2021 Jeep Gladiator

Steering

Steering defects can create unpredictable vehicle behavior and qualify as safety-related under California lemon law. Reported issues on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator include pulling, vibration, loss of power steering, and electronic steering warnings. 94 NHTSA complaints have been filed in this category. Owner reports include: “While angling into a turn lane, I was forced to go back into lane of traffic first signaling into the turn lane (left) then out (right) turn signal seemed to get stuck on, Steering wheel became locked and would only move a fraction of an inch either left or right. Once I was around the obstruction in the turn lane I angled back into it and was able to come to a stop. Once stopped the turn signal very loudly clicked off and the wheel was once again able to be actually turned. The ESS was disabled the whole time and at no point did the vehicle cease to be on and engine running.” (NHTSA Complaint #11717851)

Powertrain

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 74 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “Passenger side rear axle leaking gear oil. Issued was repaired by dealership No warning I just saw the oil on the tire and in my driveway” (NHTSA Complaint #11718716)

Steering,Suspension

Steering defects can create unpredictable vehicle behavior and qualify as safety-related under California lemon law. Reported issues on the 2021 Jeep Gladiator include pulling, vibration, loss of power steering, and electronic steering warnings. 26 NHTSA complaints have been filed in this category. Owner reports include: “Just purchased this vehicle from Anderson Nissan of Lake Havasu City, AZ with 4759 miles. After leaving the city and driving on [XXX] heading [XXX], I immediately encountered fairly serious speed wobbles at 70 mph after driving over the bridges for drainage under the highway. Immediately slowed to 60 mph to stop wobble. This occurred approximately 8 times on [XXX] after driving over these bridges or irregular pavement. Nearly home, I was involved in an extremely serious speed wobble at 70 – 75 mph in an area of [XXX] in [XXX]. A slight vibration occurred then an extremely violent speed wobble ensued. Cars in this area drive at very high speeds. Fortunately, I was able to get the car to the side of the road without getting hit or wrecking. I barely kept control of it and very surprised I did not wreck with the other cars. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)” (NHTSA Complaint #11625630)

Suspension

Suspension problems affect vehicle handling and ride quality. For the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, reported issues include clunking noises, premature wear, and handling instability. With 22 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect has a documented pattern. Owner reports include: “The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front end of the vehicle and the steering wheel began shaking violently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to stop the vehicle from shaking. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.” (NHTSA Complaint #11643754)

Exterior Lighting

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has generated 18 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “The 3rd brake light in the tailgate malfunctioned This is required to pass New York State safety inspection A Jeep dealer replaced the part No warning on the dashboard of this light failing” (NHTSA Complaint #11718714)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Jeep Gladiator

The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator by the NHTSA or Jeep. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2021 Jeep Gladiator:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Jeep to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Jeep must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2021 Jeep Gladiator qualifies as a lemon under California law, Jeep may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Jeep pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Jeep willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2021 Jeep Gladiator Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Jeep a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Jeep dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Jeep pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Jeep a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2021 Jeep Gladiator Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2021 Jeep Gladiator as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Jeep pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Jeep is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2021 Jeep Gladiator?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.