2021 Jeep Gladiator engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

54 owners have reported engine problems with the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, 18% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 23,000 mi.

Engine complaints
54
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
2
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
23,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine53
Engine and engine cooling1

Engine complaints across Jeep Gladiator years

44202054202120202272023320241202512026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k510k–30k130k–60k160k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Nov 4, 2025FLTowedElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that there were several unknown warnings illuminated, and the instrument cluster had started flashing on and off. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed down while depressing the accelerator pedal and continued to lose motive power. The contact stated that a warning flashed on the instrument cluster to "Pull Over"…
    NHTSA complaint #11697415 · source
  2. Filed Oct 6, 2025CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    I am writing regarding my 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave, which recently suffered engine damage due to a faulty head gasket. I understand the vehicle is approximately 5,000 miles over the 60,000-mile warranty; however, I believe this issue should not be my financial responsibility given the circumstances. At around 60,000 miles, I brought my Jeep in for a full service and inspection to ensure it was in top condition. I was informed at that time that everything looked fine and…
    NHTSA complaint #11691593 · source
  3. Filed Jul 31, 202520,000 miCAFire1 injuredTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, there was an alarming amount of white smoke emanating from the engine compartment and permeating the interior of the vehicle, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and evacuate the vehicle. Moments later, the entire front of the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. Local Emergency Services arrived on the scene and were able to extinguish the fire. During…
    NHTSA complaint #11677537 · source
  4. Filed Jun 2, 2025MIElectrical SystemEngine
    Hi - So my 2021 Jeep gladiator has 2 batteries. The battery that controls the auto start-stop system failed (while driving). I was at a light on a busy road and the auto stop/start kicked in at a light but because of the failed second battery with no warning, my Jeep died would not start backup and I was unable to even get it into neutral. So I was forced to sit in heavy traffic until the wrecker came. My complaint it why no warning and why did it go into auto stop mode when…
    NHTSA complaint #11664396 · source
  5. Filed May 29, 202525,000 miNYEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was test-driven; however, the dealer refused to diagnose the vehicle while it was covered under warranty. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the camshaft had failed, and the engine oil cooler housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle…
    NHTSA complaint #11663726 · source
  6. Filed May 19, 2025COEngine
    Failed Right intake camshaft and roller rocker arm. Failure causes misfires and limp mode to be activated when trying to pass and accelerate and in my case was while going up a hill and unable to complete a safe pass of another truck. Known issue by Jeep and Stellantis as they have redesigned a kit for this specific part and upgraded software to increase pressure to the oiling system, but they have failed to replace parts and are 12000 orders behind on parts at ths current…
    NHTSA complaint #11661775 · source
  7. Filed May 14, 2025WIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Multiple cylinders miss fire, Camshaft 1 position slow responding. cylinder2, 4, and 6 repeatedly misfire. Passenger side engine is making excessive noise. This is the information given to me by Van Horn jeep mechanic. also confirmed by advanced auto. Advanced auto stated this is the 3rd jeep they have had in their shop recently to replace a faulty Camshaft. My Jeep only has 66024 hwy miles. Vin [XXX] (2021Jeep Gladiator) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF…
    NHTSA complaint #11660862 · source
  8. Filed Sep 11, 2024TXElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    My vehicle has about 17,000 miles. Both key fobs are failing to connect with the vehicle. The batteries have been checked by the dealership to determine the fobs are in working order. Without having the fob work, I am unable to unlock my doors or start the engine. Thankfully, learnng my fobs were not connecting occured while in my garage at my home. However, if this occured while away from home, or at night, I would have been stranded with no access to drive the vehicle. My…
    NHTSA complaint #11613962 · source
  9. Filed Apr 12, 202498,000 miWAEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a valve knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment, the check engine light had illuminated and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact received codes that indicated an engine misfired in cylinder three and cylinder five. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the…
    NHTSA complaint #11582627 · source
  10. Filed Dec 8, 2023CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not…
    NHTSA complaint #11559196 · source
  11. Filed Dec 8, 2023CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not…
    NHTSA complaint #11559195 · source
  12. Filed Oct 23, 202346,000 miTXTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. While the contact was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound in the engine compartment and then…
    NHTSA complaint #11551326 · source

Other 2021 Jeep Gladiator problem areas

Back to all 2021 Jeep Gladiator problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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