2021 Jeep Gladiator problems & reliability
286 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, alongside 8 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
6 complaints report injuries (7 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles were involved in 36 fatal crashes with 9 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering → | 94 | 33% |
| Power Train → | 68 | 24% |
| Engine → | 53 | 19% |
| Electrical System → | 45 | 16% |
| Suspension → | 40 | 14% |
| Unknown OR Other | 27 | 9% |
| Fuel/propulsion System → | 19 | 7% |
| Service Brakes → | 16 | 6% |
| Exterior Lighting → | 13 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control → | 13 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 25,000 miles (middle 50% between 8,750 and 42,000 miles), based on 39 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Suspension · filed Jul 29, 2026
“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…”
Service Brakes · filed Jul 29, 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the inspection. The contact was advised to continue to park the vehicle…”
Steering · filed Jul 22, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Underhood fires
Preliminary Evaluation PE24024 · opened Sep 6, 2024 · open
- High pressure fuel pump failure
Engineering Analysis EA23001 · opened Mar 17, 2023 · open · led to recall 24V957
Technical service bulletins
693 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The 10 most recent:
CORE – HEATER
113271 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 7, 2026
CORE – HEATER
113270 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 7, 2026
Motor - blower with wheel
112862 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2026
Motor - blower with wheel
112863 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2026
BOLT - HEX FLANGE HEAD
112842 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 18, 2026
Check Engine Light (CEL) Illuminated with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0106 Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Performance Setting In The Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
S2609000009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 15, 2026
Heater - electric coolant
112856 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 15, 2026
Heater - electric coolant
112857 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 15, 2026
Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.
9100835 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 8, 2026
Passive Entry Exterior Door Handle Inoperative When Touched To Lock And Or Unlock.
S2623000040 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 5, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 25,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.