Owners have reported 10 crashes, 7 fires and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints179
STEERING
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator frequently report issues with steering, particularly excessive play in the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to wander and requiring constant correction to maintain a straight path. Complaints often describe symptoms such as "death wobble," where the vehicle shakes violently at highway speeds, especially when encountering uneven pavement or bumps. Many reports indicate these issues begin around 25,000 miles and persist despite multiple repair attempts. Safety implications are notable, with two complaints involving crashes due to loss of control, and several reports of power steering failure at various speeds. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring steering issues and consider the associated safety risks.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints147
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent issues with the 2020 Jeep Gladiator's instrument cluster, which often goes blank or malfunctions, impacting the display of critical information such as speed, fuel level, and warning alerts. Complaints frequently mention that this issue can occur at various mileage points, with some owners experiencing failures as early as 28,000 miles. The malfunctioning instrument cluster poses a potential safety risk as it prevents drivers from accessing essential vehicle information. Additionally, some owners note that the vehicle's side mirror blind spot warning lights and infotainment screens exhibit erratic behavior, further complicating the driving experience. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be cautious and verify whether any necessary repairs or recalls have been addressed.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints44
POWER TRAIN
Owners report recurring issues with the 2020 Jeep Gladiator's power train, particularly involving transmission and clutch failures. Complaints frequently mention transmission overheating, failure to shift into reverse, and clutch slippage, often accompanied by burning odors and grinding noises. These issues typically emerge around 35,000 to 65,000 miles. Some reports include severe safety implications, with two instances of crashes involving fire and transmission explosion while driving. Potential buyers should be aware that parts for recall repairs are often unavailable, leading to extended vehicle downtime.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 4 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints22
ENGINE
Owners report several engine issues with the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, particularly involving the 3.6-liter Pentastar engine. A common problem is engine misfires, often accompanied by ticking noises, rough idling, and check engine lights, typically occurring around 1,000 to 75,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention coolant leaks leading to engine overheating, with some cases requiring cylinder head replacements. Additionally, an oil pump failure and camshaft lobe damage are noted, with one instance escalating to a fire due to a clutch issue. These issues potentially pose safety risks, such as sudden power loss while driving, which could be hazardous.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints18
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator frequently report issues with the sun visors, which tend to detach from their mounts, obstructing the driver's view and creating a potential safety hazard. Complaints also highlight problems with the front windshield defroster, which inadequately clears the sides of the windshield, particularly during inclement weather, leading to visibility challenges. These issues are often noted in vehicles with low mileage, sometimes under 3,000 miles, and there are no reports of crashes directly linked to these failures, but the visibility problems could contribute to unsafe driving conditions. Additionally, some owners mention that windshield washer fluid fails to spray effectively at higher speeds, further impacting visibility.
Owner complaints15
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator frequently report issues with the sun visors, which can detach and obstruct the driver's view, potentially leading to hazardous situations while driving. Instrument panel failures are another common problem, leaving drivers without access to critical information like speed and fuel levels. Additionally, multiple complaints describe sudden electrical malfunctions that result in loss of power steering and inability to control or shut off the vehicle, often at highway speeds. These issues appear across a range of mileages, with some incidents occurring in vehicles with less than 3,000 miles. Safety implications include one reported crash and an injury due to a door mechanism, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints11
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator frequently report issues with the vehicle's suspension, particularly noting a "death wobble" where the front wheels violently shake and vibrate, often after encountering bumps or variations in the road surface. This issue is commonly reported at mileage ranging from approximately 24,000 to 80,000 miles. Several owners describe a lack of control and difficulty steering, which they associate with potential safety risks. Additionally, complaints mention problems with rear control arm welds breaking and shock bracket welds failing, leading to hazardous handling conditions and potential tire damage. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring suspension-related issues and their implications for vehicle stability and safety.
Owner complaints7
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator frequently report structural issues primarily related to the vehicle's roof and doors. Complaints often describe problems with the soft top detaching or unsecuring while driving, which can occur at highway speeds and pose a risk of loss of control or damage to other vehicles. Several reports highlight water leaks from the roof, particularly at the rear window and center front, sometimes causing water to hit the driver unexpectedly. Additionally, some owners note a clicking sound from the doors due to the aluminum exterior peeling away from the steel structure. These issues have been reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 67,000 miles, and may involve significant out-of-pocket repair costs as they are not covered by warranty.
Owner complaints6
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator frequently report issues with the service brakes, including brake sensor malfunctions and brake pedal sponginess. Complaints describe incidents where the brake pedal goes to the floor, sometimes resulting in crashes, as well as instances where brake components detach, leading to punctured tires. The reported issues often occur at varying mileages, with one owner noting problems around 33,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three reports involving crashes due to brake failures, highlighting potential risks for loss of control. Buyers considering this vehicle should be aware of these recurring brake-related issues and their potential impact on safety.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report several issues with the fuel/propulsion system of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Complaints frequently mention fuel leakage, with one owner describing gasoline spraying from the top of the fuel tank and pooling underneath the vehicle, leading to significant fuel loss and the vehicle stalling. Another owner experienced a fire originating under the bed of the vehicle while driving, resulting in a total loss. Additionally, multiple owners describe engine performance issues, such as the vehicle not starting, hesitating, failing to accelerate, and reduced fuel efficiency, often accompanied by a check engine light and diagnostic code P018B. These issues are noted at mileage around 12,900 and involve components like the fuel pressure sensor, fuel supply line, and fuel pump. Safety implications include potential fire hazards and vehicle stalling, which could affect driver control.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
