Gladiator (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The Jeep Gladiator, the Wrangler-based midsize pickup launched for 2020, posts one of the worst reliability scores in the database. Its 3.6-liter V6 rates avoid at the lowest possible score, and the diesel V6 rates avoid as well. Across 899 complaints, the dominant issue is steering, at 309 reports, the front-end oscillation that Wrangler and Gladiator owners know as death wobble. At roughly 135 complaints per year against a midsize-pickup median near 30, the Gladiator runs well above its segment.
The steering cluster is the defining problem. At highway speed, a bump can set off a violent side-to-side shaking of the solid front axle that does not settle until the driver slows sharply. It is inherent to the live-axle design Jeep shares between the Wrangler and Gladiator, and while dampers and alignment help, owners have reported it recurring. Electrical complaints follow at 256, a second broad weakness spanning the truck's body and infotainment systems.
Both engines rate avoid: the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that powers most Gladiators (812 complaints) and the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 sold from 2021-2023 (75). The generation logs 25 fire reports, high for the volume, and transmission and engine complaints each exceed 120. The 15 recalls are mostly powertrain campaigns shared with the Wrangler, including driveshaft, transmission, and fuel-system issues (19V636, 22V639, 22V767).
The 25 fire reports deserve their own note. They span the gas and diesel trucks and cluster around the engine and fuel systems rather than a single recalled component, which is why they read as a pattern to check rather than one defect to remedy. Because the Gladiator shares its powertrain and much of its structure with the Wrangler, it also inherits that truck's recall history, so a Gladiator's campaign list runs long by association as much as by its own faults.
The Gladiator appeals to buyers who want open-air, off-road capability with a bed, a combination nothing else offers, and that uniqueness is the reason to tolerate the reliability record rather than any strength in the data. Anyone considering one should treat the steering history as the central issue and budget for the front-end attention these trucks tend to need.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Jeep Gladiator Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.0T-V6-Diesel
3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 260 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.6-V6-Gas
3.6L 6-cyl / 285 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Jeep Gladiator regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
Neither engine escapes an avoid rating, so the choice is about use rather than reliability: the 3.6-liter gas V6 is the volume engine with the broadest parts and service support, while the discontinued 3.0-liter EcoDiesel adds torque and its own emissions-system upkeep. On model year, the 2020 launch trucks carry the most early recalls; later trucks are marginally more sorted, but the steering pattern persists across the run.
Make the front end the priority. On the test drive, take the truck to highway speed and over rough pavement to feel for any onset of the front-axle shake, and inspect the steering damper, track bar, and ball joints for wear or aftermarket fixes. Confirm the powertrain recalls, especially the driveshaft and transmission campaigns, show complete on the VIN. On diesel trucks, verify the fuel-system recall (23V263) and factor in the emissions maintenance.
The Gladiator holds its value well despite the reliability record, so the used discount is modest. Buyers pay for the capability and the badge, not for a strong durability story, and a truck with a documented steering fix and closed recalls is the safest way into one.
Recalls (15)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
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."
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.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US), LLC is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The rearview camera may fail to display the rearview image and the reverse lights may not illuminate when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 111, "Rear Visibility" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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.
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."
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The transmission parking wheel may not properly engage with the parking mechanism.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Ram 1500, Jeep Gladiator, and 2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The front seat belt retractors may have an improperly welded micro gas generator, which can result in seat belt pretensioner failure.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. In the event of a crash, a front seat belt retractor may not properly slow the occupant's forward movement after locking.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The rear driveshafts may have been incorrectly assembled without grease in the monoblock joint.
Alternatives in Pickup
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator problems?
The 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator has accumulated 899 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Electrical System, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Jeep Gladiator engine is most reliable?
The 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L Turbo 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator a good used car?
The 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 899 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator have?
The 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator has 899 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator?
There are 15 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Jeep Gladiator?
Before buying a used Jeep Gladiator, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Steering, Electrical System, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Gladiator?
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars (26.7% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Not Available. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 899 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.