2016 Jeep Wrangler engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 3, 2026MAElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   My 2016 Jeep Wrangler will buck and jerk when on the highway. I’ll be going a steady speed, not changing speed. I feel the car slow down and stomp on the gas but it goes all the way to the floor and nothing happens. When I try to go into the break down lane, the steering wheel locks up and won’t turn. Usually I take the key out then put it back in the ignition and it starts no problem. Recently, the engine has been stalling when I put the key back in the ignition. I usually…

   NHTSA complaint #11748098 · source
2. Filed Mar 3, 2026PRBrakesEngine

   Anti-Lock Brake System stopped working rendering the car inoperable. The first incident: about 5 years ago the ABS engaged the brakes while driving almost causing a collision. This incident occurred in Guaynabo, PR. After this incident the ABS Module stopped working but the car was still operable. A week ago the PCM lost communication with the ABS module bringing the car into "limp mode" (stuck in 3rd gear until y did not longer engaged the transmission. Also the speedometer…

   NHTSA complaint #11721623 · source
3. Filed Feb 21, 2026UTFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   While driving my vehicle on Monday, February 16, 2026 I heard a loud pop come from the front of the vehicle. Right after that smoke began to come through the hood vents. I stopped the vehicle to inspect and at that point the engine compartment was burning heavily. I could barely get out of the vehicle and away before the whole front end of the vehicle was engulfed with fire and heavy black smoke. It looked as if the fire started somewhere on the righthand side of the engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11719624 · source
4. Filed Feb 17, 2026NCElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.…

   NHTSA complaint #11718635 · source
5. Filed Jan 11, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   My 2016 jeep wrangler jk will just stop running all power is lost, it's happened on the freeway as well as around town multiple times.. I get no codes. Once I can pull off the hiway it has always started back up after removing key and placing key back in ignition it starts again.. but it's has happened several times.. my wife and kids a to afraid to drive for fear it will happen again.

   NHTSA complaint #11710238 · source
6. Filed Mar 28, 2025COEngine

   Oil Cooler leaking after multiple replacements causing engine stall while driving and lots of burning and smoke potentially leading to fire.

   NHTSA complaint #11651227 · source
7. Filed Mar 24, 202543,000 miTXEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware of an oil leak. The contact stated that the leak was small. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine oil cooler needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact had previously replaced the thermostat at an independent mechanic due to the parts being…

   NHTSA complaint #11650203 · source
8. Filed Feb 23, 2025OHEngine

   My vehicle would not start, leaving me in the freezing cold after a 10 hour shift at work. After having the vehicle towed to a service center & a week of inspection, I was notified that the engine had siezed up & needed replaced. The engine oil, front & rear differential, & transfer case fluids had just been changed a week prior. There was no engine warning light prior to this event.

   NHTSA complaint #11644418 · source
9. Filed Feb 11, 2025NYEngine

   I recently had my oil changed about 3 weeks ago from today. Three (3) days ago, while I was driving, my engine lamp came on and my engine began to run hot. I didn't understand why given that I had just got the oil changed. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the car off to allow it to cool down. It would not crank and I had to have it towed to the auto shop to be serviced which is where they told me that the engine needed replacement.

   NHTSA complaint #11641911 · source
10. Filed Feb 9, 2025MNEngineSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11641574 · source
11. Filed Jan 16, 2025150,000 miVAEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a significant amount of smoke coming from underneath the hood and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while her one-year-old child was inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to McCoy's Auto Repair, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil…

    NHTSA complaint #11636280 · source
12. Filed Dec 13, 202473,000 miNCEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that there was an unknown liquid leaking underneath the front of the engine compartment. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the oil filter housing assembly had fractured and needed to be replaced. The oil filter housing had been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the…

    NHTSA complaint #11630507 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology