When the Jeep Gladiator as we know it today debuted in 2020, it was an immediate hit. It’s everything the Jeep Wrangler is known for but in pickup truck format thanks to Ram Truck’s input. This doesn’t mean that the Gladiator is free of known problems, however.
These are the major recalls, service bulletins, and common issues for the Jeep Gladiator.
Major Recalls for the Gladiator
Electric Hydraulic Power Steering Pump (2021-2025 Model Years): The electrical connection for the electric hydraulic power steering pump may develop high electrical resistance, causing excessive heat. This defect can lead to a melted connector and potentially spark a fire, even when the vehicle is turned off.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (2021–2023 EcoDiesel): Recalled for HPFP failures that can cause sudden engine stalling or fuel system debris contamination.
Clutch Pressure Plate (2020–2023 Manuals): Recalled because the pressure plate can overheat and fracture, causing a fire risk.
High Voltage Battery (2024+ 4xe / select hybrids): Recalled for potential internal battery shorts that pose fire risks, requiring a “park outside” warning for millions of vehicles.
Rear Driveshaft Grease Defect (2020 Model Year): Roughly 3,400 Gladiators were recalled because a portion of the rear driveshaft was missing lubricant, leading to potential overheating and seizure of the monoblock joint.
Manual Transmission Clutches (2021 Model Year): Models equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions were subject to a major recall and stop-sale due to pressure plates that could overheat and fracture.
Various Software & Component Tweaks: Throughout 2020–2025, minor, targeted recalls were issued for issues like improperly deployed side curtain airbags, backup camera software glitches, and loose high-pressure fuel pump connectors.
Technical Service Bulletins
Steering Wander & “Death Wobble” (2020–2022 Model Years): Early Gladiators frequently suffer from steering wander and violent shimmying after hitting road bumps. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), such as replacement steering gearboxes and upgraded steering dampers, have been issued to address this.
Transmission & Engine Software (2020-2026 Model Years): Various updates exist across model years to address rough shifting, random engine misfires, and transmission diagnostic codes (TSB 21-009-25 / 18-024-2).
Coolant Leaks (2020-2026 Model Years): Many 2020–2026 units experience coolant leaks originating from the lower radiator hose connection or cracked coolant overflow reservoirs (addressed by TSB 09-015-23).
Floor Heat and HVAC (2020 Model Year): Many owners experienced excess heat blasting into the footwell. This is typically resolved by updating the HVAC control module software (TSB 24-001-20).
Aluminum Corrosion (2020-2026 Model Years): Addresses filiform (bubbling/rust-like) corrosion along the hood, doors, and hinges. The bulletin provides specific repair and refinishing procedures rather than total replacement (TSB 31-001-26 / 09-015-23).
Common Known Issues for the Gladiator
Valvetrain Tick (3.6L Pentastar V6): Common complaints of rough idling, trouble codes, and ticking/rattles caused by failing camshafts and rocker arms.
Infotainment Glitches (2024+ updated models): The new Uconnect system is prone to freezing, lagging, and Apple CarPlay disconnects.
Roof and Window Leaks (2020-2026 Model Years): Water leaking into the cabin around the removable hardtop panels and rear sliding windows is a common complaint.
Paint Bubbling (2020-2026 Model Years): Many owners report galvanic corrosion and bubbling paint along the edges of the aluminum hood.
How To Check For Recalls On Your Jeep
The easiest way to check for current recalls that may affect your Gladiator is to visit the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recalls page and enter your license plate or 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) to run a search. You can also do this at the Jeep Aftersales recalls page.
