Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Wrangler vs JEEP Gladiator
How the JEEP Wrangler 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 Wrangler vs JEEP Gladiator: The Wrangler averages 792.9 complaints per year and has 102 recalls, while the Gladiator averages 141.7 complaints per year and has 34 recalls. Both suffer steering and electrical issues, but the Gladiator has a specific fire-risk recall for power steering wiring. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Wrangler or JEEP Gladiator more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a lifestyle SUV with a high volume of owner complaints—7,929 over 10 years, averaging 792.9 per year. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, steering, and engine, with many reports involving the 4xe plug-in hybrid's 12-volt auxiliary battery and sudden power loss. With 102 recalls and 163 crash-related complaints, it demands diligent maintenance and recall checks. Overall, it's a vehicle that can be rewarding but requires patience and proactive care.
JEEP Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a pickup version of the Wrangler with far fewer complaints—992 over 7 years, averaging 141.7 per year. Steering and electrical issues dominate, including power steering pump wiring harness problems linked to a fire risk recall. Owners also report power train quirks like erratic acceleration and transfer case failures. With 34 recalls and 25 crash-related complaints, it appears less troublesome on paper, but specific safety defects still warrant attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Wrangler | JEEP Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,929 | 992 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 34 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 163 | 25 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 792.9 | 141.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 102 | 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 Wrangler
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,850
- 02STEERING2,455
- 03ENGINE2,155
- 04POWER TRAIN1,209
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,075
Owners of 2025 Wrangler 4xe models report the 12-volt auxiliary battery repeatedly discharges after the vehicle sits plugged in, and some experience unexpected loss of electric drive power with warnings like 'Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable.' These issues can leave you stranded or force the gas engine to run more often.
Complaints include 'Power Steering System Hot' and 'Electric Power Steering Fail' warnings, sometimes appearing within miles of new ownership. This can make steering suddenly heavy, especially at low speeds, and may require dealer visits for diagnosis.
The 12-volt battery failure is also filed under engine complaints, along with reports of odd operational patterns that dealerships struggle to fix. These can cause rough running or stalling, undermining confidence in the vehicle's dependability.
Similar to electrical and engine issues, power train complaints often involve the 4xe's hybrid system losing electric drive and displaying warnings. This affects fuel economy and drivability, and may indicate deeper software or hardware faults.
“The 12-volt auxiliary battery and related electrical system in my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid (leased new 8/25/2025) repeatedly fail. The battery completely discharges after the vehicle sits plugged into a standard home charger, undisturbed, for sev…”
“While driving my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe in normal conditions, the vehicle unexpectedly loses electric drive power. Power is reduced in stages — to approximately 50%, then 25% — then electric mode is disabled and the dash displays "Electric Mode Temporarily Un…”
JEEP Gladiator
- 01STEERING329
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM289
- 03POWER TRAIN157
- 04ENGINE130
- 05SUSPENSION106
Owners report power steering pump electrical wiring harness/connector problems, with an active recall for a vehicle fire risk due to high electrical resistance. Another complaint describes a total loss of communication across control modules, which could disable power steering and other critical systems.
The same power steering wiring harness issue is also filed under electrical, and one owner noted the infotainment software fails to turn off Wi-Fi after the car is stopped, potentially draining the battery. These glitches can lead to dead batteries or unexpected electronic failures.
Reports include erratic acceleration—surging, shuddering, or chugging at light throttle—and complete transfer case, output shaft, and rear axle replacements at low mileage. These are costly repairs that can affect safety and reliability.
One owner reported a 2024 Gladiator caught fire under the hood, resulting in a total loss. Another described the steering wheel becoming firm with check engine and battery warning lights, and rising temperature gauge, indicating potential engine or electrical failures.
“-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 Wrangler — 102 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The child seat tether welds on the second-row, right-side seat frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the require…
The risk: A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row, right-side seat frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 27D. Vehicle Identi…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The walls for the steel wheels may be too thin, allowing them to crack or detach, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
The risk: Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steel wheels and valve stems, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbe…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyage…
The risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler'…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The remote start antenna cable may be pinched, which can cause the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light not to illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federa…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of a problem increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the remote start antenna cable as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number…
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 Wrangler or JEEP Gladiator: which should you buy?
The Jeep Gladiator has far fewer complaints per year (141.7 vs. 792.9) and fewer recalls (34 vs. 102), suggesting it may be less problematic overall. However, both models share serious steering and electrical concerns, so the difference is mainly in frequency, not in the types of issues.
Key differences
- The Wrangler has about 5.6 times more complaints per year than the Gladiator, with electrical and steering issues being the most common.
- Both suffer from power steering problems, but the Gladiator has a specific recall for a fire risk from the power steering pump wiring harness.
- Wrangler owners frequently report 12-volt battery drain and hybrid system power loss, while Gladiator owners report erratic acceleration and transfer case failures.
- The Gladiator has fewer crash-related complaints (25 vs. 163) and injuries (22 vs. 102), though both have zero deaths reported.
- Check for any signs of 12-volt auxiliary battery drain, especially on 4xe models—ask if the battery has been replaced or if the vehicle has needed jump-starts.
- Test the power steering thoroughly for warning lights or heavy steering, particularly on 2026 Rubicon models where failures have been reported at very low mileage.
- Inspect the power steering pump wiring harness for signs of overheating or damage, and confirm that recall 21D (NHTSA 26v-363) has been performed.
- During a test drive, accelerate gently from a stop to check for surging, shuddering, or erratic acceleration that could indicate power train issues.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls—both models have many, and some are safety-critical.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Jeeps, focusing on electrical, steering, and power train systems.
- For the Wrangler 4xe, test the hybrid system: ensure it charges properly and that electric mode engages without warnings.
- For the Gladiator, verify that the power steering recall has been completed and check for any signs of underhood fire damage or wiring repairs.
- Obtain a vehicle history report and maintenance records to see if recurring electrical or steering problems have been addressed.
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 Wrangler | JEEP Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 30 | 3 |
| 2025 | 225 | 15 |
| 2024 | 2485 | 23 |
| 2023 | 365 | 56 |
| 2022 | 397 | 120 |
| 2021 | 943 | 292 |
| 2020 | 610 | 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 Wrangler or JEEP Gladiator in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Wrangler vs JEEP Gladiator
- JEEP Wrangler total complaints
- 7,929
- JEEP Gladiator total complaints
- 992
- JEEP Wrangler total recalls
- 102
- JEEP Gladiator total recalls
- 34
- JEEP Wrangler avg complaints/year
- 792.9
- JEEP Gladiator avg complaints/year
- 141.7
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Gladiator
- JEEP Wrangler top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- JEEP Gladiator top complaint area
- STEERING