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2021 Jeep Gladiator

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Gladiator years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator are substantially higher than the model-year median of 23.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 46 of 290 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 94 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports3 fire reports6 injury reports

Steering complaints

94 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2021
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other

8000 miles on new purchase, never off road, this Jeep goes into a violent shimmy/wobble 60-70 when in an ever so slight off of center steering angle on the freeway after crossing an expansion joint or other sharp road irregularity. Coasting down is the only way it goes away. Full Throttle acceleration out doesn't help, nor hard …

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8000 miles on new purchase, never off road, this Jeep goes into a violent shimmy/wobble 60-70 when in an ever so slight off of center steering angle on the freeway after crossing an expansion joint or other sharp road irregularity. Coasting down is the only way it goes away. Full Throttle acceleration out doesn't help, nor hard braking. It's NOT consistent, but it's happened to me three times in recent weeks as the summer temperatures subsided from the 80's F into the fall 40-60 F. Again, purchased brand new May 2021, tire pressures are proper, only driver, no other passengers or cargo. The onset is unexpected and frightening. The local Dodge / Jeep dealer where I have had one oil change seems to be unaware of a fleet issue or problem. It seems to be widely reported on various automotive blogs. Please help. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11440390

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2021
Steering

The steering seems like it has a lot of play and when driving you have to do a lot of corrections to keep vehicle in its lane

NHTSA ODI #11439317

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2021
Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or Other

This is the second occurrence I’ve had with this vehicle. While driving on a rural two lane highway, traveling approximately 60 miles per hour, my instrument cluster began to flash a “Service Shifter” warning. This warning was simultaneously joined by a check engine light, random readings of speed, rpm fluctuations, activation o…

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This is the second occurrence I’ve had with this vehicle. While driving on a rural two lane highway, traveling approximately 60 miles per hour, my instrument cluster began to flash a “Service Shifter” warning. This warning was simultaneously joined by a check engine light, random readings of speed, rpm fluctuations, activation of the un-commanded activation windshield wipers, and intermittent loss of power steering. Video of this incident is available from when it occurred in May 2021 at 9000 miles, and again in October 2021 at roughly 18000 miles. It is unknown what system or components are causing this error. The first occurrence was cleared by reseating of fuses, however this second occurrence cannot be resolved so far. The vehicle has been in the shop for 12 days so far with no end in sight. The repair problem has been elevated to FCA by the dealership. My primary safety concern with this incident is the sudden loss of power steering. Should this had occurred to a less experienced driver, roads in poor condition due to weather, or higher speeds, this incident certainly could result in a loss of vehicle control.

NHTSA ODI #11437911

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2021
Steering

I purchased a new 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. The steering wanders at all speeds causing continuous correction of the steering wheel. The vehicle drifts and is potentially a safety hazard. The dealership does not acknowledge there is a problem with the 2021 model.

NHTSA ODI #11437450

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2021
Service BrakesSteeringWheels

Leaking axle , transmission fluid leaking onto wheel and brakes. Was deemed unsafe to drive, parts on back order. Car swerves hard to right doesn’t steer straight

NHTSA ODI #11434131

Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2021
SteeringVisibility/wiper

The vehicle has a lot of wandering movement while driving. The undercarriage of the vehicle and the driveshaft/steering feels like it is loose. The vehicle is difficult to keep on a center point in the lane Inez; it drives like bumper bowling balls on a bowling lane. I have felt a few times that the vehicle was going to pull in…

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The vehicle has a lot of wandering movement while driving. The undercarriage of the vehicle and the driveshaft/steering feels like it is loose. The vehicle is difficult to keep on a center point in the lane Inez; it drives like bumper bowling balls on a bowling lane. I have felt a few times that the vehicle was going to pull into the shoulder of the road or over the center line into oncoming traffic and have to maintain movement in the steering wheel almost constantly to keep it in the lane. I will be taking it in to the dealer for inspection but it only has a few hundred miles on it and I felt it move like that from the first full day I owned it. I brought it home with 27 miles on it. No warning lamps, messages or alarms. Windshield fogs up considerably in the rain and the defroster only makes it partially clear. Window gets condensation on it from the defroster so it fogs the window anyway. Tried multiple settings and temperatures to resolve, even opening the windows and still difficult to clear windshield of excessive moisture when no external precipitation.

NHTSA ODI #11433416

Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2021
Steering

No single incident to report. Vehicle needs constant re-steering while at highway speeds. Vehicle drifts constantly and needs constant adjustment to stay on road. Have had the vehicle back to the Dealer two times for repairs. Dealer says no fault found. But does agree that there is a defect. Says best case is to wait for a reca…

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No single incident to report. Vehicle needs constant re-steering while at highway speeds. Vehicle drifts constantly and needs constant adjustment to stay on road. Have had the vehicle back to the Dealer two times for repairs. Dealer says no fault found. But does agree that there is a defect. Says best case is to wait for a recall on situation. Am an unhappy customer.

NHTSA ODI #11433113

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2021
Steering

I have a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S 3.6L with an automatic transmission. I have been the only owner of the vehicle and bought it new in February 2021. The vehicle currently has just over 9700 miles. The only modification done to the vehicle are new wheels and tires. Today while out for a drive the Jeep suddenly experienced a ma…

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I have a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S 3.6L with an automatic transmission. I have been the only owner of the vehicle and bought it new in February 2021. The vehicle currently has just over 9700 miles. The only modification done to the vehicle are new wheels and tires. Today while out for a drive the Jeep suddenly experienced a malfunction. All lights and indicators on the dash began to flash various lights, alarms and warnings. The check engine light, ABS light, and airbag lights came on, along with the ECM warning, steering and traction control lights. The fuel level showed zero, then full, the warning screen flashed messages including: Speed Control, Messaging Unavailable, Service Required- No Bus, then switching to Service Electronic Stability Control, and a BRAKE warning appeared. Next, and most alarming, the vehicle showed the error AUTO PARK DISABLED which resulted in a loss of power steering control. The vehicle would not shift correctly and the engine switched on and off with the transmission indicator flashing all gears and the windshield wipers starting on their own, finally rotating to "Service Shifter" before starting the cycle over. Because I was on a back country road I was able to make a safe controlled stop. Had this occurred on a busy highway there could very easily have been an accident from loss of control. I do have video of the screen flashes and wipers activating.

NHTSA ODI #11419131

Mileage unknown · May 23, 2021
Steering

The steering is very loose and I have to correct the steering constantly. This is a new truck and is scary to drive. I can't go over 40 mph because it starts to wander and correcting its course causes it to wobble. When I come to a stop it pulls to one side and I have almost had a couple of accidents trying to keep the truck on …

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The steering is very loose and I have to correct the steering constantly. This is a new truck and is scary to drive. I can't go over 40 mph because it starts to wander and correcting its course causes it to wobble. When I come to a stop it pulls to one side and I have almost had a couple of accidents trying to keep the truck on course. The dealership will not fix it because there isn't an official memo from the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI #11418235

25 miles · May 13, 2021
Steering

THIS JEEP GLADIATOR HAS AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF DRIFT/WANDER IN THE STEERING AT JUST ABOUT ALL SPEEDS.

NHTSA ODI #11416467

Official recalls

8

26V363000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump

Jun 4, 2026

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

24V652000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Sep 5, 2024

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

24V572000 · Power Train:manual Transmission:control Module:software

Aug 1, 2024

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

23V263000 · Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump

Apr 13, 2023

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

23V116000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly

Feb 23, 2023

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

22V767000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Oct 13, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

Consequence: 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.

22V638000 · Back Over Prevention:display Function

Aug 25, 2022

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

21V028000 · Power Train:clutch Assembly

Jan 28, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE24024 · Underhood Fires

Opened Sep 6, 2024 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 9 Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) reports, 1 Death and Injury report, and multiple field reports alleging incidents of engine compartment fires in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. The majority of the reports describe a fire occurring while the ignition in the vehicle was in an ‘OFF’ state with a suspected origin at the passenger front side of the engine compartment. An ignition ‘OFF’ vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury, injury to persons outside the vehicle, and property damage, with little to no warning. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), and learned of several thermal events originating at the power steering pump electrical connector in recent model year Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. The location of the pump connector is located at the passenger front side of the engine compartment, coinciding with the majority of fire reports known to ODI. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the cause, scope, and frequency of the alleged defect. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Numbers document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EA23001 · High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

Opened Mar 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump

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 comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed recalls 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087 which include vehicles not identified in the initial subject population by ODI. ODI also received recall 21V586, involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW manufactured vehicles. An information request letter response received from BMW indicated that failed pumps on their vehicles were caused by an interaction between pump internal components and US market diesel fuel, leading to increased slip and eventual particle-generating wear surface. Additional work will be done to identify whether a similar root cause is associated with the FCA recalled population and if similar wear dynamics occur on pumps supplied to vehicle manufacturers other than those included in the recalled population.ODI has upgraded this investigation to an EA in order to 1) determine engineering specifications of internal pump components that are correlated with pump failure leading to loss of motive power or other safety related hazards, 2) identify vehicle populations equipped with alleged defective pump variants, 3) assess if vehicles equipped with alleged defective pump variants result in an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and 4) gather and review any other relevant information related to high pressure fuel pump failure associated with the subject populations of recalls 21V586, 21V880, 21E094, 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087.Review of the above information will allow NHTSA to confirm root cause and recall remedy viability, and identify and evaluate vehicle populations equipped with pump components that may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11257550, 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11377871, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11446542, 11448163, 11453556, 11458918, 11460558, 11469337