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2021 Jeep Gladiator

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Jeep Gladiator
Pictured: 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, front 10.25.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Body styles
4dr Pickup Overland, 4dr Pickup Rubicon, 4dr Pickup Sport
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
Horsepower
260–285 hp
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 22 city / 28 hwy
Length
216.9 in
Curb weight
4,683–5,082 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2021 standard pickup truck (18.2 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 285 hp, versus about 381 hp for similar 2021 models.
  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 26.7% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
  • Many owner complaints292 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 81 for similar models — most often about the steering.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a standard pickup truck offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 217 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 137-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,751 lb (4dr Pickup Overland).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 28 highway), 32% better than the 2021 standard pickup truck average of 18.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 292 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

Trims, performance & features

Engine285 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Engine260 hp3.0L turbo 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

SportOverlandRubiconMojave

Built in: Toledo, Ohio

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Gladiator configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Pickup Overland216.9 in74 in73.6 in137.4 in64.2 / 64.2 in4,751 lb54/46
4dr Pickup Rubicon216.9 in74 in73.6 in137.4 in64.2 / 64.2 in5,082 lb54/46
4dr Pickup Sport216.9 in74 in73.6 in137.4 in64.2 / 64.2 in4,683 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Gladiator EcoDiesel 4WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 24+32%$4,000423
Gladiator Rubicon EcoDiesel 4WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 24+32%$4,000436
Gladiator 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19+4%$3,550466
Gladiator 4WD3.6L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19+4%$3,550476
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.2 MPG2021 Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Jeep Gladiator PU/CC 4WDNot rated★★★★★4★ / 5★Not ratedNot rated★★★★★26.7%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Jeep Gladiator PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Jeep Gladiator PU/CC 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Jeep Gladiator (this car)24 MPGNot rated8
2021 Ford F-15025 MPGNot rated29
2021 Toyota Tacoma21 MPG★★★★★0
2021 Toyota Tundra15 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Chevrolet Colorado23 MPG★★★★★1
2021 GMC Canyon23 MPG★★★★★2
2021 Ford Ranger23 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (8)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump · Jun 4, 2026 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 26V363000 · 1,076,999 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Risk
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.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Sep 5, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V652000 · 32,863 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk
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.
Power Train › Manual Transmission › Control Module › Software · Aug 1, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V572000 · 94 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk
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.
Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Apr 13, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V263000 · 45,832 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 01A.
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · Feb 23, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V116000 · 69,201 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 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
Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Engine · Oct 13, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V767000 · 60,413 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Aug 25, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V638000 · 7,895 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
Power Train › Clutch Assembly · Jan 28, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V028000 · 42,887 vehicles

Problem
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Jeep Gladiator is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

292Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
20,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering91
Power Train67
Engine53
Electrical System46
Suspension40
Unknown Or Other28
Fuel/Propulsion System20
Service Brakes16
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/08: 124/09: 324/10: 524/11: 324/12: 225/01: 725/02: 525/03: 625/04: 325/05: 425/06: 425/07: 225/08: 225/10: 325/11: 326/01: 426/02: 826/03: 326/04: 326/05: 326/06: 826/07: 926/08: 326/09: 324/0824/1125/0225/0525/0826/0126/0426/07max 9

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Jeep Gladiator buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Steering — 91 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Power Train — 67 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Engine — 53 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Gladiator years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Gladiator19–Not rated00
2026 Gladiator19216.9 inNot rated23
2025 Gladiator19216.9 inNot rated115
2024 Gladiator19216.9 inNot rated223
2023 Gladiator24216.9 inNot rated657
2022 Gladiator24216.9 inNot rated8120

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →