Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Renegade vs JEEP Gladiator
How the JEEP Renegade 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 Renegade vs JEEP Gladiator: The Renegade has 2,202 complaints over 9 years (245/year) and 24 recalls, while the Gladiator has 992 complaints over 7 years (142/year) and 34 recalls. Both have serious issues, but the Gladiator's steering problems can be more dangerous. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Renegade or JEEP Gladiator more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV that has been on the road for 9 years, accumulating 2,202 owner complaints—about 245 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine and electrical system, with owners reporting sudden bangs, shuddering, and warning lights that come and go. There are also 24 recalls, including for backup lights and air bags, and 79 crash-related complaints with 62 injuries. For a first-time buyer, this means the Renegade can be a headache to own, with frequent trips to the shop for both major and minor issues.
JEEP Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup that has been available for 7 years, with 992 complaints—roughly 142 per year. Steering and electrical problems dominate, including power steering failures and software glitches, and there are 34 recalls covering things like the steering pump and clutch. Owners also report engine fires and transmission shudders. With 25 crash-related complaints and 22 injuries, the Gladiator has its share of safety concerns, but fewer overall complaints per year than the Renegade.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Renegade | JEEP Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,202 | 992 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 34 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 | 25 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 244.7 | 141.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 | 22 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 Renegade
- 01ENGINE850
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM616
- 03POWER TRAIN424
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER419
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM286
Owners report sudden, loud bangs from underneath during acceleration or turns, and issues like shuddering, lurching, and difficulty starting. These can leave you stranded or cause loss of power while driving.
Complaints include lane-keeping warnings going off constantly, blind-spot alerts malfunctioning, and headlights or daytime running lights failing. These glitches can distract you and reduce visibility.
Drivers describe strong fuel odors, vehicle shutdowns, and loss of headlights, pointing to problems with the fuel/propulsion system and electrical integration. This can lead to stalling or fires.
Owners report fuel vapor odors inside and outside the vehicle, which could indicate leaks. This is a fire risk and should be checked immediately.
“First NO WARNINGS Signs of Any Kind were shown at time of 1st & 3rd issues, 1st under hard acceleration or deceleration and sometimes while in turns under acceleration & deceleration you get a Large Bang from underneath the vehicle and it’s not only the sound…”
“The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing difficulty starting. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered, lurched, and hesitated to res…”
JEEP Gladiator
- 01STEERING329
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM289
- 03POWER TRAIN157
- 04ENGINE130
- 05SUSPENSION106
Power steering pump wiring harnesses can overheat and cause fires, and some owners experience total loss of communication across control modules, leading to sudden steering failure. This is a critical safety issue.
Software bugs can keep Wi-Fi on after shutdown, draining the battery, and other electrical glitches may cause warning lights or module failures. These can leave you with a dead battery or confusing dash warnings.
Reports include erratic acceleration, surging, and complete transfer case failures at low mileage. These problems can make the truck unpredictable to drive and lead to expensive repairs.
There are reports of engine fires under the hood, as well as overheating and loss of power. A fire is a total loss risk and a serious safety concern.
“-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 Renegade — 24 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, an…
The risk: The incorrect reverse lights may have reduced visibility, and not alert pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bumper reverse light assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this rec…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, an…
The risk: The incorrect reverse lights may have reduced visibility, and not alert pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bumper reverse light assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this rec…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, an…
The risk: The incorrect reverse lights may have reduced visibility, and not alert pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bumper reverse light assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this rec…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
The risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
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 Renegade or JEEP Gladiator: which should you buy?
The Jeep Gladiator has fewer complaints per year (about 142) compared to the Renegade (about 245), but the Gladiator's issues tend to be more severe, like steering failures and fires. The Renegade has more frequent problems, especially with the engine and electrical system, which can mean more shop visits. In practice, the Gladiator may have fewer but potentially more dangerous defects, while the Renegade may be more consistently troublesome.
Key differences
- The Renegade has more than double the complaints per year (245 vs. 142), mainly from engine and electrical issues, while the Gladiator's complaints are more focused on steering and electrical problems.
- The Gladiator has a higher number of recalls (34 vs. 24), including critical steering and clutch recalls, whereas the Renegade's recalls include backup lights and air bags.
- Renegade owners report sudden bangs and fuel odors, while Gladiator owners report power steering fires and total communication failures—both serious but different in nature.
- The Gladiator has fewer crash-related complaints (25 vs. 79) and injuries (22 vs. 62), but its steering issues can be catastrophic if not addressed.
- Listen for loud bangs or clunks from underneath during test drives, especially when accelerating or turning—this could indicate engine or transmission mount failures.
- Check for fuel odors inside and outside the vehicle, and inspect for any signs of leaks around the fuel tank and lines.
- Ask if the power steering pump recall (21D) has been performed; if not, the vehicle may be at risk of an electrical fire.
- Test the steering for firmness or noise, and check for any warning lights related to the CAN bus or electrical system, which could indicate module communication failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed, especially for the Gladiator's steering pump and clutch.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for the Renegade, and steering and electrical for the Gladiator.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any unusual noises, shuddering, or warning lights, and test all electronic features like lane-keeping and infotainment.
- Check for any signs of fluid leaks, especially fuel odors in the Renegade and power steering fluid in the Gladiator.
- Verify the vehicle's warranty status and consider an extended warranty, given the frequency of repairs reported by owners.
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 Renegade | JEEP Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 20 | 56 |
| 2022 | 26 | 120 |
| 2021 | 67 | 292 |
| 2020 | 62 | 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 Renegade or JEEP Gladiator in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Renegade vs JEEP Gladiator
- JEEP Renegade total complaints
- 2,202
- JEEP Gladiator total complaints
- 992
- JEEP Renegade total recalls
- 24
- JEEP Gladiator total recalls
- 34
- JEEP Renegade avg complaints/year
- 244.7
- JEEP Gladiator avg complaints/year
- 141.7
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Gladiator
- JEEP Renegade top complaint area
- ENGINE
- JEEP Gladiator top complaint area
- STEERING