CarModelProblems.com

2021 Jeep Gladiator Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 5.0× the fleet median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.
281Complaints
8Recalls
7Crashes
3Fires
7Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Steering (31.3% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Steering complaints here are 5.0× the median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.

4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering88 · 31.3%RecalledRecall 26V363000
Power Train63 · 22.4%RecalledRecall 21V028000 · Recall 23V116000 · Recall 24V572000
Engine53 · 18.9%No official action
Electrical System45 · 16%RecalledRecall 24V652000
Suspension38 · 13.5%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System19 · 6.8%RecalledRecall 22V767000 · Recall 23V263000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

STEERING88 · 31.3%
POWER TRAIN63 · 22.4%
ENGINE53 · 18.9%
SUSPENSION38 · 13.5%
Unspecified / other27 · 9.6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM19 · 6.8%
SERVICE BRAKES15 · 5.3%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13 · 4.6%
VISIBILITY/WIPER11 · 3.9%

Percentages are the share of the 281 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 8 campaigns

Power Train:clutch Assembly

NHTSA campaign 21V028000 · 2021 · reported 01/28/2021

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention:display Function

NHTSA campaign 22V638000 · 2022 · reported 08/25/2022

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 22V767000 · 2022 · reported 10/13/2022

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:clutch Assembly

NHTSA campaign 23V116000 · 2023 · reported 02/23/2023

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 23V263000 · 2023 · reported 04/13/2023

Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:manual Transmission:control Module:software

NHTSA campaign 24V572000 · 2024 · reported 08/01/2024

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

NHTSA campaign 24V652000 · 2024 · reported 09/05/2024

An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump

NHTSA campaign 26V363000 · 2026 · reported 06/04/2026

A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“On Monday, 28 November 2022 I was driving on I-40 in downtown Knoxville, TN. After hitting a bump in the rode the steering wheel began…”NHTSA complaint 11495228 — filed 11/28/2022 · STEERING
“Driving down the road approximately 60 MPH and the vehicle front end starts to wobble and the steering wheel starts turning violently back and forth…”NHTSA complaint 11493470 — filed 11/14/2022 · STEERING
“Steering is very loose. Vehicle constantly drifts and requires constant steering correction. Approximately 3” of slack in steering response.”NHTSA complaint 11456320 — filed 03/11/2022 · STEERING

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

120206720211372022842023572024522025442026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?

Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 88 of 281 NHTSA complaints (31.3%), followed by power train (63), engine (53), electrical system (45). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator have?

281 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator have any recalls?

Yes — 8 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V028000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator's reported problems?

4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.