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ProblemsByVinFile / 2021-JEEP-GLADIATORNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Jeep
2021 Jeep Gladiator problems
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has 286 NHTSA owner complaints and 8 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has 286 NHTSA owner complaints and 8 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 94 complaints, typically surfacing around 15,784 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
8
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 Gladiator?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Steering: 94 complaints, classified severe
Electrical system: 30 complaints, classified severe
Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average
8 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Rollover★★★★★3/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2021 Jeep Gladiator PU/CC 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2021 Jeep Gladiator? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 94 owner reports
· tends to show around 15,784 mi · ~$700 to fix
powertrain — 60 owner reports
· tends to show around 43,629 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 30 owner reports
· tends to show around 34,017 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 15 owner reports
· tends to show around 47,667 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 15,784 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 8 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2021 Gladiator· steering
My 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport is very unsafe to drive specially at Highway speeds or speeds above 45 mph and multiple dealerships service departments are refusing to fix or even acknowledge the issue after not being able to fix the problem already due to no major recalls being…
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started to shake abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front outer…
There is a failure of the vehicle’s Brake Throttle Override (BTO) system which poses a serious safety hazard. When braking the throttle will surge from ~500 to ~1,500 RPMs without driver input (foot completely off the accelerator pedal, clutch pedal pressed in, and applying…
During show fall the snow gathers in the head lamp dishes causing them to fill and block out the light. This causes me to pull over and clear the head lamps so I can see about every mile or two. This is a known problem due to not having heat to melt the snow from the head light.…
Had a problem with your 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
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 are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 21D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles
An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
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 recall is 30B.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 286 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Steering: 94 complaints, classified severe; Electrical system: 30 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average; 8 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 94 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 15,784 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2021 Jeep Gladiator a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 286 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 15,784 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 94 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 15,784 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 15,784 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Jeep Gladiator has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 286 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Jeep/Gladiator.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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