Purchasing Used Gladiator

[Short Stuff]

New to the group and looking for advice, please. Looking to purchase a used Rubicon or Mojave. Google says to stay away from 2020 and 2021’s. Your thoughts?

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[Maximus Gladius]

Know what you’re looking at. Have your eyes and ears sharp to see and hear what’s not right. You could have found a gem, you could have found one never cared for but the sales guy washed it up nice and pretty and your senses are dulled by the desire to have it. See the lips of the sales guy moving but doubt everything they’re saying. It’s not about them, it’s about you.

Get it inspected, pull the service records, if maintenance was done by the owner and never brought in, ….probably no service records nor the ability to speak with the previous owner, etc.

Good luck.

 

[KevinC]

Stay off google.

Spend some time reading the forum and you will find plenty of 20-21 JT's with high mileage and heavy duty use still going strong.

 

[Labswine]

The main reason to stay away from those built in late '20 through '21 is that those are the COVID years. Quality control (QC) departments were severely understaffed and a lot of 'less than what they should be' parts got through and into the vehicles. Plus, QC at the Jeep plant was also lacking, meaning quite a lot of shoddy work got through.

I have spoken with (in person, not here) quite a number of people who bought Gladiators manufactured during that period of time and had nothing but problems with them. The biggest issue was the rear end (axle system) crapping out with less than 10K miles on them. Have also read here quite a number of people with major engine issues from that build era.

So, that's the manufacturing time frame I'd avoid.

 

[NC_Overland]

The main reason to stay away from those built in late '20 through '21 is that those are the COVID years. Quality control (QC) departments were severely understaffed and a lot of 'less than what they should be' parts got through and into the vehicles. Plus, QC at the Jeep plant was also lacking, meaning quite a lot of shoddy work got through.

I have spoken with (in person, not here) quite a number of people who bought Gladiators manufactured during that period of time and had nothing but problems with them. The biggest issue was the rear end (axle system) crapping out with less than 10K miles on them. Have also read here quite a number of people with major engine issues from that build era.

So, that's the manufacturing time frame I'd avoid.

The rear end thing was about early gladiators period. My 2020 was built pre covid and the whole rear end assembly was replaced under warranty because it popped really loudly when turning at low speeds. 2020 3.73 with trashlock.

However, I’d much rather have a pre-covid parts quality issues and Stellantis build quality Gladiator. Much less engine and transmission issues.

 

[Mark.N]

Agree with getting it inspected by a third party. Also if you have a OBD module, get JScan from the App Store and check for any faults.

 

[Mister Lamb]

I'd go Mojave over Rubicon when going used for the sole fact that the Mojave was less likely to endure as extreme terrain. Also I had a 2021 Willy's that was built during Covid and throughout the 3 years had not a single issue

 

[DiehardTory]

The main reason to stay away from those built in late '20 through '21 is that those are the COVID years. Quality control (QC) departments were severely understaffed and a lot of 'less than what they should be' parts got through and into the vehicles. Plus, QC at the Jeep plant was also lacking, meaning quite a lot of shoddy work got through.

I have spoken with (in person, not here) quite a number of people who bought Gladiators manufactured during that period of time and had nothing but problems with them. The biggest issue was the rear end (axle system) crapping out with less than 10K miles on them. Have also read here quite a number of people with major engine issues from that build era.

So, that's the manufacturing time frame I'd avoid.

Jeep/FCA did not build the rear Diff assembly.. a Vendor (Dana) did.

 

[Figmo]

I'd go Mojave over Rubicon when going used for the sole fact that the Mojave was less likely to endure as extreme terrain.

You could be on to something. I can’t be certain, but I think the one I bought might have endured some “extreme terrain” by the previous owner…

 

[Gatorac]

You could be on to something. I can’t be certain, but I think the one I bought might have endured some “extreme terrain” by the previous owner…

That's fine. It'll buff out. I don't see any mud sooooo....

 

[Hootbro]

Every used vehicle is a pig in a poke. If you are not versed on mechanicals and know what to look for, I would suggest buying from either CarMax or a dealership CPO vehicle. Not that those two offer any guarantee you will get a gem out the gate, just that they are easy to deal with should you have problems.

2020 and 2021 were the teething years for the Gladiator that fixed a lot of the nit-noid issues with TSB's and recalls but were incorporated in later 2022+ builds.

 

[Figmo]

That's fine. It'll buff out. I don't see any mud sooooo....

Yep… she buffed up pretty good.

bringing it back on topic though, OP: if you’re not mechanically inclined, or don’t have the space to work on a vehicle, you might be better off sticking with a dealership or other reputable dealer who offers a warranty. At least then, if you get a lemon, they can help you work through the problems.

However, if you have the talent, the tools, and the tactile workspace - then WTH….throw caution to the wind like I did and just score the best deal you can find.

 

[NC_Overland]

I'd go Mojave over Rubicon when going used for the sole fact that the Mojave was less likely to endure as extreme terrain. Also I had a 2021 Willy's that was built during Covid and throughout the 3 years had not a single issue

So you’d rather it being jumped in the desert than rock crawled? Just take a look underneath a Rubicon. You’ll be able to tell pretty quickly if it’s been abused or not.

 

[The Acme Company]

I had both a 2020 Launch Edition Rubicon and a Mojave.

The launch edition was mechanically flawless. The collision detection system was a bit sensitive but I hate technology and turned it all off.

the rear axle issue was a locker actuator on the Mojave. FCA was replacing the entire axle at that time, but I believe that later repairs were only the actuator

 

[40x40]

New to the group and looking for advice, please. Looking to purchase a used Rubicon or Mojave. Google says to stay away from 2020 and 2021’s. Your thoughts?

hey ms. short stuff i bought my 2021 rubicon new and have had ZERO issues. the axle problem some speak of is a sensor on the dana differential. if it is wonky you will see a problem light on the dash. the simplest preemptive fix is the z-automotive locker. 30 second install. i am unaware of other issues. what specifically was the "google" issue?

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