Jeep Gladiator JT years to avoid, and the best years to buy
Every Jeep Gladiator JT model year: which ones owners and specialists recommend, which have documented problems, which carry recalls, and what they sell for now.
There's no consensus year yet, so we don't flag one. The recall history is the better guide. Early 2020 trucks had the rear driveshaft recall (19V-636). Manual trucks from 2020 to 2023 are covered by the clutch pressure-plate recalls (20V-124, 21V-028, 23V-116), and some 2021s needed a second fix (24V-572). Diesels have fuel-pump recalls 22V-767 (2021–22) and 23V-263 (2021–23), and 2021–25 trucks are in the power-steering pump wiring recall (26V-363). The 2024 refresh added curtain airbags and the big screen, if those matter to you. Buy whichever year you can prove every recall on.
Jeep Gladiator JT year by year
| YEAR | VERDICT | WHAT CHANGED |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | — | Revealed November 28 at the Los Angeles Auto Show: JL-based crew-cab pickup, 137.3 in wheelbase, five-foot steel bed, Dana 44 axles |
| 2019 | — | Production starts in Toledo in April. 4,190 Rubicon Launch Editions offered for preorder on April 4 (Jeep 4x4 Day) |
| 2020 | — | First model year: 3.6 Pentastar with 6-speed manual or 8-speed auto; Sport, Sport S, Overland, Rubicon; Max Tow 7,650 lb. Mojave ('Desert Rated') and High Altitude shown at Chicago. Rear driveshaft recall 19V-636 on early builds |
| 2021 | — | 3.0 EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp, 442 lb-ft, auto only) on all trims except Mojave; Willys and Willys Sport added; Texas Trail edition. The diesel later drew two high-pressure fuel-pump recalls (22V-767, 23V-263) |
| 2022 | — | Uconnect 4 7.0 standard on base trims; Alpine audio standard on Overland, Mojave and Rubicon |
| 2023 | — | Last EcoDiesel year: 1,000 Rubicon FarOut editions. High Altitude returns |
| 2024 | — | Refresh: seven-slot grille, windshield antenna, 12.3 in Uconnect 5, standard curtain airbags, Mojave X and Rubicon X, rear locker standard on Willys, AEV Upcountry and Level II packages |
| 2025 | — | Six-speed manual dropped. 4xe plug-in hybrid announced, then cancelled in September 2025 |
| 2026 | — | Sahara trim added; all trucks 3.6 V6 with 8-speed auto. Steel-wheel recall 26V-456; power-steering pump wiring recall 26V-363 covers 2021–2025 |
“Sweet spot” means owners and specialists recommend those years; “Beware” means documented problems; “Recall” means check the recall was done rather than walk away.
What a Jeep Gladiator JT costs (October 2026)
Still in production, so used prices follow new ones. Bring a Trailer results are dominated by engine-swapped builds, while stock trucks sell for well under the original sticker.
| Stock driver (2020–21 gas) | $22k–35k |
|---|---|
| Low-mile Rubicon / EcoDiesel | $37k–48k |
| V8-swapped or 6x6 builds | $45k–141k |
| New, 2026 MSRP (before destination) | $38,830–59,995 |
Based on 16 Bring a Trailer sales from October 2025 to October 2026 (median $46,750, skewed by AMW Hellcat/Demon conversions; stock trucks sold for $21,750–45,000), plus Mopar Insiders' 2026 trim pricing from Sport to Rubicon X and Mojave X.
Recalls by year
- Rear driveshaft monoblock assembled without grease ↗ 2020
- Manual clutch pressure plate ↗ 2020
- Manual clutch pressure plate (software) ↗ 2020–2021
- Manual clutch assembly replacement ↗ 2020–2023
- PCM software after clutch remedy ↗ 2021
- Front seat belt retractor ↗ 2020
- Rear camera image ↗ 2020–2021
- Automatic transmission park pawl ↗ 2022
- Seat belt pretensioner gas generator ↗ 2022
- 3.0 EcoDiesel high-pressure fuel pump ↗ 2021–2022
- 3.0 EcoDiesel high-pressure fuel pump (expansion) ↗ 2021–2023
- Manual-transmission reverse camera and lights ↗ 2022–2023
- Driver airbag clockspring ↗ 2023
- Instrument cluster short circuit ↗ 2020–2024
- Electro-hydraulic power steering pump wiring fire ↗ 2021–2025
- Steel wheel walls too thin ↗ 2026
- Rear camera ↗ 2026
Best years are buyer consensus from owners, specialists and forums, not spec sheets. See all Jeep years to avoid across every generation.