Gladiator (1st)
Verdict Prioritize the front end: feel for axle shake at highway speed and favor a truck with a documented steering fix and closed recalls. The 3.0L EcoDiesel has 44 powertrain complaints from an estimated 18,000 trucks, and the 3.6L V6 has 132 from about 318,000.
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3.6-V6-Gas
3.6L 6-cyl / 285 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0T-V6-Diesel
3.0L 6-cyl Turbo / 260 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Jeep Gladiator Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The Jeep Gladiator, the Wrangler-based midsize pickup launched for 2020, scores 4.7, on 182 powertrain complaints against about 81 for similar trucks of the same age. Across 990 complaints, the dominant issue is steering, at 329 reports, the front-end oscillation that Wrangler and Gladiator owners know as death wobble. The Gladiator averages roughly 165 complaints per year.
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 288, a second broad weakness spanning the truck's body and infotainment systems.
Two engines were offered: the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that powers most Gladiators (895 complaints) and the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 sold from 2021-2023 (82). The generation logs 29 fire reports, high for the volume, and transmission and engine complaints each exceed 120. The 16 recalls are mostly powertrain campaigns shared with the Wrangler, including driveshaft, transmission, and fuel-system issues (19V636, 22V639, 22V767).
The 29 fire reports deserve their own note. They span the gas and diesel trucks, 23 on the V6 and 6 on the diesel, 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.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Jeep Gladiator, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
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.
What to check on a used 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator
On a used 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the steering (329), the electrical system (288) and the transmission and drivetrain (157). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 329 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator about the steering.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 288 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator about the electrical system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 157 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 131 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator about the engine, all engines combined.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 106 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator about the suspension.
Recalls (16)
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.
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) (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 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."
Show 11 older recalls
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 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 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 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 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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator complaints?
Owners have filed 990 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator. The systems they name most often are the steering, the electrical system and the transmission.
Is the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 990 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator have?
NHTSA has 990 owner complaints on file for the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator?
NHTSA lists 16 recalls covering some 2020-2025 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Jeep Gladiator?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the steering, the electrical system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 990 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.