general problems of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler - part 1

53 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler based on all problems reported for the 2016 Wrangler.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/22/2026

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 3rd gear until y did not longer engaged the transmission. Also the speedometer stopped working. ) this happened while driving on a Sunday on busy road. This has been a common issue with Jeep Wranglers made from 2012 to 2018. The company at this moment is not producing replacement parts (abs modules) for these vehicles leaving owners without any way to fix or use their cars. Abs module dtc's: -c2200 -u0100 -u0141 -u0126 -u0002 while scanning the module comes and goes offline.

2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/16/2026

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. It looked as if the fire started somewhere on the righthand side of the engine compartment because the right front tire was the first to blow out in the fire. The vehicle is with the insurance company to inspect, but it was in perfect running condition, all maintenance performed. There were no dash warning lights that came on, no odd sounds heard and the vehicle ran until I stopped and shut it office. There has to be something that was wrong with the manufacturing of this specific engine to make a loud pop and burn as hot as it did. I wanted to report this before the vehicle is sent away to be demolished due to it being a complete loss.

3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/13/2026

Head gasket failure, causing motor to overheat.

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/23/2025

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 vehicle began showing sensor codes and experienced sudden power loss while driving. On [xxx] the vehicle completely shut off while I was traveling on the highway, placing my safety at significant risk. The dealership initially stated that the key required reprogramming. However, after keeping the vehicle for approximately one month, they were still unable to repair the issue. The dealership later claimed the problem was related to the powertrain. Without resolving the issue or providing proper notice, they returned the vehicle to my residence in worse condition than when it was left with them. At this time, the vehicle is unsafe and unreliable, and I cannot confidently operate it. This situation demonstrates a lack of proper repair, accountability, and resolution. I am extremely concerned about the safety and reliability of this vehicle and the dealership’s handling of this matter. I am seeking a proper resolution to this issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/09/2025

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.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/29/2025

Oil cooler/filter housing leaking oil and coolant.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/21/2025

Oil cooler leaking after multiple replacements causing engine stall while driving and lots of burning and smoke potentially leading to fire.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/25/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware of an oil leak. The contact stated that the leak was small. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine oil cooler needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact had previously replaced the thermostat at an independent mechanic due to the parts being on backorder. The contact stated that the failure might be due to the cold temperatures. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/08/2025

I recently had my oil changed about 3 weeks ago from today. Three (3) days ago, while I was driving, my engine lamp came on and my engine began to run hot. I didn't understand why given that I had just got the oil changed. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the car off to allow it to cool down. It would not crank and I had to have it towed to the auto shop to be serviced which is where they told me that the engine needed replacement.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2025

Driver had 50,000 miles maintenance service scheduled when the engine light went on a week prior to the service date. Therefore she asked the mechanic to do a diagnostic check on engine and mechanic at the Jeep dealership reported list of problems which solutions found which include: replace thermostat and holding replace vacuum pump replacing u-joint replacing all ball joints replacing front axle seals replacing both shocks replacing engine oil cooler driver has been working from home for 6 years and the Wrangler is driven on weekends and never done off roading. Jeep was purchased new in 2016.

11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2025

My vehicle would not start, leaving me in the freezing cold after a 10 hour shift at work. After having the vehicle towed to a service center & a week of inspection, I was notified that the engine had siezed up & needed replaced. The engine oil, front & rear differential, & transfer case fluids had just been changed a week prior. There was no engine warning light prior to this event.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/06/2024

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that there was an unknown liquid leaking underneath the front of the engine compartment. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the oil filter housing assembly had fractured and needed to be replaced. The oil filter housing had been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/26/2024

On multiple occasions, while operating my vehicle on the freeway, I have encountered a highly alarming problem. The engine of my car has unexpectedly shut off, resulting in a sudden loss of power and control. This has happened when driving between 45-75mph. This has placed me and other road users in extremely dangerous situations, as it has occurred at high speeds where maneuvering and reacting swiftly are essential. I have taken immediate action to have the issue investigated and resolved by authorized service centers. However, despite their efforts, the problem persists, leaving me deeply concerned about the reliability and safety of my vehicle. This recurring issue indicates a potential flaw in the design or manufacturing of the engine or related components.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2024

Vehicle cel for misfire. Replace plugs and coils. Still happens. Dealership says it needs a new engine? my research shows that this is an extremely common problem with Jeep engines. I am aware of a class action suit regarding this issue. I’m not sure of the status. Vehicle has just under 129k miles and is therefore out of warranty. Jeep/fca knew these engines had problems and continued to sell them without disclosing the highly likely problems ownere would encounter.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/29/2023

Started getting a loud ticking sound on driver side of engine . Took it to an auto mechanic he said it my left side head rocker arms making the noise. He also said Chrysler 3. 6l pentastar engine are known for this problem.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/10/2023

Internal manual transmission problem. Cannot put Jeep in 3rd gear. Burning smell.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2023

75,000 miles, engine ticking on cold start, engine light for cyl 2 misfire, engine chugs and has low acceleration. Dealer replaced rocker arm under owner's extended warranty. Did not fix problem and now are disassembling engine. Read many other customers with same problem, class action law suit in progress. Manufacturer knows about problem but will not tell owners.

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/03/2023

As I drive, the car loses the ability to accelerate. It then passively stalls and the automatic steering locks up. All electrical inside the car still stays on. I put the car in park and it restarts on the first key turn. It has happened up to 3 times in a trip, but it is inconsistent when it happens (not necessarily every trip and not at specific speeds (it happeneded going 70 on the highway as well as going 25 in a neighborhood)). When I brought it to the dealership. I was told unless they could make it happen, they couldn't fix it. They also said even if they could make it happen, they couldn't be sure what it was. The onboard computer that sends error codes indicated different things that have been replaced (computer parts, sensors) and nothing has worked.

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2023

Oil cooler housing cracked and leaking oil over entire engine which could cause a fire. Dealership has confirmed the part is damaged. No warning lamps or messages were triggered. Others have experienced the same problem with multiple replacements. Vehicle has been at the dealership now since 2/1/2023 waiting for Chrysler / mopar warranty to give the authorization to repair.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer but there was no failure found however, the dealer performed an oil change. The vehicle continued to experience the failure with the abnormal sound being more pronounced. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the cylinders needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/24/2022

Oil housing unit crack. Just bought vehicle used. Weather dropped to 28 degrees and oil housing unit cracked. All oil poured out of vehicle and would not hold any oil when more was added. Took vehicle to Jeep dealer and they confirmed that the plastic piece that was the original part cracked and that this is a very common problem for 2014-2017 Jeeps due to the part being plastic. Part is not covered under any warranty and will cost $1200 to repair. I'm told that the replacement parts have been updated and are no longer made of plastic due to the high instance of problems. All research shows that this was to be a recall but that it has not been made official. This is a huge safety concern as the oil completely drained from the vehicle upon crack. Had I not been in my own driveway and driving down the highway, this would have caused major issues, engine failure and very possibly an accident. We were planned to be on a 6hr road trip moments before this occurred in the driveway. This part needs to be recalled and replaced by the manufacturer since it is a common and known problem with many Jeeps manufactured during that time frame.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2022

The camshaft and lifters failed with no check engine light. Upon inspection the left bank cams and lifters were in need of replacement and a pinhole was found in the radiator.

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2022

P0302 code popped up all four rocker arms on left cylinder need to be replaced. Jeep had normal oil change 50k miles.

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/22/2022

I had an error message for the thermostat last week had that replaced. Now there is a puddle of oil coming from the oil coolant assembly. Replaced the thermostat awaiting mechanic for the oil coolant issue now.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/16/2022

Parked vehicle outside corner of home at 9:00 pm. Awoken by loud popping and hissing sounds at 4:45am. Looked outside to notice a bright orange hue by vehicle. Realizing the car was on fire, we called 911 and proceeded to use garden hose to water down both the vehicle and the home that the car was next to, in order to try to prevent the house from also catching fire. Vehicle was not moved nor accessed during those 7 overnight hours. It was locked and we were all asleep. There were two other vehicles parked next to and behind the vehicle that caught fire - those two other vehicles sustained no damage to them. The house sustained some minimal siding warping from the heat of the fire. Fire chiefs reviewing the damage in person as well as viewing photos have stated that it appears to be battery or fuse box related as that side of the engine's damage was greatest as well as the battery and fuse box being completely destroyed by the fire. No warning lights or indications of system failures or malfunctions prior to parking the car. Vehicle was towed away from scene by insurance company. Unsure if vehicle is still at that lot or not. Insurance deemed vehicle totaled and issued check for losses.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/23/2022

Cold start, engage reverse and the engine idles really low and sometimes stalls. If I move the shifter to neutral the engine revs back up and does not stall. Rolling down the driveway and then engage reverse the problem does not occur. The issue has been getting worse whether its in the dead of winter or summer.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2022

By way of introduction, I am a seventy-five year old retired arizona highway patrol officer, having left that service in 1992. In October 2016, I purchased new, a Jeep Wrangler unlimited rubicon from york Chrysler in prescott, arizona, VIN: 1c4bjwfg1gl330090. Sometime after the purchase, the vehicle began to have a disturbing, recurring problem. While in normal operation, the engine will stop. It is as if the ignition has been turned off. The drill I have developed is, while the Jeep is coasting, to shift to neutral, re-start the engine, shift to drive, and proceed. Sometimes, the check engine light activates, and sometimes, although less frequently, this is accompanied with the electrical stability control (esc) off indicator light. The first time I documented the phenomenon with a visit to the dealership was 17 may 2023. However, I believe that the problem had happened several times prior to that date. Since then, the vehicle has exhibited this problem numerous times; sometimes at a stop, more often while proceeding in normal operation. The engine has stalled several times on the phoenix, arizona, freeway system during heavy traffic. Today, the engine stalled again, but would not re-start while coasting. I was forced to come to a complete stop, shift to park, re-start, shift to drive, and proceed. Often after a re-start, the transmission has difficulty in going into gear, even while in drive. I have been advised at the dealership that the problem has occurred many times, to many drivers, but that Chrysler cannot diagnose the problem, and thus can’t fix it. Logic suggests that if a collision has not yet been precipitated by this condition, it surely will be… I have discovered that a class-action suite is being considered. Chrysler must be very aware of the problem, yet is effectively forcing owners of the affected vehicles to operate unsafe Jeeps on the public streets. In my opinion, the federal government needs to intervene with a mandatory recall.

28 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/06/2022

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that upon approach of a stop sign with his foot on the brake pedal, the engine had began to rev without warning. With the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard, the vehicle continued to lurch forward as the contact clipped the vehicle in front of him. As the engine continued to rev, the contact immediately shut off the ignition. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. Both the contact and the other driver were able to drive away from the scene. The dealer was notified and an appointment was made for a diagnostic. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that he would receive a call back, the contact had yet to hear back from the manufacturer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

29 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/11/2022

The oil cooler housing exploded in my 2016 Jeep Wrangler. I put my car into reverse- I backed up and tried to put the car into drive. The car would not shift out of neutral for several minutes- 2 quarts of oil spilled onto the ground. My car eventually made its way to drive and has been steadily leaking oil since.

30 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2021

Engine has failed. Had it inspected by two mechanics and they said the same thing, there are broken internal components possibly due to defective components.

31 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2021

I have a Jeep Wrangler unlimited rubicon 2016 that suddenly lost power in fast moving traffic with intermittent miss fire and blinking check engine light along with smoke and smell of burning oil. Looking into the engine from the top a large , deep pool of oil was sitting in the middle of the engine and working its way on to hot components of engine and exhausts and smoking. This could have easily become fire hazard in high temperature desert environment where running temperatures and hot exhaust pipes could start a fire. The engine miss fire and sudden loss of power was checked to be failing ignition coils and plugs that are supposed to be warrantied to 100k miles. The pentastar v6 3. 6 oil cooler was leaking badly and its effect could have been disasterous for the engine and car safety. The oil cooler faulty plastic design on this engine is a well known problem that Chrysler is refusing to address as recall on Wranglers sold . There are hundreds of complaints and cases of failure of this plastic component on the internet and the dealers are all well aware of it and happy to charge $2k for replacement. Chrysler and the dealer refused to admit the faulty oil cooler design and also would not accept ignition coil and spark plug replacement under the std 80,000 miles California emission control warranty that come with all engines sold in CA. Chrysler is hiding this faulty design on Wranglers but accepted it on other Chrysler cars.

32 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/22/2021

2016 Jeep Wrangler unlimited sport. Vehicle has 41,500 miles. 3. 6 liter pentastar v6. Gushing oil from oil cooler on to the exhaust and smoking to the point of catching fire. Known issue from what I am reading online. I guess Chrysler is waiting for one of us Jeep owners to die in a car fire!! $1200 to replace. . . . . Unacceptable that a recall has not been forced on Chrysler!!!!.

33 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/02/2021

Oil filter housing/oil cooler cracked. Dealership says its a common problem on 2014+ Jeeps with 3. 6 liter engine yet Jeep hasn't issued a recall. Dealer stated that this seems to happen around 50,000 miles on vehicle. No warning lights came on, noticed smoke coming from under hood when driving from oil falling onto exhaust. When pulled over large amount of oil was coming out from underside of Jeep. This happened with 43k miles on the vehicle which is right around where the dealer said they were seeing a large amount of failures for this part.

34 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/17/2021

While driving my Jeep Wrangler on the highway going speeds of >60 mph for longer than 20 minutes the vehicles check engine and traction control light illuminate and I lose passing capability in the Jeep. Once the vehicle is turned off and on 3 times the system seems to reset itself. Because of this the only way the dealership can read the codes is if the lights are illuminated. I have taken the Jeep to 2 different Jeep dealerships while the lights were on and both have claimed that the "system needed to be reset". Once they do that the Jeep seems to run fine and the lights are gone. However, it is still happening whenever my speed goes 60 mph or more for a short period of time. Due to this problem I am not comfortable but sometimes must take my Jeep on the highway and without fail the same warning lights illuminate and the passing power is gone. I have reported this problem to Jeep itself and was told to take it to another Jeep dealership which I did and the same maintenance was performed but yet the same problem exists. This failure is a hazard to not only the driver but those around due to the vehicles lack of passing power when on a highway where speeds are at a minimum of 65mph.

35 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/12/2021

On thursdsy 5/13/2021 at approximately 5:15-5:20pm, I was dropping my daughter off to work and I got back on the road then through the u-turn to get back on the other side. I proceeded to enter the roadway initially about 10mph and all of a sudden, the Jeep accelerated to almost 80 mph and I smashed the braked and it would not stop at all. The rpm's were steady going up. I pulled up the emergency brake right before I almost rear ended the car in front of me at the light getting ready 6o go through the intersection. I was on the brake at the same time. Once the car finally came to a stop, the engine was still reved up. I put in park and turned the vehicle off with the ignition. I then restarted and was scared the rest of the way home. The vehicle was in motion when this happened. There was nothing under the brake. My floor mats were flush and flat and the acceleration was so scary. I feared for my life. I have not driven it since. I called the dealership and they told me to bring it in the next morning, Friday the 14th at 10 am but that theu would not be able to look at it until 7-10 days. I did not bring it as this was unacceptable. I will call back and speak with someone else for results. The tech even told me that this happened to his brother that also have a Jeep. There isn't a recall for this that I've found. Someone will lose their life because of this malfunction. This is a very serious safety hazard.



Wrangler Service Bulletins
Wrangler Safety Recalls
Wrangler Defect Investigations