Jeep recalls Gladiator and Wrangler for having ‘nap mode’

Stellantis said dealers will replace the instrument panel with an upgraded printed circuit board

Jeep has just announced a recall of more than 32,000 Gladiator and Wrangler models in the United States because the center instrument panel screen may automatically pause and go blank without any warning.

It turns out that the tiny 3.5-inch display on some models may decide not to show required indicators mandated by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, like the speedometer or warning lights. You know, the stuff that’s important while driving. Jeep says this could distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash without prior warning. It adds that once the screen goes black, it becomes inoperable and cannot be restored. The reason? A good old-fashioned short circuit.

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The recall affects a total of 32,863 vehicles. That includes 11,554 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiators built between June 8, 2019, and May 18, 2024. The Wrangler failure is more widespread, with 21,309 2018-2024 vehicles in need of repair. All of these vehicles were assembled between January 26, 2018, and May 17, 2024.

Jeep was first alerted to the potential problem on Oct. 14, 2022, after receiving reports of partial screens going black. Over the next 22 months, the company analyzed failure modes, warranty returns, and worked with supplier operations to determine which vehicles might have the short circuit. Jeep discontinued the 3.5-inch display on the Gladiator on May 18, 2024, and on the Wrangler on May 17, 2024.

Dealers will receive recall notices starting September 12, and owners will be notified starting October 3. The fix? Completely replacing the instrument cluster with a new one that features an upgraded printed circuit board that promises to fix the problem. Jeep will offer compensation for those who have already paid out of pocket to deal with this unexpected power-off feature.