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 ↗2021 Jeep Gladiator powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator have filed 60 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 42,000 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
60
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Gladiator | 45 |
| 2021 Gladiator (this page) | 60 |
| 2022 Gladiator | 19 |
| 2023 Gladiator | 6 |
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Jeep Gladiator we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 60.
Owners have filed 60 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
The 2021 Gladiator powertrain complaints center on several distinct failure modes. Manual transmission clutches overheat during routine driving, triggering overheat warnings and potentially causing transmission case cracks, bell housing ruptures, and fire. One owner reported transmission catching fire; another experienced transmission explosion with shrapnel. Recall 23V116000 was issued with software fix or clutch replacement as remedy, but parts have been delayed repeatedly from July 2023 into 2024, leaving owners driving vehicles manufacturer admits are unsafe.
Manual transmission second gear slips and pops out during driving, with one owner on his third transmission by 26,000 miles—each unit failed identically with disintegrated synchros. Automatic transmissions downshift harshly and surge forward during braking.
Electronic throttle control fails to return to idle within the federal 1-second requirement, taking 5.2 seconds on average with unpredictable 200–1,500 RPM spikes. This was confirmed by dealership staff and FCA's own technical advisor but dismissed as "operating as designed."
Engine power derates suddenly to 45 mph on highways in temperatures above 85°F while towing, with no warning. Right rear axle seals leak from 200 miles onward, spraying gear oil onto brake rotors and pads, creating brake contamination hazard. Owners report dealerships claiming no recalls exist despite Customer Service Notification 26A addressing this exact issue on thousands of vehicles.
Vehicles also exhibit stalls without warning, multiple electrical fault codes appearing simultaneously, and transmission communication errors. One owner's dealership cleared stored fault codes without performing any repairs.
Same Jeep Gladiator powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle Return Delay / Electronic Throttle Control Malfunction
Electronic throttle control fails to return to idle within the 1-second requirement specified by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 49 CFR 571.124. Vehicle exhibits unpredictable throttle spikes of 200–1,500 RPM with foot completely off accelerator. Average return-to-idle time measured at 5.2 seconds. Defect confirmed by multiple dealership personnel and FCA Technical Advisor, though manufacturer claims vehicle operates as designed.
When: Throughout ownership; reproduced consistently by dealership staff
Symptoms owners cite: Unexplained throttle surges without driver input; Delayed return to idle (5.2 seconds vs. 1-second requirement); Loss of throttle control on freeway while towing; Multiple dashboard warning lights (electronic throttle, traction control, stability control, forward collision warning, cruise control, stop/start, adaptive cruise)
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle control fault codes (not explicitly named), P-codes related to stability control module and transmission communication (stored then cleared by dealer)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA Technical Advisor acknowledged failure to return to idle within 1 second but claims vehicle 'operating as designed.' Dealership falsified and backdated service records claiming 'couldn't duplicate concern.'
Clutch Overheat and Pressure Plate Failure (Manual Transmission)
Clutch assembly overheats during routine and stop-and-go driving, triggering overheat warnings and potentially causing transmission case cracks, internal component disintegration, power loss, and fire risk. Recall 21V028000 issued but remedy delayed. One vehicle experienced transmission catching fire; another had transmission explosion with bell housing rupture and shrapnel ejection.
When: 6,000 to 85,000+ miles; as early as 28,000 miles in some cases; clutch failures also reported at 26,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch overheating warnings: 'Clutch Hot,' 'Performance Limited,' 'Reduce Clutch Use,' 'Turn Off Vehicle and Let Clutch Cool Down'; Burning smell and smoke from clutch area; Power loss or inability to maintain gear engagement; Transmission case cracking and heating debris expelled; Transmission bell housing fracture with grinding/metallic noises; Transmission fluid dumped on highway; Vehicle fire (at least one reported); Synchro disintegration in transmission
Codes mentioned: Fault code related to clutch pressure plate (specific codes not provided by manufacturer; Jeep refused to release printout claiming proprietary information)
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch and pressure plate replacement; transmission case and bell housing replacement; transmission fluid replacement; in some cases entire transmission replacement. One owner's repairs done as 'goodwill gesture' despite recall status. Another owner refused reimbursement for clutch replacement after overheat event.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V028000 (Power Train). Campaign 23V116000 (Power Train) issued for manual transmission clutch with parts availability delayed from July 2023 to September 2023 to potentially January 2024 and beyond. Remedy is software modification (power derate when excessive heat detected) or clutch replacement. Estimated 70,000 clutches require replacement. Manufacturer has not provided remedy or assistance to affected owners; some advised to continue driving despite known fire risk.
Manual Transmission Gear Slippage and Synchro Failure
Manual transmission second gear pops out of gear intermittently during driving, progressing to inability to maintain gear. Internal inspection reveals disintegrated synchro components and other worn internals. One owner on third transmission by 26,000 miles with same failure mode on each unit.
When: 8,000 to 10,000 miles on initial and replacement transmissions; continued failure on multiple replacement units
Symptoms owners cite: Second gear popping out of gear while driving; Inability to keep transmission in second gear; No warning lights; Gradual escalation from occasional to frequent to impossible to maintain engagement; Risk of loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement (multiple replacements on single vehicle); teardown inspection showed disintegrated synchros and internal component failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmissions replaced but no engineering findings provided to owner. No warranty extension or lemon-law assistance mentioned.
Automatic Transmission Harsh Downshifts and Surge
Automatic transmission exhibits irregular and harsh downshifts in lower gears, accompanied by audible grinding and vehicle surge forward during braking. Surge can range from slight to feeling like vehicle is being hit from rear.
When: Throughout ownership; not consistent on every downshift
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh downshift sounds and vibration; Vehicle surge forward during braking; Surge varies in strength; Issue inconsistent across different vehicles and driving scenarios
Transmission Failure and Slipping
Transmission slips and jerks abnormally while driving; in one case transmission failure diagnosed at 119,000 miles requiring full replacement. In another, transmission slips in third gear after clutch failure and overheating incident.
When: 119,000 miles in one case; after clutch overheat event in another
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal rough shifting; Transmission slipping; Vehicle jerking abnormally; Check engine light illuminated (then reset by dealer without diagnosis); Third gear slippage after clutch damage
Codes mentioned: Check engine code (specific code not disclosed)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement needed but not yet completed in all cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but provided no assistance. Owner advised to contact NHTSA hotline.
Engine Stall and No-Start Conditions
Vehicle stalls without warning while driving at highway speeds or fails to start. In one case, stall occurred after 7 minutes of driving at 40 mph with no dash warnings. In another, vehicle remains in crank-no-start condition hours later with batteries fully charged. One vehicle experienced sudden electrical power loss affecting dash lights, windows, and battery drain.
When: As early as 1,400 miles; up to 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall at speed with no warning lights; Crank-no-start condition persisting 8+ hours; No dash warnings or symptoms before failure; Complete electrical power loss after stall (dash lights, windows stop working; batteries drain)
Repairs/costs cited: PDC (Powertrain Control Module or similar) replacement required; battery terminals adjusted in at least one case as temporary fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership suspects manufacturing defect related to PCM and COVID-era production issues; suspects possible relation to open recalls.
Power Derate / Engine Power Limitation in Hot Conditions and While Towing
Vehicle reduces engine power to 45 mph (limit 1/4 mile drop from 65+ mph highway speed) in hot ambient temperatures (85°F+) or while towing camper well below maximum tow rating. Occurs multiple times per year with no warning. Vehicle overheats (oil temps reaching 265°F) and cooling system suspected to be undersized.
When: When ambient temperature 85°F or above; while towing in hot conditions; on uphill grades in heat
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden drastic power reduction (65 mph to 45 mph within 1/4 mile); Multiple check engine lights illuminate; No warning before derate occurs; Oil temperatures rising to 265°F; Occurs repeatedly in same thermal conditions; Vehicle derates while towing load far below maximum rated capacity
Codes mentioned: Multiple check engine codes (not specified)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple factory service centers and Jeep directly claim never heard of issue and have no advice. No TSB or software update offered.
Rear Axle Seal Leak (Right and Left Passenger Side)
Right rear axle seal leaks fluid onto brake rotor, caliper, pads, and wheel assembly, creating brake contamination hazard and potential brake failure risk. Gear oil contamination can lead to metal-to-metal differential wear and metal shavings in differential housing. Issue affects thousands of Gladiators according to forum reports but manifests with no warning lights.
When: As early as 200 miles; common by 3,500–60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Axle fluid visible on rear wheel inner surface; Fluid sprayed over brake rotor, caliper, pads, and wheel assembly; Fluid in driveway; 'Rear Axle Locked' message flashing on instrument panel (in some cases); No warning lamps illuminated; Issue only discovered through visual inspection or forum awareness
Repairs/costs cited: Right rear axle shaft replacement (per Customer Service Notification CSN 26A); some dealers replacing entire axle assembly
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Service Notification (CSN) 26A for right rear axle shaft. Some owners told by dealership 'no recalls exist' despite CSN and forum reports of thousands affected. One owner refused reimbursement after discovery during warranty period and told to get second opinion. Parts not yet available for some recall repairs.
Head Gasket Failure
Head gasket failed at approximately 60,000 miles, causing engine damage. Vehicle had recent full service and inspection at 60,000 miles with no issues identified, yet failure occurred shortly after.
When: ~60,005 miles (shortly after warranty expiration at 60,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden head gasket failure; Engine damage
Repairs/costs cited: Engine repair required; owner requested goodwill assistance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner requested goodwill repair or assistance from Mopar, citing recent full service with no detection of issue.
Reverse Gear Malfunction
Vehicle will not reverse or engage reverse properly. Reverse and drive indicator lights flash on shifter column but no function.
When: 2,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not reverse when shifter placed in reverse; Reverse and drive indicator lights flashing on shifter; No warning light illuminated
Transmission Warning / Limp Mode with Service Messages
Vehicle displays 'Service Transmission - Continue to Drive - Do not shift or turn vehicle off' message at startup, unable to disengage from accessory mode. Transmission warning light illuminated, limiting shift capability.
When: 57,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Message 'Service Transmission - Continue to Drive - Do not shift or turn vehicle off until you reach desired location as you may not be able to shift again'; Service transmission warning light illuminated; Unable to disengage accessory mode; Vehicle not starting as expected
Multiple Electrical / Control System Faults
Vehicle displays multiple simultaneous dashboard warnings for bus communication, airbag, transmission communication, ABS, stability control module, and traction control. Engine randomly changes RPM, transmission shifts erratically, and vehicle cannot maintain speed. In one case, hazard lights would not activate. Previous occurrence left vehicle unable to start.
When: Throughout ownership; vehicle stranded at least once with no-start
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple simultaneous dashboard warnings: bus communication, airbag, transmission communication, ABS, stability control module malfunction; Engine randomly changes RPM; Transmission shifts erratically; Vehicle unable to maintain speed; Hazard lights inoperable; Previous no-start condition
Codes mentioned: P-codes stored in memory (cleared by dealer prior to return without repair)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed no repairs for underlying issue; simply cleared stored codes
Transmission Rattle and Power Cut in Second/Third Gear
When accelerating in second or third gear, transmission rattles and engine cuts power abruptly.
When: During normal acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission rattle when accelerating in 2nd or 3rd gear; Abrupt engine power cut
Start/Stop System, Traction Control, and Display Malfunction
Start/stop mechanism stops working. Traction control randomly turns off during driving as does instrument panel display. Systems do not reactivate until vehicle is powered off and restarted. Early clutch failure reported without overheating warning.
When: 28,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Start/stop system inoperable; Traction control randomly turns off while driving; Instrument panel display randomly turns off; Systems require vehicle restart to reactivate; Clutch burned up without warning at low mileage
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch/flywheel replacement needed; warranty claim denied by Jeep despite early failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep warranty denied coverage; dealership acknowledged issue is rare at this mileage but stated manufacturer will not cover.
ABS, Traction Control, and 4WD System Fault Codes Due to Axle Failure
Right rear axle shaft failure (related to recall 26A) triggers active fault codes in ABS, traction control, and 4WD systems, disabling these safety systems. Traction control engages unexpectedly during normal driving on dry roads in straight lines, cutting all power and disabling drivetrain.
When: Over 6 months of persistent failure; most critical incidents in month prior to report
Symptoms owners cite: Active fault codes in ABS system; Active fault codes in traction control system; Active fault codes in 4WD system; Traction control activates without cause during straight-line driving on dry roads; Traction control prevents all acceleration when activated; Vehicle becomes temporarily inoperable during traction control engagement; Requires vehicle shutdown and restart to recover drivability; ABS triggers intermittently during normal driving and braking
Codes mentioned: ABS fault codes, Traction control fault codes, 4WD system fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Right rear axle shaft replacement (recall 26A); however, parts not yet available and owner instructed to continue driving vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 26A for right rear axle shaft. Both dealership and Chrysler direct customer service deflect responsibility to each other, refusing escalation. Owner told no way to help and to wait for parts while continuing to drive vehicle.
Synthesized from 60 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The vehicle operates in direction violation of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): 49 CFR 571 Standard No. 124 outlining the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards governing the operation of the Accelerator Control Systems. The “standard establishes requirements for the return of a vehicle's throttle to the idle position when the driver removes the actuating force from the accelerator…
Right rear axle leaking possibly causing brake contamination and unexpected decrease in braking
Had powertrain trouble with your 2021 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 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 60 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 6,000 and 57,000 miles, with the median around 42,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,000; a quarter make it past 57,000. 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/2021/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.