Years to avoid
Jeep Gladiator Years to Avoid
The 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 model years stand out as the weakest in this Jeep Gladiator dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2020
- Model average
- 55/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 461
- Recalls, weakest year
- 7
49/100 reliability
15-point range
10 crash · 7 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2020 Jeep Gladiator ranks last
The 2020 scores 49/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 55/100. NHTSA data contains 461 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Steering (179), Electrical System (147), Power Train (44), Engine (22). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2020 Jeep Gladiator record →Evidence by year
The weakest Jeep Gladiator model years compared
2020 Jeep Gladiator
- Complaints
- 461
- Recalls
- 7
- Crash reports
- 10
- Fire reports
- 7
Top issues: Steering (179), Electrical System (147), Power Train (44)
View 2020 details →2021 Jeep Gladiator
- Complaints
- 261
- Recalls
- 7
- Crash reports
- 7
- Fire reports
- 2
Top issues: Steering (87), Power Train (54), Electrical System (24)
View 2021 details →2022 Jeep Gladiator
- Complaints
- 104
- Recalls
- 7
- Crash reports
- 4
- Fire reports
- 11
Top issues: Steering (32), Electrical System (21), Power Train (18)
View 2022 details →2023 Jeep Gladiator
- Complaints
- 46
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 0
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Electrical System (11), Steering (7), Fuel Propulsion System (6)
View 2023 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Jeep Gladiator years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Jeep Gladiator data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Jeep Gladiator research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Jeep Gladiator research FAQ
Which Jeep Gladiator years should I avoid?
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 score materially below the strongest Jeep Gladiator years in this dataset. The 2020 is the weakest at 49/100, with 461 owner complaints and 7 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Jeep Gladiator year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Jeep Gladiator year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (64/100), 2025 (64/100), 2024 (59/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Jeep Gladiator you are considering.