2016 Jeep Patriot Engine Problems

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 ID

11744544

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

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 ID

11730152

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

Mileage

96,121 mi

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 ID

11720263

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

Mileage

126,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted, and the contact drove to the residence; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

NHTSA ID

11720105

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

Mileage

126,000 mi

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 ID

11710973

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11708522

Incident

Dec 10, 2025

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 ID

11706405

Incident

Dec 12, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11695843

Incident

Apr 19, 2025

Mileage

90,000 mi

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 ID

11695473

Incident

May 1, 2022

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

NHTSA ID

11687795

Incident

Sep 15, 2025

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 ID

11684580

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

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 ID

11683001

Incident

Aug 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, but the failure persisted. The contact used a diagnostic code reader to determine that the camshaft sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The camshaft sensor was replaced, but the failure persisted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.

NHTSA ID

11680687

Incident

Aug 2, 2025

Mileage

161,000 mi

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 ID

11679051

Incident

Jul 31, 2025

Mileage

117,500 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11670225

Incident

Jun 17, 2025

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 ID

11668975

Incident

Jun 22, 2025

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 ID

11656330

Incident

Apr 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,500.

NHTSA ID

11648174

Incident

Mar 3, 2025

Mileage

114,500 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11647939

Incident

Jan 22, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11639182

Incident

Jan 28, 2025

Mileage

200,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11638140

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

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 ID

11637596

Incident

Jan 19, 2025

Mileage

140,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11635597

Incident

Jan 10, 2025

Mileage

86,000 mi

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 ID

11632867

Incident

Oct 16, 2024

The contact owned a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled which caused another vehicle to crash into the front passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The failure occurred on several different occasions where the vehicle would stall. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The air bags were deployed. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was totaled. The contact did research and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,400.

NHTSA ID

11632527

Incident

Nov 26, 2024

Mileage

7,400 mi