Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Jeep Patriot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds through an intersection, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the vehicle was operating as designed. Upon research, the contact located similar failures related to the vehicle going into LIMP Mode and electrical issues. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and the failure was acknowledged. The dealer informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and suggested that the vehicle be towed to the dealer. …
I changed my brakes, and caliper myself because it was time for my brakes, and the caliper was hard to get off, so I replaced it. It felt like my brakes were still sticking, I took it to three repair shops and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. Finally I took it to a repair shop because my brakes were making noise by this time. They replaced the pads, rotors, and caliper. When I picked it up from the shop and was driving home I smelled a burning smell and pulled over and my car was on fire. I had to put it out before it spread to the rest of my car. They had to replace the brake line and now it's okay. I didn't have any warning lights on my dash go off, I have receipts for the repair shops and parts. This is definitely a safety concern because if I would have associated that smell with the new brakes and didn't pull over, it could have been a lot worse. …
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact turned off the vehicle and heard an unusual clicking sound. The contact later discovered that the battery had been drained. The contact stated the failure recurred almost every two years. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed actuator. The contact was informed that the actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
My ABS module has gone out, giving me an UNSAFE Jeep Patriot, now with ZERO ABS or Traction control, major issue in Tampa driving! Apparently, according to the dealer here, they're on "galactic back order" for a few years now; I couldn't even find one at a used parts store in the area...had to resort to Ebay, having it installed at the dealership this week, who says they'll install it (Janet) but they won't guarantee they can program it and it will reset those dash lights?!?! They can't guarantee it? Then something needs to be figured out to GUARANTEE I have a working Jeep, complete with ABS and traction control. This is a major, according to several people I've spoken with but there's no recall? …
I continually have the same issue with this vehicle. It started only a couple of months after initial purchase and has happened various times since. Today was one of those days it occurred, the ABS system will turn on along with the traction control light in the middle of the freeway causing the vehicle to immediately slow down, I could not accelerate and was almost hit by the car behind me because of it. The last time this happened I was in a remote location and was stranded for about an hour with no signal to call anyone. When this happens the car does not turn immediately back on and you can hear it continuously cranking. This vehicle has been in and out of the repair shops and the Chrysler hall could not figure out what was wrong with it. It stopped doing it but now it started again. …
I would like to know if the vehicle was in the flood of 2020 1st of all. I've had this vehicle in Many times before I was told there was no maintenance work done prior to me buying it from a dealer. Been addressing a bad odder upon starting the vehicle for over a year. The smell is in the cab also. Now being told it could be the catalytic converter @ 51,000 miles on the vehicle. I've already spent over $1,300.00 to cover normal maintenance that was never done by the dealer I bought the vehicle from. My extended warranty ran out a month or so ago. This has put my life in danger being I'm breathing exhaust/ fumes. Please advise & thank you
Yes components available for inspection/ yes sold by dealership with undisclosed problems/ yes problems confirmed by dealer/ no component inspected. 1st noticed foul smell upon starting vehicle/ failure to start/ chugging/ brakes noise/ smell inside cab. Been Verified noted vehicle was in flood??? all occurred beginning 2022. Could not get the vehicle in till 03/23. All dealerships backed up wait out 8 weeks. I have had my vehicle to 3 different certified dealerships. I bought an extended warranty that no one will honor. Bought a vehicle without the full disclosure[ reconditioning repair orders[
ABS and other lights flashed on the dashboard, the vehicle slowed as if the brakes were pressed. And then it happens several more times before getting home. I brought the vehicle and saw there was a failure of the left rear ABS sensor. Upon looking the sensor is just sitting loose and the clip is rusted out and the sensor has no slot to press into. Upon research I see that this clip rusting out is a problem in these and it is very obviously a safety problem as for whatever reason the brakes engage when the sensor is faulty.
When I purchased the vehicle I'm still making payments on it. I went to get my brakes done and rotors the mechanic noticed that there were no emergency brakes on the vehicle they were weld off and I called car lock they said I had to get that fixed it isn't under warranty. How you sell me a unsafe vehicle with no emergency brakes. I have only had this vehicle 3 months.
There is some sort of electrical issue. Things keep going in and out: internal lights, cruise control, turn signals in front and back go out 6-9 times a year, ABS light stays on even after it was serviced, the radio goes in and out. I lose power while driving snd allow the car to sit for a day or two and it cuts back on like nothing ever happened.
Brake complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2016 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Jeep Patriot, 6% of the model year's 458 complaints. The component named most often is driveline › hydraulic › actuator (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Jeep Patriot brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2016 Jeep Patriot, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Patriot brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.