2016 Jeep Patriot Safety Report

The 2016 Jeep Patriot presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable pattern of engine-related issues despite a single recall. Overall, the vehicle received a 4-star safety rating from NHTSA, with strong performance in side-impact tests (5 stars) but weaker results in frontal crash (3 stars) and rollover resistance (3 stars). The vehicle has accumulated 447 total complaints, including 24 crashes, 8 fires, and 19 injuries, indicating that some failures have led to serious incidents. The most common complaint patterns revolve around the engine, accounting for 96 complaints, often describing stalling, sudden shutdowns, and failure to accelerate. This aligns with the single recall issued for certain 2016 Jeep Patriot vehicles, specifically concerning the crankshaft or camshaft sensor, which could cause the engine to stall and increase crash risk. Several complaints directly reference these symptoms, with owners reporting engine stalls at various speeds, sometimes without warning lights, and difficulty restarting the vehicle. Beyond the engine, other significant issues include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (27 complaints), 'POWER TRAIN' (23 complaints), and 'AIR BAGS' (20 complaints), with several reports of headrests deploying without impact. The recall for the engine's crankshaft/camshaft sensor directly addresses a critical safety concern, as engine stalling can lead to a loss of control and increased crash risk. However, the high number of engine-related complaints suggests that either the recall did not cover all affected vehicles, or other engine issues persist. The reports of unexpected headrest deployment, while fewer in number, also represent a significant safety defect, potentially causing injury or distraction. The combination of average crash test performance and recurring, potentially dangerous mechanical failures, particularly with the engine, suggests that while the vehicle has some safety strengths, it also carries notable risks.

Our recommendation: Given the recurring engine stalling issues, unexpected headrest deployments, and average crash test performance, potential buyers should proceed with caution and ensure any recall repairs have been completed. A thorough pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine and airbag systems, is highly recommended.