Car Yearsto Avoid

2016 Jeep Wrangler Problems

What owners have reported about the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2016 Jeep Wrangler a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Wrangler. Owners have filed 461 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 18 Wrangler model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, engine and airbags.

461 complaints 5 recalls, 1 do not drive 13th worst of 18 Wrangler years

Top 2016 Jeep Wrangler problems

1

Brake problems

137 complaints (30%) name the brakes, most often the ABS warning light and hoses, lines / piping, and fittings.

Complaints 137 · Usually at 33,000–77,000 miles

2

Engine problems

93 complaints (20%) name the engine, most often the radiator assembly and filter / screen.

Complaints 93 · Usually at 26,000–71,000 miles

3

Airbag problems

77 complaints (17%) name the airbags, most often the driver clockspring / spiral cassette.

Complaints 77 · Usually at 18,000–77,000 miles · Recall 24V196000, 19V018000, 16V734000, 16V288000

4

Transmission problems

74 complaints (16%) name the transmission.

Complaints 74 · Usually at 13,000–54,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Brakes 30%
Engine 20%
Airbags 17%
Transmission 16%
Electrical 12%
Unknown or Other 12%
Acceleration 8%
Steering 6%
Body 4%
Stability Control 4%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (233 of 461). The amber line is the middle value, about 40,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2016 Jeep Wrangler recalls

Driver clockspring / spiral cassette

Debris contamination may cause the clockspring to fail, preventing the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the clockspring, steering wheel back cover, and steering column shrouds, free of charge.

Recall 24V196000 · Mar 2024

Driver seat belt buckle strap may break

Injury risk

The strap that holds the driver's seat belt buckle to the seat frame can crack and separate. If that happens, the seat belt cannot be used, which raises the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: A dealer will replace the driver's seat belt buckle free of charge.

Recall 19V680000 · Sep 2019

Inflator module

Do not drive

Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode. 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 19V018000 · Jan 2019

Front airbags may not deploy in crash

Injury risk

In certain crashes, the wiring to the front impact sensor can be pulled loose before the signal reaches the airbag control module. If that happens, the frontal airbags and seat belt pretensioners will not deploy, raising the risk of injury.

Fix: The dealer will reroute the front impact sensor wiring and relocate the impact sensor branch at no cost to you.

Recall 16V734000 · Oct 2016

Clockspring dust can disable driver air bag

Crash risk

Dust can get into the clockspring, a part in the steering column that carries signals to the air bag, and cause the air bag circuit to fail. If that happens, the driver's frontal air bag may not deploy in a crash, raising the risk of injury.

Fix: The dealer will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud free of charge.

Recall 16V288000 · May 2016
Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Wrangler years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2018 Wrangler 1,827
2021 Wrangler 951
2008 Wrangler 873
2012 Wrangler 835
2019 Wrangler 744
2024 Wrangler 741
2010 Wrangler 686
2014 Wrangler 657
2013 Wrangler 654
2020 Wrangler 613
2011 Wrangler 485
2015 Wrangler 476
2016 Wrangler 461
2022 Wrangler 404
2009 Wrangler 372
2023 Wrangler 368
2017 Wrangler 311
2025 Wrangler 71

2016 Jeep Wrangler problems by system

Brakes (137)

Common questions

Is the 2016 Jeep Wrangler a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Wrangler. Owners have filed 461 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 18 Wrangler model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, engine and airbags.

What are the most common 2016 Jeep Wrangler problems?

Owners most often report problems with the brakes, engine, airbags and transmission. 137 complaints (30%) name the brakes, most often the ABS warning light and hoses, lines / piping, and fittings.

At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Wrangler brakes problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 33,000–77,000 miles, with a middle value near 59,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Wrangler have?

5. Driver clockspring / spiral cassette (24V196000); Driver seat belt buckle strap may break (19V680000); Inflator module (19V018000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2016 Jeep Wrangler?

Ask for service records covering the brakes, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2017 and 2023 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.