Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall by the previous owner; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact examined the vehicle and became aware of some loosened fasteners. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that there were defective parts associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The contact stated the fuel casket, canister purge valve, and fender liner had previously been replaced. The contact was not provided documentation of any repairs that were performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300.
I used the 4 wheel drive and received message that clutch was hot, then received message to service transmission. Vehicle went into limp mode. Drove at speeds of 35 to 40 miles an hour. 50 miles an hour down hill. Had to drive access roads because [redacted] traffic is 75 miles per hour. Several times speed was even slower. Took it to brown dodge in Devine. The reset system and said I could not use 4x4. Referenced star code s2521000001. I took vehicle in 7/13/25. I wonder if they even previously preformed recall 19a clutch on This manual transmission. Purchased Mojave Jan/2023, recalled received 4/23. Recall repaired 6/24. On 15000 miles on it and the first time I use 4x4 the vehicle became useless and barely able to move. I wonder if software upgrade for 19a really fixed the 19a issue or just was a bandage to buy more time. …
The contact owns a 2022 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 contact stated that while driving at a slow speed and entering his driveway, he noticed smoke coming from the clutch. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact notified an undisclosed dealer and was informed to bring the vehicle to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle would remain for four months and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall repair. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated the vehicle failed to accelerate over 40 MPH, with the "Service Transmission" warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the clutch had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); for the clutch, and the remedy, which involved replacing the clutch, had been completed. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was no longer under the recall. The dealer was waiting for the technician and the manufacturer to confirm if the vehicle would be covered under warranty and whether the parts would be provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,500.
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. …
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. …
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear. The contact stated he heard an abnormal clucking sound and smelled a burning odor throughout the vehicle. The contact veered the vehicle off the road and notified a towing company. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that pressure plate and clutch assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that he was then informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was advised by the dealer to purchase an after-market part to repair the vehicle then seek reimbursement. …
Related recalls (7)
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 › Manual transmission
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.
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.
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 › Automatic transmission › Internal › Park pawl
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The transmission parking wheel may not properly engage with the parking mechanism.
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.
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…
Show 2 more recalls
Power train › Clutch assembly
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.
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.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Jeep Gladiator years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2021 (71), 2020 (55), 2022 (21) and 2023 (8) model years. Transmission complaints make up 24% of all complaints for the 2021.
Is there a recall for Jeep Gladiator transmission problems?
Yes — 7 recalls, including 24V-572 (software, Aug 1, 2024); 23V-641 (manual transmission, Sep 18, 2023); 23V-116 (clutch assembly, Feb 23, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Jeep Gladiator transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles; 83% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the axle assembly (1 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (1).
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.