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Which Years Of Used Jeep Gladiators Are Most Reliable?

in Reliability

We've identified two reliable years for the Jeep Gladiator. Read on to learn which years you can trust (and which ones you should steer clear of while used car shopping).

White Jeep Gladiator
Source: Flickr

When you think of a Jeep, it’s likely the Jeep Gladiator pops into your mind. It’s the most iconic of the latest Jeep creations, offering a strange mix between a pick-up truck and an SUV. While they can be expensive, some can save money by purchasing them as used. If this applies to you, you might wonder - what’s the most reliable Jeep Gladiator year?

Although many don’t realize how much it matters, checking out the dependability of a model year before investing in it will make a huge difference in your ownership experience. Without reliability, ownership will be expensive and a pain. Read on to learn more about the Gladiator years to avoid, which are the best to purchase, and other helpful information. 

Quick Answer: Avoid Jeep Gladiator Year Models 2020 and 2021.

While there are a few years we recommend the Jeep Gladiator as the most reliable Jeep Gladiator year selections available, there are two we don’t think you should purchase. If possible, in your used car selection process, do not purchase the Jeep Gladiator additions from 2020 and 2021. They have by far the most issues. 


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Which Year Models of Jeep Gladiator Are Most Reliable? 

There are two years of the Jeep Gladiator that are the most dependable. While they still have their issues, they are the least problematic and have the fewest complaints put forth by previous owners. If you can, go with these.

Here are the top choices for the Jeep Gladiator on the road:

  • 2022 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2023 Jeep Gladiator

These have the best ownership experiences from previous customers and have minimal complaints.

Although these years are newer and might be a little more expensive, we recommend these two Jeep Gladiator years above all other selections. They’re also the most updated of the selections for the best experience. 

Which Year Models of Jeep Gladiator Are Least Reliable?

The older years tend to be the most problematic for the Jeep Gladiator. They might have been an exciting introduction on the market, but they were also without seriously needed tweaks and fixes.

Here are the worst choices for the Jeep Gladiator:

  • 2020 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2021 Jeep Gladiator

These have a poor history with drivers on the road.

The worst year out of these two is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. It had some serious troubles with steering, especially in wandering at highway speeds and the steering wheel locking while driving. These can even be dangerous. 

Common Jeep Gladiator Problems

Whether you purchase one of the best years for the Jeep Gladiator or the worst, there will be issues. No car is completely free from trouble, so it’s helpful to know what to prepare yourself for during ownership. 

According to jeepproblems.com, some of the most frequent issues include the following:

  • Electronic sway bar disconnect
  • Wandering at highway speeds
  • Death wobble

Sometimes, these can provide a dangerous experience. 

The more maintenance you put into your Jeep Gladiator, the less likely you will experience these. If you spot an issue with wandering at high speeds or the death wobble, visit a mechanic as soon as possible to ensure nothing spirals out of control. 


HOW LONG DO JEEP GLADIATORS LAST?

Debuting for the 2020 model year, the Gladiator reinvigorated Jeep’s pickup legacy from the 1940s. But does this ruggedness help with longevity? How long do Jeep Gladiators last?


Is the Jeep Gladiator Expensive to Maintain?

We discussed the most reliable Jeep Gladiator year. If you invest in a practical model year of the Jeep Gladiator, it’s also helpful to know how much it will cost to keep the car in excellent condition. Without proper maintenance, even the most dependable year could fall apart.

According to caredge.com, the Jeep Gladiator will cost $11,803 for the first ten years of maintenance. That number is more than the industry average by more than $1,000. There is also a 35% chance it will need a serious repair, which is worse than the industry average by around 14%.

Is It Worth It to Buy a Used Jeep Gladiator?

We’ve discussed many details surrounding the Jeep Gladiator, from the most dependable years to some of the most critical issues facing the car. That leaves a serious question - is it worth it to purchase the Gladiator used, or should you look somewhere else?

Unfortunately, we don’t recommend investing in the used Jeep Gladiator. It’s an expensive car, there are only two solid years available, and the maintenance is worse than many other options on the market. 


THE JEEP GLADIATOR YEARS TO AVOID

The Jeep Gladiator is perhaps one of the most unique designs from the iconic brand. Those looking to invest in the car for their lives might first want to know about the Jeep Gladiator years to avoid.


How Much Does a Jeep Gladiator Typically Cost?

We’ve talked about the most reliable Jeep Gladiator year, but how much will it cost to make your vehicle yours? It doesn’t matter if the car is dependable if you can’t afford a used version of the Jeep Gladiator.

The price point for a used Jeep Gladiator can start around $25,000 and go up to six digits, depending on the trim and features you get. Also, the condition of the Jeep Gladiator will influence the used price point. 

How Long Does a Jeep Gladiator Engine Last?

Like any car that doesn’t have an electric system, the Jeep Gladiator runs off an engine. The engine is the core of the machine and will determine how many healthy years you get from the truck mashup.

Typically, a Jeep Gladiator engine will provide around 150,000-200,000 miles. That’s more than a decade if you care for your car. 

FAQs: Most Reliable Jeep Gladiator Years

We recommend the 2022 and 2023 years of the Jeep Gladiator. They are very dependable. 

Q: What common issues should I be aware of in the less reliable Jeep Gladiator years?

Be aware of issues like drifting at high speeds and the death wobble. These indicate there is something much more serious wrong with the Jeep Gladiator. 

Q: Can I trust the Jeep Gladiator models from the early years?

We recommend the newer years of the Jeep Gladiator over the older ones. They are far more dependable. 

Q: Is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator model reliable?

Unfortunately, we can’t recommend the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. It’s perhaps the least reliable Gladiator available.



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