2021 Jeep Gladiator steering problems
94 of the 292 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator name the steering (NHTSA’s “Steering” heading — the steering column, rack, pump and power assist). Filed under the same heading: 1 recall, 1 NHTSA investigation. Every figure below is a document in a federal file, linked; none is a failure rate, and none is a verdict on any one car.
What owners filed about the steering
Source: NHTSA complaint database2 of the 94 reports a crash · 1 a fire · 2 injuries. Self-reported, unverified.
Filed per year: 2021: 17 · 2022: 23 · 2023: 17 · 2024: 10 · 2025: 12 · 2026: 15
Too few of these complaints carry an odometer reading to say when the problem shows up.
292 complaints in all about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, 15 filed in 2026. The whole picture, every system →
Counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many of these were sold; nothing here is a rate. NHTSA groups complaints coarsely, so “Steering” means the same area of the vehicle, not one fault.
Across model years: Jeep Gladiator steering problems, every year on file →
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the steering. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
I purchased a new 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. The steering wanders at all speeds causing continuous correction of the steering wheel. The vehicle drifts and is potentially a safety hazard. The dealership does not acknowledge there is a problem with the 2021 model
The vehicle has a lot of wandering movement while driving. The undercarriage of the vehicle and the driveshaft/steering feels like it is loose. The vehicle is difficult to keep on a center point in the lane Inez; it drives like bumper bowling balls on a bowling lane.
No single incident to report. Vehicle needs constant re-steering while at highway speeds. Vehicle drifts constantly and needs constant adjustment to stay on road. Have had the vehicle back to the Dealer two times for repairs. Dealer says no fault found. But does agree that there is a defect.
I have a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport S 3.6L with an automatic transmission. I have been the only owner of the vehicle and bought it new in February 2021. The vehicle currently has just over 9700 miles. The only modification done to the vehicle are new wheels and tires.
The steering is very loose and I have to correct the steering constantly. This is a new truck and is scary to drive. I can't go over 40 mph because it starts to wander and correcting its course causes it to wobble. When I come to a stop it pulls to one side and I have almost had a couple of accidents trying to keep the truck on course.
What is on file about the steering
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall filed under this heading
- Jun 4, 2026 · 1,076,999 vehicles
- 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.
NHTSA investigation
- PE24024 Underhood firesopened Sep 6, 2024 · closed Sep 24, 2026
- On September 6, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24024 to investigate allegations of engine compartment fires in model year 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. Most reports described fires starting on the front passenger side of the engine compartment while the vehicle was turned off, with several originating specifically at the electrohyd…
Other systems with a record on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator
Source: the same files- transmission and drivetrain problems 71 complaints
- engine problems 54 complaints
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsAre steering problems common on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
They are documented: NHTSA holds 94 owner complaints naming the steering on this model year (32% of everything owners filed about it), and 1 recall, 1 NHTSA investigation are filed under the same heading. Whether it is a problem on one particular car is a diagnosis, not a count, and a count says nothing about how many were sold.
Is there a recall for the steering on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
Yes — one campaign is filed under this heading: 26V363000. A recall is matched by VIN; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do steering problems show up on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator?
Too few of the complaints carry an odometer reading to say. The model year's page shows the mileage curve across every system where it can.
What does NHTSA's "Steering" heading cover?
The steering column, rack, pump and power assist. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.