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2016 Jeep Wrangler engine problems

94 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 49,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
94
of this car's complaints
20%
typical mileage
49,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine: oil/lubrication: pipes, hoses, and fittings
    1
  • Engine: oil/lubrication: filter/screen
    1
  • Engine: crank/camshaft position sensor
    1
  • Cooling system: radiator assembly
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Jeep Wrangler engine problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 34Check engine light 28Engine failure 11Loss of power 11Misfire 9Overheating 8Knocking 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2016 Jeep Wrangler owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine · 111,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MA

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.

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · PR

Anti-Lock Brake System stopped working rendering the car inoperable. The first incident: about 5 years ago the ABS engaged the brakes while driving almost causing a collision. This incident occurred in Guaynabo, PR. After this incident the ABS Module stopped working but the car was still operable. A week ago the PCM lost communication with the ABS module bringing the car into "limp mode" (stuck in 3rd gear until y did not longer engaged the transmission. Also the speedometer stopped working.) This happened while driving on a Sunday on busy road. This has been a common issue with Jeep Wranglers made from 2012 to 2018. The company at this moment is not producing replacement parts (ABS Modules) for these vehicles leaving owners without any way to fix or use their cars. ABS Module DTC's: -C2200 -U0100 -U0141 -U0126 -U0002 While scanning the module comes and goes offline.

Filed Feb 21, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · UT · fire

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.

Filed Feb 20, 2026 · Engine · IN

Head gasket failure, causing motor to overheat.

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NC

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)

Filed Jan 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

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.

Filed Apr 29, 2025 · Engine · OH

Oil cooler/filter housing leaking oil and coolant.

Filed Mar 28, 2025 · Engine · CO

Oil Cooler leaking after multiple replacements causing engine stall while driving and lots of burning and smoke potentially leading to fire.

Filed Mar 24, 2025 · Engine · 43,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware of an oil leak. The contact stated that the leak was small. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine oil cooler needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact had previously replaced the thermostat at an independent mechanic due to the parts being on backorder. The contact stated that the failure might be due to the cold temperatures. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

Questions about the 2016 Jeep Wrangler engine

Does the 2016 Jeep Wrangler have engine problems?

Owners have filed 94 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, 20% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Wrangler engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 49,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Jeep Wrangler have bad engine?

The Jeep Wrangler model years with the most engine complaints are 2024 (420 complaints), 2014 (330 complaints) and 2021 (227 complaints).

Other 2016 Jeep Wrangler problems

Brakes 139Airbags 77Transmission 74Electrical 57Acceleration 36Driver assistance 28Steering 28Body 18Fuel system 14Seat belts 10Wheels 9Suspension 8Visibility 6Seats 4Lights 3Tires 1

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