NHTSA Complaint #11447066 — 2021 JEEP GLADIATOR

The vehicle fails to maintain idle. During normal driving conditions the idle spikes significantly and noticeable from 200 – 2,000 RPMs. The throttle surges unpredictably without driver input to the controls. The failure of the vehicle to maintain idle creates a serious safety hazard as it distracts the driver’s attention and substantially impairs the vehicle’s use during routine driving tasks. The failure to maintain idle malfunction was reproduced and confirmed by multiple service personnel at the local dealership. However, the Service Director falsified and backdated the service records to claim that they “couldn’t duplicate concern” and that the “vehicle is driving normal.” An FCA TA stated that, “There are certain scenarios where the engine's idle speed may increase normally without accelerator input, this would include A/C operation or alternator charging requirements, however the difference in rpm is very slight and most people do not notice it and it will not cause the vehicle to gain or lose speed.” However, the malfunction occurs with a fully charged battery and the climate controls off, and it is highly noticeable. The FCA TA stated that the vehicle was “operating as designed” when he could not recreate the failure to maintain idle malfunction. However, the same FCA TA stated the vehicle was “operating as designed” after he was able to recreate the failure to maintain idle. Both of these statements cannot be factually correct as they directly contradict. Four independent mechanic shops evaluated the vehicle and were able to recreate the failure to maintain idle. A new Service Director and a Service Manager at another dealership both recreated / observed the failure to maintain idle and said that it was not right. However, after inspecting the vehicle again the FCA TA stated that “this is normal characteristic of the vehicle”, implicating Jeep Gladiator Engineering Design Team. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.