Jeep Gladiator Complaints

996 consumer complaints on file.

#11465618May 22, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Electrical system malfunction. Gladiator is burned down completely. Copart now has it under my insurance companies instruction. Large electrical fire. I took my vehicle into the dealer because the start stop feature stopped working. I received a call at the end of the day and was notified that both my batteries where bad. They replaced both under warranty and kept it over night for testing. Received a call the fallowing late morning informing my that my vehicle was repaired and was ready to be picked up. On my way home I was stopped at a light and noticed smoke coming out around the hood. I immediately pulled over and opened the hood. The electrical wire on the passenger side below the fuse panel were burning. I tried to put it out with a towel but was burned. I called 911 but by the time the fire department came it was too late. My Gladiator was completely burned down. This incident happened in front of a school as they where letting out. A police officer was there directing student to walk around the dangerous incident. The incident was inspected by the fire department and was confirmed in a report that it started in the engine compartment. No warning lamp or messages.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11462151April 25, 2022
ENGINE
Overheating during normal driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11462120April 25, 2022
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When operating the vehicle under heavier loads (5%+ grades, towing even light trailers, higher highway speeds) vehicle loses power limiting speed to 15-50mph depending on how hot the water or oil temperature is. I have had this issue in ambient temperatures as low as 31°F while towing 4000lb up a steep incline, but will absolutely overheat if ambient temp is over 100°F. Vehicle must be left running during a fuel stop or heat soak caused by the vehicle is not running will prevent me from merging back on the highway at a safe speed....max speed is 50mph until the engine oil cools off. Air conditioner use as expected makes the problem worse. There are many threads going on the Jeep internet forums with many diesel equipped Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators having the same issues, so I know these aren't isolated incidents from my vehicle alone. If you were to search "Ecodiesel power derating as temps rise" on Google, you would see some discussion. Engine fan runs at full speed, coolant is full, and radiator/grill is clean/free of debris. I have owned this vehicle since new and have operated in many types of conditions/loads over the past 14 months 23,000 miles from 9°-126°F. The first time I had the issue was late May of 2021 (At approx 5,000 miles) and it has happened no less than 20 times since then. The only visual alarm is when coolant temp reaches 248° and the vehicle speed drops to 10mph. The gauge does not read linear........Meaning the vehicle is almost already overheated by the gauge shows the temp is rising. I can only assume the is intentionally programmed into the code by the vehicle manufacturer to make the operator feel like the high temps are normal. I have not had the vehicle inspected by the local dealer because in the past they were never able to duplicate the conditions in my opinion due to laziness or incompetence. I own an auto repair shop and know the problem to be an undersized cooling system which Chrysler does not have an approved fix for.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461515April 20, 2022
STEERING, SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Traveling speeds excess of 60 mph, any bump or flaw in the road will cause the vehicle to enter into severe vibration and shaking of front end/ axle. The steering wheel violently shakes from side to side and the vehicle will stay shaking until you reduce your speed to under 50 mph. Ball joints and other steering components are put under severe stress. The issue has been reported to the dealer who is unable to correct the issue even with replacing steering stabilizer as they suggest. A formal case was opened with the Chrysler group.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459094March 31, 2022
STEERING, SUSPENSION
at 70 mph after hitting expansion joint, the steering wheel and front end will violently shake until speed is below 50 mph. Dealership acknowledged this a known problem with jeeps-aka the death wobble. They think it is the tires but cannot replace them with fiat-chrysler approval. this is an absolutely unsafe scary to operate vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458189March 24, 2022
STEERING
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to shake violently. The contact stated that the steering and brakes still functioned as needed and was able to safely exit the highway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a severe oscillation event and advised that the tie bar and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,633.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457519March 20, 2022
TIRES
My Bridgestone tires were the wrong rated tires put on by Chrysler at 70 miles per hour they would bounce did not matter which one would bounce they all did it after hitting a small bump on the highway they are the dueler 255/70/r18 113t ms with 1 nylon and 2 steel belts in tread and only 2 polyester side wall this was to light of a tire for a light truck , talked to Chrysler and they just blew me off on this problem I purchased light truck tires and solved the problem they now owe me $1095.97 . I am sure they put these tires on other Jeep gladiators.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457040March 16, 2022
AIR BAGS, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ever since I got this vehicle it’s been a roller coaster. As I’m driving the vehicle home from the dealership the vehicle displays on the screen that it’s going to shut off. I pulled over immediately on the side of the road and the vehicle turned off while in drive at 0 MPH! I put my emergency signals on and waited 15-30 minutes before the car would let me turn it back on! I drove home and as soon as I’m pulling into the driveway the car literally shuts off in reverse with no signs foreshadowing this! It was so embarrassing. What a birthday surprise. I had to call triple A to come tow it back to dealership. They had to change battery. Which is about 1 hour away at least depending on traffic. Picked up the vehicle sometime that week. The beginning of the next week as I’m driving to work the vehicle displays on the dash that the engine is overheating! I notice the vehicle starting to smoke so I pulled over immediately. I missed work that day. I had to call another tow to the dealership. The manager said that the truck would be in the shop for a month at least because they have to order a new engine! They gave me a terrible rental. I got the truck back around a month later. Months go by random creaking occurs periodically. I go to the dealership and they say I need new ball joints. Item is on back order so they’ll let me know when it arrives. Months go by start/stop system doesn’t work anymore. I go to the dealership and they keep it for a few days and don’t end up fixing the problem but schedule an appointment for next month. Appointment comes and they fixed start/stop system supposedly but every now and then it stops working. Months go by airbag signal turn on. I go to the dealer and they said they fixed something but needed to order a part. I am waiting on their call for that part now as well. This has truly been a crazy experience. I would never recommend anyone to go to a Fred beans dealership like I made the mistake of doing. 70k for such a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11456488March 13, 2022
STEERING, SUSPENSION
SUSPENSION: 2021 Jeep Gladiator - 12,000 Miles: On several occasions at freeway speeds vehicle hits uneven road / bumps and vehicle looses steering control like it jumps off the pavement / shutters over road way with no control: At one point I thought I blew a front tire and did loose some control of vehicle and pulled over to shoulder to scope it out: No tire blew: This is a major concern: My safety and the safety of passengers are at risks: I would not put my family members in this vehicle other than city driving!! Tried contacting MOPAR but was unable to do so - 12 March 2022 - A Joke
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11456320March 11, 2022
STEERING
Steering is very loose. Vehicle constantly drifts and requires constant steering correction. Approximately 3” of slack in steering response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11454855March 2, 2022
STEERING
This vehicle wanders and pulls you all over the road if your going over 30 miles an hour. Steering is very hard to control and feels like you can can over correct if not careful.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11454343February 27, 2022
STEERING
At highway speeds a uncontrollable wobble of the front wheels occurs when hitting a tar strip or bump that is only brought under control by stepping on the brakes very hard to slow the truck to 60MPH or less. I think that sudden slowing while in traffic puts not only my life in danger, but also those drivers around me. At this point, the dealer is replacing the steering damper. But I suspect this is a band aid to cover a larger issue. Current mileage is 13,XXX miles. The wheels, tires and suspension are factory stock.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11453662February 23, 2022
STEERING
The vehicle wants to wander from side to side when you go over 30mph. You arfe constantly having to correct for it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11453209February 21, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, STEERING
1. Major electrical system intermittent failures, each incident progressively longer lasting and various malfunction warning lights/messages displayed in dash. 2. Loss of power steering while driving on three separate occasions within a 40 day period. First incident was loss of steering for only a few seconds. Second incident vehicle had to beame shut off and on multiple times before the computer reset and the vehicle drove fine. Third incident was catstrophic loss of electrical the system while driving, vehicle was pulled into middle turn lane where the engine died and would not start. Vehicle unable to start, shift, display hazard warning indicators etc. Vehicle displayed many errors and stated due to safety it would not be allowed to start without servicing. 3. Jeep has been at dealer three times. First incident, electrical malfunctioning was blamed on power step installation. Second incident was blamed on loose ground wire in engine bay. Third incident has yet to be determined by dealer. Vehicle is still at dealer, and there were approximately 73 computer DTC's pulled by the technicians that I was informed of. 4. Many various warning lamps and messages appeared on dash. Everything from shifter, engine, power steering, 4WD, no bus error, TPMS, electronic stability control, anti lock brakes, airbag system etc. These errors flickered on and off randomly before moving to next error displayed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11452554February 17, 2022
STEERING, SUSPENSION
My wife and I took delivery of a brand new 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport on 4/28/2021. The vehicle is completely stock and has only been serviced by the dealership we purchased it from. In October 2021, we drove over a defect in the highway at approximately 70 miles per hour. The entire vehicle started shaking. It felt like the shaking was coming from the front suspension and steering. We pulled off the highway to the shoulder. As we slowed to about 50 miles per hour, the shaking stopped. There were no warning lights or indicators before, during or after this event. The incident was very frightening and could have led to losing control of the Jeep on a very busy 4 lane highway. We took the vehicle to the selling dealership to have it looked at. The service manager could not duplicate it but a steering damper replacement was ordered. We were able to duplicate the shaking in the same location on 10/21/2021 at 55 miles per hour and again 10/22/2021 in the same location, at 58 miles per hour. It happened several subsequent times. The steering damper was replaced on 12/13/2021. There were 12,887 miles on the Jeep then. The "Death Wobble" still occurred. A new steering gear was ordered by the dealership. The steering gear was replaced 2/14/2022. Mileage now 15,502 miles. As I was driving home from the dealership on 2/14/22, I ran over a transition strip onto the entry ramp to a 4 lane highway. I was going 70 miles per hour. The shaking started and was shaking so hard, my face skin was vibrating as were the numbers on all the gauges. If I were not kind of expecting this, I could have easily lost control. And as I was in a curve, I would have crashed in the very busy highway. The shaking did not stop until I was below 50 miles per hour on the exit ramp. The dealer has not been able to reproduce this. And to this point, the manufacture has not inspected the vehicle. Which they are able to do at anytime.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451758February 13, 2022
SUSPENSION, STEERING
I was exiting the freeway with a speed limit of 75 mph. On the off-ramp I lost control of the Gladiator. The front end wobble was so bad that I could not hold onto the steering wheel for fear of breaking my wrist. Instead I had to wrap my arms about the wheel in an attempt to stop the wobble. I was unable to keep the vehicle in my lane, and finally ended up in a large ditch next to the off ramp. What happened appears to be a problem with the Mopar 1.5" lift kit installed by the dealer. The kit was installed 8/17/2021. This incident occurred in Jan 2022, about 4,000 miles later. I had the kit installed and then inspected about a month later specifically to check for any loose bolts, and to double check the torque for the bolts. The CV bar in the front lost a the bolt on the passenger side, dropping the cross bar and resulting in total loss of control of the passenger side front tire. I felt very lucky not to have been injured, and not to roll the jeep. It took about 150 feet to stop the vehicle in the ditch. I am attaching a photo of the bar held in place after the accident using bungie cords. This was done just to get the bar off the road and allow for moving the vehicle. The mechanic was able to secure the cross bar with a new bolt. The original bolt and nut were not found. We speculate that either the bolt was not torqued correctly or might have been missing a lock washer. At any rate, potentially this could have resulting in much worse. If this happened just a few seconds earlier on the freeway, the damage and injuries could have been much worse. Now the vehicle is driving like new, after new bolt and alignment. However, I will be checking those bolts more frequently, particularly if I notice any extra play in the steering. Before this happened, the play in the steering had increased. I thought I just needed an alignment, but it was much worse than that. Really I would think this cross bar needs redesign to ensure it can't break loose.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11450625February 5, 2022
STEERING, SUSPENSION
Driving at 68mph a a very drastic wobble in the steering occured. Have an appointment with jeep dealership. Truck has thirty eight thousand miles with no warning of any kind . Sudden and abundant violent shaking .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11450137February 3, 2022
STEERING
Driving at approx. 70 mph the vehicle steering became very difficult to control. I was unable to turn the steering wheel ( it felt like a vehicle without power steering at low speed). I slowed the vehicle down, I could feel the steering get easy as I neared a stop. After stopping at a stoplight and resuming the vehicle drove normally. The vehicle was never shut off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449755February 1, 2022
STEERING, POWER TRAIN
Transmission is very clunky and jerky especially at low speed or when little input is applied to the gas and or if you are switching between brakes and gas in traffic. Transmission feels very hesitant. The steering isn’t terrible at low speeds but at highway speeds the vehicle wanders left and right at random. I have to put it a lot of micro movements with the steering wheel in order to keep it straight.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449514January 31, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Ever since my Jeep Gladiator had recall 21V-028 performed my reverse lights and reverse camera do not work. Harr Dodge of Worcester Ma did the recall. I now can not get a Ma state inspection sticker because these lights do not work. I took the Jeep to another dealer to repair but they refused. No problems with the vehicle before the recall was done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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