2021 Jeep Gladiator: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has 267 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls, with steering defects being the top issue. Current data includes 267 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2021 Jeep Gladiator trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated26.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Not RatedRollover
26.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
JEEP GLADIATOR 2021 has 267 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls. Steering defects lead with 87 complaints, followed by transmission issues (63) and engine problems (54). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Jeep
- Model
- Gladiator
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 267
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 28
- Fuel type
- Diesel
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Jeep Gladiator Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
The 2021 Gladiator has a high complaint volume relative to its single year, making it a risky choice. Only consider if you can verify repairs and are prepared for potential issues.
Steering and transmission problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, directly impacting ownership experience.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize off-road capability and are willing to accept higher risk of repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a trouble-free daily driver or those with limited budget for repairs should avoid this year.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Jeep Gladiator
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering system for looseness or noise.
- Check transmission for slipping or harsh shifting.
- Review engine for stalling or loss of power.
Before You Close the Deal
- Check for steering-related recalls or service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect steering and drivetrain components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Jeep Gladiator, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator shows a high number of complaints for a single model year, particularly in steering (87 complaints) and transmission/drivetrain (63 complaints). Buyers should be aware of these patterns and conduct thorough inspections. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2021 has the highest complaint count, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Steering defects account for 87 complaints, the highest of any component.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 63 complaints.
- Engine problems are reported in 54 complaints.
- Steering Defects (87 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (63 complaints)
- Engine Problems (54 complaints)
All 2021 Jeep Gladiator Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 87 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 63 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 54 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 41 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 39 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 26 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Last year I received a message, letter and perhaps an email related to my jeep and recall for the clutch plate assembly. The recall was performed twice because first was incorrect. Transmission had to be replaced a few weeks later. Since then, I've had numerous visits to dealers…
Complete failure and shut down of all systems while driving through an intersection. Result found by dealer: Frayed wiring harness on right side of engine rubbing near exhaust parts. Known problem in several models of Jeep due to TBS issued to dealers. Jeep failed in intersect…
Rear view camera works only when vehicle is cold, usually only in the morning. I cant use this safety feature whenever I drive the car the rest of the day . I have been in situations driving the truck in off road conditions were the camera is a must to see where I am going, an…
On 12-13-23 I hit an 8 point buck going 55mph head on between the 2 headlights doing 15k in damage.. airbags did not deploy. On 4-11-26 I was hit by a drunk driver head on. I was going 33mph, he was going much faster in a Polaris rzr hit me on the driver side tearing off my ti…
Bought this vehicle with 27,000 miles on it. While driving on the interstate with heavy traffic. (Doing Highway speeds) All the sudden the power plant shuts down. It happend at 27,500 miles and happened again at 37,000 miles. It has done it to me four times now. Twice with hea…
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that the instrument panel was blank at startup. Due to the failure, the speedometer, fuel gauge, mileage, and other features were not visible. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (E…
Description of the Safety Issue I am submitting this complaint to report a serious seat belt safety incident involving entrapment and inability to self‑release, which required emergency intervention. While parked, my daughter as a passenger in my Jeep Gladiator, became tangled in…
The 3rd brake light in the tailgate malfunctioned This is required to pass New York State safety inspection A Jeep dealer replaced the part No warning on the dashboard of this light failing
Passenger side rear axle leaking gear oil. Issued was repaired by dealership No warning I just saw the oil on the tire and in my driveway
Two of the same faults occurred within the same month of each other. The first: while driving home from work on the highway, while heavily raining, without warning every alarm light possible engaged, windshield wipers went full speed, vehicle would not shift, and my steering loc…
While angling into a turn lane, I was forced to go back into lane of traffic first signaling into the turn lane (left) then out (right) turn signal seemed to get stuck on, Steering wheel became locked and would only move a fraction of an inch either left or right. Once I was arou…
The center high mounted tail light (CHMTL) has failed. It makes it a little harder to see the vehicle is braking. The fuses are fine. It is a very common failure on Jeep Gladiators. Many times people don't know it has failed. There are no warning lamps or indicators to tell …
I have had my gorilla glass replaced two years ago for cracking on its on, my front windshield cracked again 2 weeks ago for no reason and it cracked in the same location, causing a huge crack along my vison. This glass is supposed to be unbreakable and yet it broke twice since o…
This afternoon I was driving on a 35mph 4 lane road when my power steering suddenly went out. Because it was unusually light traffic and there are no turns or curves, I was able to safely maintain my lane until the power steering resumed just as quickly as it went out. Most women…
My name is [XXX] , and I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding the loss of my vehicle due to engine fire. The vehicle was a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, VIN [XXX] , with approximately 26,666 miles at the time of loss. I purchased the vehicle on May 13, 2021. The fi…
While driving on the highway on 1/19/2026, the electric power steering system abruptly stopped working. It took all my strength to steer the vehicle to take the first available exit. The failure made controlling the vehicle very difficult, putting my safety, my family's safety …
My vehicles rear locker went out on me while driving on the road and completely destroyed itself. I have video evidence on how that looks at the shop where it cost me over 3k to get a new one because I could t drive it or I had to get a whole new rear differential. My steering is…
While driving yesterday vehicle lost power steering and almost cause a crash. Upon talking to multiple shops and online researching we all came to a conclusion it was the can bus board (controller area network) shops stated this is a very know problem with jeeps. I feel as this i…
The heating steering wheel had an electrical short in the heating element where it began to melt the rubber of the steering wheel and start smoking. This became very hot where it could burn my hand. I was forced to pull over immediately to diagnose the problem before anything els…
Without any warning and after about 7 minutes of driving, Jeep turned off while driving at about 40 mph. There were no dash lights or warnings and the Jeep has never had an issue or any other symptom previously. Would not start and had to be towed. 8 hours later it was still in a…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Jeep Gladiator reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 267 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Gladiator has a high complaint volume relative to its single year, making it a risky choice. Only consider if you can verify repairs and are prepared for potential issues. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?▾
#1: Steering Defects (87 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (63 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (54 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 267 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Jeep Gladiator?▾
The 2021 Gladiator has a high complaint volume relative to its single year, making it a risky choice. Only consider if you can verify repairs and are prepared for potential issues. Steering and transmission problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, directly impacting ownership experience. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Jeep Gladiator reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Jeep Gladiator based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.