Home · 2016 Jeep Patriot · Complaints

What 455 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Patriot

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (455)Crash / fire / injury (33)Engine (222)Electrical system (97)Transmission & drivetrain (74)Speed control (47)Fuel system (42)Airbags (33)Brakes (25)Steering (24)Seats (20)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (19)

222 of 455 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 1 of 9

Jun 16, 2026Engine

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

Apr 9, 2026Engine

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

Feb 24, 2026Engine

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

Jan 14, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

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

Jan 3, 2026EngineFuel system

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

NHTSA ODI 11708522

Dec 21, 2025Electrical systemEngine

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

Oct 24, 2025Engine

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

Sep 17, 2025Engine

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

Sep 2, 2025EngineFire

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

Aug 25, 2025Electrical systemEngine

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

Aug 7, 2025Engine

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

Jun 30, 2025Engine

The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.

NHTSA ODI 11670225

Jun 24, 2025Engine

I received an alert on my insurance portal, that my vehicle type ( Jeep Patriot 2016) had a recall, S89 for the camshaft and crankshaft sensors . I noticed that my vehicle has the same issues that is caused by this recall. My vehicle has been stalling and the check engine light when off recently. I had it looked at and the obd reader displayed that there were misfires displaying in the cylinder and issues connected to the camshaft and crank shaft sensor at. I called the recall line but they stated it wasn’t associated with my specific car but I feel like my vehicle should be included in this recall due to the exact issue I am experiencing that is listed in the recall. My vin is [XXX] . I feel I should be included and the issues are causing potential safety risks when driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11668975

Apr 23, 2025Electrical systemEngine

On 3 separate occasions while driving the car will chime and ABS, traction control & a third light (I think its the low tire) quickly blinks on and goes off again. The car will still be on and in motion. Today, the car shut off while idle. No lights were on prior and I had been driving for just under 10 minutes. After a period of 2-3 minutes, I tried to crank the engine again and it came on, no lights on dash. I drove to my destination.

NHTSA ODI 11656330

Mar 12, 2025Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Crankshaft positioning sensor caused car to randomly stall out multiple times.

NHTSA ODI 11647939

Jan 23, 2025Engine

Car turns off while in Drive. I only have 77,000 miles on it.....

NHTSA ODI 11638140

Jan 22, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the abnormal clicking sound became significantly louder. The vehicle was towed to Allstar Automotive, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings inside the engine. The mechanic recommended the replacement or rebuilding of the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11637596

Dec 28, 2024Engine

Six months after we purchased our 2016 Jeep Patriot Sport 4w the check engine light illuminated on and off for a couple of weeks. After that time frame it became a permanent fixture. As well as unpredictable and frequent stalling while driving or stopping at red lights/deceleration of gas pedal of vehicle. The vehicle would not start again for hours...even days after these episodes making it difficult and unaffordable to operate safely. A diagnostic was performed when the vehicle decided to start days later and the crankshaft position sensor code was read by the trouble code. We then called a mobile mechanic who charged us $325 to replace the crankshaft position sensor/ relearn included to no avail. Although did confirm the part would need to be replaced. The vehicle hasn't started since the replacement therefor a relearn could not be performed. Researching the possible problems, I noticed many complaints on the same and similar models as well as a high rate of reoccurrence w the same parts (cam/crankshaft position sensor). We notified the dealership and they informed us it would be $199 to run a diagnostic if we could afford to have it towed to them... Witch we could not. I have included the receipt from the mobile mechanic and it is in fact available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11632867

Dec 26, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a click sound and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,600.

NHTSA ODI 11632413

Nov 1, 2024Engine

While driving my vehicle I was about to get on a highway ramp I’m am unsure of the speed but I was turning into the lane that gets you to the ramp well my car suddenly stalled and jerked very weirdly I came to a complete stop in the middle of the road while cars were coming. There were no warning signs nor anything that could’ve warned me. I had this happen to me twice. IThe second time I was driving at unknown speed about to get on the high way and my car suddenly stopped and I was almost rear ended. When I originally got the car it was turning on and off also. I feel very unsafe in this car I have spent so much money in repairs and I think this concern is bigger than just a repair. I have not been able to drive my car. I have codes on my car to reflect the issues I am experiencing with this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11623071

Sep 13, 2024Electrical systemEngine

CAMSHAFT and CRANKSHAFT position sensors keep failing. I have gotten these replaced at a local auto shop 4 times in the 3 years I've had the vehicle. Each time they're replaced the PCM is flashed but issue comes back a couple days to a week later either when coming to a stop at an intersection or when driving up to 50 miles per hour, the acceleration doesn't work properly and RPMS shoot down to zero and back up. Car has also shut off when coming to a stop under 5 MPH and sometimes starts up again. Engine light and TCS light both come on when either sensor fails, car runs rough or doesn't start resulting in a tow to a shop. This is a huge safety risk and can cause a crash at any time. VIN does not have recall, but has all the issues described in the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11614379

Aug 6, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle repeatedly stalled while driving. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. The contact restarted the vehicle after a few minutes and drove to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 166,666.

NHTSA ODI 11606719

Jun 18, 2024Engine

Incident One: 2016 Jeep Patriot stalled at 45 miles per hour. Dealership said crankshaft position sensor was defective and needed to be replaced for $550. They said there was a Recall date 2016-12-15, Recall no.16V907000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall, but that it didn't apply to my Jeep's VIN, even though same year, make and model and same issue. Paid $550 to have repaired. Incident Two: 2015 Jeep Patriot stalled at 45 miles per hour on highway in rush hour traffic. Red TPS lightning bolt, yellow TCS warning, and red Check Engine lights came on as Jeep stalled. Dealership advised that Throttle Position Sensor had failed, and as it is integrated with the Throttle Body assembly, that the entire Throttle Body assembly needed to be replaced for $800. Dealership also advised that there was a recall for this issue for 2016 Jeep Patriots like mine, but that it didn't apply to my Jeep's VIN. Almost crashed both times with passengers, none of whom were pleased. Why don't these two recalls include my vehicle, when it is the same two issues recalled for other 2016 Jeep Patriots??

NHTSA ODI 11595071

Jun 6, 2024Electrical systemEngine

The check engine light came on. Checked it at an AutoZone. The error code was P0335, crankshaft position sensor. On the way to my mechanic, my vehicle stalled three time in 2 miles and had to pull over to a side. I felt lucky there were no vehicles behind me. Took it to a repair shop and the mechanic scanned it again. He told me to take it to a dealer because after entering my VIN, he was notified by his computer system that there is a recall notice out for this VIN. (S89) Called a Chrysler dealer but was told that there is no recall by the VIN. Called Chrysler corp and explained the situation. The rep said since the basic warranty expired, the repair service will not be covered under the recall. The engine was keep stalling and I had to repair the vehicle at the mechanics shop. Replaced the crankshaft position sensor and the harness assembly. After the repair, the problem no longer exists. Cost of repair totals $410.

NHTSA ODI 11592916

May 29, 2024Engine

MY JEEP IS STALLING WHILE I AM DRIVING, THE ONLY LIGHT ON MY DASH IS THE TRACTING CONTROL LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND IT HAPPENS RANDOM MOSTLY ON THE FREEWAY WHICH POSE A RISK OF A GETTING INTO A ACCIDENT. I REPLACE THE THOTTLE BODY ON IT NEW SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES AND IT KEEPS STALLING

NHTSA ODI 11591241

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Working with the data? Download all 455 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 24, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Jeep Patriot verdict →