NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Jeep Gladiator
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. It has 8 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15470
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP26V363000
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 21D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved
Reported 2026-06-04
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL24V652000
Risk: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.
Reported 2024-09-05
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE24V572000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 92B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-116 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Reported 2024-08-01
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V263000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 01A.
Reported 2023-04-13
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY23V116000
Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to
Reported 2023-02-23
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP22V767000
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP and inspect and replace additional fuel system components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2023. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Z96.
Reported 2022-10-13
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V638000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA, LLC's number for this recall is Z86.
Reported 2022-08-25
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY21V028000
Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
Reported 2021-01-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
277 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.