2021 Jeep Gladiator Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#2 most-complained of 6 Gladiator years
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator ranks 2nd-worst out of 6 model years, with a complaint index of 80 and 290 NHTSA complaints. Steering issues dominate at 32% of complaints, backed by 8 recalls, making this year a relative Avoid compared to 2023-2025 Gladiators.
- Complaints
- 290
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 19 city / 25 hwy
Top 2021 Jeep Gladiator problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering94 (32%)
- Transmission & Powertrain70 (24%)
- Engine61 (21%)
- Electrical System56 (19%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires45 (16%)
- Fuel System33 (11%)
- Other28 (10%)
- Brakes17 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers12 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report violent, out-of-control steering wheel vibrations at highway speeds that nearly caused collisions.
- Drivers describe brake pedal proximity to the gas pedal causing unintended rapid acceleration when braking.
- Some owners experienced sudden loss of power and dashboard warnings followed by an engine fire while driving on the freeway.
- One owner reported white smoke filling the interior at 60 MPH before the front of the vehicle became engulfed in fire.
- Reports describe irregular automatic transmission downshifts with audible and felt shaking, sometimes causing a forward surge while braking.
- Steering was described as loose and difficult to keep in lane, worsening at higher speeds and in snow or ice.
2021 Jeep Gladiator recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V363000Jun 4, 2026Steering1,076,999 vehiclesPark Outside
Steering:hydraulic power assist:pump
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 24V652000Sep 5, 2024Electrical System32,863 vehicles
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
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."
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 24V572000Aug 1, 2024Transmission & Powertrain94 vehicles
Power train:manual transmission:control module:software
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.
Risk: 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.
2021 Jeep Gladiator fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,675
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Gladiator years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Jeep Gladiator reliable?
- Compared to other Gladiator model years, the 2021 ranks 2nd-worst out of 6 years tracked, with a complaint index of 80 and 290 NHTSA complaints, mostly tied to steering.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 94 complaints (32% share) with a median failure mileage of 1,950 miles, along with 2 crashes and 1 fire linked to steering.
- Does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, covering steering, electrical, transmission, engine, and fuel system components, including a steering pump wiring fire risk recall.
- Should I avoid the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
- Among Gladiator years, 2021 is rated Avoid, ranking 2nd-worst with a complaint index of 80, behind only 2020 which had an index of 100.
- How does the 2021 Gladiator compare to newer years?
- The 2023 (index 40, Good), 2024 (index 0, Best), and 2025 (index 20, Best) Gladiators all show far fewer complaints than the 2021's index of 80.