Service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV transmissions that have fault codes P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Jeep Gladiator powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator have filed 45 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 18,624 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
45
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Gladiator (this page) | 45 |
| 2021 Gladiator | 60 |
| 2022 Gladiator | 19 |
| 2023 Gladiator | 6 |
2crashes
4fires
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 45 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
To inform dealers about the 850RE valve body PN: R8348504A connector: the original 16-pin connector included six pins that were not used in this application. To simplify the design, the connector has been optimized and updated to a 10-pin configuration.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗850RE D Clutch Repair Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must have at least 11,265 km (7,000 mi.) and exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● P0733-00 - Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio. ● P1DA8-00 - Incorrect Gear Ratio Clutch A B or D Defective. ● P1D92-00 - Incorrect Gear Ratio - Clutch 4 Defective. Customers may also comment on one or more of the following: ● Transmission slips when shifting. ● Vehicle will not move in reverse. ● Vehicle will not shift higher than third gear This bulletin involves replacing the D clutch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission "Transmission For transmission concerns related to DTCs P0733-00, P1DA8-00, and/or P1D92-00, a repair is available, and transmission replacement is NOT required. Please reference TSB 21-009-25 Rev. A, for details on D-clutch replacement. Please also note, visible ""glitter"" or debris in the pan and fluid color/condition/odor is NOT an indicator of transmission health and should not be used as the reason for unit replacement. Complete unit replacements instead of repairs for these DTCs may be subject to chargeback."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Transmission Fluid Please note fluid color/condition/odor is NOT an indicator of transmission health and should not be used as the reason for unit replacement. Visible ""glitter"" or debris in the pan does not justify complete unit replacements."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Powertrain failures on 2020 Gladiators span multiple systems and severity levels. The most common complaint is clutch and pressure plate defects, with owners reporting slipping, charring, overheating to 240°F, and burning smells as early as 16,000 miles. Three separate NHTSA recalls (20V124000, 21V028000, 23V116000) address this, but owners consistently report parts unavailable for months or longer—some for 300+ days—leaving vehicles undriveable. Even after replacement, owners report identical failure modes in new transmissions within short timeframes.
Automatic transmission shift failures range from refusal to enter reverse (R light flashing) to being stuck in first gear on highways, with dealers unable to pull any diagnostic codes. One owner had two full transmission replacements ($10,000+) with symptoms persisting. Independent mechanics have found missing transmission mount bolts and fractured driveshaft bolts.
One vehicle reversed unexpectedly from Drive at 54,000 miles despite normal pedal input, with simultaneous brake failure, causing a 10-second uncontrolled crash. Jeep moved the vehicle to a dealer, refused to disclose its location or findings, and escalated the case with no transparency to the owner.
Front driveshaft defects cause loud noise and hard pulling at highway speeds; parts backordered indefinitely with no ETAs. Engine compartment fires have occurred post-battery service and during normal highway driving, with total losses. Rear lockers have engaged unintentionally at highway speeds while in 2-High (should require 4-Low), refusing to disengage without roadside assistance. After clutch recalls, owners report cascading failures: 4WD service lights, limp mode, fluid leaks, and repeated shop visits without resolution.
Same Jeep Gladiator powertrain reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Clutch/Pressure Plate Failure
Defective pressure plates and clutch assemblies fail prematurely, causing slipping, overheating, grinding, charring, and complete loss of drive engagement. Multiple recalls (20V124000, 21V028000, 23V116000) issued but parts remain unavailable for extended periods, leaving owners unable to repair vehicles. Some owners report replacement parts showing identical symptoms within short timeframes.
When: Variable: 16,000–83,000 miles; as early as few weeks after purchase for some units
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch slipping under load; Burning smell and smoke; Charred/damaged clutch material; Inability to engage gears or remain in gear; Hard shifts and clunking sounds when attempting reverse; Transmission overheating up to 240°F; Loud whining noise while accelerating
Repairs/costs cited: Pressure plate replacement attempted, full transmission replacement ($10,000+) in some cases. Owners report replacement transmissions showing same failure modes. Parts unavailable; dealers offer aftermarket parts with reimbursement promise or deny coverage as driver-caused wear.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 20V124000, 21V028000, 23V116000 (software torque limiting and electrical rerouting). Parts unavailable for months/years on many VINs. Extended warranty with deductible offered in one case and declined by owner. Some dealers refuse to complete recall due to vehicle modifications.
Transmission Shift Failures (Automatic)
8-speed automatic transmission fails to shift into intended gears, gets stuck in single gears, or refuses to engage reverse. No diagnostic codes present despite failures. Issues range from temporary to complete loss of drive.
When: 18,624–65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails to shift into reverse; 'R' light flashes; Hard upshift from 3rd to 4th gear at certain RPMs; Transmission stuck in first gear on highway, unable to shift up; Loss of motive power while driving; Transmission slipping; No warning lights or diagnostic codes displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report no error codes found. Two transmission mount bolts found missing on one vehicle; one driveshaft bolt fractured. Full transmission replacement quoted at $6,000+. One owner replaced transmission at dealer; replacement exhibiting same slipping symptoms shortly after.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls specifically for automatic transmission shift failures noted in narratives. One owner reports unresolved case elevated to Jeep/Uconnect higher level with no transparency provided.
Sudden Unintended Reverse Engagement (2020 Gladiator, automatic, ~54k miles)
Vehicle in Drive gear unexpectedly reversed at high acceleration despite driver pushing gas pedal normally. Brake pedal became unresponsive. Incident caused collision with trees, sign, and curb during 10-second uncontrolled reversal.
When: 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle reversed despite being in Drive gear; High acceleration without driver input; Complete loss of braking function during incident; No warning lights or alerts before failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided; vehicle impounded/not returned to owner. Owner suffered rib and clavicle injuries.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Uconnect case opened; vehicle moved to dealer for inspection. Jeep/Uconnect refused to provide vehicle location, inspection results, warranty information, or malfunction diagnosis to owner. Case escalated but owner given no information.
Front Driveshaft Defect
Front driveshafts defective out of the factory, producing noise from front drive shaft area and causing hard pulling to one side. Parts backordered for weeks and months with no estimated arrival date.
When: Late February 2020 (early in ownership); diagnosed ~March 2020
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from front driveshaft area; Vehicle pulls hard to the right when noise occurs; Safety concern when defect manifests while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed defective front driveshafts; parts on backorder 4–6 weeks initially, then extended to 41+ days with no ETA. Dealer said safe to drive but problem worsened after disassembly. Owner returned rental car after 1 month due to cost; unable to drive vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA Customer Assistance approved rental car reimbursement only after vehicle repaired. Parts never became available during complaint period; vehicle left inoperable in owner's driveway.
Electrical Fire in Engine Compartment
Electrical wiring in engine compartment caught fire after battery replacement, destroying vehicle completely. Fire started in passenger-side electrical wiring below fuse panel; no warning lights before ignition.
When: Shortly after dealer battery replacement service; 'on the way home' from dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from around hood while driving; Electrical wire burning on passenger side below fuse panel; Complete vehicle fire within minutes; No warning lights or messages before fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; owner sustained burn injury attempting to extinguish fire. Fire department confirmed fire origin in engine compartment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty claim or manufacturer response documented. Vehicle inspected by fire department.
Transmission Explosion and Fire
Transmission exploded on highway during normal driving, ejecting transmission parts and fuel onto roadway and causing vehicle fire. Clutch grinding heard before failure; burning smell noted.
When: Highway driving at 80 mph in 6th gear; ~1/4 mile before exit ramp
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell detected by passenger; Transmission grinding; Sudden transmission explosion; Fire and flames from engine compartment and underneath vehicle; Transmission parts scattered on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Total loss. Vehicle completely engulfed in flames within 5 minutes of explosion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narrative.
Loss of Power Steering and Motive Power
Vehicle simultaneously loses power steering, motive power, and braking capability while driving at highway speed, forcing driver to coast to roadside. Multiple dealer visits failed to diagnose cause; unknown warning lights appear during events.
When: 55,000 miles and separately at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering without warning; Loss of motive power (engine power); Loss of braking power; Multiple unknown warning lights illuminated; Smoke from hood vents
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose despite multiple visits. Vehicle not repaired; remained at dealer undiagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Manufacturer not notified in one case.
Engine Compartment Fire (Power Steering Loss Related)
Power steering warning light illuminated on highway; driver lost power steering control. Upon stopping, smoke came from hood vents and engine bay became fully engulfed in flames.
When: Highway driving at highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering light illumination; Complete loss of power steering; Smoke from hood vents; Full engine compartment fire
Repairs/costs cited: Total loss. Fire department response required to extinguish fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Rear Locker Unintended Engagement
Rear locker engages while driving on highway in 2-High gear at highway speeds. Locker should only engage when vehicle is in 4-Low. Locker fails to disengage without roadside assistance intervention.
When: Two separate incidents: (1) Interstate at 70 mph in 2H; (2) Interstate at 70 mph while towing
Symptoms owners cite: Rear locker light illuminated and flashing on dashboard; Locker engaged despite being in 2-High gear (not 4-Low); Locker will not disengage after unintended engagement; Hard pulling sensation during unintended engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Roadside assistance and tow to dealership required to address engagement. No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narratives.
Rear Axle Differential Failure and Locker Issues
Rear left axle produces clunky noise; locker internal to axle fails prematurely. Multiple repair attempts unsuccessful. Differential replacement parts unavailable with no ETA. Warranty disputes arise over whether aftermarket gear changes void locker coverage.
When: Early ownership; locker failure at 17,000 miles on one vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Clunky noise from rear left axle; Locker failure/inoperability; Known widespread issue affecting many Gladiators
Repairs/costs cited: Locker internal to axle; cannot be serviced separately. Differential replacement parts unavailable; vehicle sat in shop unable to be repaired. One owner's locker warranty denied after gear ratio change, though locker was never touched.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denial on locker despite no direct work performed to locker assembly.
Intake Camshaft Lobe Wear
Intake camshaft lobes on passenger side wear prematurely, causing engine power loss and reduced fuel economy. Issue documented as prevalent across many vehicles with the 3.6L engine. Class action lawsuit filed in Delaware for this defect.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power loss; Declined fuel economy
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft inspection and replacement required. Class action lawsuit documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narrative; class action litigation ongoing.
Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Failure
Rear wheel speed sensor fails; replacement part installed but system does not reset or clear codes. Leaves vehicle with cascading failures: ABS offline, 4WD inoperable, traction control inoperable.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: ABS offline; Four-wheel drive system service required message; Traction control service required message; No code reset after part replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Part replaced; mechanic unable to reset system. National backorder on the part; true fix uncertain.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Service Shifter Error and Power Steering Loss
Vehicle displays 'service shifter' error, then loses power steering and enters limp mode. Occurs at highway speeds (70 mph), reducing power and capability mid-turn. Recurs despite multiple dealer attempts and diagnostics.
When: At least two incidents at highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: 'Service shifter' error message; Power steering loss; Vehicle enters limp mode; Reduced engine power; Difficulty controlling vehicle around turns; Unsafe slow-down required
Codes mentioned: Codes visible in system but dealers unable to duplicate failure or identify root cause
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits; codes viewable but failures not reproducible. Dealers unable or unwilling to identify root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Dealers blame external factors rather than vehicle defect.
Clutch Hydraulic Master Cylinder Damage (Post-Recall)
After recall repair for clutch pressure plate, dealership discovers hydraulic clutch master cylinder damaged. Dealer claims damage unrelated to recall and charges $580 for repair. Owner disputes this and believes damage resulted from recalled pressure plate fracture, which can cause collateral damage to transmission case and surrounding components.
When: Discovered during recall service (May 2025)
Symptoms owners cite: Hydraulic clutch master cylinder damage detected during recall inspection
Repairs/costs cited: $580 replacement cost quoted by dealership. Dealership provided no diagnostic evidence that master cylinder damage is separate from the recalled clutch pressure plate issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall (campaign number not specified in narrative) performed; dealer refuses to include master cylinder repair under recall coverage without clear evidence.
4WD System Service Failures (Post-Clutch Repair)
After clutch repair under 19A recall, vehicle develops ongoing 4WD service light failures and shifts into limp mode. Vehicle repeatedly breaks down or displays service light errors across multiple shop visits.
When: Post-repair (after 26 Nov 2023 clutch failure repair)
Symptoms owners cite: 'Serv 4WD' notice; Vehicle goes into limp mode; Unknown fluid leak day after repair; Repeated service light failures
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle in shop over 5 times since clutch repair; consistently experiencing new failures or unresolved issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 19A recall completed; no documented warranty support for subsequent failures attributed to repair work.
Manual Transmission Grinding and Slipping (New Vehicle)
Brand-new 6-speed manual transmission exhibits grinding during gear engagement, smoking/burning clutch smell, and slipping from initial delivery. Owner believes defect may be catastrophic and concerns about fire risk.
When: Less than 1 month of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Profuse smoking (burned clutch smell initially, no visible fire); Grinding during gear engagement; Transmission slippage; Owner concerns about potential fire or explosion
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle at dealership with no remedy available at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented at time of filing. Owner requested buyback.
Recall Parts Unavailability (Extended Delay)
Multiple owners notified of powertrain recalls (20V124000, 21V028000, 23V116000) but parts remain unavailable for months or longer, exceeding reasonable repair timeframes. Vehicles unable to be driven safely or operated while waiting for recall parts.
When: Various; complaints span from March 2020 through 2025; some parts unavailable for 300+ days
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch/pressure plate defect present (slipping, overheating, grinding, charring); Vehicles undriveable while awaiting parts; Owner stress and financial impact from extended inoperability
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers confirm parts unavailable; no ETA provided in most cases. VIN tool confirms parts not in stock. One owner reported 399+ days without remedy.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 20V124000, 21V028000, 23V116000 issued; manufacturing/supply-chain delays prevent actual implementation of remedy. No loaner vehicles, expedited repairs, or alternative remedies offered in documented cases.
Select Speed Control Grinding Noise
When engaging select speed control (cruise control), front driver-side metal-to-metal grinding noise occurs. Failure repeated on multiple occasions.
When: 2,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal-to-metal grinding noise from front driver's side when attempting to engage select speed control; Repeated occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not taken to dealer for diagnostics.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure; no documented response.
Synthesized from 45 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Vehicle not working properly
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 Jeep Gladiator?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator?
It's a meaningful issue. 45 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 4,900 and 38,700 miles, with the median around 18,624. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,900; a quarter make it past 38,700. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Jeep/Gladiator.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.