Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Grand Cherokee vs JEEP Gladiator
How the JEEP Grand Cherokee and JEEP Gladiator compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
JEEP Grand Cherokee vs JEEP Gladiator: The Grand Cherokee averages 316.4 complaints per year with 2 deaths, while the Gladiator averages 134.1 with 0 deaths. The Grand Cherokee's top issue is electrical system failures causing sudden steering/brake problems; the Gladiator's is steering CAN bus failure. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Grand Cherokee or JEEP Gladiator more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Grand Cherokee
The JEEP Grand Cherokee, particularly the 4xe hybrid, has a high complaint rate averaging 316.4 per year over a decade, with electrical system issues dominating. Owners report sudden dashboard warning light cascades, steering stiffness, braking intervention, and repeated recalls for high-voltage battery fire risks. Living with this vehicle means frequent dealer visits for software updates and unresolved safety concerns.
JEEP Gladiator
The JEEP Gladiator has a lower complaint rate of 134.1 per year over 7 years, but steering problems are the top issue, including a catastrophic CAN bus failure that disables multiple control modules. Owners also report electrical system glitches like WiFi staying on after shutdown, and powertrain issues like transmission limp mode after 4WD use. It's a truck with quirky reliability challenges.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Grand Cherokee | JEEP Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,164 | 939 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 89 | 32 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 163 | 23 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 316.4 | 134.1 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 115 | 21 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
JEEP Grand Cherokee
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,139
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER659
- 03ENGINE642
- 04POWER TRAIN418
- 05SERVICE BRAKES316
Owners report sudden dashboard warning light illumination, transmission errors, and unexpected steering stiffness and braking intervention. The high-voltage battery system has multiple recalls for fire risk, and software updates often fail to resolve intermittent malfunctions.
Engine problems are often tied to the hybrid system, with owners experiencing critical malfunctions that trigger all warning lights and require immediate service. The high-voltage battery fire risk is a recurring theme.
Reports include the vehicle unexpectedly lowering and pulling to the right while driving, and repeated issues with the hybrid powertrain leading to safety concerns. Transmission errors are common.
While fewer complaints than electrical, brake issues are notable, with owners describing sudden braking intervention that can be alarming in traffic.
“On February 28, 2026, while preparing to leave our home with our two children in the vehicle, we experienced a critical vehicle malfunction. Upon attempting to start the car, all dashboard warning lights illuminated, including transmission error, “service nee…”
“Since shortly after taking delivery of my 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, I have repeatedly experienced intermittent safety-related malfunctions involving sudden steering stiffness and braking intervention. From early in ownership, the vehicle would unexpectedl…”
JEEP Gladiator
- 01STEERING315
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM272
- 03POWER TRAIN149
- 04ENGINE127
- 05SUSPENSION102
The most frequent issue is a catastrophic CAN bus failure (code U0002) that causes total loss of communication across control modules, leading to steering loss. Owners also report the vehicle pulling to one side even with the wheel straight.
Software glitches include WiFi staying on after shutdown, draining the battery. The dual-battery system (main and auxiliary) is a known headache, with the auxiliary battery failing to charge properly.
Transmission issues include downshifting and losing power on grades, and a 'clutch hot' message followed by limp mode after using 4WD. This can leave drivers stranded on highways.
Engine problems often relate to the dual-battery system, where the auxiliary battery fails and causes starting issues. Some owners report loss of power under load.
“The vehicle suffered a catastrophic, systemic high-speed CAN C data bus loop collapse (Diagnostic Trouble Code U0002-00 "Bus Off"), resulting in an immediate, total loss of communication across almost all primary factory control modules—including the Body Con…”
“EL carro se va hacia el lado izquierdo aún teniendo el volante en línea recta , a la velocidad que se maneje hace el mismo problema , llego al punto que de no poderse controlar la dirección me salí de la calle y al frenar pegué con el volante estando embaraza…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
JEEP Grand Cherokee — 89 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Grand Cherokee vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protect…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: FCA US, LLC will mail owners the warning label information, free of charge. Dealers will inspect unsold vehicles and install the required label, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 25, 2023. Owners may…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An incorrectly assembled steering column intermediate shaft may disconnect from the u-joint, and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the intermediate shaft and assembly parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC'…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The rear coil springs may have been incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving.
The risk: Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, repair the rear coil spring assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 29, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number fo…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and 2022-2024 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The Central Vision Park Assist module (CVPAM) software may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in re…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the Central Vision Park Assist Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this re…
JEEP Gladiator — 32 recalls
The defect: 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.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026.…
The defect: 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.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026.…
The defect: 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…
The 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.
The fix: 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 recal…
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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…
Buyer analysis
JEEP Grand Cherokee or JEEP Gladiator: which should you buy?
The JEEP Gladiator has fewer complaints per year (134.1 vs 316.4) and no reported deaths, making it the less problematic choice on average. However, the Grand Cherokee's issues are more safety-critical, with fire risks and sudden loss of control, while the Gladiator's steering failure is rare but catastrophic.
Key differences
- Grand Cherokee has 3x more complaints per year than Gladiator (316.4 vs 134.1) and 89 recalls vs 32.
- Grand Cherokee's electrical system failures often cause sudden steering and brake intervention; Gladiator's steering issue is a rare but total loss of control.
- Grand Cherokee has 2 deaths reported; Gladiator has 0 deaths.
- Gladiator's dual-battery system is a common annoyance; Grand Cherokee's hybrid battery fire risk is a safety recall.
- Check for any open recalls on the high-voltage battery (recall 68C) and ensure the software update was performed.
- Test drive for sudden dashboard warning lights or unexpected steering stiffness, especially in the 4xe hybrid.
- Inspect the steering system for any pulling or wandering, and ask if the CAN bus failure (code U0002) has ever occurred.
- Check the auxiliary battery health; many owners disable it to avoid charging issues.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- For Grand Cherokee, ask for service records related to electrical system and hybrid battery updates.
- For Gladiator, test the 4WD system and listen for transmission warnings or clutch overheating.
- Inspect the Gladiator's dual batteries; ask if the auxiliary battery has been replaced or disabled.
- Take both on a highway test drive to feel for steering pull or unexpected braking.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | JEEP Grand Cherokee | JEEP Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 1 |
| 2025 | 55 | 11 |
| 2024 | 225 | 15 |
| 2023 | 363 | 50 |
| 2022 | 351 | 112 |
| 2021 | 396 | 273 |
| 2020 | 221 | 477 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific JEEP Grand Cherokee or JEEP Gladiator in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Grand Cherokee vs JEEP Gladiator
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total complaints
- 3,164
- JEEP Gladiator total complaints
- 939
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total recalls
- 89
- JEEP Gladiator total recalls
- 32
- JEEP Grand Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 316.4
- JEEP Gladiator avg complaints/year
- 134.1
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Gladiator
- JEEP Grand Cherokee top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- JEEP Gladiator top complaint area
- STEERING