Owners have reported 7 crashes, 2 fires and 7 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints87
STEERING
Owners report frequent issues with the steering system of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, primarily involving the loss of power steering and a phenomenon described as "death wobble." Complaints often describe the steering wheel shaking violently at highway speeds, particularly after hitting a bump, and power steering failure that requires significant effort to control the vehicle, typically resolving when speed decreases to around 30 MPH. These issues are noted to occur at various mileages, with some reports mentioning problems as early as 17,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of crashes and a fire linked to the power steering pump electrical connector, along with instances of steering lockup and loss of vehicle control. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated safety risks.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints54
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly concerning the transmission and rear axle. Complaints often describe transmission failures, with symptoms including rough shifting, slipping, and unexpected gear disengagement, typically occurring around 26,000 to 119,000 miles. Rear axle leaks are also commonly noted, with some owners observing fluid leaks and associated warning messages on the dashboard. Safety implications are significant, as some reports indicate loss of vehicle control, stalling, and even potential fire hazards due to clutch overheating. These issues are important for used car buyers to consider, given the potential for costly repairs and safety risks.
Owner complaints24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent issues with the 2021 Jeep Gladiator's electrical system, particularly involving the auto start-stop function and battery failures. Complaints often describe the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off at traffic lights, with some owners noting repeated battery replacements within short periods. Problems with the instrument cluster going blank and key fob failures are also common, typically occurring around 10,000 to 43,050 miles. Safety implications include instances of sudden unintended acceleration leading to a crash with injuries, as well as the vehicle stalling in traffic, posing potential hazards. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of these electrical issues and their potential impact on safety and functionality.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints15
SUSPENSION
Owners report frequent issues with the suspension of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, primarily involving a phenomenon known as "death wobble," where the front end and steering wheel shake violently, often occurring at speeds of 45-75 MPH after hitting bumps or road irregularities. This issue typically emerges around 23,000 to 36,000 miles, with some owners citing multiple repair attempts without resolution. Additionally, complaints mention the front suspension bottoming out over bumps, particularly in vehicles with diesel engines, due to insufficient suspension travel. One report includes a crash with an injury, attributed to the vehicle's rear wheels lifting during heavy braking. These issues suggest potential safety implications, including loss of control and driving hazards, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints14
ENGINE
Owners report frequent issues with the 2021 Jeep Gladiator's engine, notably involving overheating and power derating when towing or driving under heavy loads. Complaints often describe the engine's oil temperature reaching high levels, leading to reduced speed and limp mode activation, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds. These issues are noted even at relatively low mileages, such as 5,000 to 23,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe engine misfires and camshaft failures, sometimes accompanied by warning lights and reduced engine performance. Safety concerns arise from one reported engine fire resulting in injuries and the potential for unexpected power loss in traffic, which could pose a risk to occupants and other road users.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report several issues with the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, with the most frequent being windshield cracking. Multiple complaints describe windshields cracking spontaneously or from minimal impact, often obstructing visibility and requiring replacement. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the vehicle’s acceleration, including unintended acceleration that led to a crash in one instance. Another issue involves a faulty third brake light, which owners note as a recurring problem post-warranty. These issues typically arise within the first few years of ownership, with some safety implications such as impaired visibility and loss of vehicle control.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints12
FUEL SYSTEM
Owners report issues with the fuel system in the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, primarily related to delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts. Complaints frequently mention problems with the fuel pump, such as vehicle stalling or hesitating to start, typically occurring around 14,000 to 50,000 miles. Some owners describe intermittent loss of power while driving, with no warning lights illuminated. Safety implications include potential loss of motive power and stalling, which could pose risks during driving. Buyers should be aware of ongoing recall part availability issues and the potential for unresolved fuel system failures.
Owner complaints7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners report issues with the 2021 Jeep Gladiator's vehicle speed control, primarily involving unexpected acceleration and throttle surges. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating suddenly without driver input, with brakes sometimes failing to respond immediately. Some owners describe throttle spikes when shifting gears, which distracts and delays driver reactions. These issues have been reported at various speeds and under different driving conditions, with some incidents occurring as early as 2021. The safety implications include potential loss of control and near-miss collisions, especially concerning for prospective buyers considering this model.
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator report issues related to the brake system, with symptoms including unintended acceleration and brake pedal shudder. One complaint involves a crash due to the brake pedal being positioned too close to the gas pedal, causing simultaneous engagement. Another owner describes a recurring electronic problem affecting ABS and traction control systems, leading to reduced braking effectiveness and power loss. Additionally, a failure in the Brake Throttle Override system is reported, where the throttle surges unexpectedly during braking, confirmed by dealership personnel but disputed by a technical advisor. These issues appear across varying mileages and have significant safety implications, including potential crashes and unintended vehicle acceleration.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners report issues with the air bag system in the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, including sensor malfunctions and deployment failures. Complaints frequently mention the air bag warning light illuminating, often linked to the occupant classification module failure, with fault codes like B2122-00 being identified. One incident involved a crash where the driver's side air bag did not fully deploy, resulting in an injury and a totaled vehicle at approximately 17,250 miles. Another owner describes the air bag sensor failing to detect a passenger, causing the warning light to cycle on and off, with the issue present from as low as 3,153 miles. These complaints indicate potential safety implications, particularly regarding air bag deployment reliability and sensor accuracy.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
