Use cautionVehicle recall · NHTSA · Published January 28, 2021
Jeep Gladiator 2020 Power Train Recall: Fire Risk from Overheated Clutch
Chrysler recalls 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles with manual transmissions due to overheated clutch components that may cause fire or debris falling onto roads, increasing crash 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.
“Jeep Gladiator 2020 Power Train Recall: Fire Risk from Overheated Clutch.” GovInfoNow, updated August 18, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/79744-jeep-gladiator-2020-power-train-recall-fire-risk-from-overheated. Based on NHTSA recall #21V028000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V028000).
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) recalled certain Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions due to overheated clutch components that may cause fire or loss of drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall on January 28, 2021.
How to tell if you have it
Jeep Gladiator, 2020-2021
Jeep Wrangler, 2018-2021
What to do
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. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
The hazard
The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture, increasing 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.
Context
GovInfoNow's records show Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has 417 other recalls on record since January 28, 2015. Other recent recalls of similar products include 2026 Ram 2500 Recall: Loss of Electronic Stability Control (October 6, 2026), Chrysler 2022-2026 Ram Promaster Steering Recall: Power Steering Failure Risk (September 29, 2026), and Chrysler 2026 Ram 1500 Air Bag Recall: Risk of Injury in Crash (September 29, 2026). NHTSA has received public reports including 484 owner complaints for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator with a latest receipt on October 12, 2026, and 1,827 owner complaints for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler with a latest receipt on October 14, 2026.
How to tell if you have this one
Check for 2020 Jeep Gladiator models with manual transmissions. The recall covers vehicles sold between 2020 and 2021.
Brand
Jeep
Category
Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy
What to do — step by step
Stop Using Vehicle
Do not drive the vehicle until the software update is installed.
Receive Software Update
Dealers will add software to reduce engine torque when clutch temperatures rise to a dangerous level.
Official remedy
What NHTSA says to do
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.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
Owners were mailed letters 35 days after NHTSA received the defect report.
1NHTSA received the defect report
2Owner letters mailed
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on August 18, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.