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2021 Jeep Gladiator

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Gladiator.

Transmission Automatic 8-spd

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is equipped with an automatic 8-speed transmission and an engine requiring 5.0 quarts of 0W-20 oil, carrying EPA fuel-economy ratings of 17/22/19 mpg. Across the 2020–2026 complaint record, the 2021 model logged 282 owner complaints and eight recalls, with steering standing out as the top complaint area. That total sits well below the 478 complaints recorded for 2020 and far above the single complaint logged for 2026, placing the 2021 Gladiator early in the model's documented reliability history.

Model year202620252024202320222021202019671966

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque130 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy17/22/19 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 48; Auxiliary: Battery is vented to the outside of the vehicle. 400 · 650; Auxiliary: 200 CCA battery, OE oil filter 68505111AA. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 48; Auxiliary: Battery is vented to the outside of the vehicle. 400 · 650; Auxiliary: 200 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size255/70R18 113TOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter68505111AA alt 68507598AA
Engine air filter68293164AC alt 68257030AA
Fuel filter68436631AA
Spark plugSP225755AB
Battery56029758AB alt 56029759AB
Front wiper blades68383600AB
Thermostat68490088AA alt 68212516AA
Cabin air filter68364653AA alt 68535621AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 8-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length216.9 in
Overall width74 in
Overall height73.6 in
Wheelbase137.4 in
Curb weight4751 lb
Track (front / rear)64.2 / 64.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)54/46

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined17 / 22 / 19 mpg
Drivetrain4-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Gladiator of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.6–8.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.60 sec — 2021 Sport EcoDiesel Crew Cab (5' Bed)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021Sport EcoDiesel Crew Cab (5' Bed) 3.0L Turbo Diesel V67.60 sec15.90 sec260 hp4x4
2021Mojave Crew Cab (5' Bed) 3.6L V68.60 sec16.50 sec285 hp4x4
2020Overland Crew Cab (5' Bed) 3.6L V67.20 sec15.50 sec285 hp4x4
2020Overland Crew Cab (5' Bed) 3.6L V67.30 sec15.60 sec285 hp4x4
2020Sport Crew Cab (5' Bed) 3.6L V67.90 sec16.30 sec285 hp4x4
2020Rubicon Crew Cab (5' Bed) 3.6L V68.10 sec16.10 sec285 hp4x4
2020Rubicon Crew Cab (5' Bed) 3.6L V68.30 sec16.40 sec285 hp4x4
2020Rubicon Crew Cab (5' Bed) 3.6L V68.30 sec16.30 sec285 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, 75W-85 in the differential, DOT 3 · SAE J1703 · DOT 4 · DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF · ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8HP50
Brake FluidDot 3 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Brake FluidDOT 3 · SAE J1703 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Brake FluidDOT 3 · SAE J1703 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Clutch FluidDot 3 · Dot 4 · Dot 3
Clutch FluidDot 3 · SAE J1703 · Dot 4 · Dot 3
Differential Gear Oil75W-85

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)32.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)16.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts70 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts9.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Differential Fill Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts130 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug21.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug21.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug21.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque15.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque15.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.06 lbs
Oil TypeFD46XG
Oil Capacity5.0 oz
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.06 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46YF

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque27.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 144.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 92.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.7
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 1.039; Rear: .787
Maximum Rotor RunoutMeasured with

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 125°74 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 105°30 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 125° do not use a torque wrench for this step., Step 5: Loosen all fasteners in reverse order., Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 9: 130° do not use a torque wrench for this step. **Step 4 can be completed in 2 steps. Step 1: 35°, Step 2: 90° ** Step 9 can be completed in 2 steps. Step 1: 40°, Step 2: 90°22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 75°, Step 3: 75°, Step 4: 75°22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 125° without using a torque wrench. Step 5: Loosen all fasteners. Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 130° without using a torque wrench.22 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137 ft. lbs., Step 2: 92 ft. lbs., Step 3: 3037 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30.011 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 6 stages
1Using new bolts, install the twenty six M12 bolts (1 - 26) and the three M8 bolts finger tight.
2Using the tightening shown, tighten all M12 bolts to 33 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
3Using a torque angle gauge, tight the internal bed plate bolts (1 - 16) an additional 110 degrees.110 degrees
4Tight the external bed plate bolts 89 ft. lbs.89 ft. lbs
5Tighten the three M8 bolts 22 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
6Check the torque of the M12 bolts in a counterclockwise direction with the torque wrench set at 85

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 8,000 mi.

Every 8,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (fill) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect)
Every 16,000 miFuel Filter (replace)
At 20,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level)
Every 20,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Parking Brake System (adjust) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
At 30,000 miTransfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 40,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level)
Every 60,000 miTransfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In 2021 the Gladiator logged 282 complaints, 8 recalls, 2 investigations and 691 TSBs. Compared with 2020, complaints were lower while recalls were slightly higher and investigations were greater. Relative to 2022, complaints were markedly higher, recalls were similar and investigations remained the same. The leading complaint categories for 2021 were Steering (50), Power Train (43), Electrical System (13) and combined Steering‑Suspension (13), with 7 crash‑related and 3 fire‑related complaints noted. Because complaint volumes drop sharply after 2021 while recall levels stay comparable, the 2021 model offers a moderate‑risk option—acceptable if the price reflects its higher issue count, but later years provide fewer reported problems.

8
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
691
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
282
Owner complaints
7 involved a crash · 3 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Frontal★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’20’21’22’23’24’25’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 282 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Steering50
Power Train43
Electrical System13
Steering,Suspension13
Suspension11
Exterior Lighting9
Fuel System, Gasoline,Engine9
Unknown Or Other8

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V028000Power Train:Clutch AssemblyReported 28/01/2021

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. Remedy: 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…

22V638000Back Over Prevention:Display FunctionReported 25/08/2022

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 691 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
1128632026-06-23Electrical SystemMOTOR - BLOWER WITH WHEEL
1128622026-06-23Electrical SystemMOTOR - BLOWER WITH WHEEL
1128422026-06-18EngineBOLT - HEX FLANGE HEAD
1128572026-06-15Unknown Or OtherHEATER - ELECTRIC COOLANT
1128562026-06-15Unknown Or OtherHEATER - ELECTRIC COOLANT

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Gladiator. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group O batteryVehicles taking 5.0 qtEngine oil filter 68505111AAEngine air filter 68293164ACFuel filter 68436631AASpark plug SP225755AB

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Gladiator take?

5.0 qt of Mopar 0W-20, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Gladiator have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Gladiator get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined mpg.