Jeep Gladiator Problems & Complaints: Are The Issues Worth Buying?

‍Jeep Gladiator Common Problems

The Jeep Gladiator is not immune to problems. Here are some of the most common issues that Gladiator owners have reported:

Transmission Issues

One of the most common problems with the Jeep Gladiator is transmission issues. Some owners have reported that their Gladiator's transmission will shift roughly or jerk when changing gears. Others have reported that their transmission will slip or fail altogether.

According to CarComplaints.com, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator has the most transmission complaints, with 16 NHTSA complaints and 146 owner complaints. The 2021 Gladiator has 4 NHTSA complaints and 20 owner complaints.

Electrical Problems

Another common problem with the Jeep Gladiator is electrical issues. Owners have reported a range of problems including dead batteries and malfunctioning electronics.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the most common electrical problems with the 2021 Jeep Gladiator are battery replacements and brake repairs. Other electrical problems reported by Gladiator owners include malfunctioning infotainment systems and dead alternators.

Steering and Steering Wheel Issues

Steering problems are another common issues reported by Jeep Gladiator owners. Some owners have reported that their Gladiator's steering will pull to one side or feel loose and unresponsive. Others have reported that their Gladiator's steering will make a clicking or grinding noise when turning. We’ve also seen reports that say the steering wheel becomes less responsive and the vehicle is prone to wandering at highway speeds.

Sway Bar issues

The electronic sway bar disconnect system is a common cause of steering problems in the Gladiator. This system is designed to improve off-road performance by disconnecting the sway bar.. You should reconnect it though because the sway bar can cause steering issues when driving on pavement.

Any steering problems with your Jeep Gladiator should be diagnosed anf xied by a qualified mechanic. A simple alignment or tire rotation may be all that's needed to fix the problem. In more severe cases, the entire steering system may need to be replaced. The problem could also be as simple as tightening the nuts and bolts behind the steering wheel. These can come loose under extreme driving.

Recalls

It's worth noting that the Jeep Gladiator has had a few recalls since its release. In 2020, there was a recall for the Jeep Gladiator's rear driveshaft as it can detach and cause a crash. 2021 saw a recall for the Jeep Gladiator's clutch pressure plate which could overheat and cause a fire. If you own a Jeep Gladiator, it's important to check for any open recalls and have them addressed as soon as possible.

Solid Axle Differences

One common reason for complaints about the Jeep Gladiator is a lack of familiarity with vehicles that have a solid front axle. The steering wheel response can make the Jeep Gladiator seem like it is responding differently when in reality the driver is used to an SUV with a more flexible front axle. This problem is common with the steering wheels across all Jeep vehicles with solid axles.

Mechanical Problems

The Jeep Gladiator is not immune to mechanical problems. Here are some of the most common mechanical issues experienced by Jeep Gladiator drivers.

Brake System Problems

One of the most important safety features of any vehicle is its braking system.  Some Jeep Gladiator owners have reported problems with their brakes. These issues can range from squeaking or grinding noises to a complete loss of braking power.

Brake issues should bring you to a qualified mechanica immediately. Ignoring brake problems can lead to serious accidents and injuries.

Engine Problems

One common problem is the engine stalling or shutting off unexpectedly. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including faulty sensors or a malfunctioning fuel pump. Other drivers have reported problems with the engine overheating or failing to start.

If you experience any issues with your engine you should have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic. Ignoring engine problems can lead to more serious issues down the road.

Most of these problems give you at least a check engine light, so the Jeep Gladiator is unlikely to leave you stranded on the side of the road. Just don’t ignore the check engine light or any other warning light in your Jeep Gladiator and you’ll probably be fine.

Suspension Issues

The suspension system is responsible for keeping your vehicle stable and comfortable on the road. Unfortunately, some Jeep Gladiator owners have reported problems with their suspension systems.

One common issue is the suspension system making a clunking or rattling noise while driving. This can be caused by worn-out suspension components or loose bolts. Other drivers have reported problems with the suspension system sagging or failing to absorb bumps and potholes.

If you experience any issues with your suspension system, it is important to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic. Ignoring suspension problems can lead to damaging other parts of your vehicle later.

Safety Concerns

Airbag Problems

One of the most significant safety concerns with the Jeep Gladiator is airbag problems. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there have been several complaints about the airbag system not deploying correctly in the event of an accident. This issue affects both the driver and passenger airbags.

Jeep has issued a recall for certain 2020-2021 Gladiator models due to a potential problem with the airbag sensor. The recall affects thousands of vehicles and owners are advised to bring their vehicles to a Jeep dealer for inspection and repair.

Seat Belt Issues

Another safety concern with the Jeep Gladiator is seat belt issues. The NHTSA has received complaints about the seat belts not working correctly. Possible problems here include not retracting or not holding passengers securely in the event of an accident.

Jeep has issued a recall for certain 2020-2021 Gladiator models due to a potential problem with the front seat belt retractors. The recall affects over 3,400 vehicles, and owners are advised to bring their vehicles to a Jeep dealer for inspection and repair.

Other Safety Concerns

In addition to airbag and seat belt issues there have been other safety concerns reported by Jeep Gladiator owners. These include problems with the brakes, steering, and suspension systems. Some owners have reported that the brakes feel spongy or unresponsive while others have experienced problems with the power steering system.

There have also been reports of suspension problems. Driver complaints range from problems with the shocks and struts. These problems can lead to a bumpy ride and decreased handling ability which can be dangerous in certain driving conditions.

Recalls and Solutions

The Jeep Gladiator has had its fair share of recalls. Here are some of the most notable ones:

If your Jeep Gladiator is affected by any of these recalls it is important to take action as soon as possible. Contact your local Jeep dealer to schedule a repair. The repairs should be free of charge.

Jeep has also issued several technical service bulletins (TSBs) to address common issues reported by Gladiator owners. Here are some of the most common issues and their solutions:

• Shaking steering wheel: If your steering wheel shakes at high speeds it may be due to an out-of-balance tire or a bent wheel. Have your tires balanced and your wheels inspected.
• Faulty rear differential sensor: A failure in your Jeep Gladiator’s rear differential sensor may cause the vehicle to shift erratically or not at all. Jeep has issued a TSB to address this issue which involves replacing the sensor.
• Electrical issues: Some Gladiator owners have reported issues with the vehicle's electrical system, including a dead battery and malfunctioning infotainment system. Jeep has issued several TSBs to address these issues, which may involve updating the software or replacing faulty components.

How to buy a Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator is a relatively new vehicle. Our advice to you if you are buying a new Jeep Gladiator is simply to do regular maintenance for it. A well maintained vehicle will experience fewer problems than a neglected vehicle.

If you are buying a used Jeep Gladiator we suggest getting a complete vehicle inspection to look into potential issues. This includes our previously mentioned issues with the steering wheel. You’ll also want a mechanic to take a close look at the transmission and the transmission fluid to ensure there are no debris or metal bits already present.

A good look at the underside of the vehicle will also help reveal any of the rear axle leaking fluid. While there are a number of places we could suggest getting the vehicle inspected we’ll just suggest you go with someone who knows Jeep vehicles well so that they can look for common problems.