2021 Jeep Gladiator maintenance schedule

Written in plain English and reviewed by the eli5cars editorial team · Last reviewed June 2026

3.6L Pentastar V6 (285 hp) + 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual, 4WD (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, or Rock-Trac), solid front and rear Dana 44 axlesSportSport SOverlandMSRP $33,545

⚠ 8 open recalls for this vehicle

A recall means the manufacturer found a safety problem and is required to fix it — these aren't normal wear-and-tear repairs. Check your specific VIN at NHTSA.gov to confirm your car is affected.

✓ Recall repairs are always FREE at any dealer, no matter who currently owns the car or where it was bought.

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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 28/01/2021 · Campaign #21V028000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500 and 2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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 25/08/2022 · Campaign #22V638000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail, causing an engine stall.

Why it matters: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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 13/10/2022 · Campaign #22V767000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.

The fix: 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 have the new remedy completed.

Reported 23/02/2023 · Campaign #23V116000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 2022-2023 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine. The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may fail.

Why it matters: Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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 13/04/2023 · Campaign #23V263000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles that were previously remedied under NHTSA recall number 23V-116. The software for the powertrain control module may cause an engine stall, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Why it matters: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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 01/08/2024 · Campaign #24V572000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Why it matters: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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 05/09/2024 · Campaign #24V652000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

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.

Why it matters: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, 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 in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.

Reported 04/06/2026 · Campaign #26V363000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

Jump to a mileage milestone:

30k miles 60k miles 90k miles 120k miles

Full service timeline

Mileage	Service items	Details
10k mi	Engine oil and filter change — 0W-20 full synthetic (Pentastar spec) — normal interval is 10,000 mi / 12 months per FCA's Oil Change Indicator System; severe/off-road use (water fording, mud, dust, towing, extended idling) shortens this materially Inspect tire pressure and adjust to door-placard spec (verify after any off-road tire swap) Rotate tires Inspect all exterior lights and wiper blades Inspect brake pads and rotors
20k mi	Engine oil and filter change — 0W-20 full synthetic Tire rotation Inspect brake pads, rotors, and calipers front and rear Inspect all fluid levels: coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, power steering (electric-assist) Inspect cabin air filter — replace if dusty or restricted Inspect front and rear Dana 44 axle housings for leaks, especially after water crossings
30k mi	Engine oil and filter change — 0W-20 full synthetic Tire rotation Replace cabin air filter Replace engine air filter Inspect spark plugs — iridium; factory replacement interval is approximately 100,000 mi, no action needed at 30k under normal use Inspect front and rear Dana 44 axle gear oil (75W-140 synthetic) — inspect for water/mud contamination if off-road use is regular Inspect transfer case fluid (NV241 Rock-Trac or NV243 Command-Trac — Mopar ATF+4) Inspect 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission fluid Inspect steering linkage, drag link, and tie rod ends (solid front axle is more exposed to impact than a strut-based front end) Inspect timing chain tensioner and drive belt (chain is maintenance-free)	View →
60k mi	Engine oil and filter change — 0W-20 full synthetic Tire rotation Replace cabin air filter Replace engine air filter Replace front and rear Dana 44 axle gear oil — sooner if regularly fording water or driving in mud/sand (contamination is the primary failure mode on solid-axle Wranglers/Gladiators) Replace transfer case fluid Replace automatic transmission fluid — recommended under FCA's severe-duty schedule, and as a preventive measure under normal use for the 8-speed Inspect coolant condition — Mopar OAT coolant Inspect brake fluid — replace if moisture-contaminated Inspect drive belt, hoses, and engine/transmission mounts Inspect suspension: leaf springs (rear), control arm bushings, track bar, sway bar disconnect (Rubicon)	View →
90k mi	Engine oil and filter change — 0W-20 full synthetic Tire rotation Replace spark plugs — iridium, factory interval ~100,000 mi (replace now if not yet due) Replace coolant — Mopar OAT, flush and refill Replace brake fluid — DOT 3 Inspect front and rear axle gear oil (replace if not done at 60k or if water/mud exposure was significant) Inspect transfer case fluid Inspect steering box, drag link, tie rod ends, and u-joints Inspect wheel bearings	View →
120k mi	Engine oil and filter change — 0W-20 full synthetic Tire rotation Replace spark plugs (if not replaced at 90k) Replace front and rear Dana 44 axle gear oil Replace transfer case fluid Replace automatic transmission fluid (second change) Replace drive belt Full brake inspection: pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, master cylinder Full driveline inspection: driveshafts, u-joints, skid plates, frame-mounted hardware for corrosion	View →

Upgrading your Gladiator's wheels?

See verified wheel fitments for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator — bolt pattern, hub bore, and offset all checked.

Verified Gladiator fitments at AlloyHaus →

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Common symptoms for this vehicle

Check engine light on? Get a free code scan

If your check engine light is on, most auto-parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance) will read the code for FREE — no purchase required, just walk in. Bring the code back here and look it up at eli5cars.com/obd2 for the plain-English explanation.

Note: a scan only helps when there's an active fault code. For purely mechanical symptoms (noises, vibrations, leaks), a scan may show nothing — the suspects listed above are your starting point.