2020 Jeep Gladiator engine problems
45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator — 9% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“On May 27, 2026 at approximately 11:00 PM, my 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered catastrophic engine failure during normal operation at 78,190 miles. The alternator seized, causing the harmonic balancer (crankshaft damper) to fracture. The broken balancer fell into the engine…”
filed May 29, 2026
“At 90k miles head gasket failed letting coolant in engine cylinders which was diagnosed and repaired by a Jeep dealer. At 130k miles engine light back on with dealer suggesting it is rocker arm/lifter failure with cylinders misfiring. At initial purchase of vehicle touchscreen would black out and…”
filed May 5, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
CORE – HEATER
113271 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 7, 2026CORE – HEATER
113270 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 7, 2026BOLT - HEX FLANGE HEAD
112842 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 18, 2026
Engine problems in other Gladiator years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Gladiator | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 Gladiator | 7 | 13% |
| 2022 Gladiator | 20 | 17% |
| 2021 Gladiator | 53 | 19% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.