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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

Engine complaints

53 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that there were several unknown warnings illuminated, and the instrument cluster had started flashing on and off. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed down while de…

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The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that there were several unknown warnings illuminated, and the instrument cluster had started flashing on and off. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed down while depressing the accelerator pedal and continued to lose motive power. The contact stated that a warning flashed on the instrument cluster to "Pull Over" and that "Vehicle Was Going to Shutdown". The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right and that the brake pedal was difficult to depress, requiring the activation of the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the residence. The contact stated that her husband determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The contact stated that a new battery was installed; however, the vehicle had failed again with the same symptoms. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11697415

Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2025
EnginePower Train

I am writing regarding my 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave, which recently suffered engine damage due to a faulty head gasket. I understand the vehicle is approximately 5,000 miles over the 60,000-mile warranty; however, I believe this issue should not be my financial responsibility given the circumstances. At around 60,000 miles, I b…

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I am writing regarding my 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave, which recently suffered engine damage due to a faulty head gasket. I understand the vehicle is approximately 5,000 miles over the 60,000-mile warranty; however, I believe this issue should not be my financial responsibility given the circumstances. At around 60,000 miles, I brought my Jeep in for a full service and inspection to ensure it was in top condition. I was informed at that time that everything looked fine and that there were no issues to address. Since then, I’ve continued to maintain the vehicle properly and drive it with care. The sudden head gasket failure, which ultimately led to engine damage, came as a complete surprise. This situation has been extremely difficult — not only because of the unexpected cost, but also because this Jeep was meant to be my long-term vehicle. My family and I have been loyal Mopar customers for years, and I’ve always trusted in the quality and reliability of your vehicles and service network. Given that I sought professional service and maintenance through authorized channels, and that no issues were identified at the time, I kindly request that Mopar consider a goodwill repair or assistance. I don’t believe it’s fair to be held financially responsible for a mechanical failure that likely existed but went undetected during a recent inspection. I’m grateful that nothing happened to me on the road, as I was unaware of the developing problem under the hood. I truly hope Mopar can stand behind its reputation for integrity, safety, and customer care by helping me through this situation. Thank you for your time, understanding, and continued support. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

NHTSA ODI #11691593

20,000 miles · Jul 31, 2025
EngineFireInjury

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, there was an alarming amount of white smoke emanating from the engine compartment and permeating the interior of the vehicle, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and evacuate the vehicle. Moments later, the enti…

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The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, there was an alarming amount of white smoke emanating from the engine compartment and permeating the interior of the vehicle, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and evacuate the vehicle. Moments later, the entire front of the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. Local Emergency Services arrived on the scene and were able to extinguish the fire. During the failure several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and deemed a total loss by the Insurance provider. A fire report was filed and preliminary findings on the potential cause of the fire were provided but the contact was unaware of the cause. A Police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact's father suffered minor burns to both hands but had not sought medical attention. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the vehicle was retrieved for inspection. The manufacturer provided a determination of the inspection, and the vehicle was returned to the contact without providing the contact with the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ODI #11677537

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine

Hi - So my 2021 Jeep gladiator has 2 batteries. The battery that controls the auto start-stop system failed (while driving). I was at a light on a busy road and the auto stop/start kicked in at a light but because of the failed second battery with no warning, my Jeep died would not start backup and I was unable to even get it…

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Hi - So my 2021 Jeep gladiator has 2 batteries. The battery that controls the auto start-stop system failed (while driving). I was at a light on a busy road and the auto stop/start kicked in at a light but because of the failed second battery with no warning, my Jeep died would not start backup and I was unable to even get it into neutral. So I was forced to sit in heavy traffic until the wrecker came. My complaint it why no warning and why did it go into auto stop mode when the battery was in a failed situation.

NHTSA ODI #11664396

Mileage unknown · May 19, 2025
Engine

Failed Right intake camshaft and roller rocker arm. Failure causes misfires and limp mode to be activated when trying to pass and accelerate and in my case was while going up a hill and unable to complete a safe pass of another truck. Known issue by Jeep and Stellantis as they have redesigned a kit for this specific part and upg…

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Failed Right intake camshaft and roller rocker arm. Failure causes misfires and limp mode to be activated when trying to pass and accelerate and in my case was while going up a hill and unable to complete a safe pass of another truck. Known issue by Jeep and Stellantis as they have redesigned a kit for this specific part and upgraded software to increase pressure to the oiling system, but they have failed to replace parts and are 12000 orders behind on parts at ths current moment truck has been undriveable for greater than 45 days. Flashing check engine light and warning lights in place

NHTSA ODI #11661775

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Multiple cylinders miss fire, Camshaft 1 position slow responding. cylinder2, 4, and 6 repeatedly misfire. Passenger side engine is making excessive noise. This is the information given to me by Van Horn jeep mechanic. also confirmed by advanced auto. Advanced auto stated this is the 3rd jeep they have had in their shop recently…

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Multiple cylinders miss fire, Camshaft 1 position slow responding. cylinder2, 4, and 6 repeatedly misfire. Passenger side engine is making excessive noise. This is the information given to me by Van Horn jeep mechanic. also confirmed by advanced auto. Advanced auto stated this is the 3rd jeep they have had in their shop recently to replace a faulty Camshaft. My Jeep only has 66024 hwy miles. Vin [XXX] (2021Jeep Gladiator) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11660862

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

My vehicle has about 17,000 miles. Both key fobs are failing to connect with the vehicle. The batteries have been checked by the dealership to determine the fobs are in working order. Without having the fob work, I am unable to unlock my doors or start the engine. Thankfully, learnng my fobs were not connecting occured while i…

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My vehicle has about 17,000 miles. Both key fobs are failing to connect with the vehicle. The batteries have been checked by the dealership to determine the fobs are in working order. Without having the fob work, I am unable to unlock my doors or start the engine. Thankfully, learnng my fobs were not connecting occured while in my garage at my home. However, if this occured while away from home, or at night, I would have been stranded with no access to drive the vehicle. My Gladiator will have to be towed to the dealership now to get this resolved.

NHTSA ODI #11613962

98,000 miles · Apr 12, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a valve knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment, the check engine light had illuminated and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact received codes that indicated an engine misfired in cylinder three an…

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The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a valve knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment, the check engine light had illuminated and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact received codes that indicated an engine misfired in cylinder three and cylinder five. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ODI #11582627

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2023
EngineFuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was mad…

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The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11559196

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2023
EngineFuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was mad…

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The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11559195

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