A Wrangler with a bed — which means the 'death wobble' and Pentastar leaks come along too. The optional EcoDiesel adds emissions risk.
The Gladiator brings Wrangler capability to a pickup body, and it inherits the Wrangler's traits: a solid front axle prone to the 'death wobble', the Pentastar's oil-cooler leaks, and the modifications owners love to add. The optional 3.0 EcoDiesel layers emissions complexity on top.
The solid front axle can develop a violent steering oscillation from worn components.
CHECK Inspect the track bar, ball joints, and steering damper and road test over rough pavement.
The plastic oil-filter housing leaks oil onto the engine.
CHECK Look for oil pooling in the valley and around the housing.
The optional diesel adds DPF, DEF, and EGR systems with known faults.
CHECK Scan after-treatment and verify regen and DEF operation.
Soft and hard tops leak and let water into the interior.
CHECK Check under the carpet for moisture and inspect seals.
Bidirectional OBD-II scan tool · Paint depth gauge · Tire tread depth gauge & DOT date decoder · Brake pad & rotor calipers / measurement tools · Battery & charging system tester · Compression and cylinder leak-down testers · Digital borescope · Floor jack and jack stands …
See the full Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection tool kit →
Pre-tagged for the Jeep Gladiator (2020–2024).