2020 Jeep Gladiator Reliability Report

Multiple-cylinder misfires with code P0300 show up on nearly new trucks, sometimes within the first few hundred miles. They come with auto start/stop warnings and rough cold starts. Dealers often clear the codes, replace coils and plugs, or update software without curing the problem, and some tear down the engine. Later reports describe ticking, worn intake camshaft lobes, coolant loss, and complete engine failure at roughly 48,000 to 75,000 miles. One engine replacement cost $11916.16. One complaint describes a fire that followed a burning clutch smell.

Sun visors break at the mount or slip out of their sockets and drop into the driver's view, often at highway speed. This is the most common complaint in this category. Some failures happen under 3,000 miles, and replacement parts do not always last. Other reports describe defrost air coming only from the center vents, so snow and ice stay on the driver's side. Owners also report washer fluid that barely reaches the windshield at highway speed, a leaking rear window that fogs the glass, and one windshield that cracked without any impact.

Violent front-end shaking, called death wobble, starts after bumps, bridges, or rough pavement at speeds around 65 to 70 mph. Reported mileages range from 24,000 to 80,000. Dealers often cannot find a cause, and in one case a replaced stabilizer only delayed the problem's return. Other complaints describe wandering and steering play, rear control arm welds that keep breaking, and a front shock bracket that broke off the axle and cut into the tire. One report concerns aftermarket control arms rather than factory parts.

Water leaks through the roof panel seals and around the rear window. One owner was quoted $1800 for a rear window cracking around its frame, with no warranty coverage. Soft-top latches can let go at highway speed and allow the top to fly open. In one report the top tore loose and broke several hinges. Sun visor mounts also fail in this category. One complaint describes the aluminum door skin separating from the steel structure inside, which causes a clicking sound.

Sudden braking failures cause crashes in three of the six complaints. Reports describe brakes locking at low speed when a sensor triggers, ABS shutting off after a sensor failure, and a spongy pedal that sinks to the floor. Hardware problems include missing caliper bolts. In another case a brake pad and caliper bracket came loose and punctured a tire at about 33,000 miles. Dealers acknowledge some of these problems without fixing them.

Brakes that fail to stop the truck after the 4WD and ABS warnings come on make up the most serious report. That failure caused a crash at 1,200 miles with two people injured. The other complaints are electrical. They include dash lights going out when the wipers are switched on, a failed center brake light, and reverse lights and backup camera that stopped working after dealer service. One dealer refused to repair the backup lights and camera.

Fuel leaks and fire top this short list. One truck caught fire under the bed at about 12,900 miles and was declared a total loss. Another sprayed fuel from the top of the tank onto the exhaust, after a fuel smell and hesitation when pulling away. A third logs code P018B and will not accelerate or shift above 5th. After the dealer replaced the fuel pressure sensor and supply line, it still needed a fuel pump that was back-ordered.