2020 Jeep Gladiator engine problems
This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.
What owners report
“On May 27, 2026 at approximately 11:00 PM, my 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered catastrophic engine failure during normal operation at 78,190 miles. The alternator seized, causing the harmonic balancer (crankshaft damper) to fracture. The broken balancer fell into the engine block, causing extensive internal damage requiring complete engine replacement at significant cost. This failure sequence points to a design and/or manufacturing defect in the OEM alternator and/or its mo…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 05/29/2026
“At 90k miles head gasket failed letting coolant in engine cylinders which was diagnosed and repaired by a Jeep dealer. At 130k miles engine light back on with dealer suggesting it is rocker arm/lifter failure with cylinders misfiring. At initial purchase of vehicle touchscreen would black out and restart. Dealer replaced with another touchscreen but issue still exists after warranty term.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 05/05/2026
“Intake lifters seizing and or rockers needle bearings failing resulting in camshaft lope damage”
NHTSA complaint · filed 03/05/2026
“Engine failure due to coolant leak: in December, 2025, vehicle was towed to dealership due to overheating engine. While driving home from work, Vehicle was exhibiting engine overheating including temperature warning lights, temperature gauge fluctuating from normal to extremely high, a strange sound coming from the front of the vehicle (almost like a fan was not working) and running rough, like a diesel idle. I immediately pulled the vehicle off to the side of the road & shut it off. (Fortunatel…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 01/28/2026
“My jeep has 140,000 mile engine oil has been changed on time every time. And the engine has cylinders that are missing and it's using antifreeze and riddles like a diesel from time to time. I looked it up and it seems to be a common problem with these engine and there has not been a recall for this. But funny thing is they make a repair kit for this issue. Why has this not been recalled yet it's on all the jeep forms. Even wright ups of fires after a while of driving in this condition.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 12/17/2025
“My vehicle has a 3.6 pentastar engine. Around 75,000 miles the check engine light came on. I took it to the dealership to run diagnostics and find the problem. After completing the diagnostics the service tech informed me that is was an issue related to a TSB 09-011-25. This is a major manufacturing issue that causes engine failure. My engine needs to be replaced. This issue affects many vehicles in the Stellantis lineup and should be a recall. They have not made any effort to inform customers…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 11/13/2025
“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle had suddenly started to vibrate and shake. The contact stated that the vehicle was maintaining its lane but was lurching from left to right. No warnings illuminated. The contact stated that she pulled off to the side of the road; however, when she turned the vehicle on, it would start shaking again. The contact stated that she would keep driving while the vehicle was shaking, and th…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 10/15/2025 · crash
“My vehicle has a 3.6 pentastar engine. Around 60000 miles the engine developed a noticeable tick. Now the engine has multiple cylinder misfires, is leaking oil all over the engine compartment and causing issues with other electronic components (wheel speed sensors, power steering, electronic shifting, brake lights) Upon research I found this is to be a known issue with this motor. There apparently have been some associated recalls but I couldn’t find them. There are class action lawsuits as …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 10/15/2025
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
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- How common are 2020 Jeep Gladiator engine problems?
- 45 owners reported engine issues to NHTSA for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, 1 involving a crash and 3 a fire. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2020 Jeep Gladiator engine problems?
- No matching recall is on file. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.