2016 Jeep Wrangler: sudden loss of power

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 Aug 14, 2025 · Brakes · MD

The anti lock brake module is not signaling correctly, causing the car to lose power for a second every few minutes, braking is more difficult, and there is no traction on slippery surfaces. The cruise control also is not working, and the brake, ABS and traction warning lights flash every few minutes while operating. It was in the shop for a month waiting on the new module, and it is back ordered with no estimated date for shipping. My vehicle is under warranty and I’m not able to go outside the terms to get it fixed, and Mopar is not making any effort to provide a solution. The dealership even said they had another that had been sitting in their shop for over a year with the same problem. The car is drivable but only until the system goes completely, which will be when it goes into emergency limp mode at a random time while driving, so driving it means taking on that risk.

Filed Feb 5, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA

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.

Filed Apr 19, 2022 · MD

vehicle stalls while driving. sometimes can restart. sometimes takes a few minutes to restart. no issues prior. no known cause. on freeway doing 65 mph then lost all power. it was difficult to get to safety and i couldn’t move all the way off the road. it’s happened twice.

Filed Nov 18, 2021 · Engine · CA

I have a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 2016 that suddenly lost power in fast moving traffic with intermittent miss fire and blinking check engine light along with smoke and smell of burning oil. Looking into the engine from the top a large , deep pool of oil was sitting in the middle of the engine and working its way on to hot components of engine and exhausts and smoking. This could have easily become fire hazard in high temperature desert environment where running temperatures and hot exhaust pipes could start a fire. The engine miss fire and sudden loss of power was checked to be failing ignition coils and plugs that are supposed to be warrantied to 100K miles. The Pentastar V6 3.6 oil cooler was leaking badly and its effect could have been disasterous for the engine and car safety. The Oil Cooler faulty plastic design on this engine is a well known problem that Chrysler is refusing to address as recall on Wranglers sold . There are hundreds of complaints and cases of failure of this plastic component on the internet and the dealers are all well aware of it and happy to charge $2k for replacement. Chrysler and the dealer refused to admit the faulty oil cooler design and also would not accept ignition coil and spark plug replacement under the Std 80,000 miles California Emission Control warranty that come with all engines sold in CA. Chrysler is hiding this faulty design on Wranglers but accepted it on other Chrysler cars.

Filed Feb 12, 2021 · Electrical · 53,000 miles · MO

Complete loss of power on highway multiple times. Every light on dash flashes and headlights flicker

Filed Aug 24, 2020 · Acceleration, Brakes · 20,000 miles · CA

2016 jeep wrangler sport with only 20,000 miles has, for second time in one year, a faulty ESC system and it malfunctions causing the brake system to activate, loss of power, and sudden steering changes. Nissan brothers had supposedly fixed this issue the first time...

Filed Feb 2, 2020 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · NC

Auto trans: slight rough idle at stop in gear, engine will shut off when put in reverse resulting in loss of power steering and power brakes. Has happened multiple times when first driving out of my driveway even when vehicle has warmed up.

Filed Jan 6, 2020 · Driver assistance, Engine · 35,800 miles · FL

9/27/2019. 4:30pm. Accelerated normally on city street from stop light and made left turn. As I turned, engine choked and stumbled and vehicle had reduced power, slowing vehicle. Traction control dash light came on. Car behind almost hit me. After about 10 seconds, engine returned to normal and vehicle picked up speed. 10-15 seconds later same thing happened again with traction control and anti lock brake dash lights coming on. Engine reduced power and vehicle slowed again in traffic. After 10 seconds, engine returned to normal, dash lights went off. Vehicle has been normal since then. Weather at the time: sunny, 85 degrees, daylight. Roads completely dry. Vehicle did not drive thru water, etc. Had been driving on city streets 25-40 MPH for 20 minutes. Called dealer. No help on phone. Took vehicle to jeep dealer on nov 6, 2019 and they found code "c1043 performance" but said nothing more. Tech write up says "left rear tone wheel performance code has gone stored. No cause present. Reset code". About 35,800 miles on vehicle. Vehicle has never been off road or modified in any way. Stock wrangler 4 door sport.

Filed Jul 22, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 9,000 miles · TN

Engine quits going down the highway, creating loss of power steering and power brakes. Once I pulled over to shoulder of road, it would restart only to produce the same result several minutes later while driving. Suspected fault in crankshaft sensor, or corrosion in electrical connections to such. This is the second jeep that this has occurred on, very dangerous to occur while driving at high speeds down the highway

Filed Aug 19, 2018 · Acceleration, Brakes · 40,600 miles · GA

Vehicle notified it had a fault in the ABS/ESC system via the yellow warning lights illuminating on the dash. Occurred after starting the car after sitting overnight. Vehicle drove normally at first and assumed this indicated the systems had a fault and were thus disabled. However, vehicle started to lose power, stumble, and not accelerate when moving from dead stop. Including stop lights, stop signs, crossing divided highways and intersections--turning and straight travel. Pavement conditions were dry/level, no wheel spin occurred. 3 occasions over 2 days resulted in near accidents. Once after turning right from a stop sign, accelerating through first gear and rear brakes begin to cycle while power is cut from engine. Car behind had to swerve around so as not to collide. No warning or indication that this would happen. Next event was crossing 2 lane divided highway from center turn lane. Again sudden and unexpected loss of power and braking automatically applied to rear wheels. Lesser events have occurred as well. Vehicle thinks it needs to engage the ESC system. I argue that the ESC system should go inactive when a fault is detected, not cut power and auto apply brakes during normal driving conditions. This is a software problem and needs to be updated (quality of the components not withstanding). This is a major safety concern for me as the car is un-driveable, even to dealer for repair. Moreover, even after repair the fault still "lives" within the car should it have a similar component fail in the system. Contacted dealer to arrange repair, vehicle has 40,600 miles (never off road). Dealer stated it is likely a rear wheel speed sensor, common failure, not under warranty, and confirmed that this was common behavior for this type failure. Contacted fca on issue and logged case, claim they have never heard of this, could not explain.