2016 Jeep Wrangler Safety Report
2016 Jeep Wrangler Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (434) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 43 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes | Compare service brakes issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Jeep Wrangler with 296 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Jeep Wrangler before buying across this generation. |
Jeep Wrangler Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Jeep Wrangler years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Jeep Wrangler | 296 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Jeep Wrangler | 432 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Jeep Wrangler | 1758 | 14 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Jeep Wrangler | 700 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Jeep Wrangler | 566 | 12 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Jeep Wrangler | 843 | 14 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2016 Jeep Wrangler Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Service Brakes
56 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Jeep onlyAir Bags
51 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Jeep onlyEngine
48 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Jeep onlyPower Train
41 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Jeep onlyUnknown Or Other
27 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Jeep onlyPower Train,Engine
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Jeep onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler
Reliability Score
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler receives a reliability score of 72 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abs Module Failure The ABS module has been reported to fail, causing the Anti-lock Braking System to malfunction. This can lead to loss of vehicle control. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Frontal Airbag Recalls Recalls have been issued for frontal airbags due to potential issues with the inflator module and sensor/control module. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Recalls have been issued for service brakes, particularly hydraulic issues, affecting the vehicle's ability to stop safely. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine And Power Train Issues There have been recalls for engine and power train issues, though these are less frequent than other issues. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Jeep Wrangler:
Issues with the Anti-lock Braking System have been reported in multiple cases.
Recalls have been issued for issues with the frontal airbags.
Recalls have been issued for issues with the service brakes.
Recalls have been issued for engine and power train issues.
Recall Details for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler by NHTSA:
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain right hand drive 2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Debris contamination may cause the clockspring to fail, preventing the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clockspring, steering wheel back cover, and steering column shrouds, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 27B.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.
Consequence: A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VA6.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured June 16, 2015, to August 14, 2016. In certain crash conditions, the front impact sensor wiring may be pulled until it detaches before a signal can be received by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC).
Consequence: If the ORC module does not receive a signal from the front impact sensor, both frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the front impact sensor wiring and relocate the impact sensor branch, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S76.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Right Hand Drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to May 2, 2016. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.
Consequence: Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S40.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
I own a 2016 Jeep Wrangler with a malfunctioning Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The ABS is not functioning, creating a serious safety risk, particularly during emergency braking and adverse road conditions. The vehicle has been under an active repair order with Town & Country Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram since October, but the required part remains on indefinite backorder with no estimated time of arr...
Just like many other people have wrote about, the ABS SENSOR is defective. The ABS light comes and the traction light does also. Jeep has been aware of the problem for 18 months to 2 years. There is no fix or replacement sensor in sight.
MY GIRLFRIEND ALMOST CRASHED GOING DOWN A HILL TOWARD A STOP SIGN FOR A BUSY INTERSECTION FOR A ROAD THAT IS ALONG A CLIFFSIDE. JEEP CANNOT GET A PART FOR THIS VEHICLE AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO GET ONE. NEEDS AN ABS MODULE AS ONE OF THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CIRCUITS IS NOT COMMUNICATING. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO MULTIPLE MODULE REBUILDERS AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO GET PARTS FOR THIS MODULE ANYMORE. THIS ...
ABS module reported to dealer in February, 2025..They said was safe to drive. Then April 2025 the module went out.-Part has been on backorder since March 2025. It was taken to Key Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Marianna in March 2025. Jeep would not steer properly, the brakes were not normal and all the warning lights on dash were on. I could not drive. .
Pulled into parking space. Applied brakes and came to a complete stop. Could hear engine revving up.. Thought ok, that gas pedal seem to be pressed. Look at my foot wasn’t pressing the pedal. Looked at floor mats. It was laying flat on floor, not manipulating the pedal. I thought what’s happening? And lifted foot off brake ever so slightly and car jumped 6 inch high curb and hit the building.. Pre...
Anti-Lock Brake System stopped working rendering the car inoperable. The first incident: about 5 years ago the ABS engaged the brakes while driving almost causing a collision. This incident occurred in Guaynabo, PR. After this incident the ABS Module stopped working but the car was still operable. A week ago the PCM lost communication with the ABS module bringing the car into "limp mode" (stuck in...
My ABS module has been in error for 8 months. Stellantis still cannot fill the order after 8 months and only keeps delaying on weeks at a time .
While driving my vehicle on Monday, February 16, 2026 I heard a loud pop come from the front of the vehicle. Right after that smoke began to come through the hood vents. I stopped the vehicle to inspect and at that point the engine compartment was burning heavily. I could barely get out of the vehicle and away before the whole front end of the vehicle was engulfed with fire and heavy black smoke. ...
I HAVE A FAULTY ABS MODULE, THROWING CODE C2200. THE PART HAS BEEN ON ORDER FOR OVER 2 MONTHS WITH NO END IN SITE. WE ARE BEING TOLD TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. HOW CAN WE GET THIS RESOLVED???
Head gasket failure, causing motor to overheat.
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 veh...
ABS Module Part# 68259556AC has failed. (Replacement part is 68259556AD) Stellantis/Jeep has not provided a replacement part for over three years. This affects all Jeep Wranglers 2014-2018. We have no ABS and no traction control in our Jeeps. We need help.
The ABS control module has failed. Anti-lock brake and stability management systems, in addition to vehicle descent control are malfunctioning. This renders the vehicle extremely unstable and difficult to drive. Stellantis is aware of the problem and reports no replacement parts are available and has not issued a recall. The vehicle has low milage and has never been in an accident.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle, and there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted; however, while driving, the failure reoccurred with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehi...
The ABS module for this vehicle has been on national back order for over 2 years. Numerous vehicles are involved. With the malfunction, ABS does not perform as intended and creates a safety hazard. In addition other functions are rendered inoperable such as cruise control, hill start, etc. There is no remedy for the defect and manufacturer seems unable to offer a solution
My 2016 jeep wrangler jk will just stop running all power is lost, it's happened on the freeway as well as around town multiple times.. I get no codes. Once I can pull off the hiway it has always started back up after removing key and placing key back in ignition it starts again.. but it's has happened several times.. my wife and kids a to afraid to drive for fear it will happen again.
The ABS module failed 18 months ago. Jeep has been telling me that it's on back order this whole time with no ETA. In the meantime it will not pass inspection and I have no antilock brakes.
Abs system fails periodically causing the jeep to go into limp mode driving in traffic.
I recently got into an accident in my 2016 Jeep Wrangler. My airbags never deployed however. Also my buttons on the left side of my steering wheel do not work and my horn does not work. After realizing all this I believe it is an issue with the clock spring. I did research and found in 2024 there was a recall for the clock spring but only in the RHD model. My car is a LHD model but it seems the sa...
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving on wet roads, the vehicle lost traction, failed to accelerate as intended, and caused the tires to spin before accelerating. While depressing the brake pedal, the wheels locked up, and the vehicle failed to come to a gradual stop. The ABS control module displayed DTC: C2200 (Internal ABS Module Failure). The vehicle was t...
Showing 20 of 434 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
Opened 2019-07-29 · Closed 2019-12-12
On July 17, 2019, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-008 after receiving three Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports alleging the driver's side seat belt buckle separated from the seat frame, rendering the seat belt non-functional. The VOQs involved model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Jeep Wrangler (JK platform) that were configured for right-hand drive (RHD) use. On August 8, 2019, ODI issued an information request (IR) letter to FCA.The scope of t...
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Component: Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Opened 2019-04-19 · Closed 2024-09-19
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Elec...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Jeep Wrangler
Has the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER have?
The 2016 JEEP WRANGLER has 434 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 28 involved crashes. 38 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER?
The 2016 JEEP WRANGLER does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER involve service brakes (56 complaints), air bags (51 complaints), engine (48 complaints). Other affected components include power train, unknown or other, power train,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER have?
There are 28 crash reports associated with the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER out of 434 total complaints (6.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER have?
There are 15 fire reports for the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER out of 434 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER?
38 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 JEEP WRANGLER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER is extreme caution advised. It has 434 complaints, 5 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES (56 complaints), 2. AIR BAGS (51 complaints), 3. ENGINE (48 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (41 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES is the single most-reported problem area with 56 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 JEEP WRANGLER?
Be cautious of the potential for ABS module failure and airbag recalls. Ensure regular maintenance and check for recalls on your vehicle. The 2016 JEEP WRANGLER has 434 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER?
The 2016 JEEP WRANGLER receives a reliability score of 72/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 434 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 43 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include ABS Module Failure and Frontal Airbag Recalls.
What are the known issues with the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER?
Known issues with the 2016 JEEP WRANGLER include: ABS Module Failure, Frontal Airbag Recalls, Service Brakes, Engine and Power Train Issues. These are based on patterns found across 434 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 Jeep Wrangler?
The most common issues are with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and frontal airbags, followed by service brakes and engine/power train issues.
How can I check if my 2016 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled?
Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or contact the manufacturer for recall information.
What should I do if I experience issues with my ABS module?
Contact your local Jeep dealership immediately to have the ABS module inspected and replaced if necessary.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of the potential for ABS module failure and airbag recalls. Ensure regular maintenance and check for recalls on your vehicle.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Jeep Wrangler
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The data includes 434 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 28 reported crashes, 15 fire incidents, 38 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16