RoadVitals

2021 Jeep Gladiator Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
294
+2 complaints in 30 days
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
48
Reports on file since Nov 12, 2020

What this page shows

Our database holds 294 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 294 · page 1 of 12

Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 6, 2026

Hard shift between 3rd and 4th gear during initial startup of vehicle. Transmission oil changed and shift is more pronounced.

NHTSA ID
11776355
Incident
Sep 30, 2026
Steering
Filed Nov 4, 2026

The dealership has had my vehicle since September 17, 2026 with today being 11/4/26 and I originally dropped the vehicle off for warranty and recall work. Yesterday I receive a text from the dealership that my vehicle was ready to be picked up. Today I go to find that my aluminum hood was swapped out for a 50lb heavier hood that is too heavy for the spring but more importantly... The recall is still open and they tried to have me drive the vehicle home with a park outside fire warning.

NHTSA ID
11775692
Incident
Nov 4, 2026
Electrical
Filed Sep 30, 2026

While I was driving home with 2 of my boys, the instrument cluster malfunctioned and went completely blank while driving. I had a mechanic check the vehicle and the fuses were/are working fine. He stated that he found issues online about Jeep Gladiators from this model year having issues with the instrument cluster suddenly going blank due to a parts issue. There is an active recall for this issue, but my truck is not included. When I called Jeep Customer Care, I was told that NHTSA was responsible for which VIN #'s were included. They also facetiously stated that if I had any issues with that I should reach out to the NHTSA, so I did. I spoke with a helpful NHTSA agent that stated it was the manufacturer who was responsible for which vehicles were included (Call Reference # 1889375) and it would be helpful for me to make a formal complaint using the website.

NHTSA ID
11768114
Incident
Sep 28, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that two years ago the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); to prevent the clutch from overheating. However, the failure started after the vehicle was repaired under the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to perform the inspection or confirm the failure due to the age and mileage on the vehicle. The contact stated that the software update included a transmission kill switch to be activated whenever the clutch overheated, but the kill switch failed to operate as intended. The message that the clutch was overheating was displayed on the instrument panel during the failure. There was a burning odor and smoke during the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.

NHTSA ID
11767386
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Mileage
26,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 9, 2026

My Transmission is skipping on 3rd gear ratio code and reverse is getting stuck with only 70,000 2021 and i was the only owner.

NHTSA ID
11763209
Incident
Jun 10, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 24, 2026

Component Affected: Power Train / Automatic Transmission (850RE 8-Speed)Description of Safety Hazard:While driving my 2022 Jeep Gladiator (53,940 miles), the transmission experienced a severe internal component failure, specifically throwing error code P0733-00 (Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio). This causes the transmission to violently slip, shift harshly, or completely fail to engage 3rd gear while accelerating.This creates an immediate and severe safety hazard on public roads. When the transmission fails to engage the gear, the vehicle experiences a sudden, uncommanded loss of motive power while in traffic. This leaves the vehicle coasting without acceleration, exposing myself and my passengers to an extremely high risk of being rear-ended by oncoming traffic.This issue is a known manufacturing defect involving the internal transmission "D" Clutch assembly, as documented in manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin TSB 21-009-25. The dealership refused to properly pull the historical codes or address the issue, leaving a dangerous, defect-plagued vehicle on the road. Stellantis / Jeep needs to issue a mandatory safety recall for this 850RE transmission D-clutch defect before this sudden loss of acceleration causes a fatal accident

NHTSA ID
11759160
Incident
Aug 24, 2026
Suspension
Filed Aug 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on uneven road surfaces, the vehicle experienced violent shaking in the front end and the steering wheel. The contact stated that the vibration reoccurred while depressing the brake pedal and ceased after the vehicle had decelerated. The failure was associated with the death wobble. A diagnostic test was performed at a dealer, and an estimate for the repair was provided; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA ID
11757024
Incident
Jul 1, 2026
Mileage
38,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Aug 11, 2026

Truck failed to find gear shuddered lost speed in traffic while going up a hill. Limp mode was initiated. This is a known manufacturers defect with a tsb applied against the known issue. Issue is widespread when researched but not made known by the manufacturer of the truck. Dealership refusing repair under goodwill due to truck being out of mileage by 5000miles. Symptoms started prior to exiting warranty but due to no communication by dealership or manufacturer unit was not brought in for repair prior. Repeat this is a known defect that is being ignored by manufacturer.

NHTSA ID
11756306
Incident
Aug 4, 2026
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jul 29, 2026

I am experiencing the "Jeep Death Wobble" which occurs intermittently after hitting any road imperfections i.e. uneven road surface connections, potholes, or rumble strips, causing a violent and sudden shaking of the steering wheel at highway speeds. I feel like the wheels are going to fall off it shakes so bad!!! I either have to slow down to under 45 mph or less, or come to a complete stop in order for it to stop wobbling. This does not happen on smooth road surfaces. I have a stock 2021 Jeep Gladiator which I bought brand new the end of 2020. Whenever this happens, I need to get off the road if there are people behind me as I need to slow my speed and or exit the roadway. This puts me at risk especially when traveling interstate highways with tractor trailers and other large vehicles behind me. I advised the dealership in the past that I was experiencing this problem and they were supposed to order a stabilizer for my jeep but have never heard back about it. My Jeep is available for inspection as it has not been fixed. My Jeep was just in for bad calipers/brakes/rotors and had a multi-point inspection on 7/11/26 and 7/22/26. However, the wobble still happens. I am listing below the most recent date that this wobble occurred which was 7/26/26

NHTSA ID
11753502
Incident
Jul 26, 2026
Brakes
Filed Jul 29, 2026

Front brake caliper(s) was seizing up causing smoking and a burning smell. Vehicle was also pulling to the right when braking. Brake fluid or something like it coated the front drivers side wheel. Took vehicle back to dealership where vehicle was purchased new. Vehicle is still under warranty/extended warranties. The dealer did inspect and found front calipers to be seizing up causing excessive wear on brake pads and rotors. They did replace both front calipers but not the brake hoses. They also replaced and charged me for new brake pads and rotors. Not even a week later, I called the dealer to report the same problem, the brakes were again seizing up and there was a smoking/burning smell. The dealer ordered the new brake hoses, found that the brake hoses they attempted to re-use had collapsed causing all the above mentioned problems. The dealer had them installed and so far so good.

NHTSA ID
11753476
Incident
Jul 10, 2026
Steering
Filed Jul 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the inspection. The contact was advised to continue to park the vehicle away from the residence. The contact was confused. The contact asked the dealer why the vehicle was still considered a fire risk. No explanation was provided. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11752079
Incident
Jul 22, 2026
Steering
Filed Jul 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle could be taken to the dealer to be inspected; however, the vehicle would remain with the dealer until parts became available. The dealer informed the contact that parts for the recall repair were expected in September 2026. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11751758
Incident
Jun 4, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 15, 2026

2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S equipped with 6 speed manual transmission purchased from Landers Jeep in Little Rock Ar. Vehicle required the A-19 clutch recall. Recall was completed and I took ownership 6/17/2025. I returned the vehicle within the first week of ownership due to the "service transmission" light periodically coming on. Dealership reset the clutch counter and attempted to give me advice on how to drive a vehicle I was more than capable driving before purchasing. After 13 months and 13k miles I have now gotten a "clutch hot fully release clutch pedal and reduce clutch use" warning twice while traveling down the interstate at 65mph. When this light comes on the vehicle enters "limp mode" and dramatically loses power, not to mention the original recall warnings of fire and fragments. Now clutch is slipping and vehicle power is reduced. Today at a scheduled service appointment to readdress this issue, I was informed by the service manager at Landers that they only fix recalls once and will not readdress the issue.

NHTSA ID
11750672
Incident
Jul 15, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Jul 11, 2026

The vehicle was bought in CA and hasn't had any issues till about after 3-4 yrs later. 1) Adaptive cruise control / emergency braking system / forward collision notification will occassionally state "not availble/unavailable" or "visibility" is not available and to clean windshield, but the windshield is not dirty or obstructing the camera. 2) The fuel emission system has had several diagnostic codes referring to the gas gap or fuel sensors. Vehicle is boggs down/loses power and starts ideling roughly and acts like it wants to shutdown and has shutdown. I've had to get vehicle towed twice for this issue. Replaced gas gap and still had issues. Then they went away for a few months, but now I am getting a diagnotic code stating that the fuel tank gas sensor is causing the check engine light.

NHTSA ID
11749747
Incident
Jun 8, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 7, 2026

Engine oil light came on. Inspected at Tom Obrien Jeep for low oil pressure. Technician found that one of the oil sprayers was not bolted onto block, screw was there and tight, sprayer was in oil pan. It was incorrectly assembled. Jeep would not warranty due to lack of oil change receipts which is irrelevant.

NHTSA ID
11748859
Incident
Feb 7, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Jul 6, 2026

7/5/2026. Driving home on the highway the Jeep went into limp mode and shut down. The Fault flashed on the screen for about 15 seconds (Throttle Body Falut) Problem is there is no warning when it happens. It just shuts down. This creates a "REALLY SERIOUS HAZZARD" This time it did register a fault on the computer and we were able to pull it off the reader. The Fault reads as follows: POOAF In looking it up on this is a manufacuring problem that can be caused by a little dirt, Can be caused by hot weather. THIS IS NOT SAFE! MY I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT SAFE! This should be recalled and Fixed as I am sure this shutting down on the Hiways and Interstates have killed people that were not able to deal with a situation. Please force a recall befor lives are lost!

NHTSA ID
11748534
Incident
Jul 5, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jul 1, 2026

The dealership says it cannot be repaired until 2027 due to parts not being available for the fire recall on this jeep. I cannot ensure my safety or others with this issue.

NHTSA ID
11747747
Incident
Jul 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V363000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11746465
Incident
Jun 25, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11746378
Incident
Jun 4, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jun 19, 2026

own a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Overland, VIN [XXX]. My vehicle is affected by a safety recall involving the power steering wiring and potential fire risk. I have been advised that parts may not be available until September. I am concerned about the safety of my vehicle and would like Jeep to document my concerns, provide a timeline for repair, and explain what assistance is available while I wait for the recall remedy.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11745242
Incident
Jun 10, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jun 16, 2026
Fire reported

I purchased this vehicle on May 25th. On june 4th it was parked out side my front porch and my house along with the jeep burned completely down. the fire was first witnessed on the front porch right where the jeep was parked. I was out of town working and had a friend there dog sitting for me. She and the dogs got out safely althoug she was sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation and was released later that evening. The arson investigation is still on going. as of monday June 8th, Both the arson investigator and home insurnace investigator could not determine the origin of the fire. When the recall went public on june 11th i informed them of the recall and have not gotten much back from either of them. The scene has yet to be re-visted. I drove the truck maybe a total of 150 miles. The steering felt strange at times but i only had the vehicle for 5 days before i left for work. There is no solution from jeep. I would really like for a specialest to inspect the vehicle to determine if it did in fact set my house on fire.

NHTSA ID
11744578
Incident
Jun 4, 2026
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jun 13, 2026

Potential fire even when vehicle is off.

NHTSA ID
11743880
Incident
Jun 4, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 11, 2026

Engine light came on, vehicle went into limp mode. Transmission would not shift any higher than 3rd gear and kept slipping while on interstate! Was almost hit by several 18 wheelers! Jeep dealership said our vin is not part of the service bulletin but they did get the P0733 code! Make it make sense! I guess we’re supposed to get run over by 18 wheelers before they’ll fix it!

NHTSA ID
11743537
Incident
May 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering); however, the parts required for the recall repair were unavailable. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11743517
Incident
Jun 4, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Jun 7, 2026

Every time I fill up my gas tank, the fuel doesn’t shut off in time from the pump and gas comes backward up the filler neck, onto the side of my jeep.

NHTSA ID
11742573
Incident
Jun 7, 2026

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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