2020 Jeep Gladiator – Camshaft Failure AGAIN After Recall Fix. No Response from Jeep. VIN: 1C6HJTFG8LL131631

[SammyJeepGirl]

I’m beyond frustrated.

My 2020 Jeep Gladiator (VIN: 1C6HJTFG8LL131631) has been dealing with repeated engine issues: rough idling, flashing check engine light, and near stalling. The dealership diagnosed it as a failure of the camshafts, lifters, and internal components. This is a known and documented issue in these engines.

I’ve been dealing with this since August 2024, starting with spark plugs being replaced at a Ford dealership because I was trying anything to get the problem under control. That didn’t fix it. I then replaced coils, ran fuel treatments, changed the intake gaskets — nothing worked.

What makes this worse: Jeep already performed a recall repair for this exact issue in April 2023. They replaced camshafts, lifters, etc. That “fix” clearly failed, and the same components are now failing again.

The dealership submitted a Goodwill Repair request on June 26, 2025. I followed up with Jeep/Stellantis on July 2, and I have received NO response as of July 8. This is my only vehicle, and I’m stuck with a failing engine while Jeep refuses to respond or take responsibility.

I’m now escalating this to BBB, NHTSA, Jeep forums, and consumer protection outlets. If Jeep won’t take care of its customers, I’ll make sure the public knows what kind of service they can expect.


Jeep — do better.

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[chr15m]

I’m beyond frustrated.

My 2020 Jeep Gladiator (VIN: 1C6HJTFG8LL131631) has been dealing with repeated engine issues: rough idling, flashing check engine light, and near stalling. The dealership diagnosed it as a failure of the camshafts, lifters, and internal components. This is a known and documented issue in these engines.

I’ve been dealing with this since August 2024, starting with spark plugs being replaced at a Ford dealership because I was trying anything to get the problem under control. That didn’t fix it. I then replaced coils, ran fuel treatments, changed the intake gaskets — nothing worked.

What makes this worse: Jeep already performed a recall repair for this exact issue in April 2023. They replaced camshafts, lifters, etc. That “fix” clearly failed, and the same components are now failing again.

The dealership submitted a Goodwill Repair request on June 26, 2025. I followed up with Jeep/Stellantis on July 2, and I have received NO response as of July 8. This is my only vehicle, and I’m stuck with a failing engine while Jeep refuses to respond or take responsibility.

I’m now escalating this to BBB, NHTSA, Jeep forums, and consumer protection outlets. If Jeep won’t take care of its customers, I’ll make sure the public knows what kind of service they can expect.


Jeep — do better.

First of all, welcome to the forum and that's quite a first post.

AFAIK there is no "fix" for the potential issue with the rockers. They do replace the parts but that doesn't give anyone a safe timeline or remove the risk of it reoccurring at a later date. Getting 2+ years of service out the repair would not fall under the umbrella of failure in workmanship just about anywhere.

In regard to their response time, since 6/26 it has only been 7 working days, not trying to come across in an unsupportive way, but I'd give it a bit longer. Even then, the parts needed are currently still seeing delays in availability so getting a response may not result in immediate action either.

I'd also mention that while it seems frustrating, the dealership did submit the order as a goodwill request, so I'd consider that "them taking care of their customers".

For the issue of having no vehicle, the dealership should be able to provide a rental, although I don't know if that is possible in your situation. Every time I've been without a vehicle due to issues like this the dealer has provided a rental at no cost luckily. If not I'd discuss the issue with your insurance provider. That does suck no matter how you look at it.

How many miles did you add to the vehicle since the repair in 4/23?

 

[SammyJeepGirl]

First of all, welcome to the forum and that's quite a first post.

AFAIK there is no "fix" for the potential issue with the rockers. They do replace the parts but that doesn't give anyone a safe timeline or remove the risk of it reoccurring at a later date. Getting 2+ years of service out the repair would not fall under the umbrella of failure in workmanship just about anywhere.

In regard to their response time, since 6/26 it has only been 7 working days, not trying to come across in an unsupportive way, but I'd give it a bit longer. Even then, the parts needed are currently still seeing delays in availability so getting a response may not result in immediate action either.

I'd also mention that while it seems frustrating, the dealership did submit the order as a goodwill request, so I'd consider that "them taking care of their customers".

For the issue of having no vehicle, the dealership should be able to provide a rental, although I don't know if that is possible in your situation. Every time I've been without a vehicle due to issues like this the dealer has provided a rental at no cost luckily. If not I'd discuss the issue with your insurance provider. That does suck no matter how you look at it.

How many miles did you add to the vehicle since the repair in 4/23?

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I genuinely appreciate the perspective and the welcome.

You’re right that parts like rockers and camshafts don’t come with lifetime guarantees. But I think that’s exactly the point. Jeep knows these parts are prone to failure, which is why they issued the recall and performed the repair in April 2023. And yet, here I am again, 14 months and 12,000 miles later, dealing with the same failure. That’s not normal wear and tear. That’s a systemic design or quality issue that Jeep has yet to fully own.

I also understand that 7 business days might not seem excessive on paper. But from the customer’s side — especially when this is the only vehicle I rely on daily the lack of any communication from Jeep since the goodwill request was submitted on June 26 is unacceptable. I’m not expecting overnight parts. I’m expecting a response. A timeline. A case manager. Something that shows they’re engaged.

The dealership has been decent, and I’m glad they submitted the request. But the fact that they have to submit a “goodwill” request for a repeated failure of previously recalled parts is itself part of the problem. Jeep is treating this like a favor, not a responsibility.

As for the loaner, unfortunately, the dealership said it’s only available if Jeep approves the repair, which hasn’t happened yet. So in the meantime, I’m stuc and that’s a direct result of Jeep’s silence, not the dealer’s.

Bottom line: Jeep talks a lot about brand loyalty and customer connection, but this is one of those moments where actions speak louder than PR. I just want them to step up and stand behind the product especially when it’s already been “fixed” once.

 

[Hootbro]

Getting tired of us being Jeep's customer service whipping boys.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Yeah, it's an issue, and some have had it happen more than once. It sucks when it happens to you.

I’ve been dealing with this since August 2024, starting with spark plugs being replaced at a Ford dealership because I was trying anything to get the problem under control. That didn’t fix it. I then replaced coils, ran fuel treatments, changed the intake gaskets — nothing worked.

What makes this worse: Jeep already performed a recall repair for this exact issue in April 2023.

There's been no recall issued for this.

Sorry you wasted a lot of time and money tossing a bunch of parts at it.
Intake gaskets? Fuel treatments? coils? Very uncommon things on these.
Better to save the time and money and get a proper diagnosis.

I’m now escalating this to BBB, NHTSA, Jeep forums, and consumer protection outlets. If Jeep won’t take care of its customers, I’ll make sure the public knows what kind of service they can expect.

BBB, NHTSA, forums - won't matter, sorry. The first two will have no impact, especially the BBB. Automakers won't care. Be careful about going about it too hard, too far, too often and shouting to all of the blogs and forums and so on - you might get brushed off in a way you don't want. Don't come across as an angry person or a whiner - you'll get more ignored than attention.
It takes a lot of time to go through the Jeep channels - not hours or days, possibly weeks. There's been some people waiting for the parts for 2 or 3 months. So the yelling at them isn't going to make it go faster.
Sadly, everyone has already heard all of this over and over for years, 5 years so far. The problem is - you'll be seen as one among many.
Don't mean to sound defeatist, just don't expect anything from telling people how horrible Jeep is.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

In regard to their response time, since 6/26 it has only been 7 working days, not trying to come across in an unsupportive way, but I'd give it a bit longer. Even then, the parts needed are currently still seeing delays in availability so getting a response may not result in immediate action either.

I'd also mention that while it seems frustrating, the dealership did submit the order as a goodwill request, so I'd consider that "them taking care of their customers".

Exactly.

 

[Discmaniac]

I’m in the same boat. I’m just fortunate to have a TJ to drive while my JT is broken. I’ve had the goodwill claim in for 4 weeks with no updates and another 3-4 week wait for parts. I’m sitting at just shy of 62k, but still inside of the 5 years.

The dealer quoted over 5k for parts/labor if the goodwill claim doesn’t cover anything. It’s hard to stomach the idea of a 10-12k mile lifespan for the repair. Also absurd that this isn’t automatically covered given it’s clearly an issue with a component failing early or design flaw.

 

[Stan H]

I’m beyond frustrated.

My 2020 Jeep Gladiator (VIN: 1C6HJTFG8LL131631) has been dealing with repeated engine issues: rough idling, flashing check engine light, and near stalling. The dealership diagnosed it as a failure of the camshafts, lifters, and internal components. This is a known and documented issue in these engines.

I’ve been dealing with this since August 2024, starting with spark plugs being replaced at a Ford dealership because I was trying anything to get the problem under control. That didn’t fix it. I then replaced coils, ran fuel treatments, changed the intake gaskets — nothing worked.

What makes this worse: Jeep already performed a recall repair for this exact issue in April 2023. They replaced camshafts, lifters, etc. That “fix” clearly failed, and the same components are now failing again.

The dealership submitted a Goodwill Repair request on June 26, 2025. I followed up with Jeep/Stellantis on July 2, and I have received NO response as of July 8. This is my only vehicle, and I’m stuck with a failing engine while Jeep refuses to respond or take responsibility.

I’m now escalating this to BBB, NHTSA, Jeep forums, and consumer protection outlets. If Jeep won’t take care of its customers, I’ll make sure the public knows what kind of service they can expect.


Jeep — do better.

Jeep if your on here fix this Jeep !!!

 

[Stan H]

Getting tired of us being Jeep's customer service whipping boys.

Yah ,!! Giddy up!!!

 

[NC_Overland]

What recall? The only recall my 2020 has had was the stupid back up camera one. The steering gear was actually a TSB/warranty. 2020 3.6l/8AT 11/2019 build date.

 

[chr15m]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I genuinely appreciate the perspective and the welcome.

You’re right that parts like rockers and camshafts don’t come with lifetime guarantees. But I think that’s exactly the point. Jeep knows these parts are prone to failure, which is why they issued the recall and performed the repair in April 2023. And yet, here I am again, 14 months and 12,000 miles later, dealing with the same failure. That’s not normal wear and tear. That’s a systemic design or quality issue that Jeep has yet to fully own.

I also understand that 7 business days might not seem excessive on paper. But from the customer’s side — especially when this is the only vehicle I rely on daily the lack of any communication from Jeep since the goodwill request was submitted on June 26 is unacceptable. I’m not expecting overnight parts. I’m expecting a response. A timeline. A case manager. Something that shows they’re engaged.

The dealership has been decent, and I’m glad they submitted the request. But the fact that they have to submit a “goodwill” request for a repeated failure of previously recalled parts is itself part of the problem. Jeep is treating this like a favor, not a responsibility.

As for the loaner, unfortunately, the dealership said it’s only available if Jeep approves the repair, which hasn’t happened yet. So in the meantime, I’m stuc and that’s a direct result of Jeep’s silence, not the dealer’s.

Bottom line: Jeep talks a lot about brand loyalty and customer connection, but this is one of those moments where actions speak louder than PR. I just want them to step up and stand behind the product especially when it’s already been “fixed” once.

I understand your feelings and I hope you get something in the way of a response soon. I can certainly empathize. I sort of turned my back away from dealers and manufacturers warranties years ago for similar issues, only it was with Toyota.

I have no negative experiences with Jeep dealers and parts, but I've never had work done through them. That's based off my experience with Toyota though, honestly it was bad enough that I finally gave in and got the JT after finally giving up the idea that there is a fully reliable brand anymore. I'm happy I did and would not consider another Toyota for a long time.

What I can say is I've read similar complaints and it does suck to be in that situation. Perhaps to validate you some, I can say that my wifes Ineos Grenadier is a first year run and its had some minor bugs and issues. Only the issues aren't so much issues as they are the techs going above and beyond and doing replacements even when they encounter seepage. Nothing is ever an argument with Ineos, it does take months sometimes, but its been flawless outside of that. Still, I'm basically saying we've got a Grenadier with either a similar amount of issues or possibly more and I've had to be in a rental for about 4 months in total now, so its all kind of the same to me. Perhaps I don't have to wait 6-8 weeks for cams to arrive, but I have gone 3.5 months without a transfer case and stuck in a rental.

So I guess I hear you, but keep your head up if you can.

 

[Figmo]

What do you want them to do? Warranty it for life?

Yes, this is a known problem with these motors for some. But not like Jeep can design a new engine just for you.

It is what it is. And most they do is replace broken stuff with what exists. Which means, it may possibly break again.

Hope you get approved for the goodwill repair. But if not…well you’re gonna have to deal with that reality. And even if they bless you with this gift, it will take time to order parts and schedule the work. You’ll have to deal with that reality, too.

So yeah….I get it. You fell off the bike and it hurt like hell. Been there. Done that. But now it’s Time to stop whining and start making a plan.

forgive my bluntness.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

What do you want them to do? Warranty it for life?

Yes, this is a known problem with these motors for some. But not like Jeep can design a new engine just for you.

It is what it is. And most they do is replace broken stuff with what exists. Which means, it may possibly break again.

Hope you get approved for the goodwill repair. But if not…well you’re gonna have to deal with that reality. And even if they bless you with this gift, it will take time to order parts and schedule the work. You’ll have to deal with that reality, too.

So yeah….I get it. You fell off the bike and it hurt like hell. Been there. Done that. But now it’s Time to stop whining and start making a plan.

forgive my bluntness.

Honesty - and that's about all that can be offered aside from "sympathy" (to what end)


Sadly, what most of us know and the OP likely doesn't is that - it's going to take a lot more than a few days for any action at all (good or bad). You can't speed things up - it's not possible. And with the backorders on parts - like I said - there's been people waiting months for parts.

It reminds me of a person years ago who had an alternator fail and literally sent the story to every single automotive blog and magazine out there and the story was in pretty much every Jeep forum. As far as peer reactions, it sort of backfired.

And of course, as always, there's a lot we don't know.
The best thing would have been get it right back to have it diagnosed properly. When you have that sort of MIL and misfire action........... I suspect all of the taking to the ford dealership (of all places) and swapping all of those other parts likely took weeks, delaying a proper fix.

There literally isn't anything much that can be done in this case.
Even if a "goodwill" thing goes through - then there's the waiting in line for the parts. From what we have seen over the last few weeks, it's going to take weeks at least.

Aggravating as heck, but it's not something that can be controlled or changed and people pretty much already know how these things go - no news to anyone out there.

There's a truth out here - and that is - it's going to take days or more to get any word on "good will" and then it will take months to get parts - and the OP is just one in many dozens or more waiting for the same parts.
Post it in 100 places - won't change a single thing and won't really make any difference to Jeep or Jeep buyers or potential buyers.

 

[trekkar]

How many miles were on the JT when the 1st repair on 4/23 happened? That was all covered under warranty? Is it past the 5yr 60k mile warranty now? Or when was the original purchase date?

 

[chr15m]

How many miles were on the JT when the 1st repair on 4/23 happened? That was all covered under warranty? Is it past the 5yr 60k mile warranty now? Or when was the original purchase date?

Goodwill repairs imply its out of the warranty period.

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