MODEL
Jeep Gladiator Safety
NHTSA safety across every Jeep Gladiator model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Jeep Gladiator we cover (2020 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 72 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 57. 34 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup truck - not a sedan - built on the iconic Wrangler platform and aimed squarely at off-road enthusiasts who also need genuine truck utility. Sold in model years 2020 through 2025, it occupies a niche segment as one of the few body-on-frame, convertible-roof pickups on the market, appealing to adventure-oriented buyers who want trail capability alongside everyday hauling.
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator achieves a Safety Index score of 69 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average to Weak band. This score marks the highest the model has attained across its six production years. Crash-test results from NHTSA show a 4 out of 5-star rating for frontal impact protection, which meets acceptable standards but does not lead the segment. Its 3 out of 5-star rollover rating indicates inherent design characteristics associated with its body-on-frame construction. A notable absence in the published data is a side-crash rating, leaving a significant unknown in its overall safety assessment. The Gladiator's recall history is extensive: 32 recalls have been issued across the 2020-2025 model years. This includes 5 distinct "park-outside" or "do-not-drive" campaigns, which point to critical safety defects requiring immediate attention. The vehicle has also accumulated 953 owner complaints, detailing 24 alleged crashes, 27 alleged fires, and 21 reported injuries. While these are unverified allegations, the volume and nature of the fire-related complaints warrant particular consideration from potential buyers. From a safety perspective, the Gladiator consistently lags behind its competitive set.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Gladiator for its off-road capability, open-air driving experience, and the novelty of combining Wrangler DNA with a pickup bed. Most acknowledge it sacrifices on-road refinement, fuel efficiency, and - relevant to our focus here - passive safety credentials compared to more mainstream midsize truck competitors.
- The Gladiator's best NHTSA Safety Index score across covered years is 69 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average to Weak performance band even at its best - a meaningful disadvantage compared to higher-rated midsize truck alternatives.
- Thirty-two recalls have been issued across the 2020-2025 model years, including 5 park-outside or do-not-drive campaigns - the most serious category NHTSA issues - indicating recurring safety concerns significant enough to warrant immediate action from owners.
- The rollover star rating of 3 out of 5 reflects the Gladiator's tall, narrow, Wrangler-derived body-on-frame structure, which carries an inherent rollover risk that buyers should weigh carefully, especially given that side crash-test data is not rated.
- Owner complaints include 27 alleged fire incidents and 24 alleged crashes across the covered model years - these are unverified allegations, but prospective buyers should check NHTSA's database for any open investigations or active recall notices before purchasing.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Jeep Gladiator with 8 recalls.