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The 2022 Jeep Gladiator takes the best of the Wrangler and incorporates a truck bed for cargo-carrying space. The automaker claims it “answers the call of adventure.” However, there are some significant flaws. For instance, owners are complaining about the much-reported “death wobble,” as well as engines and electrical systems that shut down.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2022 Jeep Gladiator
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Steering | |
| Electrical System | |
| Suspension | |
| Engine | |
| Air Bags | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Power Train | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal | |
| Vehicle Speed Control |
Most Common Problems with the 2022 Jeep Gladiator
A total of 12 consumers laid complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the 2022 Jeep Gladiator between May 24, 2022, and January 30, 2023. While 10 components or systems are mentioned, there is considerable cross-over.
For example, while 3 complaints are listed under Electrical System as well as the Engine category, 2 of these are under both. There are four complaints that report the infamous “death wobble” or symptoms that describe it. One is filed under Engine and the others under Steering and, Suspension.
Other complaints describe a faulty transmission and a faulty clutch, both filed under Powertrain.
Some dealers appear unable or unwilling to help 2022 Gladiator owners. For example, a Pennsylvania owner’s foot got caught between the brake and accelerator pedals while approaching a stop sign. It took visits to several dealers before the owner was told that the accelerator pedal was lower than the brake pedal. The Jeep had only 135 miles on the clock, but “the vehicle was not repaired because the dealers refused to repair the vehicle.”
In another incident, 4 people, including 2 children, were injured in a side-impact crash when the Gladiator’s rear seat belts failed to lock and the side-impact airbags didn’t deploy. Even though there was no front impact, the front airbags did deploy. According to the Alabama owner, “the dealer will not discuss the issue.” At the time of the complaint in June 2022, the Jeep was in the possession of an insurance company.
Recalls
About 4 months after the airbag incident, Jeep announced a recall, NHTSA Campaign Number 22V766000. Ironically, while the recall is for seat belts with pretensioner failure that may not restrain occupants during a crash, it is only for front seat belt pretensioners. It was, of course, the back seat pretensioners that failed in the crash mentioned above.
There are 2 other recalls. One relates to 60,413 Jeeps with a faulty fuel pump. If it fails, the engine can stall, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no indication that the vehicles experiencing shutdowns had faulty fuel pumps.
The third recall is due to a malfunctioning parking mechanism that can lead to vehicle rollaway.
Steering Problems
The Jeep lineup of SUVs has never been known for superior steering capability, but the Gladiator seems to take the issues to another new level.
Previous models have been deemed defective because of something known as the “death wobble.” This condition made the trucks almost impossible to control due to defective axles and damping systems. Even after class-action lawsuits related to the matter, it appears that Jeep continues to send trucks off the production line with the same control issues.
“Death Wobble” Complaints
There are 3 complaints to the NHTSA about the 2022 Gladiator listed as having steering problems. All of them describe the infamous “death wobble.” Another, listed as an engine problem, describes the same symptom when driving uphill. There is a “steering wobble” and the engine rattles.
An owner from Utah filed a complaint about “the ‘death wobble’ I experience every time I get on the highway and hit a bump. I lose control over the vehicle.” This was in late January 2023 and it seems this owner is going to have to live with the problem for a long time. The parts needed to fix the problem are on backorder and won’t be available for about 6 months.
Other owners describe how their Gladiators vibrate uncontrollably. An owner from Colorado says it happened after hitting a bump at just over 55 mph. A Georgia owner says it happened while driving over a series of raised areas on a roadway. “Suddenly the steering wheel started shaking violently and then the entire jeep was shaking back and forth like it was going to come apart.” Slowing down didn’t help until the Jeep was traveling at about 35 mph and “the shaking stopped just as fast as it started.” About 3 hours later it happened again at 45 mph while traveling at 45 mph. “My research found ‘Jeep death wobble’ as a possible failure point.”
Problems with the Engine & Electrical System Shutting Down
Some drivers say the check engine light comes on before the Gladiator shuts down. Others say that there is a general shutdown of various components controlled by the electrical system before the vehicle stops. The power steering may also be affected.
NHTSA Complaints
An owner from Indiana says the “check engine” light came on warning that the 1-week-old 2022 Gladiator with only 300 miles on the clock would be shutting down. It “died while driving and wouldn’t restart!” Warnings also alerted the driver to service the power steering. The next day, the Jeep still wouldn’t restart.
A Maryland owner says there were no warning messages before his 2-month-old Gladiator malfunctioned. The power steering “went out,” it started beeping, and then every system shut down one at a time. The vehicle was immobile. It was only after the Jeep stopped that warning messages were initiated. The dealership, which was only about 500 feet away, said the “shifter was loose,” and fixed it. But 2 weeks later the problem recurred. On both occasions, the owner was stuck in the middle of the road, at risk of being struck by oncoming vehicles. The complaint adds that owners of other Jeeps, including different models and model years, have posted reports of the same issues on social media.
An owner from Florida experienced this issue on December 28, 2022, less than 60 days after buying a 2022 Gladiator. The complaint states that the Jeep “locked up at a stop light” on a busy 6-lane road. All the dash lights were blinking and the wipers came on. The driver couldn’t move the shifter or turn the vehicle back on. The hazard lights weren’t working either. He had the Gladiator towed to a dealership. “I explained what happened and they had never heard of this before,” which is surprising given the many reports in the public domain from other owners about the issue.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
One of the typical factors that identify a lemon is a recurring problem that affects the use and value of the vehicle. If you are experiencing any problems with your 2022 Jeep Gladiator you may correctly assume that it is a lemon. But your best approach is to let the experts work out your lemon case for you. The law makes Jeep pay the legal fees, so it won’t cost you anything.
Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners. So, if you think you might be a lemon owner, contact Lemberg Law. We specialize in lemon law cases and have helped thousands of owners with settlement agreements. Call our Helpline or fill out a contact form if you want us to assess your case free of charge.
Complaint Data
| Category | Air Bags, Electrical System |
| Date | Mar 21, 2023 |
| State | AR |
| Description | The contact owns a 2022 jeep gladiator. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle or while driving at various speeds, the air bag and sos warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, and she was informed that there was an electrical short in the electrical wiring. The vehicle had been serviced three times under warranty; however, the failure returned after each repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Mar 14, 2023 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The contact owns a 2022 jeep gladiator. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the horn, windshield wipers, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated and flashing. The vehicle turned on and off until the battery drained. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the auxiliary battery, fuse, fuse box, and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. While driving, the vehicle turned on and off. The electrical system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, griffin chrysler dodge jeep ram valdosta (4164 n valdosta rd, valdosta, ga 31602) to be diagnosed and it was determined that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 16,700. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Mar 01, 2023 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | When the vehicle hits a bump at highway speeds of 65-70mph it can lead to a very strong vibration or shaking of the steering wheel. At this speed it is very "frightening" and feels like total loss of control of the steering as it was unable to change lanes. Driver must immediately slow down to 45-50mph to regain control which could have impacted other following vehicles and possible rear end collision. |
| Category | Steering, Suspension |
| Date | Feb 20, 2023 |
| State | TN |
| Description | Ran over a small bump at highway speeds almost lost control as the front end started to wobble and shaking steering wheel. Every time I go over a bridge span or a small bump going freeway speeds front end shakes and have to slow down for wobbling to stop. |
| Category | Steering, Suspension |
| Date | Feb 07, 2023 |
| State | KS |
| Description | When at highway speeds 50+mph, and I hit a bump, vehicle begins to shake in varying degrees of severity. Slowing down, stopping completely, or something another bump will stop the shaking. Vehicle is stock, not alterations have been made. Has been brought to the attention of service techs at olathe jeep. Informed issue may be with steering stabilizer, part on back order. Noticed issue at 5000 miles. Has been ongoing for months, no resolution. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages, Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal |
| Date | Jan 30, 2023 |
| State | PA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2022 jeep gladiator. The contact stated while approaching a stop sign and attempting to place his foot on the brake pedal, the contact's foot became caught between the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to several dealers and the contact was informed that the brake pedal was higher than the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealers refused to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 135. |
| Category | Steering, Suspension |
| Date | Jan 27, 2023 |
| State | UT |
| Description | This is to file a former complaint against jeep for the “death wobble†I experience every time I get on the highway and hit a bump. I lose control over the vehicle. The dealership said the parts to fix the problem are on back order and cannot even be order for up to 6 months. |
| Category | Exterior Lighting |
| Date | Jan 23, 2023 |
| State | NH |
| Description | When driving in snowy conditions at night the led headlights and driving lights do not put off enough heat to keep the headlights cleared of snow. This results in the snow packing in the headlight area disbursing light in every direction but straight ahead. The snow coming at you as you drive is thus lit up but there is not enough light emitted forward to light the road. Driving around 30 mph yields a light only a couple of feet in front of the vehicle. This creates a very dangerous condition. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jan 04, 2023 |
| State | UT |
| Description | 2022 jeep gladiator. Consumer writes in regard to engine rattling while driving uphill & steering wobble. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Exterior Lighting |
| Date | Dec 28, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | My 2022 gladiator with only 2700 miles on it locked up at a stop light. Every light on the dash was blinking, and the wipers came on. I couldn't move the shifter, or turn the jeep back on. Hazard lights would not come on initially. Not being able to move the vehicle or turn on hazard lights on a busy 6 lane road was extremely scary. I have never had a vehicle do anything like this before. I had it towed to the dealership. I explained what happened and they had never heard of this before. I have read of it happening on social sites and forums. I feel uncomfortable driving it even if they repair it. I bought this vehicle less than 60 days ago as of this message. |
| Category | Steering, Suspension |
| Date | Dec 27, 2022 |
| State | GA |
| Description | Driving on i495 in alexandria virginia, on 26-dec-2022 at 1746 hrs est, north bound, at 55 mph, I drove over a series if raised areas on the roadway and suddenly the steering wheel started shaking violently and then the entire jeep was shaking back and forth like it was going to come apart. I slowed down as much as I could and moved over to a more or less vacant lane. This action made no difference at all, until the other traffic got out of our way as we slowed down (at rush hour) and then when we were at 35 mph the shaking stopped just as fast as it started. On the way home about 3 hours later, we hit some of the same raised strips (bumps) and had the same issue again at 45 mph. My research found "jeep death wobble" as a possible failure point. |
| Category | Steering, Suspension |
| Date | Dec 09, 2022 |
| State | CO |
| Description | When driving over 55 mph and hitting a bump, the vehicle intensely and dangerously vibrates and nearly causes me to lose control. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Oct 14, 2022 |
| State | PR |
| Description | On sept 23, the vehicle went into the dealership service department to replace an apparent faulty transmission oil pan gasket, and today october 14, my gladiator had to be towed to the dealership because the problem was not resolved, causing the check engine light to come on and additional loss of transmission fluid, apparently coming from the main seal. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Sep 25, 2022 |
| State | IN |
| Description | The check engine light came on and said the vehicle will be shutting down and the vehicle died while driving and wouldn't restart! It said to service the power steering, vehicle not in service electronic stability control. It currently still won't restart. It has 300 miles and is one week old. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Aug 06, 2022 |
| State | MD |
| Description | Vehicle is 2 months old and has 3,704 and 3,839 miles at each incident. When driving about a mile from home, the power steering went out, beeps and every system shutting down one at at time. Wipers turned on and took many tries to both turn the truck on on off. The vehicle was immobile. And could neither be shut off or on without multiple tries after sitting waiting for a tow (dealer was only about 500 feet away) I retried and had enough power to get it to the dealer. They "fixed" it saying the shifter was loose. 2 weeks later, the same problem occurred and got stuck in my neighborhood. The vehicle could have been uncontrollable at higher speeds and shifter eventually locked wheels/gears when in motion, when trying to begin moving from a stopped position. There is a possibility of being stuck on railroad tracks or compromised with steering control on winding terrain or poor weather conditions. I was stuck in the middle of the road on both incidents and at risk for being struck by oncoming vehicles. No warning signs were initiated before the incident or during multiple immediately preceding driving trips. Notification of system problems was only made after the incident and power steering failure happened and as the driver manually brought the vehicle to a stop. The first incident of this was reported to the jeep dealer, who inspected and reported as a loose shifter component and documented as repaired 2 weeks prior to the 2nd incident. I have video of the dash board waring signs after the vehicle was stopped. Other owners have posted the same issues and same recordings on social media. Vehicles reported on-line involve different jeep models and years. |
| Category | Air Bags, Seat Belts |
| Date | Jun 29, 2022 |
| State | AL |
| Description | The subject jeep gladiator was involved in a side impact collision on june 18th, 2022. During the collision, the rear seat belts did not lock resulting in two children colliding with the rear of the two front seats. The side impact airbags did not deploy despite the impact being quite severe. The front airbags did deploy despite there being no impact to the front of the vehicle. Both the seat belts failing and the lack of side impact airbag deployment presents a safety hazard to the rear occupants of the vehicle in the event of a crash. The front airbags deploying without the requisite impact presents a safety hazard to front occupants of the vehicle. The seat belts still will not lock with any amount of pressure. The dealer will not discuss the issue and the insurance company, through a repair shop, currently has possession of the jeep. There was no warning of any kind that the seat belts would not lock and the airbags would not deploy/deploy. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | May 24, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The clutch burned out, fly wheel with hot spots, on a 2022 gladiator with 4400 miles only. A lot of smoke was coming out from underneath the car. We have to get out of it. The car in at the dealer trying to get repair. We don't know if it was a pressure plate malfunction. There was a burning smell 3 days prior to the break down. I know there was a recall for faulty clutch on wranglers n gladiators. Same symptoms as my 2022 gladiator. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones
I have 2002 Gladiator and similar to other reporting the death wobble. Running over a small bumps at highway speeds causes violent shaking steering of the steering wheel. Happens every time I go over a bridge transition or a small bump going highway speeds and have to slow down to under 40mph for wobbling to stop.
I have a 2022 jeep gladiator rubicon, been to the service dept 5 times already for same problem. Check engine light comes on and off mostly after a big rain. They never call say they cant duplicate the issue. The light flashes which means pull over immediatley. We have a video on our cellphone of it flashing. We get compliments on its looks and love it but we are paying a big payment for it to sit in the shop in murfreesboro tn.
2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Diesel
Only 2800 miles and constant engine light and DPF problems already. There are some many people having issues!