What 453 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rhd

My 2016 Jeep Wrangler will buck and jerk when on the highway. I’ll be going a steady speed, not changing speed. I feel the car slow down and stomp on the gas but it goes all the way to the floor and nothing happens. When I try to go into the break down lane, the steering wheel locks up and won’t turn. Usually I take the key out then put it back in the ignition and it starts no problem. Recently, the engine has been stalling when I put the key back in the ignition. I usually have to take the key out and sit on the side of the highway for 5 minutes before starting it up with no problem. This has happened too many times than I’d like to admit. Take it to the shop, no codes come up. Sometimes the engine light will turn on when this happens, other times it doesn’t.

NHTSA ODI 11748098

Pulled into parking space. Applied brakes and came to a complete stop. Could hear engine revving up.. Thought ok, that gas pedal seem to be pressed. Look at my foot wasn’t pressing the pedal. Looked at floor mats. It was laying flat on floor, not manipulating the pedal. I thought what’s happening? And lifted foot off brake ever so slightly and car jumped 6 inch high curb and hit the building.. Pretty hard. Caused structural damage to the wall. I went to the hospital, driven by husband. Swelling of my right leg on the shin. Released and told to stay off leg for few days, no fractures.After doing research, It seems other jeep riders have had this experience. I have no idea how fast the jeep was going.

NHTSA ODI 11722819

While driving my vehicle on Monday, February 16, 2026 I heard a loud pop come from the front of the vehicle. Right after that smoke began to come through the hood vents. I stopped the vehicle to inspect and at that point the engine compartment was burning heavily. I could barely get out of the vehicle and away before the whole front end of the vehicle was engulfed with fire and heavy black smoke. It looked as if the fire started somewhere on the righthand side of the engine compartment because the right front tire was the first to blow out in the fire. The vehicle is with the insurance company to inspect, but it was in perfect running condition, all maintenance performed. There were no dash warning lights that came on, no odd sounds heard and the vehicle ran until I stopped and shut it office. There has to be something that was wrong with the manufacturing of this specific engine to make a loud pop and burn as hot as it did. I wanted to report this before the vehicle is sent away to be demolished due to it being a complete loss.

NHTSA ODI 11719624

Unsafe Vehicle, Unresolved Mechanical Failures – Serious Safety Concern On [XXX], I purchased a Jeep (VIN: [XXX] ) from Whipple Auto Sales. Since the purchase, the vehicle has experienced repeated mechanical failures that have created serious safety concerns. Approximately two weeks after purchase, the dealership replaced a fuel injector due to performance issues. About one month later, the vehicle began showing sensor codes and experienced sudden power loss while driving. On [XXX] the vehicle completely shut off while I was traveling on the highway, placing my safety at significant risk. The dealership initially stated that the key required reprogramming. However, after keeping the vehicle for approximately one month, they were still unable to repair the issue. The dealership later claimed the problem was related to the powertrain. Without resolving the issue or providing proper notice, they returned the vehicle to my residence in worse condition than when it was left with them. At this time, the vehicle is unsafe and unreliable, and I cannot confidently operate it. This situation demonstrates a lack of proper repair, accountability, and resolution. I am extremely concerned about the safety and reliability of this vehicle and the dealership’s handling of this matter. I am seeking a proper resolution to this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11718635

My 2016 jeep wrangler jk will just stop running all power is lost, it's happened on the freeway as well as around town multiple times.. I get no codes. Once I can pull off the hiway it has always started back up after removing key and placing key back in ignition it starts again.. but it's has happened several times.. my wife and kids a to afraid to drive for fear it will happen again.

NHTSA ODI 11710238

I have been waiting on a replacement ABS module for months , was told I could continue to drive the jeep by a jeep dealership, the part is on back order and no plans to put in productions; my shop can see that there is ove500 people waiting on this part that effects the operation of the Safety features designed on 11/29 my jeep would stopped abruptly in traffic and would not go forward or reverse just stuck - lucky i was not hit in the rear or causing a major accident, after turning on /off i was able to go 100 yards to get it out of traffic, and needed a tow . sitting at dealership - jeep payment , no jeep and no answers - along with many other people driving jeeps on the road today . -this may of caused other issues to my jeep as well.

NHTSA ODI 11702755

ABS control module cannot get the part so i would think this would be a safety issue because abs is not working. I know alot of other people who have a jeep have the same proplem my part has been on back order for 4 months now. So I'm concerned about not having ABS thank you

NHTSA ODI 11678341

Horn stopped working. Steering wheel controls stopped working. Airbag clockspring bad. Several lights on, on dash. Several dealerships claim even though there is a recall, my Jeep is not covered.

NHTSA ODI 11657534

This vehicle along with many others jeep wranglers have an issue with the abs control module. It has a code for internal processor fault. Some days the vehicle is fine and others it acts up and it won’t shift gears or the abs system activates by itself or the speedometer doesn’t work. This has been going on for almost a year now because there is no parts aviable to fix it. The dealer keeps saying it’s in engineering review but they been saying that for almost a year now. That’s how long mine has been acting up. My wife won’t even drive it with the kids in the car because she doesn’t know when it is going to act up. Luckly I only work 5 miles from my house so I’ve been driving it. If they know there’s an issue with these modules they should be doing something faster to fix it or there should be a recall. Something needs to be done.

NHTSA ODI 11654372

ABS module needs replacement. Impossible to find one in stock. Dealership claims it’s on back order for a year.

NHTSA ODI 11653769

The ABS control module has malfunctioned which lead to the ABS, traction control, and parking brake light coming on while driving. This is a safety concern due to a malfunction with these systems. These systems are meant to help control the vehicle when either sliding or braking quickly. An OBD scan tool was used, which read the code C2200 to confirm the malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11651931

In December of 2024, my jeep felt like a ghost was pressing my brakes. It got worse over time despite any troubleshooting we did and replacing sensors did not work. It went inot limp mode and would not drive out of second gear. Took it to my mechanic to find there is a national issue and back order problem with all ABS modules for Mopar/Jeep. I have read many jeep forums online and this issue started in 2020. As of now since January there is no true ETA on the replacement part. My jeep sits while paying for it and unable to repair. We sought a company to try to rebuild the old one and they can't either since the replacement chips are back ordered as well. Luckily I noticed the issue while driving slow on a dirt road, however, this issue could have pulled the vehicle into oncoming traffic or off the side of the road. Jeep has not issued a recall or any help for the ones that are not inoperable. Someone needs to step up and take responsibility for this issue. There are thousands of people involved from what I have read. Please help!

NHTSA ODI 11650532

I had someone cut me off on the highway, I went to honk my horn & it didn't work. I then also noticed that my steering wheel control buttons did not work, or light up either. Upon investigation I found out that those are all symptoms of the clockspring not working properly & needing replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11644420

The airbag light came on, then went off. This happened for a while, meanwhile, the horn stopped working and the controls in the steering wheel were incapable of anything for the radio. I was informed it was a bad steering clock spring and it needed to be replaced. Part # 5156106AG We searched for a recall, and there is one for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler for a failing steering clock spring, only my car’s vin number didn’t match the recall. It appears the previous owner had an issue with the airbags, that was subsequently repaired before I owned this vehicle. I believe it was repaired incorrectly, or is still faulty, as it is broken once again. The coincidence of this being recalled for the same make and model, but not for my specific vehicle is difficult to comprehend. What automobile has more than one need to repair airbags that were never deployed? I have not gotten it repaired yet because the dealer is charging greater than $900 for just the part. I found it online for less than $200.

NHTSA ODI 11618464

Vehicle cel for misfire. Replace plugs and coils. Still happens. Dealership says it needs a new engine? My research shows that this is an extremely common problem with Jeep engines. I am aware of a class action suit regarding this issue. I’m not sure of the status. Vehicle has just under 129k miles and is therefore out of warranty. Jeep/FCA knew these engines had problems and continued to sell them without disclosing the highly likely problems ownere would encounter.

NHTSA ODI 11587986

At 70000 miles our vehicle has an airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard. After diagnostics it was determined that a OBD / DTC code was present : "B1B06 Driver Airbag Squib 2 Circuit Open" Per the manufacturer FCA, this code indicates an issue with the Airbag clockspring, and the driver side airbag may not deploy in case of a crash, hence placing the driver at risk of injury or death. Although FCA issued a safety recall for this issue, it only covers vehicles manufactured before May-2-2016. Our vehicle was manufactured on May-27 yet is suffering from the exact same issue, but not covered by the safety recall as per FCA representatives. "Safety Recall S40 / NHTSA 16V-288 Airbag Clockspring" Attached. This is apparently a known issue on many Jeep Wranglers, not just the ones manufactured between the posted dates, yet FCA does not offer support for vehicle owners whose airbag may not deploy in the case of a crash.

NHTSA ODI 11572038

On multiple occasions, while operating my vehicle on the freeway, I have encountered a highly alarming problem. The engine of my car has unexpectedly shut off, resulting in a sudden loss of power and control. This has happened when driving between 45-75mph. This has placed me and other road users in extremely dangerous situations, as it has occurred at high speeds where maneuvering and reacting swiftly are essential. I have taken immediate action to have the issue investigated and resolved by authorized service centers. However, despite their efforts, the problem persists, leaving me deeply concerned about the reliability and safety of my vehicle. This recurring issue indicates a potential flaw in the design or manufacturing of the engine or related components.

NHTSA ODI 11570159

Second instance of HVAC blower motor shorting out with smoke filling cabin. Connectors and wires melted/burned up.

NHTSA ODI 11565028

Replaced Totally Integrated Power Module. Car was totally disabled due to the failure of the this module. Part replacement was difficult because part was in demand due to high replacement rate.

NHTSA ODI 11553679

2016 Jeep Wrangler intermittently misfires then immediately loses power and dies. Also loses power steering at the same time. It almost caused an accident and is a big safety concern. Now I drive in the right lane in case I have to hurry and pull off the side of road. I turn the key off, but then start it right back up and it drives fine. But then will happen again random. No dash board warning lights ever come on. Been to the dealer twice- 1st time they updated pcm software, this time they changed spark plugs and coil pack. Help. *also, first started happening at 104,500 miles .. took to dealer for the issue, it is still happening and currently at 107,500; happens randomly whether at 25mph or 50 mph

NHTSA ODI 11508891

My 2016 jeep wrangler, is having major issues. My seatbelts completely stopped working last week February 3, 2023. I had left the mechanics because I had the back window replaced, and the back hood of my jeep wrangler. When pulling out of their driveway, I realized my seatbelt was very tight, but I still got to hook it. When I got home from my drive one and a half hours away, I went to use my car and the seat belts would not work. Driver side and passenger side seat belts have completely seized. Has my jeep wrangler 2016 had any recalls. My son died December 10, 2019. I have never had any other problems with my jeep wrangler. I believe in jeep and the company who makes them. The body shop told me to get rid of my jeep. I cannot do that and since my son died in my jeep wrangler and drug dealers threw him in the back seat, letting him die after they stuck him with a needle full of fentanyl. Please help I do not want to part with my jeep wrangler. I am sure with the Vin number you will be able to trace anything that has gone on with my Jeep! I could have missed many recalls because my son was very sick, from 2016 until his death 2019. I purchased the car brand new in 2016 in upstate New York. Please tell me how I can get help so my seatbelt will work again and the airbag can be inspected. It must be a recall issue I can’t think of anything else and I need your help. I now live in Port Charlotte, Florida, and I am near my daughter. This jeep wrangler has been very good to us. It saved my son’s life and his girlfriends in that prior accident. Something is very wrong with the seatbelts and possibly the mechanisms attached to the seat, bag, and seatbelts. I’m not sure. But the jeep is a fantastic vehicle and I love it. Please help or call me 518-421-7073. Thank you very much. Lori.

NHTSA ODI 11506322

I started my Jeep. After a few minutes I could smell smoke and something burning. The alarm started going off, wipers came on, radio etc. smoke came inside cab . I tried to shut everything off but it wasn’t working. I started seeing flames around the hood. My husband was able to disconnect the battery and the fire died out. Insurance would not cover it and said it was electrical. The fuse box was melted and wire harnesses. The vehicle was right by our garage and could’ve caught our house on fire. My son and I were in the vehicle when the fire started. Thank God we weren’t hurt. I did report this but was told it wasn’t Jeeps fault. A week later another jeep caught fire in the small town I live in. Something isn’t right.

NHTSA ODI 11497677

Parked vehicle outside corner of home at 9:00 pm. Awoken by loud popping and hissing sounds at 4:45AM. Looked outside to notice a bright orange hue by vehicle. Realizing the car was on fire, we called 911 and proceeded to use garden hose to water down both the vehicle and the home that the car was next to, in order to try to prevent the house from also catching fire. Vehicle was not moved nor accessed during those 7 overnight hours. It was locked and we were all asleep. There were two other vehicles parked next to and behind the vehicle that caught fire - those two other vehicles sustained no damage to them. The house sustained some minimal siding warping from the heat of the fire. Fire chiefs reviewing the damage in person as well as viewing photos have stated that it appears to be battery or fuse box related as that side of the engine's damage was greatest as well as the battery and fuse box being completely destroyed by the fire. No warning lights or indications of system failures or malfunctions prior to parking the car. Vehicle was towed away from scene by insurance company. Unsure if vehicle is still at that lot or not. Insurance deemed vehicle totaled and issued check for losses.

NHTSA ODI 11493798

My airbag light is on all the time and my horn stopped working.

NHTSA ODI 11482877

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that upon replacing the engine oil himself, he noticed that oil was leaking onto the transmission. The contact stated that there was no smell of oil burning or any smoke coming from the oil leak. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil filter housing was cracked. The dealer replaced the oil filter housing and repaired the vehicle; however, while the mechanic was test driving the vehicle, the vehicle caught on fire under the hood. There were no injuries sustained. The fire was extinguished with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. There was no police report. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent an inspector who diagnosed that the fire started under the hood. The contact stated that he believed the fire started out as an electrical fire. The manufacturer advised the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under warranty; and that the repair would be at his own expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,700.

NHTSA ODI 11454565