2021 Jeep Gladiator

Photo: Optimuspedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

2021 Jeep Gladiator: common problems and reliability

One of the weaker Gladiator years.

580 owner complaints, most about steering. 8 recalls.

Should I buy a 2021 Gladiator?

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has 580 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and power train.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

580
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
14
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

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

The Year Score compares this year with other Gladiator years only. How we score it

Is 2021 a good year for the Gladiator?

Across the 7 Gladiator model years we track, complaint volume runs from 112 (2023) to 580 (2021). With 580 complaints, the 2021 Gladiator sits above the model's median of 112.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

steering
188
power train
140
engine
106
electrical system
90
suspension
82

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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

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.

Show 4 more recalls

fuel system, diesel:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 23V263000

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.

power train:manual transmission:control module:software

Campaign 24V572000

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.

electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Campaign 24V652000

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."

steering:hydraulic power assist:pump

Campaign 26V363000

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.

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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Gladiator. See the full Gladiator owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Gladiator listings typically run $28,194–$35,398.

Other Gladiator model years

Compare every Gladiator year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Gladiator against its rivals

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