Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Jeep Patriot problems

Owners filed 459 complaints about the 2016 Jeep Patriot with NHTSA between Nov 2015 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (224).

Complaints
459
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
24
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
19
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine224
  2. Electrical system99
  3. Power train74
  4. Vehicle speed control49
  5. Fuel/propulsion system41
  6. Air bags33
  7. Steering25
  8. Service brakes24
  9. Seats20
  10. Electronic stability control (esc)19
  11. Engine and engine cooling18
  12. Seat belts14
  13. Structure13
  14. Suspension9

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20151
201622
201721
201857
201979
202071
202150
202236
202339
202438
202528
202617

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

224 reports3 crashes2 fires
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2026Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11757914

Electrical system

99 reports3 crashes2 fires
“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]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2026Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11756677

Power train

74 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 14, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11710973

Vehicle speed control

49 reports2 crashes
“Thank you for taking the time to review my inquiry. My 2016 Jeep Patriot has experienced issues with the engine shutting off intermittently while driving at significant speeds and losing control of my vehicle, especially while on the highway. This has created some dangerous situations, which thankfully never caused any harm. After doing some research, I noticed that Jeep had a safety recall for this exact issue "S89 / NHTSA 16V-907, Crankshaft Camshaft Sensor Wire Harness." My 2016 Jeep Patriot has experienced failures with the crankshaft position sensor listed in that recall twice now (in September 2022 & December 2024). My VIN # [XXX] ) is not included in that recall, so I was denied reimbursement by the manufacturer both times even though the dealer was able to reproduce the issues both times (see attached receipts). After experiencing this twice, this has been severely disturbing for my family and has caused much anxiety when operating my vehicle. I have attached the associated receipts for the two repairs and summarized them below (both paid with credit card): - September 2022 - Maryland Auto & Truck Repair: $1,082.07 - December 2024 - Tate Dodge Chrysler…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 10, 2025Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11635340

Fuel/propulsion system

41 reports
“Several incidents when driving where the vehicle hesitates then the RPMs drop to zero and the Vehicle does not accelerate when gas pedal is pushed. Vehicle does not die each time just does not react to gas pedal being applied and does not increase in speed. Only dashboard light that comes on is the loss of traction. Incident causes driver to have to pull off road, place vehicle in park, turn off and on. Then can drive again.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 6, 2024Unknown or other, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11570225

Air bags

33 reports14 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 17, 2025Air bagsODI 11705627
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.