2021 Jeep Gladiator Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 70 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, 24% of that year's 290 total complaints. Owners commonly report rear axle seal leaks onto the brakes and irregular downshifts, with a median failure mileage of 36,500. Three related recalls cover clutch and powertrain control module software issues.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 70
- 24% of 290
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 36,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Right rear axle seal leaks lubricant onto the brake rotor, caliper, and pads, sometimes described as a common problem leading dealers to replace the whole axle assembly.
- Automatic transmission produces irregular or rough downshifts in lower gears, felt and heard while braking, sometimes with a forward surge that feels like being hit from behind.
- Gear shifter fails to engage reverse, with the reverse and drive lights flashing on the shifter column instead of a warning light.
- Owners report the vehicle losing motive power and stalling at highway speed, requiring a battery terminal adjustment to restart.
- One owner described steering drift and shuddering ('death wobble') at higher speeds occurring alongside a leaking rear axle seal.
When 2021 Jeep Gladiator transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 12, 2020, latest Sep 9, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator
- NHTSA 24V572000Aug 1, 2024Transmission & Powertrain94 vehicles
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.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- NHTSA 23V116000Feb 23, 2023Transmission & Powertrain69,201 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 21V028000Jan 28, 2021Transmission & Powertrain42,887 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Gladiator model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
- NHTSA lists 70 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, which is 24% of the 290 total complaints filed for that model year.
- What is the most common transmission-related problem reported on the 2021 Gladiator?
- The most frequently described issue is a rear passenger axle seal leaking lubricant onto the brake components, reported by multiple owners in the sample complaints.
- Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
- Yes. NHTSA recalls 24V572000, 23V116000, and 21V028000 cover powertrain control module software and clutch pressure plate issues on 2021 Jeep Gladiator models with manual transmissions.
- At what mileage do these transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is 36,500 miles.
- Have these transmission complaints caused any crashes or fires?
- No. NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator shows 0 crashes and 0 fires reported.