YearToAvoid

2021 Jeep Gladiator Steering Problems

NHTSA logs 94 steering complaints for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, 32% of its 290 total complaints, with 2 crashes and 1 fire reported. A related recall (26V363000) covers overheating steering pump wiring, though owners mainly describe loose, wandering steering.

Steering complaints
94
32% of 290
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
1,950 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Steering feels loose with excess play, requiring constant correction to keep the truck in its lane.
  • Vehicle wanders or drifts at highway speeds, worsening as speed increases and sometimes triggering violent steering wheel vibrations.
  • Truck becomes hard to steer or control at higher speeds, with back-and-forth motion described as unsafe.
  • Steering wheel can be turned a couple of inches without the wheels responding, then tightens up again intermittently.
  • Dealers reportedly told some owners the play is 'normal' or found no fault despite acknowledging a defect.
  • One owner reported an electric steering-related malfunction accompanied by dashboard warning lights and an eventual fire.

When 2021 Jeep Gladiator steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 12, 2021, latest Jul 29, 2026.

2021 Jeep Gladiator steering complaints: complaints filed per month7Feb 2021Nov 2021Apr 2022Mar 2023Dec 2023Jun 2024Feb 2025Jan 2026
94 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2021 to Jul 2026; peak Jan 2022 (7).

Steering recalls for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator

  1. 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.

Steering complaints by Gladiator model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2020181 (37%)
  2. 202194 (32%)
  3. 202236 (30%)
  4. 202310 (18%)
  5. 20247 (30%)
  6. 20251 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator have?
NHTSA lists 94 steering complaints for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, making up 32% of its 290 total complaints for the model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
Yes, recall 26V363000 covers 2021-2025 Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler models where the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a fire. Owners are advised to park outside away from structures until repaired.
What steering problem do 2021 Gladiator owners report most?
Owners most often describe loose or wandering steering at highway speeds that requires constant correction, along with intermittent play in the steering wheel.
Did the steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data tied to this steering complaint area for the 2021 Gladiator shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is 1,950 miles.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.