2021 Jeep Gladiator: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has 556 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and power train. Owners most often flag electrical system failures — very frequent reports of primary/auxiliary battery failures, wiring harness problems, fuse blowouts, and general can bus system faults causing cascading issues like power steering failure. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

556
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
14
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

steering
182
power train
132
engine
106
electrical system
90
suspension
78

Recalls affecting the 2021 Gladiator

power train:clutch assembly

Campaign 21V028000

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.

back over prevention:display function

Campaign 22V638000

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 compl…

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 22V767000

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…

power train:clutch assembly

Campaign 23V116000

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.

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear divide. The vehicle is celebrated by a dedicated enthusiast base for its unique open-air capability, unmatched off-road prowess, extensive aftermarket support, and the fun factor of a convertible truck. Owners who prioritize these

  • Electrical system failures — very frequent reports of primary/auxiliary battery failures, wiring harness problems, fuse blowouts, and general CAN bus system faults causing cascading issues like power steering failure. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine valvetrain/camshaft issues — recurrent mentions of problems with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, particularly lifter and camshaft failures, often occurring between 30,000-70,000 miles. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Poor on-road ride and handling — very frequent criticism for a rough, bouncy ride on pavement, excessive wind and road noise, vibrations at highway speeds (noted around 80-85 mph / 129-137 km/h), and vague steering. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Dealer and manufacturer service problems — recurrent reports of unhelpful service departments, lengthy repair times without loaner vehicles, and poor support from corporate Jeep in resolving issues. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Body leaks — recurrent mentions of water leaks, particularly around the freedom tops (removable roof panels) and rear window, even on new vehicles. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Gladiator.

Typical used price

Used Gladiator listings typically run $35,953–$45,999 across 2020 to 2026 model years.

Other Gladiator model years

2024 Gladiator
Full Jeep Gladiator owner reportCompare against another car