USED VEHICLE RESEARCH

2016 Jeep Wrangler

Research the 2016 Jeep Wrangler using available NHTSA owner complaints, safety recalls, manufacturer communications, defect investigations, and CarIQ data-coverage analysis.

DATA CONFIDENCE: Moderate

Owner complaints

464NHTSA records

Recall campaigns

5Year, make and model lookup

Manufacturer communications

0Matched NHTSA records

Investigations

0Matched NHTSA records

SUBJECTIVE OWNER FEEDBACK

OWNER EXPERIENCE

What it is like to live with the vehicle—kept clearly separate from official NHTSA evidence.

BUILDING THE COMMUNITY

THE FIRST USEFUL PERSPECTIVE COULD BE YOURS

No approved owner experiences yet.

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SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE 2016 Jeep Wrangler
INDEPENDENT EVIDENCE TYPES

NHTSA owner complaint records remain part of Official Vehicle Data. Subjective review contributions remain in Owner Experience. One does not validate or prove the other. Read the methodology.

EVIDENCE, NOT A SCORE

WHAT THIS DATA CAN TELL YOU ABOUT RELIABILITY

Official records can provide useful research context, but each source has a different meaning. Complaint counts are not failure rates; recalls are formal safety campaigns; manufacturer communications are technical or service documentation; and investigations reflect formal NHTSA activity. Data Confidence measures evidence availability, not vehicle quality. CarIQ does not publish a composite Reliability Score.

Available evidence summary: 464 NHTSA owner complaint records; 5 safety recall campaigns; 0 manufacturer communications; 0 applicable NHTSA defect investigations.

EVIDENCE AVAILABILITY — NOT VEHICLE RELIABILITY

DATA CONFIDENCE

Moderate

Data Confidence measures how much usable evidence CarIQ has for this vehicle. It does not measure how reliable the vehicle is.

Why this rating?
Owner complaint data
Available
Manufacturer communications
Available
Recall data
Available
Investigation data
Available
Production denominator
Unavailable
Complaint component completeness
100%
Mileage completeness
0%
Incident-date completeness
100%

DESCRIPTIVE ANALYTICS

DATA INSIGHTS

Derived from official NHTSA source records. These statistics are descriptive and are not a reliability score.

Complaint records analyzed
464
NHTSA complaints
Most reported component
Service Brakes
30% of categorized complaint records
Top-three component concentration
64%
Records mentioning at least one top-three component
Median reported incident mileage
Not available from current source
0 valid mileage observations
Recall campaigns
5
NHTSA recalls
Most recent recall report
March 14, 2024
NHTSA recalls
Manufacturer communications
0
NHTSA manufacturer communications
Most documented component
Not available
NHTSA manufacturer communications
Top-three communication concentration
Not available
Share of categorized manufacturer communications

SOURCE COMPLETENESS

DATA QUALITY

Complaint records analyzed
464
Component classification available
100%
Incident date available
100%
Mileage available
0%
Structured outcome fields available
100%

Completeness describes fields present in the retrieved complaint records. It is not a data-quality grade or a vehicle assessment.

Learn about CarIQ methodology

PRODUCTION-ADJUSTED DESCRIPTIVE METRIC

NORMALIZED COMPLAINT CONTEXT

Production-normalized complaint data is not currently available for this vehicle.

This metric compares the number of NHTSA owner complaint records retrieved by CarIQ with NHTSA-reported production volume for the corresponding vehicle population.

It is not a vehicle failure rate. Complaint reporting behavior, vehicle age, time on the road, production definitions, and other factors can affect the result.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Early Warning Reporting, Light Vehicle Production Data. Read the methodology.

OFFICIAL NHTSA OWNER COMPLAINT DATA

PROBLEMS REPORTED IN NHTSA RECORDS

CarIQ groups available NHTSA owner complaint records for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler by vehicle system to make recurring documentation easier to research. Most represented complaint categories describe the retrieved records—not failure frequency.

TOTAL COMPLAINTS464

MOST REPRESENTED COMPLAINT CATEGORIES

Service Brakes139 complaints
30%of categorized complaint records
Engine88 complaints
19%of categorized complaint records
Air Bags77 complaints
17%of categorized complaint records
Power Train74 complaints
16%of categorized complaint records
Electrical System57 complaints
12%of categorized complaint records
Unknown or Other54 complaints
12%of categorized complaint records
Vehicle Speed Control36 complaints
8%of categorized complaint records
Steering28 complaints
6%of categorized complaint records
Structure18 complaints
4%of categorized complaint records
Hydraulic15 complaints
3%of categorized complaint records
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)13 complaints
3%of categorized complaint records
Fuel/propulsion System13 complaints
3%of categorized complaint records
Forward Collision Avoidance12 complaints
3%of categorized complaint records
Seat Belts10 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Wheels9 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Suspension8 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Engine and Engine Cooling6 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Visibility/wiper5 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Air4 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Seats4 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Exterior Lighting3 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Traction Control System3 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Fuel System1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Gasoline1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Tires1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Visibility1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records

A complaint may list more than one component and therefore contribute to multiple categories. Percentages show the share of categorized complaint records that mention each component—not the percentage of vehicles affected. Category percentages may overlap.

INCIDENT REPORTS BY YEAR

1969
3
2016
49
2017
27
2018
31
2019
75
2020
52
2021
33
2022
34
2023
30
2024
47
2025
59
2026
24

Grouped from complaint records with a valid incident date.

RECENT OWNER COMPLAINTS

Service Brakes · Hydraulic

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11775360
Read complaint narrative

ABS and break lights on in car. Took to local repair shop and informed that the ABS control module has become defective. Attempted to purchase the required OEM part for repair in July of 2025. Was informed the part is on back order with no intended arrival date. Have continually reached out to local dealership since that time and part continues to remain on back order with no arrival date. Have been informed by the dealership that my automatic breaking system will no longer function, making the car unsafe to drive on a daily basis. This could lead to a catastrophic accident due to no breaking system. Manufacturer has not prioritized increasing supply of the replacement part and has not issued a mandatory recall for this safety issue.

Service Brakes · Hydraulic

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11775245
Read complaint narrative

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the ABS and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with ABS module failure. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11771092
Read complaint narrative

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the factory oil filler adapter housing was made of plastic, which heated up, warped, and cracked over time. This structural failure caused engine oil to drip and spray across the entire underside of the vehicle, heavily coating the frame and the hot exhaust system. Due to the oil contacting the hot exhaust, a strong burning oil odor entered the vehicle cabin. The contact explicitly stated that their life was in danger due to the continuous failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer was fully aware of the common safety defect. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where a diagnostic inspection confirmed a complete failure of the oil filter adapter housing. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Electrical System · Vehicle Speed Control · Service Brakes

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11769336
Read complaint narrative

Vehicle reflects a code of C2200. It is due to a faulty ABS module that controls the antilock brake system, traction w and cruise control. The remedy is to replace the part (part number 68259556AD). This part has been on national back order for several years now with no anticipated date of release. The manufacturer has Indicated it will not be made. This is a safety item that not only affects the performance of the vehicle but limits it resale value. Numerous vehicles from 2011-2017 models have been affected.

Steering · Suspension · Power Train

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11763902
Read complaint narrative

When I was coming to a stop at a stoplight, my vehicle started to violently wobble almost having me to loose control. I was unable to slow down when pressing the brakes and almost hit vehicles in front of me.this has happened numerous times and I have had my tires rotated and alignment done just recently.

Electrical System · Service Brakes

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11760973
Read complaint narrative

ABS Control Module stopped working with several warning lights showing on dash display. After 12 months the dealer is unable to supply a replacment part or a possible date when a new part might be available.

Service Brakes

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11759082
Read complaint narrative

The ABS module on my jeep has failed. I've been put on a list to get a replacement part but have been on the list for 10 months with no indication of when my parts order will be fulfilled. The failed ABS module caused the BRAKE, ABS and TCS warning lights to be on. I am driving a vehicle under unsafe conditions and the manufacturer does not care.

Wheels · Service Brakes

Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11758210
Read complaint narrative

My 2016 Jeep Wrangler is experiencing an ongoing problem with the ABS/braking system and wheel-speed sensor. The ABS/brake warning light comes on intermittently, particularly when turning right and during hot weather. The vehicle has NOT been repaired for this problem. I am reporting it because I am concerned that there may be a defect involving the wheel-speed sensor, sensor wiring/connection, wheel hub, or ABS system. Because these components are connected to the vehicle’s anti-lock braking and stability/traction-control systems, I am concerned about the safety of continuing to drive the vehicle. I would like this problem investigated as a potential safety defect. I am also requesting that NHTSA review whether other 2016 Jeep Wrangler owners have reported similar ABS, brake warning light, or wheel-speed sensor failures and determine whether a safety recall is warranted. There was no accident it just started happening on its own.

NHTSA complaints are reports submitted by vehicle owners and other consumers. Complaint counts do not represent the percentage of vehicles affected and do not by themselves establish that a safety defect exists.

A higher complaint count can partly reflect how many vehicles were sold, vehicle age, and other factors. CarIQ does not yet normalize complaint counts by vehicles sold.

Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This site is not endorsed by NHTSA.

OFFICIAL NHTSA SAFETY RECALL DATA

SAFETY RECALLS

5 recall campaigns found

01AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTECampaign 24V196000March 14, 2024

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain right hand drive 2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Debris contamination may cause the clockspring to fail, preventing the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash.

Safety Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

02SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGECampaign 19V680000September 26, 2019

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.

Safety Consequence

A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VA6.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

03AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 19V018000January 15, 2019

Summary

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. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Safety Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

04AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVECampaign 16V734000October 13, 2016

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured June 16, 2015, to August 14, 2016. In certain crash conditions, the front impact sensor wiring may be pulled until it detaches before a signal can be received by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).

Safety Consequence

If the ORC module does not receive a signal from the front impact sensor, both frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the front impact sensor wiring and relocate the impact sensor branch, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S76.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

05AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 16V288000May 11, 2016

Summary

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. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.

Safety Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall results shown here are based on year, make, and model. A specific vehicle may or may not be affected. Check the vehicle's VIN with NHTSA to confirm open recalls before purchasing. Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

OFFICIAL NHTSA MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION DATA

MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATIONS

TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS0

No NHTSA manufacturer communication records were returned for this year, make, and model.

Manufacturer communications include service bulletins and other technical information submitted by manufacturers to NHTSA. The existence or number of communications does not establish how often a condition occurs or whether an individual vehicle will experience it.

Some manufacturers may issue more detailed service documentation than others, so communication counts should not be used alone to compare vehicle reliability.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration manufacturer communications

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

NHTSA DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS

TOTAL INVESTIGATION RECORDS0

No applicable NHTSA defect investigation records were returned for this year, make, and model.

NHTSA investigations evaluate potential motor-vehicle safety defects. The existence of an investigation does not by itself establish that a safety defect exists, and the absence of an investigation does not establish that a vehicle is problem-free.

Open and closed describe NHTSA's process status, not a CarIQ reliability judgment.

View official NHTSA investigation data ↗

DESCRIPTIVE SOURCE OVERLAP

CROSS-SOURCE VEHICLE DATA

CarIQ compares categories appearing across independent NHTSA datasets. Overlap can help identify areas with more available documentation, but it does not establish defect frequency or prove that an individual vehicle will experience a problem.

ComponentOwner complaintsManufacturer communicationsRecall campaignsNHTSA investigationsOfficial sources containing records
Service Brakes1390001 of 4
Engine880001 of 4
Air Bags770001 of 4
Power Train740001 of 4
Electrical System570001 of 4
Unknown or Other540001 of 4
Vehicle Speed Control360001 of 4
Steering280001 of 4
Structure180001 of 4
Hydraulic150001 of 4

Displayed first by the number of source categories containing the component, then by owner complaint count, then alphabetically. This is a presentation rule, not a vehicle ranking. Complaint reports, manufacturer communications, recalls, and investigations describe different events and are never added into a combined total.

complaint
Available
communication
Available
recall
Available
investigation
Available
production
Unavailable

COMMON RESEARCH QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 2016 JEEP WRANGLER

Is the 2016 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

CarIQ does not currently assign a reliability score to the 2016 Jeep Wrangler. Available evidence is shown as separate official-source records with a Data Confidence classification of Moderate.

What problems are reported for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler?

464 NHTSA owner complaint records. When complaint data is available, the page groups records by the NHTSA component categories they identify without treating those categories as verified failure rates.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler?

5 safety recall campaigns. Year, make, and model results do not confirm whether a specific VIN is affected or whether a remedy has been completed.

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