2021 Jeep Gladiator transmission & drivetrain problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

71 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, 24% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 31,000 mi.

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints
71
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
3
Median mileage
31,000 mi

Specific components reported

Transmission & Drivetrain covers: transmission shifting, slipping, axles, driveshaft, transfer case.

ComponentComplaints
Power train67
Power train:automatic transmission1
Power train:automatic transmission:internal:clutches/bands1
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft:seal1
Power train:clutch assembly1

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints across Jeep Gladiator years

522020712021212022820232202412025
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

4Under 10k110k–30k430k–60k160k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 24V572000Aug 1, 202494 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.

  • Recall 23V116000Feb 23, 202369,201 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.

  • Recall 21V028000Jan 28, 202142,887 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 28, 202626,000 miNYTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that two years ago the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); to prevent the clutch from overheating. However, the failure started after the vehicle was repaired under the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was taken to an authorized…
    NHTSA complaint #11767386 · source
  2. Filed Sep 9, 2026MATransmission & Drivetrain
    My Transmission is skipping on 3rd gear ratio code and reverse is getting stuck with only 70,000 2021 and i was the only owner.
    NHTSA complaint #11763209 · source
  3. Filed Aug 24, 2026COTransmission & Drivetrain
    Component Affected: Power Train / Automatic Transmission (850RE 8-Speed)Description of Safety Hazard:While driving my 2022 Jeep Gladiator (53,940 miles), the transmission experienced a severe internal component failure, specifically throwing error code P0733-00 (Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio). This causes the transmission to violently slip, shift harshly, or completely fail to engage 3rd gear while accelerating.This creates an immediate and severe safety hazard on public…
    NHTSA complaint #11759160 · source
  4. Filed Jul 15, 2026ARTransmission & Drivetrain
    2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S equipped with 6 speed manual transmission purchased from Landers Jeep in Little Rock Ar. Vehicle required the A-19 clutch recall. Recall was completed and I took ownership 6/17/2025. I returned the vehicle within the first week of ownership due to the "service transmission" light periodically coming on. Dealership reset the clutch counter and attempted to give me advice on how to drive a vehicle I was more than capable driving before purchasing.…
    NHTSA complaint #11750672 · source
  5. Filed Jul 7, 2026INTransmission & Drivetrain
    Engine oil light came on. Inspected at Tom Obrien Jeep for low oil pressure. Technician found that one of the oil sprayers was not bolted onto block, screw was there and tight, sprayer was in oil pan. It was incorrectly assembled. Jeep would not warranty due to lack of oil change receipts which is irrelevant.
    NHTSA complaint #11748859 · source
  6. Filed Jun 11, 2026LATransmission & Drivetrain
    Engine light came on, vehicle went into limp mode. Transmission would not shift any higher than 3rd gear and kept slipping while on interstate! Was almost hit by several 18 wheelers! Jeep dealership said our vin is not part of the service bulletin but they did get the P0733 code! Make it make sense! I guess we’re supposed to get run over by 18 wheelers before they’ll fix it!
    NHTSA complaint #11743537 · source
  7. Filed May 30, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain
    There was a recall for the clutch. I took it to the dealer (Autonation Jeep in Santa Clarita, CA). Ever since then, there is an intermittent, non-reproducible grinding and clicking (sound and feeling through the pedal) in the clutch (like a loose piece/nut is bouncing around and clanking and grinding against the clutch). The clutch pedal is also more spongy, catching only about halfway down, and sometimes feeling like at full depression it is not entirely engaged. I have…
    NHTSA complaint #11741018 · source
  8. Filed May 25, 2026LATransmission & Drivetrain
    I recently experienced significant transmission issues, specifically hard engage in reverse (cold), and failure to shift higher than 3rd gear. The rear axle is leaking and the front axle is shaking. My jeep has the P0733 code for the D-clutch failure confirmed at a Jeep dealership, along with the steering damper Campaign XF1 and the Dana M220 axle (TSB 03-001-23) and should be included in these TSB’s/CSN’s/Campaigns! It is currently sitting at the Jeep Dealership in…
    NHTSA complaint #11739847 · source
  9. Filed May 20, 2026NCTransmission & Drivetrain
    Last year I received a message, letter and perhaps an email related to my jeep and recall for the clutch plate assembly. The recall was performed twice because first was incorrect. Transmission had to be replaced a few weeks later. Since then, I've had numerous visits to dealership, and had several incidents this week traveling across country to clear "Service Transmission messages: on the display, and two incidents where the jeep went into "limp mode" at high speeds. Four…
    NHTSA complaint #11739011 · source
  10. Filed Feb 18, 2026NYTransmission & Drivetrain
    Passenger side rear axle leaking gear oil. Issued was repaired by dealership No warning I just saw the oil on the tire and in my driveway
    NHTSA complaint #11718716 · source
  11. Filed Jan 15, 2026UTSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
    My vehicles rear locker went out on me while driving on the road and completely destroyed itself. I have video evidence on how that looks at the shop where it cost me over 3k to get a new one because I could t drive it or I had to get a whole new rear differential. My steering is already been going loose at 70k miless
    NHTSA complaint #11711060 · source
  12. Filed Nov 21, 2025VAOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    Without any warning and after about 7 minutes of driving, Jeep turned off while driving at about 40 mph. There were no dash lights or warnings and the Jeep has never had an issue or any other symptom previously. Would not start and had to be towed. 8 hours later it was still in a crank no start condition. Both batteries were fully charged so not a battery issue. I'm a long time Jeep owner, VP of the Middle Peninsula Jeep Association LLC and fairly well versed in Jeep…
    NHTSA complaint #11700771 · source

Other 2021 Jeep Gladiator problem areas

Back to all 2021 Jeep Gladiator problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology