Is the 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR reliable?

The 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR has 433 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR?

Top problems: STEERING (88 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (66 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (54 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR?

Yes, there are 8 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP. Contact any Jeep dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR?

The 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR gets 19 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2526. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR is approximately $1,898/year (truck-fullsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Jeep GLADIATOR

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR has 433 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.6x the segment average of 167. The most common issue is steering problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: steering is loose and is difficult to stay in lane when driving. the problem amplifies with speed and requires constant dangerous over correction especially in adverse conditions like snow or ice.. There are 8 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 10 crash reports 13 injuries

433

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

88 complaints

20%

• STEERING IS LOOSE AND IS DIFFICULT TO STAY IN LANE WHEN DRIVING. THE PROBLEM AMPLIFIES WITH SPEED AND REQUIRES CONSTANT DANGEROUS OVER CORRECTION ESPECIALLY IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS LIKE SNOW OR ICE.
• ON THE HIGHWAY INCREASING SPEEDS THE VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO STEER AND STAY IN LANE AS GETTING UP TO THE SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH IT BECAME WORSE WITH THE VEHICLE GOING BACK AND FORTH MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.
• THE VEHICLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS IS HARD TO CONTROL AND KEEP STRAIGHT. THE STEERING SEEMS TO BE LOOSE AND HAVE TOO MUCH PLAY. THIS MAKES IT HARD TO STAY IN THE LANE WITHOUT CONSTANTLY MOVING THE STEERING BY WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT AS IF YOU WERE PLAYING A VIDEO GAME.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 2 crashes

“STEERING IS LOOSE AND IS DIFFICULT TO STAY IN LANE WHEN DRIVING. THE PROBLEM AMPLIFIES WITH SPEED AND REQUIRES CONSTANT DANGEROUS OVER CORRECTION ESPECIALLY IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS LIKE SNOW OR ICE.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR

Based on 53 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 17K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 37K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 23K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (8)

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY28/01/2021

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,527

Per month

$211

Per mile

21.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Jeep GLADIATOR

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,898

Full coverage / month

$158

Liability only / year

$648

vs US avg

+13%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (truck-fullsize)1.08x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1898

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Jeep GLADIATOR Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

24K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

20K mi

4WD Wrangler/Gladiator have shorter transfer case + differential intervals if off-roaded frequently.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Jeep New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Jeep. If you're buying a used 2021 GLADIATOR, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Jeep dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 433 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: STEERING IS LOOSE AND IS DIFFICULT TO STAY IN LANE WHEN DRIVING. THE PROBLEM AMPLIFIES WITH SPEED AND REQUIRES CONSTANT DANGEROUS OVER CORRECTION ESPECIALLY IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS LIKE SNOW OR ICE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: VEHICLE HAS IRREGULAR DOWNSHIFTS IN LOWER GEARS. WHILE BRAKING THE DOWNSHIFTS CAN BE HEARD AS WELL AS FELT. THE SOUNDS AND SHAKE FROM DOWNSHIFTS VARY IN LOUDNESS AND STRENGTH. OCCASIONALLY WHILE BRAKING AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING, THE VEHICLE WILL SURGE FORWARD. THE SURGE THAT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 JEEP GLADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 67 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADJUSTED THE BATTERY TERMINAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESTART AND OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 JEEP GLADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 67 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADJUSTED THE BATTERY TERMINAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESTART AND OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 8 recalls have been completed — free at any Jeep dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)