The Lemon Index2021 Jeep Gladiator.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 209 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 218, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 19 to 24 mpg combined. The best Jeep Gladiator year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 292 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Jeep Gladiator year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 40K miles on the car (47 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 8
- steering 2026
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.
- electrical 2024
The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail.
- transmission & drivetrain 2024
The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Show all 8 recalls
- fuel system, diesel 2023
The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.
- transmission & drivetrain 2023
The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
- fuel system, gasoline 2022
The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
- back over prevention 2022
A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying.
- transmission & drivetrain 2021
The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Jeep told dealers about
Jeep sent dealers 700 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Oil Leak Between The Engine Oil Cooler/Filter Housing, And The Engine Block
- Click Pop Creak Noise While Turning Steering Wheel
- Check Engine Light On, Service Shifter Message, No Crank No Start
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHigh pressure fuel pump failure2023
- ClosedUnderhood fires2024–2026
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Gladiator PU/CC 4WD | not rated | ★★★★☆ | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| Jeep Gladiator DIESEL PU/CC 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400–3900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Multiple incidences of death wobble at higher speeds... Primarily on interstate after going over minor defects in road... overpass, etc... Getting more frequent.. requires slowing way down to 40 mph to correct.
2021 Jeep Gladiator owner · NHTSA complaint 11446548
More owner reports
Death wobble when hitting bumps on highway after 55mph.feels like front end wants to come of the jeep very scary situation. 2-Clutch noise when pressing and realeasing
NHTSA complaint 11509034
Right rear axle leaking possibly causing brake contamination and unexpected decrease in braking
NHTSA complaint 11443968
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Jeep Gladiator reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 218; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Jeep Gladiator year by this measure since 2010 is 2024.
What are the most common 2021 Jeep Gladiator problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (32%), transmission & drivetrain (25%) and engine (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator have?
8 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator get?
19 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2021 Jeep Gladiator problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,500 and 40,000 miles. The middle report was at 20,000 miles, from 47 complaints.
Does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 25% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 to $3900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Jeep Gladiator have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Jeep Gladiator year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2021 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works