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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2021 Jeep Gladiator Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
71about this part
Share
24%of 292 total for the year
Median mileage
31,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, 24% of the 292 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,000 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Vehicle has irregular downshifts in lower gears. While braking the downshifts can be heard as well as felt. The sounds and shake from downshifts vary in loudness and strength. Occasionally while braking and the automatic transmission is downshifting, the vehicle will surge forward. The surge that can be felt can vary and seem like the vehicle is being hit from the rear by another vehicle or sometimes it may feel like a slight push from behind. While driving and braking at low speeds like in a parking lot the surge from downshifts are a definite safety concern. …”

NHTSA complaint #11374392, filed 2020-11, 10 miles

“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, filed 2026-06

“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, filed 2026-01

“COMPLAINT: It is unacceptable that there is NO fix for this safety recall. The vehicle can not be considered safe to drive by my local Jeep dealer until a fix is done. Jeep has had since Feb and still there is no remedy. I am losing the safe use and operation of my vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #11551664, filed 2023-10

“While driving multiple warnings appears on the dash including bus communication, airbag, transmission communication, and abs. The vehicles engine began to randomly change rpm. The transmission began to shift speratically and was unable to maintain speed. The vehicle would not allow me to turn on hazard lights to warn surrounding motorists. Similar warnings appeared on the dash once before and the vehicle would not start and left me stranded. …”

NHTSA complaint #11552467, filed 2023-10

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202517%
202429%
2023814%
20222118%
20217124%
20205511%

Other parts of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator

Steering
94 complaintsEngine
53 complaintsElectrical system
46 complaintsSuspension
41 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsOther or unknown
28 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsWheels
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology