IllustrationWENT ON A 100 MILE TRIP AND WAS EXHAUSTED WHEN I RETURNED HOME FROM TRYING TO KEEP IT BETWEEN THE LINES. IT WANDERED ALL THE TIME.
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Gladiator years
Owner complaints for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator are substantially higher than the model-year median of 23.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Gladiator years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1590–25K
2125–50K
1750–75K
1075–100K
4100–150K
1150K+
212 reports with mileage · 271 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 183 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 181 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
11 crash reports7 fire reports5 injury reports
What owners actually said
483 reportsTHE STEERING ON THIS JEEP HAS A 1-1.5" PLAY ON EITHER SIDE OF DRIVING STRAIGHT AND WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD.. IT TAKES SOME SERIOUS EFFORT TO KEEP IT DRIVING STRAIGHT.
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. VEHICLE REQUIRES APPROXIMATELY 2 TO 3 INCHES OF MOVEMENT BEFORE THE FRONT TIRES REACT. THIS CREATES AN UNSAFE DRIVING CHARACTERISTIC WITH UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT WHILE DRIVING AND DIFFICULTY TO MAINTAIN LANE.
THE SO CALLED DEATH WOBBLE WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS....DRY PAVEMENT AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60/65 MPH ON BOTH CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS ....IT HAPPENS QUITE OFTEN...THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 4000 MILES
WHILE IN MOTION AND INCREASINGLY NOTICEABLE AS SPEED INCREASES THERE IS A DEAD SPOT IN THE STEERING. THE INPUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT CORRESPOND TO THE MOVEMENT IN THE TIRES AS OBSERVED FROM TESTING STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENT AND MONITORING THE TIRE MOVEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED TWICE BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE FIRS…
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WHILE IN MOTION AND INCREASINGLY NOTICEABLE AS SPEED INCREASES THERE IS A DEAD SPOT IN THE STEERING. THE INPUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT CORRESPOND TO THE MOVEMENT IN THE TIRES AS OBSERVED FROM TESTING STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENT AND MONITORING THE TIRE MOVEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED TWICE BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE FIRST TIME THE DRAG LINK WAS REPLACED WITH NO NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENT. THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TO BE OPERATING AS EXPECTED. AFTER REPLACING THE DRAG LINK THE DEAD SPOT MOVED ENTIRELY TO THE RIGHT SIDE. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS STRAIGHT, MOVEMENT TO THE LEFT IS IMMEDIATELY RESPONSIVE. MOVEMENT TO THE RIGHT HAS ABOUT A 2 INCH DEAD ZONE. THE SYMPTOM CAN BE OBSERVED IN THIS VIDEO: HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/-PJQTFGV4UC THE PROBLEM IS MOST LIKELY IN THE STEERING BOX AS THE INPUT TO THE STEERING BOX IS NOT MATCHING THE OUTPUT INTO THE STEERING COMPONENTS. HAVING DRIVEN OTHER GLADIATORS WITHOUT THIS ISSUE AND HEARD FROM NUMEROUS OTHER OWNERS ABOUT HAVING RESPONSIVE STEERING, THIS ISSUE SHOULD NOT BE DESCRIBED AS NORMAL OPERATION.
THE VEHICLE HAS A STEERING ISSUE WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT HAS TO BE CONSTANTLY TURNED TO KEEP IN A STRAIGHT PATH. IT WONDERS UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT CONSTANT ADJUSTMENTS FROM THE DRIVER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME BECAUSE IT'S EASY TO GET OUT OF YOUR LANE IF YOUR NOT CONSTANTLY FOCUSED ON THE ROAD. YOU CAN'T TAKE YOUR…
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THE VEHICLE HAS A STEERING ISSUE WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT HAS TO BE CONSTANTLY TURNED TO KEEP IN A STRAIGHT PATH. IT WONDERS UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT CONSTANT ADJUSTMENTS FROM THE DRIVER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME BECAUSE IT'S EASY TO GET OUT OF YOUR LANE IF YOUR NOT CONSTANTLY FOCUSED ON THE ROAD. YOU CAN'T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD FOR EVEN A SPLIT SECOND.
LOSE DRIVE POWER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 JEEP GLADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT OUT OF THE LANE AND THE STEERING WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL MAKING THE STEERING VERY UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE LOCAL DEALER LITHEA DODGE (2121 MLK …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 JEEP GLADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT OUT OF THE LANE AND THE STEERING WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL MAKING THE STEERING VERY UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE LOCAL DEALER LITHEA DODGE (2121 MLK JR. BLVD EUGENE OR) WHO WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE MANUFACTURER) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8.
TODAY IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE TAKEN MY NEW JEEP GLADIATOR ON THE FREEWAY. IT HAS ONLY 259 MILES. I NEVER NOTICED ANY STEERING PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, BUT AT HIGHER SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY I WAS CONSTANTLY CORRECTING TO STAY IN THE CENTER OF MY LANE. I AGREE WITH THE MANY OTHER STEERING COMPLAINTS THAT THERE HAS TO BE A FIX. …
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TODAY IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE TAKEN MY NEW JEEP GLADIATOR ON THE FREEWAY. IT HAS ONLY 259 MILES. I NEVER NOTICED ANY STEERING PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, BUT AT HIGHER SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY I WAS CONSTANTLY CORRECTING TO STAY IN THE CENTER OF MY LANE. I AGREE WITH THE MANY OTHER STEERING COMPLAINTS THAT THERE HAS TO BE A FIX. I FELT VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING LIKE THIS.
MY GLADIATOR STEERING IS NOT ABLE TO TRACK STRAIGHT. AND THERE IS CONSTANT PLAY AT ALL SPEEDS. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES FOR REPAIR AND DEALER HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL AT FIXING STEERING PLAY. MY TRUCK WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT FROM THE DAY I PURCHASED IT, CHRYSLER ESCALATED MY CASE AND THEN A NOTICE SAYING MY CASE HAS BEEN CLOS…
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MY GLADIATOR STEERING IS NOT ABLE TO TRACK STRAIGHT. AND THERE IS CONSTANT PLAY AT ALL SPEEDS. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES FOR REPAIR AND DEALER HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL AT FIXING STEERING PLAY. MY TRUCK WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT FROM THE DAY I PURCHASED IT, CHRYSLER ESCALATED MY CASE AND THEN A NOTICE SAYING MY CASE HAS BEEN CLOSED. AND THERE IS NO RESOLVE FOR MY STEERING ISSUE.MY NEXT STEP IS TO DISCUSS WITH LEMON LAW ATTORNEY.
Official recalls
724V652000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
Sep 5, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.
23V116000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly
Feb 23, 2023
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
21V028000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly
Jan 28, 2021
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
20V580000 · Seat Belts; Seat Belts:front:retractor
Sep 24, 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts:front:retractor
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.
Seat Belts
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.
20V191000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Sep 10, 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
20V124000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly
Mar 3, 2020
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W12.
19V636000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
Aug 29, 2019
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A joint without grease may overheat and seize, possibly causing the driveshaft to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power. If the driveshaft completely separates from the vehicle it may become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE25014 · Instrument Panel Cluster (ipc) Failure
Opened Oct 23, 2025 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
The Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) is opening a Preliminary Evaluation on 2020 Model Year Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers involving a malfunctioning Instrument Panel Clusters (IPC) resulting in the loss of important vehicle metrics and other status information. ODI has received 89 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging a complete or partial loss of the IPC display while driving. The subject vehicles' IPC display includes the speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, turn signal indicators, warning light, and other gauges that are normally illuminated while the vehicle is in operation. Loss of the fuel gauge while driving may lead to an inability to determine the fuel level and result in a loss of motive power, and the loss of other safety-related information may impede a driver’s ability to take action to prevent a safety risk. Furthermore, an IPC that is suddenly not visible to the driver may divert the driver’s attention from the driving task, potentially causing a vehicle crash. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation to evaluate the scope, severity and frequency of the alleged IPC malfunctions and to assess potential safety-related consequences. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov