2016 Jeep Wrangler
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 460 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Wrangler model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 28 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 38 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver clockspring/spiral cassetteMar 14, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain right hand drive 2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Debris contamination may cause the clockspring to fail, preventing the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash.
An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the clockspring, steering wheel back cover, and steering column shrouds, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 27B.
Campaign 24V196000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageSep 26, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.
A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VA6.
Campaign 19V680000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedJan 15, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
Campaign 19V018000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveOct 13, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured June 16, 2015, to August 14, 2016. In certain crash conditions, the front impact sensor wiring may be pulled until it detaches before a signal can be received by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).
If the ORC module does not receive a signal from the front impact sensor, both frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the front impact sensor wiring and relocate the impact sensor branch, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S76.
Campaign 16V734000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 11, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Right Hand Drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to May 2, 2016. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.
Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S40.
Campaign 16V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
74 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Sep 13, 2026
When I was coming to a stop at a stoplight, my vehicle started to violently wobble almost having me to loose control. I was unable to slow down when pressing the brakes and almost hit vehicles in front of me.this has happened numerous times and I have had my tires rotated and alignment done just recently.
Power train, Jul 9, 2026
I was driving down the road in a snow storm when all of a sudden the vehicle started swirling all over the road. I pulled over and looked underneath and something was hanging down. I had no choice but to drive it slow less than 10mph to make it home as it was also making a hard jumping. Once there I had my mechanic come look at it and the drive shaft was busted. I am extremely luck that this happened during a snow storm because if not I may have rolled the vehicle as the steering was greatly affected.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 17, 2026
Unsafe Vehicle, Unresolved Mechanical Failures – Serious Safety Concern On [XXX], I purchased a Jeep (VIN: [XXX] ) from Whipple Auto Sales. Since the purchase, the vehicle has experienced repeated mechanical failures that have created serious safety concerns. Approximately two weeks after purchase, the dealership replaced a fuel injector due to performance issues. About one month later, the vehicle began showing sensor codes and experienced sudden power loss while driving. On [XXX] the vehicle completely shut off while I was traveling on the highway, placing my safety at significant risk. The dealership initially stated that the key required reprogramming. However, after keeping the vehicle for approximately one month, they were still unable to repair the issue. The dealership later claimed the problem was related to the powertrain. Without resolving the issue or providing proper notice, they returned the vehicle to my residence in worse condition than when it was left with them. At this time, the vehicle is unsafe and unreliable, and I cannot confidently operate it. This situation demonstrates a lack of proper repair, accountability, and resolution. I am extremely concerned about the safety and reliability of this vehicle and the dealership’s handling of this matter. I am seeking a proper resolution to this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jun 22, 2025
After I made a left turn onto a four-lane highway, the transmission stuck in first gear and I wasn't able to get over to the shoulder because of traffic passing on the right side. I was nearly rear-ended twice before finally being able to exit with a left turn. The engine light came on soon after this happened.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Feb 9, 2025
Driver had 50,000 miles maintenance service scheduled when the engine light went on a week prior to the service date. Therefore she asked the mechanic to do a diagnostic check on engine and mechanic at the Jeep dealership reported list of problems which solutions found which include: Replace Thermostat and holding Replace Vacuum Pump Replacing U-Joint Replacing All Ball Joints Replacing Front Axle Seals Replacing Both Shocks Replacing Engine Oil cooler Driver has been working from home for 6 years and the wrangler is driven on weekends and never done off roading. Jeep was purchased new in 2016.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 5, 2024
2016 Jeep JK 3.6l v6 Symptoms brake warning light,abs warning light, traction control warning light on. Cruise control will not function with the above warning lights. Diagnosis: faulty abs module per obd2. Additional problem is the unavailability from Chrysler for the replacement part which affects many Jeep model years. This is a common complaint with Jeep owners. Chrysler contacted with no resolution. 05
Power train, Jun 6, 2024
2016 Wrangler 4 door 4x4 Automatic transmission, 110,000 miles, 4x4 used maybe for 30 minutes total in it's lifetime since I purchased it brand new. Transmission does not want to shift out of 4th into 5th, this was noticed when my RPM's never seemed to drop going down interstate at any speed, after the transmission has already shifted through 1st, 2nd, 3rd into 4th. I've noticed also that the transmission tends to linger in 3rd gear to long as well. I've had to put into manual mode and shift manually to get it out of 4th into 5th gear. This has been ongoing for a very long time, dealership unable to identify problem. Is this an isolated problem or others experiencing this also?
Power train, Apr 19, 2024
The transmission shifter for the manual transmission has become loose and the entire shaft rotates making shifting gears nearly impossible. It caused me to shift into the incorrect gear yesterday and slowed the Jeep down quickly which is dangerous while driving in traffic.
Power train, Wheels, Service brakes, Feb 9, 2024
The ABS Traction Control Module in this year, and surrounding year, Jeep Wranglers continues to fail. Now Jeep has stated that the part is under engineering review and not available till June timeframe. Therefore, these vehicles no longer have anti lock brakes or traction control safety features. This is a widespread issue and should be a recall on these modules.
Power train, Jan 17, 2024
Oil filter housing is made of plastic and over time the plastic, exposed to heat cycle and elements from being under the plenum, becomes brittle and cracks. The cracks in the oil filter housing create a susbtantial oil leak that drips engine oil onto the exhaust and is a potential for a fire. If the oil level is not properly maintained it could also create a lack of lubrication on the engine for a potential engine lock up while being driven.
Power train, Oct 15, 2023
Vehicle has 52940 miles on it only easy driving, never towed anything and all maintenance done at the dealership where it was purchased. Driving down the road has started whining. Transmission shot and needed rebuild or replacement. Jeep Wave and corporate not willing to help. 5 year/60,000 mile warranty that expired in July of 2022. Both dealerships and transmission shop stated that the transmission was done and needed rebuild or replacement.
Power train, Engine, Jun 27, 2023
By way of introduction, I am a seventy-five year old retired Arizona Highway Patrol officer, having left that service in 1992. In October 2016, I purchased new, a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon from York Chrysler in Prescott, Arizona, VIN: [XXX]. Sometime after the purchase, the vehicle began to have a disturbing, recurring problem. While in normal operation, the engine will stop. It is as if the ignition has been turned off. The drill I have developed is, while the Jeep is coasting, to shift to Neutral, re-start the engine, shift to Drive, and proceed. Sometimes, the Check Engine Light activates, and sometimes, although less frequently, this is accompanied with the Electrical Stability Control (ESC) Off indicator light. The first time I documented the phenomenon with a visit to the dealership was 17 May 2023. However, I believe that the problem had happened several times prior to that date. Since then, the vehicle has exhibited this problem numerous times; sometimes at a stop, more often while proceeding in normal operation. The engine has stalled several times on the Phoenix, Arizona, freeway system during heavy traffic. Today, the engine stalled again, but would NOT re-start while coasting. I was forced to come to a complete stop, shift to Park, re-start, shift to Drive, and proceed. Often after a re-start, the transmission has difficulty in going into gear, even while in Drive. I have been advised at the dealership that the problem has occurred many times, to many drivers, but that Chrysler cannot diagnose the problem, and thus can’t fix it. Logic suggests that if a collision has not yet been precipitated by this condition, it surely will be… I have discovered that a class-action suite is being considered. Chrysler must be very aware of the problem, yet is effectively forcing owners of the affected vehicles to operate unsafe Jeeps on the public streets. In my opinion, the Federal Government needs to intervene with a mandatory recall. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Oct 24, 2022
I had an error message for the thermostat last week had that replaced. Now there is a puddle of oil coming from the oil coolant assembly. Replaced the thermostat awaiting mechanic for the oil coolant issue now.
Power train, Engine, Jul 25, 2022
Cold start, engage reverse and the engine idles really low and sometimes stalls. If I move the shifter to neutral the engine revs back up and does not stall. Rolling down the driveway and then engage reverse the problem does not occur. The issue has been getting worse whether its in the dead of winter or summer.
Power train, Apr 19, 2022
Torque Convertor is going bad. On a cold start, when you put Jeep in reverse, it will stall. This started around 50k miles. At first, I thought I did something wrong. Then it started happening more often. I contacted Jeep, but they said they could not do anything because the Powertrain warranty was expired by a couple thousand miles. This is dangerous when I have to back out of my driveway in the morning as it will stall and can take a few times for it to restart. There has been no warning lights or codes that pull up on my OBD2 scanner that would lead me to knowing what the issue is.
Power train, Jan 8, 2022
Torque Converter was replaced due to internal failure. Vehicle had 62k miles when torque converter was replaced. Issue arouse around 40k when vehicle would die when placed in reverse after cold start. AutoNation dealership did not cover cost since vehicle had went over 2k of the power train warranty. When I researched online, I came to realize that this is a common problem within the JK models which is upsetting to pay out of pocket cost for defect parts from the manufacturer.
Power train, Engine, May 6, 2021
ENGINE OIL COOLER ASSEMBLY LEAKING AT BACK OF ENGINE. OIL LEAKING DOWN BACK OF ENGINE AND BELL HOUSING CREATING A POSSIBLE FIRE. VERY HOT SMELL AND SMOKING FROM ENGINE BAY
Power train, Mar 9, 2021
WHEN TRANSMISSION IS COLD AND IS PUT IN REVERSE IT WILL CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND STALLING OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE WILL RUN WITH A VERY ROUGH LOW RPM IDLE, HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES OVER LAST FEW MONTHS. WILL DOCUMENT FROM NOW ON WHEN IT DOES IT AGAIN.
Power train, Engine, Mar 4, 2021
MY VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN MUCH, I WORK FROM HOME, I NOTICED A POOL OF OIL UNDER IT, TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND HE OIL COOLER IS LEAKING.
Power train, Feb 15, 2021
TYPICALLY ON FIRST START OF THE DAY IN COLD WEATHER (SUB 40DEGREES) WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHILE IN PUTTING THE JEEP INTO REVERSE CAUSES IT TO LURCH BACKWARDS, DROP IDLE AND THEN STALL WHILE IN GEAR.
Power train, Dec 29, 2020
ON COLD DAYS AFTER THE JEEP HAS BEEN SITTING OVERNIGHT, THE ENGINE WILL STALL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE JEEP IS STARTED AND IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE IF THE CAR IS RUNNING FOR 30 SECONDS BEFORE IT IS SHIFTED OR RUNNING FOR 3 MINUTES, THE ENGINE WILL STALL WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THIS HAPPENED LAST WINTER AND HAS STARTED DOING IT AGAIN NOW THAT ITS COLD.
Power train, Wheels, Service brakes, Dec 15, 2020
I HAVE GONE THROUGH OVER 4 SETS OF MUD TERRAIN TIRES OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS THAT ARE UNEVENLY WORN AND NO ONE KNEW WHY. MOST RECENTLY, THE REAR RIGHT TIRE HAD A SIDEWALL GASH AND HAD A FLAT TIRE, WE BEGAN SMELLING SMOKE AND ENDED UP TAKING THE JEEP INTO BRAKEMASTERS AND WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS FAILING AND FALLING APART. WE HAD THE REAR DIFF REPLACED, BRAKES, ROTORS AND PAID $5000 OUT OF POCKET AND AS I WAS DRIVING FROM HOME TO TUCSON THE OTHER DAY TO MY MATERNITY APPOINTMENT, THE BACK RIGHT TIRE BEGAN SCREECHING WHILE NOT BRAKING AND BEGAN SIZZLING AND BURNING WITH OIL COMING OUT FROM THE TIRE. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AT THE NEAREST BRAKEMASTERS AND THEY SAID THAT AN ENTIRELY NEW REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS NEEDED. NOT ONLY COULD THE JEEP HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE BUT I KEPT LOSING CONTROL OF THE STEERING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY WITH A 2 YEAR OLD AND ONE ON THE WAY. I AM HOPING TO SEE SOME SORT OF RESOLUTION ON THIS AND TO BE COMMUNICATED WITH OTHER JEEP OWNERS OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE.
Power train, Engine, Nov 8, 2020
THE OIL FILTER HOUSING ASSEMBLY IS MADE OF PLASTIC THAT CRACKS. THIS LEADS TO OIL LEAKING AND SEVERAL INCHES OF OIL SITS IN THE V OF THE HOT ENGINE UNTIL IT SPILLS OVER. THIS IS A DEFINITE FIRE HAZARD. FCA NEEDS TO RECALL WITH A REDESIGNED PART MADE OF METAL. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED MINE TWICE IN 1 YR. REPLACING IT WITH THE SAME PART IS NOT FIXING IT. FAILED AT 29K MILES AND NOW AT 42K MILES. THIS IS A $1000 REPAIR EACH TIME. MINE WAS COVERED UNDER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY BUT THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE QUALITY AND PRACTICES. I NOTICED OIL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE AGAIN AND THIS TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS THE REAR MAIN SEAL. I NOTICED BURNT OIL IN THE V OF THE ENGINE BLOCK AS WELL. TO MY SUPRISE, SAME PART HAS FAILED ALREADY. PARTS FAILING AT THIS LOW OF MILEAGE ARE A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS BEING IGNORED BY FCA. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. OH... ONE LAST THING..WHILE THE MECHANIC HAD IT APART, HE NOTICED THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING TOO SO HE REPLACED THAT AT 29K MILES. NO WONDER CHRYSLER/FIAT IS THE WORST CAR MAKER IN THE WORLD.
Steering, Power train, Nov 5, 2020
RANDOMLY DRIVING ON THE ROAD AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THIS JEEP WILL SUDDENLY UNEXPECTEDLY BEGIN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND CAUSES THE DRIVER TO BE UNABLE TO SAFELY CONTROL THE VEHICLE. JEEP DEALERSHIP DOES NOT GUARANTEE IT CAN FIX THE PROBLEM BUT IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. OTHER MECHANICS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ARE UNABLE TO FIX IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AT MULTIPLE SPEEDS ON THE CITY STREETS AND AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. IT HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AND IT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN TURNING. THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT YET BUT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2020
MY WIFE HAS HAD HER GAS PEDAL STICK ON HER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AND I HAVE HAD IT STICK ON ME ONCE (10-4-20). THE FIRST TIME IT DID IT TO HER WAS ABOUT A MONTH OR SO AGO, AND THEN IT DID IT TO HER TWICE THIS MORNING ON HER WAY TO WORK (10-9-20). IT SEEMS TO ONLY DO IT UNDER A HARD ACCELERATION. THE PEDAL WILL DROP TO THE FLOOR, RPM WILL SHOOT UP, AND IT WILL NOT DISENGAGE FOR A GOOD 10 SECONDS OR SO. I HAVE VERIFIED THAT THE FLOOR MATT IS NOT OBSTRUCTING THE PATH OF THE PEDAL. THIS SEEM STO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THE JK JEEPS, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT.