2022 Jeep Gladiator User Complaints and Problems
The 2022 Jeep Gladiator has no recorded complaints listed to its name. Even on unofficial forums, the pickup truck seems utterly reliable. However, since the latest iteration of the vehicle has been recently launched, it cannot be considered as a reference point to understand its reliability. So, it is best to scavenge through the complaints of the previous iterations to gauge a practical perspective about the truck. Listed below are the most common complaints of Jeep Gladiator and their implications on the ownership experience.
Mechanical Complaints
- Uncontrollable steering system: The Jeep Gladiator death wobble is an issue common across all the model years of the truck. Since the introduction of the 2020 iteration, complainants have reported the Gladiator truck swaying at higher speeds. While the problem begins with the excessive shuddering in the front suspension unit, drivers have recorded their inability to control the steering wheel as a consequence. This increases the chance of a crash and though no such case has been reported in 2022 MY of the SUV, Jeep has been unable to provide a full-proof solution to the problem.
- Overheating of clutch plate: Another mechanical concern of the Jeep Gladiator is concerned with the overheating of its clutch pressure plate. In the units equipped with a manual transmission unit, the clutch pressure plate remains at risk of overheating. While there is no known cause for the concern, an overheated plate can break during operation, increasing the risk of a crash. To deal with this issue, Jeep has introduced two separate recalls, referenced by NHTSA IDs 20V124000 and 21V028000.
- Vehicle lurches forward: In a handful of cases across the 2020 and 2021 iterations, buyers of the Jeep Gladiator have also reported the vehicle to violently lurch forward. Despite the accelerator pedal being depressed, the truck gains speed and surges forward without any input. While no injuries have yet been reported, the truck has crashed into adjacent surfaces in a couple of incidents.
- Rear-axle leak: The right rear-axle seal of the Jeep Gladiator truck might be defective in some of the units. As a result, it allows the oil from the shock absorber reservoir to leak onto the brake pistons, affecting their potential. As a result, the braking capabilities of the truck might reduce, and if not tended timely, this issue can also increase the risk of a crash.
Electric System Complaints
- Improper functioning of the defroster: The Jeep Gladiator’s electrical problems might be restricted, yet its only complaint can be concerning. In some units of the truck, buyers have reported the inability to perform its intended function. It fails to cover the entire windshield, and consequently, the visibility of the driver at the extreme ends remains compromised.
Structural Complaints
- Cracking of windshield: As is a problem with several vehicles in the market, the Jeep Gladiator’s windscreen cracks or chips even at the slightest inconvenience. While the problem was prevalent in the 2020 MY, Jeep has introduced a new windscreen made out of Gorilla glass to combat the issue. While the problem has yet not been eliminated, the recurrence of the issue in the truck and also the Wrangler SUV has reduced significantly.
The Jeep Gladiator problems might seem restricted, but some of these concerns are largely worrisome. Issues like the wobbling of the steering system are yet to be treated by the brand. However, the performance of the truck has improved largely. Compared to 2020 MY which had 190 complaints, the 2021 Gladiator has only 78 complaints to its name.
Compared to the American truck, options from adversaries like Ford and Toyota also deliver cent-percent performances and have no complaints about their names. However, the Japanese truck, the Honda Ridgeline has already had 10 complaints to its name, which is a considerable number for a brand that resonates with reliability.
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Category
|
Number of complaints
|
|
Fuel and Propulsion System
|
11
|
|
Service Brakes
|
15
|
|
Forward Collision-Avoidance
|
4
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
13
|
2022 Jeep Gladiator Recalls
As was with complaints, the 2022 Jeep Gladiator has not yet been recalled by the brand. Even in the outgoing iteration, the truck was called back only once. However, since the Gladiator is a part of the first generation launched as 2020 MY, it is important to have complete knowledge about the recall history of the vehicle. Listed below are the recalls that have been initiated by the brand for the truck and the remedies that have been provided to the buyers.
|
S. No
|
Date
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NHTSA ID
|
Issues Noticed
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Additional Remarks
|
|
1.
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28th Jan 2021
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21V028000
|
Overheating of the clutch pressure plate
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In vehicles equipped with a manual transmission unit, the clutch pressure plate might overheat and fracture.
|
|
2.
|
24th Sept 2020
|
20V580000
|
The seat belt retractor might not slow movement
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The front seat belt retractor might not slow the occupant’s forward movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
3.
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2nd Apr 2020
|
20V191000
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Malfunctioning rearview camera
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Due to an error in the software, the rearview camera’s image might continue to display on the screen, even when the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse.
|
|
4.
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3rd Mar 2020
|
20V124000
|
Overheating of the clutch pressure plate
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In vehicles equipped with a manual transmission unit, the clutch pressure plate might overheat and fracture.
|
|
5.
|
29th Aug 2019
|
19V636000
|
Rear driveshaft missing grease in monoblock joint
|
Due to an error in the assembly, the rear driveshaft might be missing grease in the monoblock joint. As a result, the driveshaft might break or separate when the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash.
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In direct comparison, none of the Jeep Gladiator’s rivals have been called back in their latest iteration. Additionally, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab and 2022 Ford Ranger SuperCrew also remain unscathed when complaints are concerned. However, on the other hand, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline has 10 complaints listed against its name.
|
Component Affected
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
|
Safety
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Exterior
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Electric
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
Interior
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
Drive System
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
|
Fuel System
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Engine
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Which Jeep Gladiator model year should you avoid?
As the only option in the pickup truck segment from the brand, the Jeep Gladiator has abundant expectations to live up to. In most areas, it does deliver mind-blowing performance. However, in its debut iteration, the truck seemed to be riddled with problems. It had 190 complaints registered on the NHTSA website and had been called back five times by the brand. So, amongst its restricted iteration list, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is the one that buyers should avoid.
Should you buy a used Jeep Gladiator?
The Jeep Gladiator has enough potential to be your daily driver. It gains ascendancy over its competitors when off-roading capabilities are concerned and sits at a similar position in terms of towing and hauling capacities. The Gladiator is a partner for your adventurous getaways while remaining commercially viable. Additionally, it resonates with reliability. Though it has had its fair share of complaints, the truck’s performance has improved considerably over the past year. So, if we were to buy a midsize pickup truck that is both practical and functional, a new and used Gladiator will rank highly on our list.
