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2016 Jeep Patriot: check engine light

84 of the 460 complaints about the 2016 Jeep Patriot describe check engine light.

owner complaints
84
of this car's complaints
18%
typical repair cost reported
$700
typical mileage
66,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 16 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Steering · 109,000 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle experienced frequent power steering failures, requiring that the power steering fluid reservoir be topped off. The steering wheel was constantly firm, the system overheated, and the power steering fluid quickly drained from the reservoir. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine warning light was frequently illuminated. The contact’s spouse had a similar vehicle with the same issue. The traction control and another warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle while the vehicle was warming up. The failure mileage was 109,000.

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

One month ago while driving on Business US10, the vehicle had the sensation like the engine had stopped no acceleration, lightning bolts and engine light came on with a sound of a ding ding, ding. Pulled over to the entrance of a Shell station. Shut the vehicle off. restarted within 5 minutes and drove 1 mile to the dealership. The mechanic said it was most likely the throttle body but would have to schedule me out a few weeks and don't leave town in case you need a tow. After a few days the lights on the dash were no longer present. called the dealership and told them the lights were not showing on the dashboard. He advised It was most likely a glitch, but they would check it out. Following appointment, they sent me on my way and said they could not find anything wrong. Since then July 2026 the vehicle has an awful smell upon starting up, using a lot of gas, spitting, hesitating upon acceleration, poor ideal, Aug 12 2026 while entering US10 ramp vehicle hesitated upon acceleration, lightning bolts were blinking on a off but then it went away, I had a complete tune up the following week along with air filters and oil change done according to maintenance recommendations, That didn't help the problem at all. I am a 77 yr. old disabled women who have many doctor appointments and do not need a vehicle which may cause the risk of the engine stalling, loss of control not to mention other hazards. Aug 17,2026 took the vehicle to a Jeep dealer where they put the equipment to read the history and present problems, It showed error Electronic throttle. no other codes. So, now another issue they can't get my car in until this 1st week of September 2026 for a diagnosis. I asked if there would be any reason not to drive the vehicle, they said don't leave town. This vehicle has now caused me great anxiety and in fear that the vehile will stop at a traffic light, when I have to slow down approaching aa turn. I am asking and requesting this is considered a grave saftey hazard .

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · WA

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.

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

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.

Filed Dec 21, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MI

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.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Engine · 90,000 miles · WA

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V907000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2025 · Engine · OH

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

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Engine · 117,500 miles · NM

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jun 24, 2025 · Engine · TX

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)

Filed Jan 28, 2025 · Engine · 200,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was replaced four years ago under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance because the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Jan 13, 2025 · Engine · 86,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated before the failure; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with crankshaft sensor failure. The contact was informed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure occurred while her minor child was inside the vehicle. The contact stated that she and her minor child were stranded in a disabled vehicle on the road for over an hour. The dealer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall repair or special programs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Dec 28, 2024 · Engine · TN

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.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported December 16, 2016 · 42,231 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.

Recall number 16V907000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2016 Jeep Patriot check engine light

Is check engine light a common problem on the 2016 Jeep Patriot?

84 of 460 owner complaints about the 2016 Jeep Patriot (18%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2016.

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the 2016 Jeep Patriot?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $700 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Jeep Patriot?

There is 1 recall and 16 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2016 Jeep Patriot

Stalling 153Jerking 27Loss of power 21ABS 20Won't start 16Hesitation 12Engine failure 11Fire or smoke 10Airbag light 9No deployment 9Power steering loss 9Won't shift 9Warning lights 9Adaptive cruise 8Headlights 8Slipping 7Shudder 6Steering lock-up 6Misfire 5

All model years of the Jeep Patriot

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