Jeep Gladiator Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Jeep Gladiator model year (2020–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Jeep Gladiator Years to Avoid
6 recalls · 331 complaints
8 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 365
4 recalls · 190 complaints
11 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 224
5 recalls · 85 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 102
Best Jeep Gladiator Years to Buy
0 recalls · 3 complaints
Main area: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 3
1 recall · 7 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 10
4 recalls · 31 complaints
Main area: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 43
Found the right year? Verify that specific Gladiator with a free VIN report.
Jeep Gladiator — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 3 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 1 | 7 | — | — | 10 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 4 | 31 | — | — | 43 | Good |
| 2022 | 5 | 85 | 1 | — | 102 | Good |
| 2021 | 4 | 190 | 11 | — | 224 | Caution |
| 2020 | 6 | 331 | 8 | — | 365 | Avoid |
All 7 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Jeep Gladiator Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Gladiator models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Gladiator should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2020 Jeep Gladiator if possible. It has 6 recalls, 331 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 365 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Gladiator to buy?+
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 3. It has only 0 recalls and 3 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Gladiator has the fewest problems?+
The 2025, 2024, 2023 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Jeep Gladiator Research
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Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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