Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Jeep Patriot powertrain problems
moderate 69 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
69
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 69 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Jeep Patriot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 11 model years of Jeep Patriot we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 69.
Owners have filed 69 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed Replacing OE transmission 05106789A$/68042789A$ with reman transmission R8142073A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed On replacing OE transmission 05106567A$/68042567A$ with reman transmission R8142074A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service 4wd Light On, Message AWD System Service Required
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report consistent powertrain failures in 2016 Jeep Patriots, with transmission and engine control problems dominating. The most common complaint involves stalling without warning at various speeds—some owners stall on city streets or highways and lose power steering and braking immediately. Multiple owners describe unintended downshifting to first gear, jerking, shuddering, and loss of acceleration; one owner reports the transmission dropped from Drive to 1st on its own during normal driving, creating hazardous traffic situations. Crankshaft and camshaft sensor failures appear in at least eight separate complaints, often causing complete engine shutdown that requires restart; several owners note Chrysler recall S89 exists but their vehicles fall outside the recall window, leaving them to pay out of pocket ($700 shown in one case). Engine hesitation, rough idle, and gear-slipping are widespread. Some owners describe throttle body issues and CVT electrical failures ($5,194 repair estimate cited). Several report sudden unintended acceleration, with one owner's car "rocketing ahead" mid-turn after using manual downshift paddles, totaling the vehicle. Owners also describe dashboard lights (ABS, transmission warning, check engine) staying illuminated, along with no-start conditions tied to relay box corrosion from battery acid. Dealers consistently tell owners they cannot replicate issues or that problems are "normal," yet multiple independent mechanics and second-opinion dealerships confirm genuine powertrain defects.
Same Jeep Patriot powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling without warning
Engine shuts down completely during driving at various speeds (0–75 mph), with no warning lights in many cases. Vehicle loses power steering and brake assist. Requires restart; sometimes takes multiple minutes or attempts to restart.
When: Occurs at all speeds; often after vehicle has been driven a short distance then turned off for 5–10 minutes. Some owners report it starting before 60,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: complete loss of power and thrust; loss of power steering; loss of brake pressure; steering wheel locks up; engine fails to restart immediately; multiple restarts needed
Codes mentioned: P0777 - Pressure Control Solenoid B - Stuck On, P0741 - Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid - Stuck Off, P0730 - Incorrect Gear Ratio
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft sensor replacement ($700 cited in one case); powertrain control module replacement; throttle body replacement; transmission replacement estimated $5,194 in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall S89 exists but does not cover all affected vehicles (manufacture dates outside May–July 2016 excluded); some owners denied recall coverage; dealer service attempts but cannot consistently resolve
Crankshaft and camshaft sensor failures
Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensors trigger check engine light and cause engine stalling, hesitation, or loss of acceleration. Multiple owners report the same sensor failing multiple times or two sensors failing in sequence.
When: Occurs as early as 150 miles (after purchase) to 90,000+ miles; some failures intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light illumination; engine stall; loss of acceleration power; hesitation and jerking; rough running
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft sensor error, Camshaft sensor error
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replacement $700 in one documented case; one owner had crankshaft sensor replaced twice by same shop with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall S89 covers some crankshaft sensor issues but excludes vehicles manufactured outside May–July 2016; owners with out-of-window manufacture dates denied recall coverage; dealer resets reported without lasting fix
Unintended automatic downshift to first gear
Transmission (semi-automatic or automatic) drops into first gear without driver input while in Drive, most often from a stop. No indication on dash until vehicle is already in traffic. Creates dangerous acceleration surges when driver attempts correction.
When: Occurs intermittently; issue noted on vehicle with fewer than 10,000 additional miles after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: sudden drop to 1st gear; no warning until vehicle is moving; loss of acceleration capability momentarily; confusing dash indicator; dangerous traffic situation when corrected
Repairs/costs cited: Stick sensor replaced; dealer unable to replicate issue despite three service visits; problem persisted after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership opened two separate StarOn (service technical assistance) packs with Jeep engineers but issue continues; no recall identified
Transmission slipping and jerking during acceleration
Transmission fails to engage smoothly when shifting to higher gears during acceleration, especially noticeable in city/low-speed driving and on hills. Vehicle lurches and shudders; RPM spikes to 5–6K on small hills. Issue persists after fluid and filter service.
When: Occurs after vehicle has been driven ~20 miles and warmed up; noticed before 60,000 miles in at least one case
Symptoms owners cite: noticeable lurch and shutter during upshift; repeated jerking in short periods; poor hill-climbing power; high RPM spikes; feels like engine might stall entirely
Repairs/costs cited: Oil and filter changes, fuel injector cleaner added—no improvement; transmission replacement suspected but not confirmed
Loss of acceleration under load
Vehicle fails to accelerate as intended during normal driving, including on highways at 60–70 mph and during merging. Some events accompanied by shuddering or abnormal engine sounds. Check engine light may illuminate.
When: Occurs at various speeds; one instance at 20 mph while depressing accelerator, another at 45 mph
Symptoms owners cite: throttle response failure; shuddering; abnormal sounds from engine; check engine light illumination; vehicle does not maintain speed
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement attempted; throttle body and gasket replacement successful in at least one case ($35 labor cited); transmission replacement suspected in other cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners informed by dealer that uncontrolled acceleration at cruise control re-engagement is 'normal'
Cruise control malfunction—uncontrolled acceleration
When cruise control is reengaged after speed drops, vehicle accelerates uncontrollably with RPM spiking. Family experiences hard lurch; driver must brake to disengage cruise.
When: Occurred at 70–75 mph on open highway
Symptoms owners cite: RPM spike through the roof; unintended rapid acceleration; hard lurch felt by occupants
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claims this behavior is normal
Clutch pedal failure—mechanical disconnection
Clutch pedal loses all mechanical resistance and function on manual transmission vehicle at very low mileage (150 miles after purchase). Clutch rod fitting came loose from improperly installed bracket in firewall. Vehicle left in gear without ability to shift or engage neutral, causing stall in busy traffic.
When: At 150 miles (20 miles at purchase, failure at 150 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: clutch pedal moves freely with no resistance; no engagement or disengagement of transmission; vehicle stuck in gear; vehicle stalls; unable to shift to neutral
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch rod bracket fitting reinstalled and properly clocked 45 degrees to seat tabs (manufacturer defect in assembly)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer (FIA LLC) disagreed with owner's recall request despite manufacturing defect in bracket installation
Check engine light and sensor diagnostics
Check engine light turns on and off intermittently, sometimes disappearing after oil changes without actual repair. Once light comes on persistently, scanning reveals faulty crankshaft or camshaft sensors, or catalytic converter issues. Light may not stay on long enough for dealer to diagnose underlying problem.
When: Occurs intermittently; in one case light returned after appearing to clear at previous oil change; another case at 90,000 miles after appearing intermittently since 50,000
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light on and off; light goes off before dealer can diagnose; persistent light when finally caught
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft sensor fault, Camshaft sensor fault, Catalytic converter code
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft and camshaft sensor replacement; catalytic converter replacement (owner notes no recall issued despite multiple owners needing replacement)
Transmission control module and electrical failures
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) fails, causing cascading electrical issues including hesitation, bucking, sporadic idle, radio and Bluetooth glitches, light failures, and cooling fans running continuously even when engine off. Dealership quoted $1,600 for diagnosis and repair; owner sourced OEM part for $250 and installed plug-and-play with soft reset via ignition key.
When: Occurs over six-month period of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: engine hesitation and bucking; sporadic idle; radio and Bluetooth dropouts; individual light failures; cooling fans running when parked; multiple misdiagnosed component replacements
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement: owner sourced new OEM part for $250; plug-and-play installation; soft reset via ignition key. Dealership wanted to charge $700 for same part and $200 additional for unnecessary programming.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership attempted to overcharge and claim part required programming when it did not
Unintended acceleration and runaway throttle
Vehicle accelerates on its own or at unexpectedly high rate during normal driving. One critical case involved vehicle rocketing ahead mid-turn after driver used manual downshift paddles, resulting in collision with multiple vehicles and totaled Jeep. Another case involved highway acceleration surging when cruise control reengaged. Dashboard indicators flashing frequently in both cases.
When: One case within one week of purchase; other cases after extended ownership
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle accelerates without driver input; rocketing forward sensation; high RPM surge; inability to brake effectively; dashboard lights flashing; multiple collisions in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled in collision case; no repair completed
Transmission overheat and limp mode
Transmission overheats on extended highway driving and enters limp mode, causing immediate loss of speed and power. Vehicle becomes immobilized in traffic lane, creating dangerous stranding situation.
When: After 6 hours and 400 miles at 65 mph on highway
Symptoms owners cite: transmission overheat warning light; rapid speed loss; vehicle stops on highway; unable to move forward
Battery acid corrosion of main relay box
Main relay box is mounted directly below lead-acid battery, allowing leaking battery acid to enter the unsealed box and destroy automatic shutdown relay wiring. Can cause no-crank/no-start condition or stalling while operating. Issue well-documented on internet with multiple YouTube videos for FCA vehicles but not addressed by manufacturer.
When: First occurrence in parking lot; subsequent occurrences over extended ownership; issue known for many years in FCA community
Symptoms owners cite: no-crank no-start condition; stalling while operating; immobilization of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer relocated affected relay from vulnerable box to less vulnerable location for $460; temporary mitigation rather than design fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue well-known to FCA but not officially addressed; no recall or design change implemented
Power loss with ABS and stability control faults
Vehicle loses acceleration power at various speeds while ABS and 4WD/stability control warning lights illuminate. Related to ABS sensor issues where sensor connection comes loose from tire-mounted sensor.
When: Noted at 34,200 miles after crankshaft recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: loss of acceleration; ABS warning light; 4WD warning light; stability control light
Repairs/costs cited: ABS sensor tightening or replacement; one complaint notes most owners are told entire ABS system needs replacement when issue is loose sensor connector
Gear shift selector malfunction—shift out of Drive
Transmission gear selector shifts out of Drive position on its own while vehicle is in motion at low speed (35 mph). Requires manual shift to Neutral then back to Drive to reset. Recurs intermittently.
When: At 2,811 miles (very early in vehicle life)
Symptoms owners cite: gear shifts out of Drive without input; no warning indicator; intermittent recurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to duplicate issue; no repair completed
Throttle body and idle control issues
Throttle body malfunction causes loss of throttle response and inability to accelerate; one instance caused complete loss of acceleration above 20 mph. Electronic throttle control (ETC) light flashes during malfunction.
When: Noticed on first drive (June 20, 2019 complaint); another instance during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: loss of throttle response; inability to exceed certain speeds; ETC light flashing; vehicle won't accelerate past 20 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body and gasket replacement successful in one documented case
Manual transmission clutch grinding and failure
Clutch begins slipping in gear and within 1.5 days grinds down completely, leaving vehicle unable to drive. Very low mileage (49,000). Owner with 20 years of manual transmission experience reports unprecedented failure.
When: At 49,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: initial gear slipping; rapid progression to grinding; complete failure to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replacement needed but extended warranty denied; repair cost not documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to honor agreed extended warranty terms
Airbag failure during collision
Airbag failed to deploy during vehicle collision caused by transmission surge during right turn. Driver was 'briefly knocked out' and sustained injuries.
When: During the powertrain failure event
Symptoms owners cite: airbag did not deploy; driver injuries; driver loss of consciousness
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; airbag system integrity compromised
Seat belt sensor and warning system faults
Seat belt warning light and dinging alarm sound continuously or intermittently when occupant exceeds certain weight (230 lbs). Occurs in both front seats. Dealership replaced seat belt sensors in both front seats to resolve.
When: Intermittent occurrence whenever person over 230 lbs occupies seat
Symptoms owners cite: continuous seat belt warning dinging; seat belt warning light; alarm sounds even when belt fastened
Repairs/costs cited: Seat belt sensors replaced in both front seats
Seat belt unbuckling while driving
Front seat belts randomly unbuckle during driving when occupant moves or adjusts position. Driver believes this creates critical safety hazard in collision scenario.
When: Intermittent, occurs during normal driving adjustments
Symptoms owners cite: spontaneous seat belt unbuckling; seat belt unbuckles during movement
Repairs/costs cited: Defective seat belt replaced in at least one case
Motor mount and transmission mounting issues
Rattling and slipping transmission symptoms attributed by dealership to bad motor mounts. Transmission catching, slipping, or missing during gear transfers. Problem persists after motor mount replacement; continues getting worse.
When: Present from day of purchase in one 2023 model; worsening over time
Symptoms owners cite: rear-end rattling noise; transmission catching or slipping; transmission missing during gear transfer; noise worsening daily
Repairs/costs cited: Motor mount replacement completed but issue persists
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims multiple technicians examined vehicle and found nothing wrong; states problem is normal for transmission type; refuses additional service
Synthesized from 69 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Transmission is winding and juddering.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted and returned to normal functionality. However, the failure became a regular failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the CVT oil was low. The vehicle was…
The check engine light keeps coming on and it the codes keep saying it’s the throttle pedal position sensor A/B circuit
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 Jeep Patriot?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 Jeep Patriot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 69 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 45 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 40,000 and 79,000 miles, with the median around 58,160. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 79,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Jeep/Patriot.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.