is working with me to collect evidence (Photos, documentation, and data about the Jeep's issues. ALL of this began immediately after the first recall last year, and these problems have not been remedied, and the Jeep has become dangerous when on the highway. (Limp mode multiple times: 17 Feb2026, 13 May 26, 13 May 26 all at highway speeds). This should have been covered under warranty, and I should not be subjected to "No repair" because a dealership "Doesn't see a problem" - the computer doesn't keep any codes for these incidents, thus they will not dig into the problem, and now warranty has expired so they can charge whatever they wish.
Jeep Gladiator transmission failure problems
10 of the 1,000 owner complaints about the Jeep Gladiator describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2020 model year.
- owner complaints
- 10
- worst model year
- 2020
By model year
- 20213
- 20207
Often reported together
Won't shift 3Slipping 2Overheating 2Jerking 2Check engine light 2Loss of power 1
What owners say
I am filing a safety complaint regarding repeated and unresolved transmission issues with my Jeep. The vehicle has undergone two full transmission replacements after a $10,000 repair, yet critical symptoms persist, including transmission overheating (up to 240°F) and a loud whining noise while accelerating. These problems continue despite no warning lights or diagnostic codes, creating a false sense of safety. On August 4, 2025, the vehicle reached 240°F and produced loud mechanical noise while driving. This mirrors the same symptoms from before the original transmission repair and represents a clear safety hazard. These issues put me at risk of sudden transmission failure, loss of power, or loss of control while driving. The dealer has confirmed the overheating and replaced the transmission twice, but the problem remains. A brake hookup was also installed incorrectly, causing additional safety concerns that were only corrected after my insistence. Despite multiple service visits, Jeep refuses to: Provide a loaner vehicle Escalate to a corporate-level inspection Offer a buyback or reimbursement Jeep offered only an extended warranty with a deductible, which I declined as inappropriate given the unresolved repair. I have also submitted a formal legal demand to Jeep, which remains unanswered. The lack of diagnostic codes paired with dangerous symptoms and unresolved failures is deeply concerning. This issue should be investigated for a potential defect in the transmission system or software diagnostics. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this matter and that Stellantis/Jeep be held accountable for unsafe practices and poor post-repair support.
Transmission failed to go into reverse. 2020 Gladiator Rubicon with 57k miles.Transmission had been pausing and then shifting into reverse with a clunk sound. Have taken to a Jeep service shop and they did not find any error codes and were not sure of the cause. Problem started getting worse in the past couple of days to where when try to put in reverse, it will not do anything. the "R" light flashes. Have to shift into drive and then back to reverse to get it to go into revers. However, this has stopped working to where to at times cannot get the transmission to go into revers. the transmission also shifts hard on the upshift from 3-4th gear at certain RPMs/speeds. when has issue of not being able to get into reverse yesterday, had to push the vehicle back while in nuetral in order to get it to where i could then put it in drive.In drive on the main road, it would not shift out of first gear, so had to park it and get a ride home. several hours later was able to get the vehicle home. it appears from looking online that a lot of people have had this exact same issue with the 8 speed auto transmission. the only solution it to replace the transmission which costs upwards of $6k. As many issues there are with this transmission, Jeep should have a recall to fix this issue instead of customers having to shell out thousands of $s. Needless to say, i will never buy another jeep product. JEEP=Junk Each and Every Piece!
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted abnormally roughly. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle was jerking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while driving to the dealer, and the dealer reset the code. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Transmission failure 850RE. 86000 miles. Known problem with this transmission. Left wife and children stranded in a very dangerous location on highway. Could not move vehicle off roadway.
Manual Transmission started slipping/malfunctioning related to overheating. Jeep dealership stated it was driver issue, and nothing else was wrong with manual trasmission. Dealer charged me $3500 to repair/replace transmission @ 35000 miles. Dealer refusedto cover repairs and repeatedly stated there was no issues with factory manual transmissions. Filed claim under Manufacturers website and nothing has been done. note: manual transmission was replaced with OEM manual transmission, and no recall work was performed. Replacement transmission is now showing signs of slippage due ti overheating.
transmission will not shift all the time and gets hung up! After following a group this seems to be a problem with the gladiator automatic transmission. It will not shift into reverse and shifts hard from 3rd to 4th. This should be a recall due to so many people having issues and the only thing to fix it is to get a new transmission.
At only 65,000 miles and hitting all of my scheduled maintenance my transmission failed while driving causing me to get stuck in 5th gear and jerking me off the road.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, The front end of the vehicle was wobbling violently. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the Death Wobble. The contact stated that he decelerated below 50 MPH and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving above 55 MPH and when hitting a bump. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that unknown tires, the socket drag link outer, the steering damper, the front bar, the power steering gear and the arm Pitman needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when shifting into reverse (R). The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound shortly after driving from a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission fluid was flushed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed twice due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the transmission failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I bought a brand new 2020 gladiator not even a month old, 6 speed manual. Vehicle started smoking profusely and was expecting a fire, luckily only burnt clutch smell. Concerned about driving it and its brand new. The truck can either start on fire or explode! This is basically a rolling ticking time bomb. It's in at the dealership now with still no remedy. Fca should buy this back from me. W12 recall pressure plate is only a guess and frankly its [xxx]. The entire transmission needs to be replaced with a more robust and rugged solution that matches jeeps brand. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Related recalls
Power train: manual transmission: control module: software
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under the federal safety agency recall number 23V‑116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V‑116 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 24V572000 · Recall details
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US), LLC is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The rearview camera may fail to display the rearview image and the reverse lights may not illuminate when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 111, "Rear Visibility" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- A disabled rearview image can decrease the driver's visibility of the rear view, and disabled reverse lights may not alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the gear position sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 92A.
Recall number 23V641000 · Recall details
Power train: clutch assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- Risk
- Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V‑028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V‑028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 23V116000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: internal: park pawl
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The transmission parking wheel may not properly engage with the parking mechanism.
- Risk
- A malfunctioning parking mechanism may result in the loss of the 'park' position, including vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. Entire US population are unsold units and will be repaired before they can be sold. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z84.
Recall number 22V639000 · Recall details
Power train: clutch assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- Risk
- Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
Recall number 21V028000 · Recall details
Power train: clutch assembly
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- Risk
- The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute a wire harness and inspect the clutch system, and replace components as needed. The recall began April 30, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W12.
Recall number 20V124000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The rear driveshafts may have been incorrectly assembled without grease in the monoblock joint.
- Risk
- A joint without grease may overheat and seize, possibly causing the driveshaft to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power. If the driveshaft completely separates from the vehicle it may become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US number for this recall is V95.
Recall number 19V636000 · Recall details
Questions about the Jeep Gladiator transmission failure
Which Jeep Gladiator years have complete transmission failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2020 (7 complaints) and 2021 (3 complaints).
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