Why Jeep is Recalling its Hot-Selling 2020 Jeep Gladiator

This has to be infuriating for Jeep. It is being forced to recall its popular and fun new mid-size 2020 Gladiator because of a supplier's mistake.

I have had the chance to drive the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator and it is clear why Jeep has a certifiable hit on its hands. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is one of the most anticipated vehicles in years and new owners are thrilled to get them. I can only imagine Jeep’s frustration that one of its suppliers made a mistake while assembling a component and now Jeep must recall about 5 percent of its brand-new vehicles.

Jeep Gladiator Recall Involves Driveshafts

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is releasing information about the recall that is due to start on October 18th, 2019. The recall involves 3,427 2020 Jeep Gladiators, that may have a driveshaft that was assembled without grease in a key joint. Some of the vehicles are so new they may be still on dealer lots.

NHTSA Safety Recall Report on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator

In the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, it says that the vehicles that are being recalled were built from December 15, 2018 through June 25, 2019. The actual driveshafts were assembled by DANA Corporation.

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Supplier’s Mistake With the Gladiator Driveshaft

According to NHTSA, the recalled driveshafts are missing grease in the monoblock joint near the rear of the vehicle. The joint could seize up and force the Gladiator to stop abruptly. If the driveshaft came off entirely, it could be an obstacle for another driver. Either way the problem driveshaft could increase the possibility of a crash. At this point, Fiat Chrysler says it is not aware of any injuries because of the driveshaft.

How Jeep Will Resolve the Driveshaft Issue

Jeep will notify the owners of the affected vehicles and dealers will replace the problem driveshafts, free of charge. It is estimated that they won’t have the replacement parts until mid-October. The FCA number for the recall is V95. The NHTSA number for the recall is 19V-636. If any owner is concerned, they can contact the FCA hotline at 1-800-853-1403.

Mary Conway covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin. Follow Mary on Twitter at @maryconwaymedia.