2016 Jeep Wrangler transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 13, 2026NMSteeringSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11763902 · source
2. Filed Jul 9, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11749312 · source
3. 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
4. Filed Jun 22, 2025IATransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11668416 · source
5. 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
6. Filed Jul 5, 2024FLBrakesAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11599295 · source
7. Filed Jun 6, 2024MSTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11592794 · source
8. Filed Apr 19, 2024PATransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11584022 · source
9. Filed Feb 9, 2024FLBrakesTransmission & DrivetrainWheels & Tires

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11570977 · source
10. Filed Jan 17, 2024INTransmission & Drivetrain

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11566095 · source
11. Filed Oct 15, 2023TXTransmission & Drivetrain

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11550053 · source
12. Filed Jun 27, 2023AZEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11529106 · 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