Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Jeep Wrangler cruise control problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 26,835 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Wrangler | 15 |
| 2013 Wrangler | 12 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 11 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 19 |
| 2016 Wrangler (this page) | 21 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 7 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 6 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 4 |
3crashes
1injury
What stands out
Of the 16 model years of Jeep Wrangler we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 21.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control 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.
Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Accelerator Pedal Before replacing accelerator pedal, be sure to follow fault code diagnostic procedures in service manual. Make sure to check wiring and connectors. P2122 and P2127 will set if accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis. Make sure codes are active before replacing pedal. DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Accelerator Pedal Before replacing accelerator pedal, be sure to follow fault code diagnostic procedures in service manual. Make sure to check wiring and connectors. P2122 and P2127 will set if accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis. Make sure codes are active before replacing pedal. DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor. Blockage can occur from mud, ice, snow, front end damage, bracket damage, the sensor not attached to the bracket properly or an aftermarket fascia installed. This fault can occur intermittently in muddy or icy/snowy conditions and is considered normal operation. Under some circumstances, a misaligned sensor can also cause the C1266 DTC, please complete an alignment procedure. No replacement is required.~ 2) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displayi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Wrangler exhibits multiple, serious failures that create real safety hazards. Most critical is the ABS module failure (Part 68259556AD): it's been on national backorder for 2–3 years with no manufacturer ETA or remedy. When it fails, ABS and traction control go out entirely, leaving owners with no safety margin on wet roads. Dealerships confirm they have aging unfulfilled orders nationwide, and Jeep corporate has offered only vague explanations about supplier issues.
Unintended acceleration is another recurring threat. Owners report the gas pedal physically sticking or the vehicle accelerating to 36–80 MPH without foot input, sometimes while braking. Multiple incidents ended with collision or near-collision. Dealer diagnostics consistently turn up nothing, and manufacturer review denies any defect, despite test data showing abnormal radio frequency readings.
ABS wheel speed sensors fail prematurely—some owners replaced two sensors in six months—triggering cascading losses: ABS, traction control, and cruise control all go out, and the brakes engage unwanted during normal driving. ESC malfunctions are equally unpredictable: the system cuts engine power and applies brakes on dry, level pavement for no discernible reason, creating three near-accidents in two days in one report.
Brake failures during low-speed maneuvers, transmission shifting glitches, and speedometer flutter round out the pattern. Across 21 complaints, no recalls have been issued.
Same Jeep Wrangler cruise control reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Module Failure / Backorder Availability Crisis
The ABS control module (Part 68259556AD) fails, disabling ABS and traction control permanently. Replacement part has been on national backorder for 2–3 years with no ETA. Multiple dealers confirm aging unfulfilled orders. Jeep corporate has cited supplier tooling/manufacturing issues but provided no timeline.
When: Various mileage; backorder status confirmed 2021–2024
Symptoms owners cite: ABS and traction-control warning lights continuously illuminated; ABS and traction control inoperative; Cruise control inoperative; Vehicle unstable on highways and hills; inability to maintain speed; Intermittent unwanted brake engagement during normal driving
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement ABS module (Part 68259556AD) unavailable; multiple dealers confirm part on heavy national backorder with no parts supplier availability. Vehicle cannot be safely repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep/Stellantis corporate opened cases, promised to 'fast track,' cited supplier tooling/manufacturing issues, but provided no resolution or timeline. No recall issued despite reports of widespread impact.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Failures
Rear and front ABS wheel speed sensors fail prematurely, triggering ABS/traction-control warnings and intermittently activating brakes during normal driving. Two sensors failed within 6 months on one owner's vehicle; another experienced failures at 23,469 and 26,835 miles.
When: Early mileage: 23,469–26,835 miles; within 6 months; as early as 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding sound and vibration in brake pedal; ABS warning light illumination; ABS and traction control disabled when sensor fails; Cruise control disabled; Unwanted brake engagement and grinding; difficulty accelerating after sensor failure; Sensor unable to detect wheel speed
Repairs/costs cited: Rear wheel speed sensor replacement cited as 'common failure.' Costs documented: $310.31 (September 2019) and $244.41 (March 2020) for rear sensors. Owner noted dealer stated this is a known behavior for this failure type.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed rear wheel speed sensor is a known common failure but not covered under warranty (vehicle at 40,600 miles). No recall or technical service bulletin mentioned.
Unintended Acceleration / Throttle Control Failure
Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly without driver input or while driver's foot is off the accelerator. Pedal sometimes physically stuck in place; engine revs to maximum RPM while vehicle may not move or continues accelerating uncontrollably. Multiple incidents reported during merge, highway driving, and at stops.
When: Various mileage: 23,900–28,209 miles; also reported on vehicles with lower and unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration to 36–80 MPH without driver input; Gas pedal feels pulled down or stuck in place; Engine revs to maximum RPM but vehicle not moving (rev hang); Brake pedal fully depressed but vehicle continues accelerating; Throttle does not return to idle; Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) warning light illumination
Codes mentioned: Throttle Position Indicator alarm
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer blamed aftermarket floor mats (despite cut-away design); owner used neutral and foot manipulation to release throttle. Manufacturer's third-party inspector found abnormal RF (radio frequency) reading in one case but concluded no manufacturer defect. Another dealer found no error code despite test drive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer's engineer diagnostic: no failure code found; abnormal RF reading noted but defect denied. Manufacturer stated they did not 'believe' vehicle was at fault in acceleration collision. No recall issued.
ESC / Traction-Control Malfunction with Unwanted Braking
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system malfunctions, cutting engine power and automatically applying brakes during normal driving when a fault is detected, rather than disabling safely. Behavior occurs on dry, level pavement with no wheel spin or unusual driving conditions.
When: After overnight sitting; at 40,600 miles; within 1 year (second occurrence); mileage 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS and ESC warning lights illuminate; Vehicle loses power and stumbles during acceleration; Automatic rear brake application during normal driving; Power cut from engine unexpectedly; Loss of steering control under braking; Sudden steering changes; Three near-accidents in two days (one incident) or two malfunctions within one year (another)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified rear wheel speed sensor as likely cause. Another dealer 'supposedly fixed' ESC issue but it reoccurred within one year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep corporate stated they 'have never heard of this' and could not explain the behavior. No recall or TSB referenced.
Cruise Control and Speedometer Malfunction
Cruise control disengages or becomes inoperative when ABS/traction-control faults occur. Speedometer needle fluctuates erratically while cruise is engaged, decreasing and increasing unpredictably.
When: 22,000–23,530 miles; during highway driving at 45–60 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer needle drops and rises erratically; Cruise control becomes inoperative when ABS fault present; Vehicle hesitates to accelerate when pedal depressed; ABS warning light illuminates alongside symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner coasted vehicle to roadside.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not reported to manufacturer in one case; in another, no diagnostic testing performed.
Brake System Failure During Parking / Low-Speed Maneuvers
Brakes fail to engage during low-speed braking maneuvers, resulting in vehicle accelerating unexpectedly into obstacles. Incident occurred while owner was attempting to brake to enter a parking space.
When: Specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes will not engage / fail to make complete stop; Unexpected acceleration while braking; Vehicle launched forward into building; Airbags did not deploy
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle struck laundromat front door and washing machine; no repair details provided.
Transmission Shifting and Drivability Issues
Vehicle randomly will not shift gears while driving; jerks or lunges when shifting into Park, Drive, or Reverse. Occurs in conjunction with ABS modulator failure.
When: Not specified; concurrent with ABS modulator backorder situation
Symptoms owners cite: Random gear-shift refusal; Jerk or lunge when selecting Park, Drive, or Reverse; Vehicle unstable
Repairs/costs cited: Associated with ABS modulator defect; part unavailable for repair.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2016 Jeep Wrangler?
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 cruise control problem on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a meaningful issue. 21 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 22,000 and 40,600 miles, with the median around 26,835. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 40,600. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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/Wrangler.
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.