Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Jeep Gladiator owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that two years ago the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); to prevent the clutch from overheating. However, the failure started after the vehicle was repaired under the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to perform the inspection or confirm the failure due to the age and mileage on the vehicle. The contact stated that the software update included a transmission kill switch to be activated whenever the clutch overheated, but the kill switch failed to operate as intended. …
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while driving 37 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal grinding and metallic sounds. The contact stated that the sound persisted, and the transmission bell housing fractured. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's workplace. The dealer was notified of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had been contacted and would cover the bell housing replacement; however, the contact would be charged a labor cost and a repair cost for the clutch and flywheel replacement. The dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location once the parts became available. …
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the clutch plate overheated. The clutch hot, fully release clutch and reduce clutch use message was displayed. There was a strong burning odor detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that a clutch replacement was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the clutch was replaced but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V028000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage occurred at approximately 6,000.
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 NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle and turning the ignition, the vehicle displayed signs of electrical power but failed to start as expected. The contact stated that the message "Service transmission - Continue to drive - Do not shift or turn the vehicle off until you reach your desired location as you may not be able to shift again" was displayed and the contact was unable to disengage the Accessory mode. The service transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the messages to "Turn Off Vehicle and Let the Clutch Cool Down", "Clutch Hot Performance Limited", and "Reduce Clutch Use" were displayed on the instrument panel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was serviced under an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,159.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under Manufacturer Recall Number: 26A for the right rear axle shaft; and the dealer determined that the left rear axle shaft was leaking. The dealer diagnosed and determined that the left rear axle, the shaft seals, rear brake pads, and rotor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
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. …
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. …
Related recalls
Power train › Manual transmission › Control module › Software
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA 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.
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.
Power train › Clutch assembly
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.
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.
Power train › Clutch assembly
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.
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…
Transmission complaints in other Gladiator years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
NHTSA has 71 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, 24% of the model year's 292 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › internal › clutches/bands (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Jeep Gladiator transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 24V-572 (software, Aug 1, 2024); NHTSA recall 23V-116 (clutch assembly, Feb 23, 2023); NHTSA recall 21V-028 (clutch assembly, Jan 28, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2021 Jeep Gladiator transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.