2021 Jeep Gladiator problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 292 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, most often about steering. There are 8 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
292
Recalls
8
Crashes
7
Fires
3
Injuries
7
Median mileage
20,000 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Steering is the most-reported problem area, named in 94 of 292 complaints (32%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (71) and engine (54) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 20,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 7 crashes, 3 fires and 7 injuries.
  • The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has 8 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 2nd of 7 Jeep Gladiator model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 35% fewer complaints than the 2020 model year (449).

2021 Jeep Gladiator problems by category

  • Steering · 2 crashes
    94 complaints
  • 71 complaints
  • Engine · 1 crash
    54 complaints
  • 46 complaints
  • Suspension · 3 crashes
    41 complaints
  • 33 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 2 crashes
    28 complaints
  • Brakes · 2 crashes
    17 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    14 complaints
  • Lighting
    13 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    12 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    9 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    9 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    4 complaints
  • Body & Structure · 1 crash
    2 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Steering91
Power train67
Engine53
Electrical system46
Suspension40
Unknown or other28
Fuel/propulsion system20
Service brakes16

When problems happen (mileage)

16Under 10k1510k–30k1330k–60k260k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Jeep Gladiator complaints that list mileage.

2021 Jeep Gladiator recalls (8)

  • Recall 26V363000Jun 4, 20261,076,999 vehiclesPark outside
    STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.

    Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 21D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.

  • Recall 24V652000Sep 5, 202432,863 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

    Risk: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.

  • Recall 24V572000Aug 1, 202494 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.

    Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.

  • Recall 23V263000Apr 13, 202345,832 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.

    Risk: Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 01A.

  • Recall 23V116000Feb 23, 202369,201 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

    Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.

  • Recall 22V767000Oct 13, 202260,413 vehicles
    ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.

    Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.

  • Recall 22V638000Aug 25, 20227,895 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.

  • Recall 21V028000Jan 28, 202142,887 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

    Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • PE24024Opened Sep 6, 2024Closed Sep 24, 2026led to recall 26V363

    Underhood fires

    On September 6, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24024 to investigate allegations of engine compartment fires in model year 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. Most reports described fires starting on the front passenger side of the engine compartment while the vehicle was turned off, with several originating specifically at the electrohydraulic power steering pump's electrical connector. Following the opening of the investigation, ODI sent an information request letter to the vehicle manufacturer to assess the cause, scope, and freque…

  • EA23001Opened Mar 17, 2023Openled to recall 24V957

    High pressure fuel pump failure

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a compreh…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Jeep Gladiator PU/CC 4WDNot Rated★★★★☆Not Rated★★★☆☆

Recent 2021 Jeep Gladiator complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 30, 2026INElectrical System
    While I was driving home with 2 of my boys, the instrument cluster malfunctioned and went completely blank while driving. I had a mechanic check the vehicle and the fuses were/are working fine. He stated that he found issues online about Jeep Gladiators from this model year having issues with the instrument cluster suddenly going blank due to a parts issue. There is an active recall for this issue, but my truck is not included. When I called Jeep Customer Care, I was told…
    NHTSA complaint #11768114 · source
  2. Filed Sep 28, 202626,000 miNYTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that two years ago the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); to prevent the clutch from overheating. However, the failure started after the vehicle was repaired under the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was taken to an authorized…
    NHTSA complaint #11767386 · source
  3. Filed Sep 9, 2026MATransmission & Drivetrain
    My Transmission is skipping on 3rd gear ratio code and reverse is getting stuck with only 70,000 2021 and i was the only owner.
    NHTSA complaint #11763209 · source
  4. Filed Aug 24, 2026COTransmission & Drivetrain
    Component Affected: Power Train / Automatic Transmission (850RE 8-Speed)Description of Safety Hazard:While driving my 2022 Jeep Gladiator (53,940 miles), the transmission experienced a severe internal component failure, specifically throwing error code P0733-00 (Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio). This causes the transmission to violently slip, shift harshly, or completely fail to engage 3rd gear while accelerating.This creates an immediate and severe safety hazard on public…
    NHTSA complaint #11759160 · source
  5. Filed Aug 14, 202638,000 miALSuspension
    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on uneven road surfaces, the vehicle experienced violent shaking in the front end and the steering wheel. The contact stated that the vibration reoccurred while depressing the brake pedal and ceased after the vehicle had decelerated. The failure was associated with the death wobble. A diagnostic test was performed at a dealer, and an estimate for the repair was provided;…
    NHTSA complaint #11757024 · source
  6. Filed Aug 11, 2026GAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise Control
    Truck failed to find gear shuddered lost speed in traffic while going up a hill. Limp mode was initiated. This is a known manufacturers defect with a tsb applied against the known issue. Issue is widespread when researched but not made known by the manufacturer of the truck. Dealership refusing repair under goodwill due to truck being out of mileage by 5000miles. Symptoms started prior to exiting warranty but due to no communication by dealership or manufacturer unit was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11756306 · source
  7. Filed Jul 29, 2026MDSteeringSuspension
    I am experiencing the "Jeep Death Wobble" which occurs intermittently after hitting any road imperfections i.e. uneven road surface connections, potholes, or rumble strips, causing a violent and sudden shaking of the steering wheel at highway speeds. I feel like the wheels are going to fall off it shakes so bad!!! I either have to slow down to under 45 mph or less, or come to a complete stop in order for it to stop wobbling. This does not happen on smooth road surfaces. I…
    NHTSA complaint #11753502 · source
  8. Filed Jul 29, 2026MDBrakes
    Front brake caliper(s) was seizing up causing smoking and a burning smell. Vehicle was also pulling to the right when braking. Brake fluid or something like it coated the front drivers side wheel. Took vehicle back to dealership where vehicle was purchased new. Vehicle is still under warranty/extended warranties. The dealer did inspect and found front calipers to be seizing up causing excessive wear on brake pads and rotors. They did replace both front calipers but not the…
    NHTSA complaint #11753476 · source

Compare the 2021 Jeep Gladiator with another vehicle →

Other 2021 Jeep models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology