2021 Jeep Gladiator · symptom sheet

Steering wheel shakes or the "death wobble"

48owner reports
19,000median miles
2involved a crash

Newest report Jul 29, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

94 of the 289 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 48 of those describe death wobble, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2021 Gladiator.

Tick what matches of 48 reports

it is called the death wobble online

a bump or pothole sets it off

it only happens at highway speed

slowing down stops the shaking

a steering damper was replaced

alignment and balance were fine

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering damper (9 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the steering system covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

26V-363Jun 4, 2026

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.

Risk and remedy

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.

NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Gladiator

PE24-024opened Sep 6, 2024

Steering · model years 2021 to 2023

Underhood fires. Open, led to recall 26V-363.

NHTSA summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 9 Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) reports, 1 Death and Injury report, and multiple field reports alleging incidents of engine compartment fires in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. The majority of the reports describe a fire occurring while the ignition in the vehicle was in an âOFFâ state with a suspected origin at the passenger front side of the engine compartment. An ignition âOFFâ vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury, injury to persons outside the vehicle, and property damage, with little to no warning. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), and learned of several thermal events originating at the power steering pump electrical connector in recent model year Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. The location of the pump connector is located at the passenger front side of the engine compartment, coinciding with the majority of fire reports known to ODI. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the cause, scope, and frequency of the alleged defect. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Numbers document, go to NHTSA.gov.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 9,500 and 25,000 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.

421

1422

1523

824

625

126

What owners wrote

“This vehicle has around 8000 miles on it. While driving at highways speeds, several times the steering would start to wobble violently. Normally after hitting a small bump in the road. After researching this was called a death wobble. The vehicle is stock and has not been modified. Has jeep issued a remedy?”
Filed Dec 18, 2023 · 8,000 miles

“My Gladiator frequently experiences the Death Wobble at Highway speeds when I hit bumps in the road.”
Filed Jan 30, 2023

“Steering wheel shaking wile driving around 65 MPH, specially on cold weather around 30 to 40 degrees. Death wobble is the term I found been coming on jeep wranglers and gladiators. But not understand how this issue is not a recall from the FCA company. I bring my vehicle one time to the dealership the entire front suspension was replaced and the issue was ok for 11 months, now is happening again.”
Filed Jan 19, 2023

“1) Frequent spontaneous windshield cracks. 2) violent, out of control steering wheel vibrations at highway speeds nearly causing severe collisions. Reoccurring incidents. Iâm ready to file a lawsuit.”
Filed Nov 25, 2022

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 48 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.