2016 Jeep Patriot electrical problems

Crankshaft and camshaft position sensors and their wiring harnesses intermittently fail, causing the engine to enter limp mode, stall without warning at any speed, or lose all acceleration. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light illuminates; check engine light and traction control light come on. Many owners report the issue recurs even after sensor replacement, suggesting the wiring harness or electrical connector is the root cause. Owners cite NHTSA recall S89 / 16V-907 and related TSBs, though their VINs are often not included in the recall despite matching the symptoms and manufacturing timeframe.

When: Intermittently at highway speeds (65–75 mph), city speeds (20–50 mph), during acceleration, at stops, or while idling. Some owners report repeated failures months or years apart; others experience failures multiple times per week or even daily. Two complaints cite failure in first month of ownership (11,000 and 13,600 miles); most are between 20,000–115,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly without warning; loss of all power; Loss of power steering and power brakes during stall; Vehicle enters limp mode with restricted acceleration (max ~10 mph); Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light illuminates; check engine light and traction control/stability control lights come on; Engine shakes or vibrates before stalling; Rough idle and RPM surges (±2,000 rpm oscillations) or RPM drops to zero then recovers; Difficulty starting after stall; requires key cycles or waiting 20+ minutes; Hard shifting or jerking when shifting gears; Temporary recovery possible by turning ignition off and on multiple times or using a throttle reset procedure

Codes mentioned: P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit), P0339 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Intermittent), Camshaft position sensor codes, No active code at time of diagnosis (intermittent nature)

Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing crankshaft position sensor ($410–$1,082), camshaft position sensors, wiring harness assemblies, and electrical connectors. Some repairs cost $350 per part; labor and diagnostics add $115–$350+. Multiple owners report needing two, three, four, or more replacements within months because the root cause (wiring harness degradation or connector corrosion) is not addressed. One owner reported total repair cost of $1,766.11 for two separate crankshaft sensor failures (Sept 2022 and Dec 2024). PCM flashing/reprogramming mentioned in one complaint.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall S89 / 16V-907 issued for crankshaft and camshaft sensor wire harness. Applies to certain 2016 Jeep Patriots with 2.0L or 2.4L engines built May 08, 2016 through July 12, 2016. Many owners report their VINs fall outside this window despite identical symptoms and same manufacturing year/model. Dealers acknowledge the problem is a known issue but claim VIN is not listed on recall. Chrysler denied reimbursement for two repair bills totaling $1,766.11 because owner's VIN was not in recall. One owner notes Mopar website confirms the issue affects certain VIN numbers but does not explain why their vehicle is excluded.

Total or partial loss of electrical power while driving. All dashboard lights, headlights, speedometer, and/or brake lights go out; engine stops. Vehicle may regain power after restart or by tapping/shaking fuse box. One owner reports alternator and battery both tested good. Another complaint describes smoke behind battery and subsequent fire. Tire Pressure Monitor (TPMS) sensor failures and inability to unlock doors via key fob also cited.

When: While driving at highway speed (70 mph), during startup attempts, and intermittently while parked. One fire incident at city speed (~30 mph). One complaint involving total loss of power at 2:30 PM on city street.

Symptoms owners cite: All electrical power cuts out; engine dies; No headlights, brake lights, hazard lights, or dashboard lights; No power steering and no power brakes during power loss; Engine cannot restart until power is manually restored (by tapping fuse box or waiting); Smoke from under hood, then fire (one complaint); Tire pressure warning light illuminates and stays on intermittently; Horn inoperative; Key fob unable to lock/unlock doors; Speedometer goes dark or loses function temporarily; Radio shuts off; interior lights and dome lights malfunction

Codes mentioned: No codes mentioned; dealership indicated fuse box replacement may be needed but could not guarantee it would fix the issue

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealership quoted nearly $1,000 for fuse box replacement but could not guarantee it would fix the problem. Tire pressure sensor replacement quoted at $350 plus labor. One fire-damaged vehicle deemed total loss; fire inspectors and mechanic unable to determine cause but suspected area behind battery.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated issue is not under recall and repair would need to be out-of-pocket. Owner offered only routine unclotting of drain tubes during oil changes (see roof drain complaint). No manufacturer investigation or recall issued. Chrysler did not investigate 2017 fire incident despite documentation and photos provided.

Water enters vehicle through roof-mounted dome light or drain lines during rain or car wash, causing water to pour onto radio and short out electrical components. Dealership acknowledges drain lines are too small and require periodic unclogging but offers no permanent fix or electrical hazard mitigation. Multiple owners report this is a known design issue dating back to 2008.

When: During or after rain, or immediately after car wash

Symptoms owners cite: Water pouring through dome light into cabin; Radio shorted out; radio screen no longer functions; Potential electrical fire hazard (owner concern, not confirmed failure); Water pooling in roof linings, causing rot and devaluation risk

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership offered only temporary solution: unclog/blow out drain tubes during routine oil changes. One owner reports this 'fix' was done twice and problem persisted. No permanent repair or water-sealing of dome light mounting available.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealership acknowledged design issue but provided no warranty coverage or permanent remedy. Owner expressed concern that manufacturer is ignoring known defect.

TIPM fails multiple times over vehicle's life, causing intermittent electrical faults. Warning lights flash on and off for no reason; multiple warning lights activate simultaneously (ABS, traction control, low tire, check engine, stability control); horn stops working; AC fails; interior lights malfunction; door locks do not function via key fob. Owners report 'no bus communication' error messages on dashboard.

When: First failure occurred by 2018 (owner bought vehicle used in 2018 with prior history of one TIPM replacement); second replacement needed shortly after; third failure in progress at complaint filing

Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights on dashboard come on and go off intermittently without reason; Multiple lights illuminate at once (ABS, traction, low tire, engine, stability control, etc.); Horn does not work; Key fob unable to lock/unlock doors; AC stops working; Dashboard displays 'no bus communication' error; Interior lights and dome lights malfunction

Codes mentioned: No bus communication error

Repairs/costs cited: Two TIPM replacements documented on owner's vehicle history; third failure occurring at complaint time. Owner notes TIPM repair is 'not cheap' but does not specify cost.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite owner belief that TIPM failures warrant one. Owner posted complaint requesting others with same issues file with NHTSA to escalate to recall.

Electronic Throttle Control light (red lightning bolt icon) illuminates; vehicle loses acceleration ability and enters reduced-power mode. Vehicle bucks, shakes, or jerks. In most severe cases, vehicle comes to complete stop or near-stop (highway speed to 0 mph in seconds). Temporary workaround: turn vehicle off and on, or perform throttle reset procedure (key on, press gas pedal slowly, release, key off, restart).

When: Intermittently while accelerating from stop, during highway driving at 65–75 mph, or at city speeds (40–45 mph). Some owners report happening multiple times per day after first incident.

Symptoms owners cite: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light illuminates (red lightning bolt); Check engine light comes on; Traction control and stability control lights illuminate; Vehicle loses acceleration ability or enters limp mode (max speed ~10 mph); Vehicle bucks, shakes, or jerks; In severe cases, vehicle comes to complete stop within seconds; Loss of power steering and brakes during worst failures; Temporary recovery by turning vehicle off and on or throttle reset procedure

Codes mentioned: Old codes relating to Electronic Throttle Control (no current code at time of diagnosis in one case), P0335 or camshaft/crankshaft codes when associated with sensor harness failure

Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body cleaned/serviced ($unknown cost, no permanent fix in one case). One owner reports throttle body needs replacement (~$350 from factory). No specific repair costs documented for ETC system repair alone.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs specifically addressing ETC failures. However, one complaint references TSB NHTSA 16V-907 (crankshaft sensor harness) as the underlying cause of ETC light/power loss in some cases.

Headlights dim significantly and flicker or turn off intermittently during night driving. Brightness drops to near-useless levels even on high beam. Occurs randomly without pattern; sometimes triggered by bumps or electrical load (wipers, blinkers), but mostly spontaneous.

When: Randomly during night driving, intermittently and unpredictably. One owner reports happening 'many times' since 2021 ownership.

Symptoms owners cite: Headlights dim way down, even on high beam barely lighting road; Headlights flicker on and off; Bright lights turn off while driving at night when wipers or blinkers are turned on; Radio may shut off at same time headlights dim or flicker; No warning light; happens randomly with no discernible trigger

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports mobile mechanic added LED lights as a workaround (cost not stated). Another owner had 'new wiring put in, new lights, and fuses changed' but problem persisted.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.

Tire Pressure Monitor (TPMS) light comes on repeatedly despite tires being properly inflated; other dashboard warning lights (ABS, traction control, stability control, low tire, check engine) flash on and off intermittently without apparent cause. Lights may stay on for 30 minutes then go out, or cycle on and off erratically.

When: Intermittently and unpredictably while driving on city streets, highways, and interstates. One owner reports lights staying on for 30 minutes then going out; another reports cycling on and off daily.

Symptoms owners cite: Tire Pressure Monitor (TPMS) warning light illuminates repeatedly despite correct tire pressure; ABS, traction control, stability control, and check engine lights flash on and off without reason; Low tire warning light comes on and goes off repeatedly; Lights may illuminate and stay on for extended period (30 minutes to all day) then go out; No discernible pattern; happens while parked and while driving

Repairs/costs cited: Tire pressure sensor replacement quoted at $350 plus labor. Dealer diagnostic fee quoted at $115; total cost for sensor replacement estimated at $350 (parts) plus labor. One TPMS sensor found to have moisture intrusion and was shorting out.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnostic fee $115 not waived despite known design issue. One owner found 18+ online complaints for same TPMS issue and suspected water leak or lack of sensor water protection. No recall or TSB issued to address root cause.

Two unverified fire incidents reported. First incident: smoke under hood during city driving at ~30 mph; fire rapidly engulfed front of vehicle; fire inspectors unable to determine cause; mechanic suspected fire started behind battery. Vehicle totaled; melted front seat headrests and entire front section destroyed. Second incident: vehicle caught fire while attempting to start with 11,000 miles (nearly new); fire spread so rapidly that police officer's fire extinguisher had no effect. Jeep refused manufacturer investigation despite documented evidence and photos.

When: Incident 1: April 12, 2017 at 5:30 PM on highway at 11,000 miles. Incident 2: After car wash or during normal city driving; exact date/mileage not stated.

Symptoms owners cite: Smoke appearing from under hood; Rapid fire engulfing front compartment; Fire spread too fast for fire extinguisher to control

Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles totaled. Fire damage investigator and mechanic suspected battery area or wiring behind battery (Incident 1). No formal cause determined.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler/Jeep refused to conduct investigation in at least one case despite owner providing documentation and photos. No recall or warning issued.

Engine stalls or shuts off completely while accelerating from a stop, at intersections, while idling at red lights, or at highway speeds. No warning lights or check engine light in some cases. Requires restart to resume operation.

When: Intermittently during acceleration from stop, at idle/red lights, and at various highway speeds (40–65 mph). One owner reports occurring almost every day at red lights. Another reports 6+ times in 10 days.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or shuts off without warning during acceleration or at idle; Loss of power steering and brakes during stall; Hard starting or difficulty restarting after stall; Check engine light may or may not illuminate (intermittent failures often show no code until issue becomes frequent); Rough idle before or after stall; Engine rattling noise at stops

Codes mentioned: P0335 or camshaft/crankshaft codes when associated with sensor failure, No codes in some cases despite repeated stalling

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple mechanics unable to diagnose cause when no code is present. One owner replaced battery (per mechanic's suggestion) but problem persisted. Repairs ranged from throttle body cleaning to crankshaft sensor replacement ($410–$1,000+).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to diagnose without active code; advised owners to return when code appears or issue reproduces in their hands. No proactive recall for stalling issue separate from crankshaft sensor recall S89.

Camshaft and crankshaft position sensors fail repeatedly, sometimes 2–4 times within months or a year despite replacement. One owner replaced camshaft position sensor twice in under 1 year; another replaced crankshaft sensor twice within 2 months (Feb–Apr 2024); another replaced all three sensors (crankshaft + both camshaft sensors) and issue returned days to weeks later. Root cause likely wiring harness or connector corrosion, not sensor itself, but wiring harness replacement is not consistently performed.

When: First failure typically 20,000–115,000 miles. Repeat failures occur within days to weeks of replacement in worst cases; others recur months or years later (e.g., September 2022 and December 2024).

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and traction control light illuminate; Engine light comes on then goes off after restart; Car runs rough or does not start; Sensor code shows 'intermittent' signal (indicating wiring or connector issue, not sensor failure); Problem recurs after sensor replacement, suggesting connector or harness not addressed

Codes mentioned: Camshaft and crankshaft position sensor codes, Intermittent sensor codes (indicating electrical connection problem)

Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replacement costs $350–$1,082 per failure. Wiring harness replacement mentioned in one case ($858 labor + parts). One owner replaced camshaft sensors 4 times in 3 years and crankshaft sensor multiple times. Owner notes that wiring connectors are the actual problem, not the sensors themselves, and that the connector harness for both camshaft sensors should be recalled for all 2016 Patriots.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall S89 / 16V-907 issued for crankshaft and camshaft sensor wire harness for certain VINs. However, many owners with repeated failures are not included in recall despite meeting the manufacturing timeframe and exhibiting identical symptoms. One owner paid $858 for repairs and was denied coverage because VIN not on recall list, despite repair being performed during recall manufacturing period (May 19, 2016).

Engine idles roughly, hesitates during acceleration, or refuses to accelerate to normal speeds. In some cases, no check engine light is present and no diagnostic codes are found, making repair difficult. One owner reports engine hitting 4 RPM on inclines and remaining stuck there even after hill is cleared.

When: Ongoing issue since purchase (one owner); intermittent during acceleration and hill climbing

Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; Hesitant or slow acceleration; car takes forever to reach 60 mph; Engine stuck at low RPM (4 RPM cited in one case) and will not shift properly; No check engine light or active diagnostic code; Jerking or bucking during gear changes; Engine sputters as if not receiving enough fuel

Codes mentioned: P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) in one case; owner fixed all related components but code reappears; likely unrelated to current complaint

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership and two independent mechanics unable to diagnose cause without codes. Gas treatment attempted without success.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.