RoadVitals

2016 Jeep Patriot Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
456
Latest Aug 10, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
32

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Patriot, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

239
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 16, 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 · filed Apr 9, 2026
All 239 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

98
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have a 2016 Jeep Patriot, and I am having intermittent stalling and the RPM gauge dropping to zero. It is a safety risk because you do not know when it is going to happen, and no warning lights come on the dashboard. Yes, I have taken it to a mechanic, and they were able to drive it, and it happened to them while driving. I found that there is a recall, but my vehicle was made just months after what is in the recall of S89/NHTSA 16V-907. I was wondering if someone could look into this and see about getting mine repaired too?

NHTSA ID 11755904 · filed Aug 10, 2026

Driveshaft sensor failure Vehicle stalling while driving dropping to zero rpm vehicle dying completely to zero start at low rpm’s

NHTSA ID 11746340 · filed Jun 24, 2026
All 98 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

73
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle momentarily shut off, causing the vehicle to decelerate unintendedly. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID 11672806 · filed Jul 11, 2025
All 73 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

59
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Thank you for taking the time to review my inquiry. My 2016 Jeep Patriot has experienced issues with the engine shutting off intermittently while driving at significant speeds and losing control of my vehicle, especially while on the highway. This has created some dangerous situations, which thankfully never caused any harm. After doing some research, I noticed that Jeep had a safety recall for this exact issue "S89 / NHTSA 16V-907, Crankshaft Camshaft Sensor Wire Harness." My 2016 Jeep Patriot has experienced failures with the crankshaft position sensor listed in that recall twice now (in September 2022 & December 2024). My VIN # [XXX] ) is not included in that recall, so I was denied reimbursement by the manufacturer both times even though the dealer was able to reproduce the issues both times (see attached receipts). After experiencing this twice, this has been severely disturbing for my family and has caused much anxiety when operating my vehicle. I have attached the associated receipts for the two repairs and summarized them below (both paid with credit card): - September 2022 - Maryland Auto & Truck Repair: $1,082.07 - December 2024 - Tate Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Inc.: $684.04 TOTAL Reimbursement Request: $1,766.11 My belief is that my vehicle should have been included in that recall since it is the same year/make/model listed in the recall. I sincerely hope that NHTSA can honor this request. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11635340 · filed Jan 10, 2025

There is some sort of electrical issue. Things keep going in and out: internal lights, cruise control, turn signals in front and back go out 6-9 times a year, ABS light stays on even after it was serviced, the radio goes in and out. I lose power while driving snd allow the car to sit for a day or two and it cuts back on like nothing ever happened.

NHTSA ID 11579111 · filed Mar 24, 2024
All 59 reports naming driver assistance

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

42
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11708522 · filed Jan 3, 2026

Several incidents when driving where the vehicle hesitates then the RPMs drop to zero and the Vehicle does not accelerate when gas pedal is pushed. Vehicle does not die each time just does not react to gas pedal being applied and does not increase in speed. Only dashboard light that comes on is the loss of traction. Incident causes driver to have to pull off road, place vehicle in park, turn off and on. Then can drive again.

NHTSA ID 11570225 · filed Feb 6, 2024
All 42 reports naming fuel system

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

33
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Air bag light is on and I havent been in a accident or anything.

NHTSA ID 11722097 · filed Mar 4, 2026

The driver headrest deployed without being in an accident. Took my vehicle to Phillips Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership on November 24, 2025 and the associate informed of the recalls/warranty I have. The invoice comment from the dealership "Performed inspection driver side front headrest has failed cannot replace due to part being discontinued." This results in driving a vehicle that is unsafe. I spoke with Chrysler hotline regarding the issue 12/2, 12/3, 12/8, 12/17 and was given a case # 94878288 which was closed without the problem being fixed/repaired. Just trying to get this issue resolved while the part is a recall and covered through the warranty.

NHTSA ID 11705627 · filed Dec 17, 2025
All 33 reports naming airbags

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds through an intersection, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the vehicle was operating as designed. Upon research, the contact located similar failures related to the vehicle going into LIMP Mode and electrical issues. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and the failure was acknowledged. The dealer informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and suggested that the vehicle be towed to the dealer. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID 11744153 · filed Jun 15, 2026

I continually have the same issue with this vehicle. It started only a couple of months after initial purchase and has happened various times since. Today was one of those days it occurred, the ABS system will turn on along with the traction control light in the middle of the freeway causing the vehicle to immediately slow down, I could not accelerate and was almost hit by the car behind me because of it. The last time this happened I was in a remote location and was stranded for about an hour with no signal to call anyone. When this happens the car does not turn immediately back on and you can hear it continuously cranking. This vehicle has been in and out of the repair shops and the Chrysler hall could not figure out what was wrong with it. It stopped doing it but now it started again. I notice that when this happens the car starts tugging while driving and will spin out when attempting to brake. It happens randomly and that is very scary and dangerous.

NHTSA ID 11699896 · filed Nov 17, 2025
All 26 reports naming brakes

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds through an intersection, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the vehicle was operating as designed. Upon research, the contact located similar failures related to the vehicle going into LIMP Mode and electrical issues. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and the failure was acknowledged. The dealer informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and suggested that the vehicle be towed to the dealer. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID 11744153 · filed Jun 15, 2026

My ABS module has gone out, giving me an UNSAFE Jeep Patriot, now with ZERO ABS or Traction control, major issue in Tampa driving! Apparently, according to the dealer here, they're on "galactic back order" for a few years now; I couldn't even find one at a used parts store in the area...had to resort to Ebay, having it installed at the dealership this week, who says they'll install it (Janet) but they won't guarantee they can program it and it will reset those dash lights?!?! They can't guarantee it? Then something needs to be figured out to GUARANTEE I have a working Jeep, complete with ABS and traction control. This is a major, according to several people I've spoken with but there's no recall? If something is on back-order for the dealership for years, something needs to be done, you have Jeep customers riding around unsafely in vehicles they purchased WITH safety features, Feel free to call for more details. [XXX] [XXX] P.S. I'll have a receipt after I go to the Jeep dealer this week, have it installed WITH NO GUARANTEE, but it'll be in...might not work, but it'll be in...and that's good enough?!?!?!?! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11575276 · filed Mar 4, 2024
All 24 reports naming steering

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the head rest detached and pooped off. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, it felt like a kick to the back of the head. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, the contact was informed that the repair coverage was for ten years of ownership of the vehicle. The contact stated that ownership was four months over the ten years. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ID 11740060 · filed May 26, 2026

The contact's fiancé owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side head restraint deployed without impact. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while her fiancé was driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure reoccurred with the driver's side head restraint. The contact's fiancé did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ID 11522715 · filed May 18, 2023
All 18 reports naming seat belts

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While I was driving, driver's headrest suddenly popped off and hit me hard on the back of the head while driving. I have two children in my car who were startled from the sound. Head has been hurting since the incident.

NHTSA ID 11749716 · filed Jul 11, 2026

Headrest safety device deployed without a rear-end accident, while driving, did not hurt driver. Can not put headrest back into place scared driver

NHTSA ID 11682237 · filed Aug 21, 2025
All 16 reports naming interior & seats

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Yes components available for inspection/ yes sold by dealership with undisclosed problems/ yes problems confirmed by dealer/ no component inspected. 1st noticed foul smell upon starting vehicle/ failure to start/ chugging/ brakes noise/ smell inside cab. Been Verified noted vehicle was in flood??? all occurred beginning 2022. Could not get the vehicle in till 03/23. All dealerships backed up wait out 8 weeks. I have had my vehicle to 3 different certified dealerships. I bought an extended warranty that no one will honor. Bought a vehicle without the full disclosure[ reconditioning repair orders[

NHTSA ID 11554075 · filed Nov 7, 2023

The passenger headrest deployed at sometime when I was not in the car. Driver's headrest is fine/normal. Can this be reset?

NHTSA ID 11547764 · filed Oct 2, 2023
All 13 reports naming body & structure

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Since 2021 I have been complaining odd a smell (Burning/ Rotten) upon 1st starting up the vehicle. It was on the faint side when 1st discovered. Taken into dealership I bought it from when 1 first noticed. Dealership said no authorized Jeep mechanics on site and recommended to take it to a authorized Jeep dealer. Taken to Jeep dealership 2022 with same complaint. Replaced inside air filters. No resolution/ taken to 3rd dealership 2023 late winter. It wasn't till )ct.2023 Same dealership taken to in late winter found Converter: Exhaust and CATL crack in maniverter. Over $3,000 in repairs. Who can help me this car there is something wrong with it because I ca still smell the smell after spending all this money

NHTSA ID 11563759 · filed Jan 5, 2024

I’ve had numerous problems with this car. I’ve already replaced cv axles and now the steering knuckle needs replaced! The car is shaking and knocking and is not safe to drive. It’s being replaced in a few days but is costing over $800 and this car has not been in an accident and is only 6 years old.

NHTSA ID 11460976 · filed Apr 15, 2022
All 9 reports naming suspension

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Head lights continue to dim way down. And now they flicker occasionally. Has not been looked at by anyone except a mobile mechanic. There is no warning, it doesn't happen only over bumps, it happens very randomly, and you never know when. Ive has the mobile mechanic add a set of LED lights because the headlights dim way down, to the point that the bright lights barely light the road to see. No certain dates, it happens randomly, many times since I've owned it, since 2021.

NHTSA ID 11568176 · filed Jan 27, 2024

The suv uses large amounts of oil, no matter what brand. Also an electrical issue is present. The radio stops working, thr check engine light stays on. And the headlights dim way down. This happens randomly. The engine code reappears for p420, and i have fixed every component related to the code. The suv consumes approximately 2 quarts of oil in a months driving. The headlights dim so low, even with brights on, you can barely tell they are on.

NHTSA ID 11519687 · filed Apr 30, 2023
All 8 reports naming exterior lighting

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Problems started when the wheel and axel came off the vehicle on a side road 3 years ago. The vehicle dropped a wheel again when crossing the country a month later. Both incidents included my wife and passengers. That at least seems resolved. At 28900 miles or so we have been wrestling for the last year and some with intermittently all the warning lights coming on and now the car will occasionally lose all power while in motion. So we have taken it to the dealership where they say it requires a replacement of the electrical harness. Topping off, the driver seat rest safety mechanism deployed randomly this last week while the vehicle was parked in the driveway.

NHTSA ID 11611364 · filed Aug 28, 2024

from the day I purchased the vehicle on [XXX] of 2023. I immediately heard a rattling noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle. I also noticed that the transmission had been catching or slipping or missing whenever it transfers gears it is getting worse by the day I have taken it to the original dealership at MNF auto sales in Albuquerque and I have also taken it to the Larry Miller Jeep in Albuquerque New Mexico. They claim that the only thing wrong with the vehicle is the motor mounts after I left with my vehicle from being repaired, it continues to happen, and the transmission is getting worse day by day , I am afraid if I keep driving it much longer that it may cause an accident or damage the vehicle severely. I am trying to work with the dealership and they are telling me that multiple people have looked at it and that there’s nothing wrong with it however, that is false information , my vehicle has been in the service department for over 10 days at two different locations and basically the main dealership where I bought it from is telling me that they do not want to look at it and that it’s the type of transmission I have and there’s nothing wrong. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11573384 · filed Feb 22, 2024
All 8 reports naming other / unspecified

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (NAPLETON'S RIVER OAKS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, 17225 TORRENCE AVE, LANSING IL 60438) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL ASSEMBLY PANEL, CONTROL SENSOR, AND SENSOR LIGHT FAILED AND REPROGRAMMING WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. *TT

NHTSA ID 11101834 · filed Jun 14, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. ALSO, THE HORN BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,600.

NHTSA ID 10898641 · filed Aug 25, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2016 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED TWO TO THREE MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AVENTURA CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (16050 WEST DICKY HIGHWAY NORTH, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33160, 305-493-5000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,538.

NHTSA ID 11255328 · filed Sep 13, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

A CRACK APPEARED ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD FOR NO REASON, DID NOT HIT ANYTHING.

NHTSA ID 11122776 · filed Aug 27, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .