← New search

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

Power Train complaints

70 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2021
Power TrainService Brakes

Right rear axle seal failure, was already inspected and verified at dealership. With the axle seal leaking, there is a hazard and potential for brake failure due to the gear oil covering the rear brake. Also, metal to metal differential gears will occur, causing metal shavings to contaminate the rear differential housing. No war…

Read full complaint

Right rear axle seal failure, was already inspected and verified at dealership. With the axle seal leaking, there is a hazard and potential for brake failure due to the gear oil covering the rear brake. Also, metal to metal differential gears will occur, causing metal shavings to contaminate the rear differential housing. No warning lamps or any in cab indications were/ are visible. Was noticed by visual inspection after the issue was brought up multiple times on a forum and social media.

NHTSA ODI #11433564

Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2021
Power TrainService Brakes

Right rear axle seal leaking fluid onto the brake rotor, caliper, pads and wheel. From research this appears to be a common problem with this model year with numerous owners reporting that dealerships are replacing the entire axle assembly on that side.

NHTSA ODI #11430476

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2021
Power Train

Dealer noticed Right rear axel leaking.

NHTSA ODI #11430400

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2021
Power TrainService Brakes

Right Rear axle seal is leaking fluid after only 3,500 miles and 3 months of ownership. This axle fluid is leaking onto the brake rotor and the wheel.

NHTSA ODI #11430393

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2021
Power TrainService Brakes

Rear passenger axle seals in 2021 models are leaking and leaving axle lubricant on brake pads

NHTSA ODI #11429795

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2021
Power Train

RIGHT REAR AXLE LEAK AT 200 MILES, leaking behind the wheel from the axle housing down on the brake shield and into the wheel rim.

NHTSA ODI #11427986

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2021
Power Train

Jeep is seeing a common issue with the passenger side rear axle seal leaking which is then leaking onto the brake and could cause a potential safety issue

NHTSA ODI #11426759

1,400 miles · Mar 22, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 JEEP GLADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 67 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADJUSTED THE BATTERY TERMINAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESTART AND OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER MIRACLE CHRYSLER DO…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 JEEP GLADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 67 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADJUSTED THE BATTERY TERMINAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESTART AND OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER MIRACLE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (1290 NASHVILLE PIKE, GALLATIN, TN 37066) WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,400. INVALID VIN.

NHTSA ODI #11404357

2,500 miles · Mar 22, 2021
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 JEEP GLADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UPON PLACING THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT REVERSE OR OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REVERSE AND DRIVE LIGHTS WERE FLASHING ON THE SHIFTER COLUMN. THE VEHI…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 JEEP GLADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UPON PLACING THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT REVERSE OR OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REVERSE AND DRIVE LIGHTS WERE FLASHING ON THE SHIFTER COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARLOW MOTOR COMPANY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (707 N. COMMERCE AVE, FRONT ROYAL, VA 22630) HOWEVER, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500.

NHTSA ODI #11404192

10 miles · Nov 12, 2020
Power Train

VEHICLE HAS IRREGULAR DOWNSHIFTS IN LOWER GEARS. WHILE BRAKING THE DOWNSHIFTS CAN BE HEARD AS WELL AS FELT. THE SOUNDS AND SHAKE FROM DOWNSHIFTS VARY IN LOUDNESS AND STRENGTH. OCCASIONALLY WHILE BRAKING AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING, THE VEHICLE WILL SURGE FORWARD. THE SURGE THAT CAN BE FELT CAN VARY AND SEEM…

Read full complaint

VEHICLE HAS IRREGULAR DOWNSHIFTS IN LOWER GEARS. WHILE BRAKING THE DOWNSHIFTS CAN BE HEARD AS WELL AS FELT. THE SOUNDS AND SHAKE FROM DOWNSHIFTS VARY IN LOUDNESS AND STRENGTH. OCCASIONALLY WHILE BRAKING AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING, THE VEHICLE WILL SURGE FORWARD. THE SURGE THAT CAN BE FELT CAN VARY AND SEEM LIKE THE VEHICLE IS BEING HIT FROM THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE OR SOMETIMES IT MAY FEEL LIKE A SLIGHT PUSH FROM BEHIND. WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS LIKE IN A PARKING LOT THE SURGE FROM DOWNSHIFTS ARE A DEFINITE SAFETY CONCERN. THE LOUD DOWNSHIFTS AS WELL AS THE SURGING DOES NOT HAPPEN ON EVERY DOWNSHIFT. A SEARCH OF ONLINE JEEP FORUMS REVEALED OTHER JEEP GLADIATOR OWNERS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES WHILE OTHERS HAVE VERY SMOOTH SHIFTING VEHICLES. JEEP SHOULD BE AWARE OF ISSUES BUT CLEARLY WITH MY 2021 MODEL BEING THE SECOND YEAR OF PRODUCTION, THE PROBLEMS ARE NOT FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11374392

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