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
460 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the front passenger’s side brakes locked up without warning. The contact stated that the brakes were smoking while driving. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The contact replaced the front brake lines however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 32,000.
Air bags, Jul 10, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle driving at high speeds rear-ended the contact's vehicle, causing her vehicle to flip over twice; however, no air bags were deployed. The contact sustained a fractured tibia, fibula, and pelvis that required 6 surgeries with 1 surgery pending medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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).
Air bags, Jun 26, 2023, crash
The airbags did not go off when I was struck from the front. Impact was 40 to 50MPH. AAA insurance carrier says its a complete loss with over $31,000 worth or repairs. They are salvaging the Jeep. The Jeep is at my home and available for inspection until AAA insurance takes it away. I was the only one in the Jeep when it was hit. With only the seatbelt to restrain me it severely twisted my body to the left. I have head, neck, back pain with 6 herniated disks. I have dizziness, nausea and loud nonstop ringing in the ears. Airbags have not been inspected by anyone. Only the damages were inspected by the insurance carrier. No warning lights, messages or symptoms prior to the accident.
Engine, Jun 3, 2023
As I drive, the car loses the ability to accelerate. It then passively stalls and the automatic steering locks up. All electrical inside the car still stays on. I put the car in park and it restarts on the first key turn. It has happened up to 3 times in a trip, but it is inconsistent when it happens (not necessarily every trip and not at specific speeds (it happeneded going 70 on the highway as well as going 25 in a neighborhood)). When I brought it to the dealership. I was told unless they could make it happen, they couldn't fix it. They also said even if they could make it happen, they couldn't be sure what it was. The onboard computer that sends error codes indicated different things that have been replaced (computer parts, sensors) and nothing has worked.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, May 27, 2023
I have a 2016 Jeep Wrangler that I purchased in 2017. The vehicle does not have over 45,000 miles on it...yet it would not crank.....when it finally cranked, within a few feet it completely shut down....the dealer stated that it was the TIPM. that needs to be replaced.....after reading the complaint comments on several sites...I wanted to know why this part has not been recalled to date. This repair is very costly to me, and during these hard economic times, this process has been extremely stressful. The dealer stated that it might take up to 4 weeks to get my jeep back..this is soooo unfair that I would have to incorporate an additional cost that should have been recalled already.....Recall this Jeep wrangler asap please!!!..Thank you, [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, May 12, 2023
Internal manual transmission problem. Cannot put jeep in 3rd gear. Burning smell
Engine, Apr 20, 2023
75,000 MILES, ENGINE TICKING ON COLD START, ENGINE LIGHT FOR CYL 2 MISFIRE, ENGINE CHUGS AND HAS LOW ACCELERATION. DEALER REPLACED ROCKER ARM UNDER OWNER'S EXTENDED WARRANTY. DID NOT FIX PROBLEM AND NOW ARE DISASSEMBLING ENGINE. READ MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH SAME PROBLEM, CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT IN PROGRESS. MANUFACTURER KNOWS ABOUT PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT TELL OWNERS.
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2023
Windshield broke and it happened previously with a older jeep pebble on the highway likely kicked up and hit the windshield I believe because the windshield is flat there is an increased risk of breakage.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 24, 2023
2016 Jeep Wrangler intermittently misfires then immediately loses power and dies. Also loses power steering at the same time. It almost caused an accident and is a big safety concern. Now I drive in the right lane in case I have to hurry and pull off the side of road. I turn the key off, but then start it right back up and it drives fine. But then will happen again random. No dash board warning lights ever come on. Been to the dealer twice- 1st time they updated pcm software, this time they changed spark plugs and coil pack. Help. *also, first started happening at 104,500 miles .. took to dealer for the issue, it is still happening and currently at 107,500; happens randomly whether at 25mph or 50 mph
Air bags, Engine, Feb 23, 2023
Engine has failed. Had it inspected by two mechanics and they said the same thing, there are broken internal components possibly due to defective components.
Engine, Feb 21, 2023
Oil cooler housing cracked and leaking oil over entire engine which could cause a fire. Dealership has confirmed the part is damaged. No warning lamps or messages were triggered. Others have experienced the same problem with multiple replacements. Vehicle has been at the dealership now since 2/1/2023 waiting for Chrysler / Mopar Warranty to give the authorization to repair.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 8, 2023
My 2016 jeep wrangler, is having major issues. My seatbelts completely stopped working last week February 3, 2023. I had left the mechanics because I had the back window replaced, and the back hood of my jeep wrangler. When pulling out of their driveway, I realized my seatbelt was very tight, but I still got to hook it. When I got home from my drive one and a half hours away, I went to use my car and the seat belts would not work. Driver side and passenger side seat belts have completely seized. Has my jeep wrangler 2016 had any recalls. My son died December 10, 2019. I have never had any other problems with my jeep wrangler. I believe in jeep and the company who makes them. The body shop told me to get rid of my jeep. I cannot do that and since my son died in my jeep wrangler and drug dealers threw him in the back seat, letting him die after they stuck him with a needle full of fentanyl. Please help I do not want to part with my jeep wrangler. I am sure with the Vin number you will be able to trace anything that has gone on with my Jeep! I could have missed many recalls because my son was very sick, from 2016 until his death 2019. I purchased the car brand new in 2016 in upstate New York. Please tell me how I can get help so my seatbelt will work again and the airbag can be inspected. It must be a recall issue I can’t think of anything else and I need your help. I now live in Port Charlotte, Florida, and I am near my daughter. This jeep wrangler has been very good to us. It saved my son’s life and his girlfriends in that prior accident. Something is very wrong with the seatbelts and possibly the mechanisms attached to the seat, bag, and seatbelts. I’m not sure. But the jeep is a fantastic vehicle and I love it. Please help or call me 518-421-7073. Thank you very much. Lori.
Exterior lighting, Feb 3, 2023
The headlamp assembly lenses have become warped and frosted due to excessive heat from the bulb and defective heat dissipation from the headlamp assembly . Poor visibility at night, as light output is significantly diminished creating a safety hazard..
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
While driving my Jeep Wrangler on the highway going speeds of >60 mph for longer than 20 minutes the vehicles check engine and traction control light illuminate and I lose passing capability in the Jeep. Once the vehicle is turned off and on 3 times the system seems to reset itself. Because of this the only way the dealership can read the codes is if the lights are illuminated. I have taken the Jeep to 2 different Jeep dealerships while the lights were on and both have claimed that the "system needed to be reset". Once they do that the Jeep seems to run fine and the lights are gone. However, it is still happening whenever my speed goes 60 mph or more for a short period of time. Due to this problem I am not comfortable but sometimes must take my Jeep on the highway and without fail the same warning lights illuminate and the passing power is gone. I have reported this problem to Jeep itself and was told to take it to another Jeep dealership which I did and the same maintenance was performed but yet the same problem exists. This failure is a hazard to not only the driver but those around due to the vehicles lack of passing power when on a highway where speeds are at a minimum of 65mph.
Service brakes, Jan 18, 2023
My 2016 Jeep Wrangler that has 48K miles was running and in park. After about 20 minutes of being in the park position my ABS and Traction Control Light came on. I took my Jeep to my local Autozone to have the code read and it came back with C1032 and C102B. I had the sensor replaced and ensured that the connections were clean of any debris. Once sensor was changed it took about 20 minutes to clear the ABS and Traction Control light from the dash. I drove my Jeep later that night and all seemed fine until I attempted to stop at a speed of 5-10mph. At that time the ABS kicked in on my vehicle but no warning lights illuminated. I once again checked the newly changed sensor along with the wiring to ensure there was no breaks in the connections and I found none. Not sure why my ABS engages at at such a low speed after a new sensor was installed.
Air bags, Service brakes, Jan 17, 2023, crash
My wife was involved in an injury accident 12/02/2023 due to failure of the ABS Module not activating and the Air bag system not deploying. She was cut off by a hit and run driver. She slammed on the brakes went into an uncontrollable skid lost control on the Highway went off the road tumbled end over end 4 times no air bag deployment. No ABS or Air bag warning lights were on both systems failed.
Engine, Jan 11, 2023
The camshaft and lifters failed with no check engine light. Upon inspection the left bank cams and lifters were in need of replacement and a pinhole was found in the radiator.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a tapping sound under the hood of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and indicated that the rocker arm and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 70,218.
Engine, Dec 28, 2022
Oil Housing Unit crack. Just bought vehicle used. Weather dropped to 28 degrees and oil housing unit cracked. All oil poured out of vehicle and would not hold any oil when more was added. Took vehicle to Jeep dealer and they confirmed that the PLASTIC piece that was the original part cracked and that this is a very common problem for 2014-2017 Jeeps due to the part being plastic. Part is not covered under any warranty and will cost $1200 to repair. I'm told that the replacement parts have been updated and are no longer made of plastic due to the high instance of problems. All research shows that this was to be a recall but that it has not been made official. This is a huge safety concern as the oil completely drained from the vehicle upon crack. Had I not been in my own driveway and driving down the highway, this would have caused major issues, engine failure and very possibly an accident. We were planned to be on a 6hr road trip moments before this occurred in the driveway. This part needs to be recalled and replaced by the manufacturer since it is a common and known problem with many Jeeps manufactured during that time frame.
Steering, Air bags, Service brakes, Dec 27, 2022
This Jeep is a right hand drive wrangler. Airbag light, traction control light came on, and my horn quit working. Cruise control quit working, and then my antilock brake system was malfunctioning. I couldn't figure out why. So I went to both the Jeep dealership, and the local autozone where they scanned my Jeep for codes, and it's saying a bad clockspring. They said there is a known recall for 2016 models, but mine isn't included. They said to figure out why this Jeep is not included. . Why is my Jeep not included in the already known recall for the bad clock springs?
Steering, Dec 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the contact attempted to blow the horn and no sound came from the horn. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to steer and the controls on the steering wheel were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the steering column and the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 13,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2022, fire
I started my Jeep. After a few minutes I could smell smoke and something burning. The alarm started going off, wipers came on, radio etc. smoke came inside cab . I tried to shut everything off but it wasn’t working. I started seeing flames around the hood. My husband was able to disconnect the battery and the fire died out. Insurance would not cover it and said it was electrical. The fuse box was melted and wire harnesses. The vehicle was right by our garage and could’ve caught our house on fire. My son and I were in the vehicle when the fire started. Thank God we weren’t hurt. I did report this but was told it wasn’t Jeeps fault. A week later another jeep caught fire in the small town I live in. Something isn’t right.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 16, 2022, fire
Parked vehicle outside corner of home at 9:00 pm. Awoken by loud popping and hissing sounds at 4:45AM. Looked outside to notice a bright orange hue by vehicle. Realizing the car was on fire, we called 911 and proceeded to use garden hose to water down both the vehicle and the home that the car was next to, in order to try to prevent the house from also catching fire. Vehicle was not moved nor accessed during those 7 overnight hours. It was locked and we were all asleep. There were two other vehicles parked next to and behind the vehicle that caught fire - those two other vehicles sustained no damage to them. The house sustained some minimal siding warping from the heat of the fire. Fire chiefs reviewing the damage in person as well as viewing photos have stated that it appears to be battery or fuse box related as that side of the engine's damage was greatest as well as the battery and fuse box being completely destroyed by the fire. No warning lights or indications of system failures or malfunctions prior to parking the car. Vehicle was towed away from scene by insurance company. Unsure if vehicle is still at that lot or not. Insurance deemed vehicle totaled and issued check for losses.
Service brakes, Nov 4, 2022
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY ABS MODULE ALREADY. THE JEEP ONLY HAS 41,700 MILES ON IT. I AM JUST REPORTING IN CASE THIS COMES UP DOWN THE ROAD