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 338 complaints per year with 99 recalls, while the Gladiator averages 142 complaints per year with 34 recalls. Both have serious electrical and steering issues. 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 is a popular SUV that has averaged about 338 complaints per year over the past decade, with 99 recalls and 176 crash-related reports. Owners frequently complain about electrical and engine problems, including sudden loss of propulsion and hybrid system malfunctions. These issues can be serious and may require multiple dealership visits, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
JEEP Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a pickup truck that has averaged about 142 complaints per year over seven years, with 34 recalls and 25 crash-related reports. Steering and electrical issues dominate owner complaints, including power steering failures and wiring harness problems that pose fire risks. While less frequent than the Grand Cherokee, these problems can still be dangerous and costly.
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 | 3,384 | 992 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 99 | 34 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 176 | 25 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 338.4 | 141.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 122 | 22 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 SYSTEM1,185
- 02ENGINE730
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER700
- 04POWER TRAIN463
- 05SERVICE BRAKES325
Owners report serious malfunctions between hybrid and electric systems, causing loud engine noises and failure of hybrid/electric modes. Warning lights like fuel and oil refresh remain on even after refueling. These issues can leave you stranded and are often hard to diagnose.
Complaints include sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds, requiring towing, and catastrophic internal engine failure (e.g., DTC P2338). Such failures can happen without warning and may not be covered by existing recalls, leading to expensive repairs.
Reports of hybrid/electric system malfunctions that affect power delivery, plus internal engine failures that set diagnostic codes. These problems can cause the vehicle to lose power or fail to accelerate properly, increasing crash risk.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, 325 brake-related complaints suggest issues like premature wear or failure. Brake problems directly affect stopping ability, so any signs of noise, vibration, or soft pedal should be checked immediately.
“See attached document for complaint. This letter is to fo rmally notify you of my vehicle's fai lure to conform to the express warranties under the Ill inois Lemon Law, and to demand compensation. The vehicle had a significant defect that was not, and r bel i…”
“There is a serious malfunction between the hybrid and electric systems. The engine is making a loud noise, and neither the hybrid nor electric mode functions properly. In addition, the fuel and oil refresh warning remains on, even after refueling. These issue…”
JEEP Gladiator
- 01STEERING329
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM289
- 03POWER TRAIN157
- 04ENGINE130
- 05SUSPENSION106
Owners report power steering pump electrical wiring harness/connector failures that can cause high electrical resistance and fire risk (subject to recall 21D). Also, a high-speed CAN bus collapse can lead to total loss of communication and steering assist, making the vehicle hard to control.
Complaints include software glitches that keep WiFi on after shutdown, draining the battery, and power steering wiring issues that may cause fires. These electrical faults can leave you with a dead battery or, worse, a vehicle fire.
Reports of erratic acceleration, surging, and shuddering, as well as complete transfer case and output shaft failures at low mileage. These problems can affect drivability and lead to costly repairs, especially if the truck is used for towing.
One owner reported an under-hood fire that totaled the vehicle, and another noted engine overheating with warning lights. Engine fires are rare but extremely dangerous, and overheating can cause severe damage if not addressed promptly.
“-The power steering pump electrical wiring harness/connector. The vehicle is subject to active Mopar safety Recall 21D (NHTSA Campaign 26v-363) for an un remedied vehicle fire risk caused by high electrical resistance. Yes, the vehicle and affected component…”
“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…”
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 — 99 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. A software error within the hybrid control processor may result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the hybrid control processer software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 73C. Veh…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
The risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the high voltage battery software, and replace the high voltage battery, as necessary, free of…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the delayed deployment of the side air bags during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
The risk: Delayed air bag deployment during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the occupant restraint controller module software, free of charge. Some owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L, 2025-2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to a software error, the tire pressure…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of low tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the radio frequency hub software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this rec…
JEEP Gladiator — 34 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 the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters…
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 the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters…
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 far fewer complaints per year (about 142) compared to the Grand Cherokee (about 338), and fewer recalls (34 vs. 99). In practice, this means you are less likely to encounter frequent repair visits with the Gladiator, but both models have serious safety-related issues that require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Grand Cherokee has more than triple the annual complaint rate of the Gladiator (338 vs. 142), with electrical and engine problems being the most common.
- The Gladiator's top complaint is steering, including power steering wiring failures that can cause fires, while the Grand Cherokee's top issue is electrical system malfunctions, often related to hybrid components.
- The Grand Cherokee has 99 recalls and 2 deaths reported, whereas the Gladiator has 34 recalls and 0 deaths, though both have crash-related complaints.
- Gladiator owners report sudden loss of steering assist and erratic acceleration, while Grand Cherokee owners report sudden loss of propulsion and hybrid system failures.
- Check for any signs of hybrid system malfunction: warning lights for fuel/oil refresh, loud engine noises, or failure to switch between electric and gas modes.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for unusual engine noises or loss of power; ask for service records related to recalls 78C or 25V-766.
- Inspect the power steering pump wiring harness and connector for signs of overheating or corrosion; confirm that recall 21D (NHTSA 26V-363) has been performed.
- During test drive, check for firm steering, warning lights, and any erratic acceleration or surging; also look for evidence of under-hood fire damage or repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been remedied, especially for the Grand Cherokee's hybrid system and the Gladiator's power steering.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, wiring, and hybrid components (Grand Cherokee) or steering pump and CAN bus (Gladiator).
- Test drive for at least 30 minutes, including highway speeds, to check for loss of propulsion, steering assist, or unusual noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior engine, transmission, or steering repairs.
- Consider an extended warranty that covers electrical and powertrain components, as both models have costly repair histories.
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 | 77 | 3 |
| 2025 | 76 | 15 |
| 2024 | 242 | 23 |
| 2023 | 388 | 56 |
| 2022 | 370 | 120 |
| 2021 | 406 | 292 |
| 2020 | 239 | 483 |
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
- 3,384
- JEEP Gladiator total complaints
- 992
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total recalls
- 99
- JEEP Gladiator total recalls
- 34
- JEEP Grand Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 338.4
- JEEP Gladiator avg complaints/year
- 141.7
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Gladiator
- JEEP Grand Cherokee top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- JEEP Gladiator top complaint area
- STEERING