2016 Jeep Patriot Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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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
- Engine24135.7%
- Electrical9914.6%
- Powertrain (other)7310.8%
- Driver assistance619.0%
- Fuel system436.4%
- Airbags334.9%
- Brakes263.8%
- Steering243.6%
- Seat belts182.7%
- Interior & seats162.4%
- Body & structure131.9%
- Suspension91.3%
- Exterior lighting81.2%
- Other / unspecified81.2%
- Tires & wheels20.3%
- Transmission10.1%
- Visibility10.1%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 .
My 2016 Jeep Patriot is cutting off while I’m driving on the highway at 65 mph. The lights on the dashboard are on and for no apparent reason. Now my radio system is cutting on and off sporadically.Rendering my satellite radio and hands free use of my phone useless. I’ve been told that my car has no recalls. Although this recall "S89 / NHTSA 16V-907, seems like the exact problems I’m experiencing. I have taken good care of this vehicle and have had regular maintenance provided. This is a SAFETY issue and I should be able to get it fixed by recall. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2016 Jeep Patriot is cutting off while I’m driving on the highway at 65 mph. The lights on the dashboard are on and for no apparent reason. Now my radio system is cutting on and off sporadically.Rendering my satellite radio and hands free use of my phone useless. I’ve been told that my car has no recalls. Although this recall "S89 / NHTSA 16V-907, seems like the exact problems I’m experiencing. I have taken good care of this vehicle and have had regular maintenance provided. This is a SAFETY issue and I should be able to get it fixed by recall. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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?
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 .
My 2016 Jeep Patriot is cutting off while I’m driving on the highway at 65 mph. The lights on the dashboard are on and for no apparent reason. Now my radio system is cutting on and off sporadically.Rendering my satellite radio and hands free use of my phone useless. I’ve been told that my car has no recalls. Although this recall "S89 / NHTSA 16V-907, seems like the exact problems I’m experiencing. I have taken good care of this vehicle and have had regular maintenance provided. This is a SAFETY issue and I should be able to get it fixed by recall. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 .
Vehicle stalls when idle at stop signs or stop lights. When restarted while driving engine stops running. Idling is sporadic.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Air bag light is on and I havent been in a accident or anything.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
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.
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)
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
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.
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
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.
Headrest safety device deployed without a rear-end accident, while driving, did not hurt driver. Can not put headrest back into place scared driver
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
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[
The passenger headrest deployed at sometime when I was not in the car. Driver's headrest is fine/normal. Can this be reset?
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
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
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
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.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
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.
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)
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
A CRACK APPEARED ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD FOR NO REASON, DID NOT HIT ANYTHING.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .