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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-JEEP-WRANGLERNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Jeep
2016 Jeep Wrangler problems
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler has 1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 454 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler has 454 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is brakes at 88 complaints, typically surfacing around 67,994 miles (~$450 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
1
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Wrangler?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
7 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Rollover★★★★★3/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Jeep Wrangler 4DR 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Jeep Wrangler? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
brakes — 88 owner reports
· tends to show around 67,994 mi · ~$450 to fix
powertrain — 71 owner reports
· tends to show around 34,250 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
airbags — 62 owner reports
· tends to show around 61,476 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
engine — 54 owner reports
· tends to show around 64,546 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 61,476 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Wrangler· bodyFire
Contact stated vehicle had not been driven for an extended period of time. Week before, anti skid and the ABS warning lights were on but shuts off. Driving on a paved road when engine died. Fire broke out instantly from the front right consuming entire vehicle. We had just left…
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…
On cold days after the Jeep has been sitting overnight, the engine will stall when the transmission is shifted into drive or reverse. This happens when the Jeep is started and it makes no difference if the car is running for 30 seconds before it is shifted or running for 3…
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…
Had a problem with your 2016 Jeep Wrangler?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain right hand drive 2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles
An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 454 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Jeep Wrangler has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Jeep Wrangler?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Jeep Wrangler is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 7 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the electrical system; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Jeep Wrangler?
Inspect the brakes first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 88 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 67,994 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Jeep Wrangler a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 454 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is brakes. Typical failure occurs around 67,994 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 88 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 67,994 miles. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 67,994 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Jeep Wrangler has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Jeep Wrangler?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 454 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Jeep/Wrangler.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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