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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

What owners actually said

290 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2026
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

Every time I fill up my gas tank, the fuel doesn’t shut off in time from the pump and gas comes backward up the filler neck, onto the side of my jeep.

NHTSA ODI #11742573

Mileage unknown · May 30, 2026
Power Train

There was a recall for the clutch. I took it to the dealer (Autonation Jeep in Santa Clarita, CA). Ever since then, there is an intermittent, non-reproducible grinding and clicking (sound and feeling through the pedal) in the clutch (like a loose piece/nut is bouncing around and clanking and grinding against the clutch). The clu…

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There was a recall for the clutch. I took it to the dealer (Autonation Jeep in Santa Clarita, CA). Ever since then, there is an intermittent, non-reproducible grinding and clicking (sound and feeling through the pedal) in the clutch (like a loose piece/nut is bouncing around and clanking and grinding against the clutch). The clutch pedal is also more spongy, catching only about halfway down, and sometimes feeling like at full depression it is not entirely engaged. I have taken it back to the dealer twice, and both times they will not work on it because they cannot hear or reproduce the feel/sound. The sponginess of the clutch is subjective, they say, and their opinion is that it feels fine.

NHTSA ODI #11741018

Mileage unknown · May 25, 2026
Power Train

I recently experienced significant transmission issues, specifically hard engage in reverse (cold), and failure to shift higher than 3rd gear. The rear axle is leaking and the front axle is shaking. My jeep has the P0733 code for the D-clutch failure confirmed at a Jeep dealership, along with the steering damper Campaign XF1 and…

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I recently experienced significant transmission issues, specifically hard engage in reverse (cold), and failure to shift higher than 3rd gear. The rear axle is leaking and the front axle is shaking. My jeep has the P0733 code for the D-clutch failure confirmed at a Jeep dealership, along with the steering damper Campaign XF1 and the Dana M220 axle (TSB 03-001-23) and should be included in these TSB’s/CSN’s/Campaigns! It is currently sitting at the Jeep Dealership in Covington, La unable to be driven needing $9790 worth of repairs from all of these and I’ve barely had it a year! I am so disappointed in Jeep

NHTSA ODI #11739847

Mileage unknown · May 20, 2026
Power Train

Last year I received a message, letter and perhaps an email related to my jeep and recall for the clutch plate assembly. The recall was performed twice because first was incorrect. Transmission had to be replaced a few weeks later. Since then, I've had numerous visits to dealership, and had several incidents this week traveling…

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Last year I received a message, letter and perhaps an email related to my jeep and recall for the clutch plate assembly. The recall was performed twice because first was incorrect. Transmission had to be replaced a few weeks later. Since then, I've had numerous visits to dealership, and had several incidents this week traveling across country to clear "Service Transmission messages: on the display, and two incidents where the jeep went into "limp mode" at high speeds. Four more stops have not fixed the problem. Now I am at a place who has found that the transmission was not installed properly, the software wasn't properly flashed and things were left hanging (connectors and cables) without being properly secured. The transmission was replaced under warranty, which has run out, but these messages have been appearing since the original recall. Now, I am going to have to pay a large fee (over 3000 dollars) to get Jeep back. Plus paying 100 to another dealership in Kansas to have them look at the jeep without a remedy. (See:Jeep Recall 19A / NHTSA Campaign 23V116, NHTSA Recall 24V-572, NHTSA Recall 21V-028 / Jeep Recall Y01 ) - my Jeep is listed as "0 recalls" but the dealership has not reported any work on my vehicle to CarFax. The repair shop is working with me to collect evidence (Photos, documentation, and data about the Jeep's issues. ALL of this began immediately after the first recall last year, and these problems have not been remedied, and the Jeep has become dangerous when on the highway. (Limp mode multiple times: 17 Feb2026, 13 May 26, 13 May 26 all at highway speeds). This should have been covered under warranty, and I should not be subjected to "No repair" because a dealership "Doesn't see a problem" - the computer doesn't keep any codes for these incidents, thus they will not dig into the problem, and now warranty has expired so they can charge whatever they wish.

NHTSA ODI #11739011

Mileage unknown · Apr 27, 2026
Electrical System

Complete failure and shut down of all systems while driving through an intersection. Result found by dealer: Frayed wiring harness on right side of engine rubbing near exhaust parts. Known problem in several models of Jeep due to TBS issued to dealers. Jeep failed in intersection in [XXX] and was able to coast to curb. Star…

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Complete failure and shut down of all systems while driving through an intersection. Result found by dealer: Frayed wiring harness on right side of engine rubbing near exhaust parts. Known problem in several models of Jeep due to TBS issued to dealers. Jeep failed in intersection in [XXX] and was able to coast to curb. Started later and was able to drive it back to Prescott, AZ with fingers crossed, took to York Jeep dealer for repairs. They have the repair file. Was 6 mos out of warranty but only about 12k miles ref: Case Number: XXX Release Date: 1/16/2021 Symptom/Vehicle Issue: Check Engine Light On, Service Shifter Message, No Crank No Start. Transmission Wiring Harness Chaffed Or Pinched Near Exhaust DPF Discussion: Initial complaint is that the Check Engine Light is illuminated, Service Shifter Message is displayed, and/or a crank no start condition exists. Upon scanning the vehicle for DTC’s you may find one or more of the following: P2453, P2454, P0335, P0336, P242B, P242C, U0074, U11C3. Diagnosis: Inspect the wiring harness near connector XY230A leading down to the transmission. The harness routing may allow the wiring to make contact with the sharp edge of the DPF gasket flange. It has also been found that the wiring harness could be routed close to the exhaust causing chaffing. Both of these situations could result in damage to the harness and a potential open or short. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11734098

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2026
Electrical System

Rear view camera works only when vehicle is cold, usually only in the morning. I cant use this safety feature whenever I drive the car the rest of the day . I have been in situations driving the truck in off road conditions were the camera is a must to see where I am going, and have been in very dangerous situations getting …

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Rear view camera works only when vehicle is cold, usually only in the morning. I cant use this safety feature whenever I drive the car the rest of the day . I have been in situations driving the truck in off road conditions were the camera is a must to see where I am going, and have been in very dangerous situations getting too close to rocks or deep drops due to lack of rear visibility. And mirrors don't help in some of these situations, because the danger has been completely in the center of the rear of the truck, and out of mirror reach.

NHTSA ODI #11733718

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2026
Air Bags

On 12-13-23 I hit an 8 point buck going 55mph head on between the 2 headlights doing 15k in damage.. airbags did not deploy. On 4-11-26 I was hit by a drunk driver head on. I was going 33mph, he was going much faster in a Polaris rzr hit me on the driver side tearing off my tire, and whole suspension completely, sending me in…

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On 12-13-23 I hit an 8 point buck going 55mph head on between the 2 headlights doing 15k in damage.. airbags did not deploy. On 4-11-26 I was hit by a drunk driver head on. I was going 33mph, he was going much faster in a Polaris rzr hit me on the driver side tearing off my tire, and whole suspension completely, sending me into an embankment... and still no airbags deployed.

NHTSA ODI #11732127

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System

Bought this vehicle with 27,000 miles on it. While driving on the interstate with heavy traffic. (Doing Highway speeds) All the sudden the power plant shuts down. It happend at 27,500 miles and happened again at 37,000 miles. It has done it to me four times now. Twice with heavy semi trucks bearing down on me and my family. T…

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Bought this vehicle with 27,000 miles on it. While driving on the interstate with heavy traffic. (Doing Highway speeds) All the sudden the power plant shuts down. It happend at 27,500 miles and happened again at 37,000 miles. It has done it to me four times now. Twice with heavy semi trucks bearing down on me and my family. This was a very UNSAFE situation. The Fault on the screen comes up momentarily and states "Capture Throttle Body Fault." and all power is lost to the throttle. SERIOUS SAFTETY ISSUE. as loosing power on the interstate at 75 miles an hour. I believe JEEP the company should fix this issue as I know for a fact I am not the only individual experincing this problem! Please feel free to reach out to me if you need further information. There was not a crash,fire or injury due to the ability to get off the road and into the apron of the interstate. In a higher traffic location this could be catistrophic. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE talk this issue seriously as I am convinced this has caused others to wreak. Thanks and have a great day

NHTSA ODI #11725933

49,000 miles · Mar 16, 2026
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that the instrument panel was blank at startup. Due to the failure, the speedometer, fuel gauge, mileage, and other features were not visible. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (Electrical System); which was associated with the f…

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The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that the instrument panel was blank at startup. Due to the failure, the speedometer, fuel gauge, mileage, and other features were not visible. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (Electrical System); which was associated with the failure. A dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ODI #11724739

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2026
Seat Belts

Description of the Safety Issue I am submitting this complaint to report a serious seat belt safety incident involving entrapment and inability to self‑release, which required emergency intervention. While parked, my daughter as a passenger in my Jeep Gladiator, became tangled in the seat belt in such a way that she was physical…

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Description of the Safety Issue I am submitting this complaint to report a serious seat belt safety incident involving entrapment and inability to self‑release, which required emergency intervention. While parked, my daughter as a passenger in my Jeep Gladiator, became tangled in the seat belt in such a way that she was physically unable to release herself or exit the vehicle. Despite multiple attempts, the seat belt could not be disengaged, and the situation escalated to the point where I had to cut the seat belt to free her. This was not caused by a crash, sudden stop, or misuse. The seat belt’s configuration, retraction behavior, or release mechanism appeared to contribute to the entrapment and prevented normal occupant egress. Why This Is a Safety Concern Seat belts are intended to protect occupants and allow safe release when needed. In this incident, the seat belt instead: -Entrapped a child occupant -Prevented self‑release -Created a situation where cutting the belt was the only way to avoid further harm Had this occurred during an emergency (fire, water submersion, post‑collision scenario), the inability to quickly exit the vehicle could have resulted in serious injury or worse. Outcome of the Incident -No collision occurred. -No vehicle warning lights or alerts were present. -The seat belt was rendered unusable only because it had to be cut as an emergency safety measure. -The incident caused significant distress and created an immediate safety hazard. Request for Review I am requesting that NHTSA: -Review this incident as a potential seat belt design or functional defect -Consider whether similar incidents may be occurring but underreported -Evaluate whether this issue warrants further investigation, service bulletin, or recall activity Seat belts should never place occupants—especially children—into situations where escape is difficult or impossible.

NHTSA ODI #11723578

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