What 455 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Patriot

While I was driving, driver's headrest suddenly popped off and hit me hard on the back of the head while driving. I have two children in my car who were startled from the sound. Head has been hurting since the incident.

NHTSA ODI 11749716

Driveshaft sensor failure Vehicle stalling while driving dropping to zero rpm vehicle dying completely to zero start at low rpm’s

NHTSA ODI 11746340

Last year (2025) we were on a trip to Minneapolis, MN when our vehicle randomly stalled out on us. It would allow us to start it up again immediately, but stalled again shortly after. Each time it stalled, the dash lights would pop up and the engine would immediately stall and die. We had the car fixed in a pinch, and the diagnosis was a crank shaft error. Fast forward to this past weekend, our car stalled again in traffic, with the dash lights coming on and the engine immediately dying. This time, we were unable to start the vehicle again to get it to a safe location, so ended up pushing it in neutral to the closest convenience store and have the vehicle towed to a Jeep dealer. Upon inspection of the car, the diagnosis was again a bad crank shaft sensor causing erratic readings and needing to be replaced. Having the same issue twice on the same vehicle, we looked into possible recalls that we had previously missed. We found that our VIN does not qualify for any past or present recalls. However, we did find a recall for 2016 Jeep Patriots that addressed the faulty crank shaft sensors (NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000). Having had this same issue twice, our vehicle is clearly being affected by root cause which the above recall was based on. Knowing that, it's hard to believe our vehicle doesn't qualify for this recall, and we would like that recall service extended to our VIN, especially since the issue has happened on multiple occasions.

NHTSA ODI 11744544

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds through an intersection, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the vehicle was operating as designed. Upon research, the contact located similar failures related to the vehicle going into LIMP Mode and electrical issues. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and the failure was acknowledged. The dealer informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and suggested that the vehicle be towed to the dealer. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11744153

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the head rest detached and pooped off. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, it felt like a kick to the back of the head. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, the contact was informed that the repair coverage was for ten years of ownership of the vehicle. The contact stated that ownership was four months over the ten years. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11740060

Driving my car and it just shuts off. I have read numerous complaints but there seems to be no recall already 1000.00 into fixing the car. Today it rained and my car has leaks all around the lights on the roof. Worse car ever. bought it brand new now I read about all these complaints around the same milage.I don’t have money to keep checking possible causes when Jeep knows this should be a recall. Pls look into this

NHTSA ODI 11739865

On Tuesday April 14,2026 at 12 pm I was driving on a highway at 55 miles per hour.The vehicle completely shut off and decreased in speed to which I was able to steer off to the shoulder but had to maneuver for awhile to a space more ample since some areas were narrow.As I made attempts to start car 2x it would not but rather make sounds as if attempting to start to no avail.At that time a pedestrian passed by on bike riding along the shoulder.Luckily,the incident did not happen at same time biker was in proximate vicinity. As I got off to check car,I was cautious enough to check for cars, a semi truck was swerving and luckily straightened out in time.I checked under the hood to see for any obvious signs.I got back in car and attempted to start to which it did.Noticied engine light was on which is new and stayed on until safely got home.Before,a week or so,car did turn off at a traffic light to which it had no problem starting as I cranked it.

NHTSA ODI 11731277

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle violently jerked while the transmission was changing gear. Additionally, while starting the vehicle, the RPM revved to 1,500 RPM before the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the camshaft and crankshaft sensors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,121.

NHTSA ODI 11730152

Air bag light is on and I havent been in a accident or anything.

NHTSA ODI 11722097

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted, and the contact drove to the residence; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

NHTSA ODI 11720105

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the road. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft position sensor. The contact was informed that the crankshaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred several times. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

NHTSA ODI 11720263

Vehicle acts like it wants to shut off. No warnings or check engine lights it just starts to shake and not let me accelerate. Auto shop looked at it and engine and transmission are ok. They look ed at it 6 times in 4 months and it just keeps happening. Now car is leaking oil and they can’t figure out where from, they replaced oil pan me anything relating to it so not sure what’s wrong. Also, clicking sound from air vent seems to be a electrical issue. Key is starting to bend from ignition shape also. We replaced the key multiple times. New brakes and new rotors but car screeches and sounds like brakes are old but they’re brand new. Car sounds like struggling when accelerators.

NHTSA ODI 11710973

Vehicle stalls when idle at stop signs or stop lights. When restarted while driving engine stops running. Idling is sporadic.

NHTSA ODI 11708522

Vehicle began not accelerating and then shut-off. Check engine light was not on, but it sputters. I put it in the shop and was told it's the engine and needs replacing.

NHTSA ODI 11706405

The driver headrest deployed without being in an accident. Took my vehicle to Phillips Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership on November 24, 2025 and the associate informed of the recalls/warranty I have. The invoice comment from the dealership "Performed inspection driver side front headrest has failed cannot replace due to part being discontinued." This results in driving a vehicle that is unsafe. I spoke with Chrysler hotline regarding the issue 12/2, 12/3, 12/8, 12/17 and was given a case # 94878288 which was closed without the problem being fixed/repaired. Just trying to get this issue resolved while the part is a recall and covered through the warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11705627

I continually have the same issue with this vehicle. It started only a couple of months after initial purchase and has happened various times since. Today was one of those days it occurred, the ABS system will turn on along with the traction control light in the middle of the freeway causing the vehicle to immediately slow down, I could not accelerate and was almost hit by the car behind me because of it. The last time this happened I was in a remote location and was stranded for about an hour with no signal to call anyone. When this happens the car does not turn immediately back on and you can hear it continuously cranking. This vehicle has been in and out of the repair shops and the Chrysler hall could not figure out what was wrong with it. It stopped doing it but now it started again. I notice that when this happens the car starts tugging while driving and will spin out when attempting to brake. It happens randomly and that is very scary and dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11699896

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. In addition, the contact had to use force to steer the wheel. The contact was unable to coast to the side of the road during several failures. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that after resuming driving, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the crankshaft and camshaft sensors had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11695843

While driving home from a wedding with a passenger in my car, the engine for my Jeep Patriot stalled several times. The car would come to a stop and was difficult to control when the stalling occurred, putting both myself and my passenger at risk of a traffic accident. The car was towed to an independent service center which documented in their reports the engine stalling repeatedly. This independent service center was not able to alleviate the issue despite replacing the crankshaft and camshaft sensors. I then took the car to my local Jeep dealership, which performed further repairs on the crankshaft sensor and wiring harnesses, thereby resolving the problem. The vehicle and components were not inspected by any other parties to my knowledge. There were no warning lights or prior indication that the engine was about to stall, adding to the danger associated with this incident.

NHTSA ODI 11695473

My engine has stalled in mid drive causing sever risk of crash. No check engine light on and does not occur every day.

NHTSA ODI 11687795

My son was driving his vehicle on the interstate in Florida when all of the sudden engine stopped working. He was able to navigate to the side and eventually it started up and made back to campus. Codes had came up so took to Firestone and changed spark plugs. We checked NHTSA website for engine recalls and showed had some but not for his specific vehicle per VIN. Only sounded a little better so took to Jeep dealership and paid for diagnostic evaluation and told “alternator falling apart” but nothing wrong with engine or transmission. They changed a belt Dealership also said no recall for his particular vehicle. Problem continued so took to local mechanism who replaced alternator and a good bit better. So between 8/20/25-8/26/25, he took car to 3 repair shops that couldn’t find the problem completely. Then on [XXX] while driving on interstate, son saw smoke then fire coming from under hood. Car caught on fire. Was able to pull over and call 911 who had fire department put out fire. He survived fire but emotionally a wreak. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11684580

While driving my 2016 Jeep Patriot on multiple occasions, the engine suddenly shuts off without warning. After shutting off the car would also have alot of issues restarting. I finally took it to multiple mechanics and they all indicated they couldn't find out exactly what was the problem, given nothing showed up on their diagnostics testing's. After the car finally wouldn't start anymore, i got it towed to the dealership and they diagnosed the car with failed crankshaft sensor (which has already been recalled on a chunk of the 2016 Jeep patriots manufactured).

NHTSA ODI 11683001

Headrest safety device deployed without a rear-end accident, while driving, did not hurt driver. Can not put headrest back into place scared driver

NHTSA ODI 11682237

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, but the failure persisted. The contact used a diagnostic code reader to determine that the camshaft sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The camshaft sensor was replaced, but the failure persisted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.

NHTSA ODI 11680687

The air bag in the drivers head rest exploded while my daughter was driving away at college, thankfully she was stopped at a red light she only had a mild concussion, this head rest exploded all on its on without warning or being in a wreck,

NHTSA ODI 11678992

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the engine seized. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); in 2017; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,500.

NHTSA ODI 11679051