Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Jeep Gladiator
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has undergone 8 recalls and faces 292 complaints, with steering, the power train, and the engine being the most reported areas. These issues indicate potential reliability concerns, although detailed information for some components is limited. Prospective buyers should thoroughly inspect these aspects during pre-purchase evaluations.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 292 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V363000 Park Outside: Power Steering Wiring May Catch Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V652000 Instrument Panel Failure/FMVSS 101 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V572000 Loss of Drive Power NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V263000 High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V116000 Clutch Pressure Plate May Overheat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V767000 Fuel Pump Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V638000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V028000 Clutch Pressure Plate May Overheat NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 94 complaints
- Power Train 71 complaints
- Engine 53 complaints
- Electrical System 46 complaints
- Suspension 41 complaints
- Unknown or Other 28 complaints
Of the 292 complaints on file, 7 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 292 complaints, owners report 7 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Power steering pump overheating
How to check: Inspect power steering components for burns or melting.
Instrument cluster short-circuiting
How to check: Check if instrument panel functions properly.
Clutch pressure plate overheating
How to check: Ensure smooth clutch operation and no burning smell.
High pressure fuel pump failure
How to check: Check for signs of fuel leaks or engine stalls.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud knocking or persistent shaking
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe instrument panel for any warning lights.
Red flag: Illuminated check engine or warning lights
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Check steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering
- 04
Acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth gear changes and acceleration.
Red flag: Jerking or gear shift delays
- 05
Highway driving
What to check: Monitor stability and steering control at speed.
Red flag: Wandering or unstable feel
- 06
Hard braking
What to check: Ensure strong, straight-line stop without noise.
Red flag: Pulling to one side or grinding noise
- 07
Parking
What to check: Confirm backup camera functionality.
Red flag: No rearview image on display
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the power steering issue been fixed?
- Any known electrical problems?
- Has the clutch assembly been inspected?
- Are there any fuel system repairs done?
- Any unresolved recall notices?
- Accident history affecting functions?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Latest recall service records
- Detailed service history
- Vehicle maintenance logs
- Any unresolved recall paperwork
- Proof of registration and title
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2021 Jeep Gladiator? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.