Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

ProblemsByVin File / 2016-JEEP-WRANGLER NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2016 · Jeep

Jeep Wrangler problems

1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 447 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.0 / 10

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.

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.

Embed this reliability snapshot

Free to use on your site, post, or video — keep the link back. Preview the widget →

<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2016-jeep-wrangler/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2016 Jeep Wrangler reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe>

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

brakes
84 reports · fails ~67,994 mi · avg $450
moderate
powertrain
70 reports · fails ~34,250 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
airbags
62 reports · fails ~61,476 mi · avg $1,100
severe
engine
54 reports · fails ~64,546 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
46 reports · fails ~42,003 mi · avg $850
severe
steering
26 reports · fails ~51,381 mi · avg $700
moderate
cruise control
21 reports · fails ~33,996 mi · avg $600
severe
body
17 reports · fails ~54,368 mi · avg $1,500
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 Wrangler's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 Wrangler?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Wrangler · body Fire
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…
12/31/2019 · at 52,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11292328.0 · see body pattern →
2016 Wrangler · engine
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…
12/29/2022 · at 70,218 mi · NHTSA ODI #11499392.0 · see engine pattern →
2016 Wrangler · powertrain
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…
12/29/2020 · at 40,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385385.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2016 Wrangler · engine
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…
View all 447 owner complaints →
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.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

critical NHTSA 19V018000 January 15, 2019

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.
severe NHTSA 24V196000 March 14, 2024

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.
severe NHTSA 16V288000 May 11, 2016

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

EA Air 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 →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2016 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 447 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's the most common problem on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 84 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 447 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.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours 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. We are not affiliated with Jeep. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
Get a free warranty quote →
Sponsored — we earn a commission if you complete a quote. Disclosure.