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. …
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? …
Within 1.5 years my car kept slowing down when driving out of no where. We almost crashed because the car literally won't pick up speed or just jolts a few times then stops. We spent over $1000 to have it fixed with 3 different mechanics. They said it was the crankshaft I believe and catalytic converters. We just got the car brand new in 2016 so this has been frustrating because we get oil changes every 3 months and take great car of the car. We've had two get brakes don't over and over and also when you turn the wheels it's loud and sounds like the ending of a roller coaster when you here it turning. The rides are not smooth either you can see my hand shaking hard when driving even at slow speeds like 35 mph. Jeep really sold us a lemon and we have been paying such a high car note on top fixing things each year. …
Vehicle suddenly stalls with no prior warning, both while driving and at rest. This cannot be duplicated and does not throw codes on the code scanner. Occasionally it will "hiccup" and keep going instead of a complete stall. RPM drops to zero and will then jump back to their prior reading. The vehicle becomes impossible to control (stalled so no speed st all abd difficult to steer). Mechanic cannot duplicate problem or find code on their reader. We have replaced the throttle body and one camshaft sensor but not the other, more difficult to reach sensor. There is a current recall for camshaft/crankshaft sensor that applies to some 2016 jeep patriots but ours falls outside of that manufacturing date range.
I would like to recall my 2016 Jeep Patriot because the crankshaft and camshaft sensor are failing to work properly and that increases the risk of crash. There were also problems with the steering column and the tires being off balance because after balancing was found to move without the steering wheel being turned. The recall is important because the vehicle is potential for crash . I only found these things out after driving and seller claimed everything was at top shape but bent the truth due to the small amount of miles put on the vehicle and the fact that I didn't crash the vehicle.
I've had numerous problems with this car. I've already replaced cv axles and now the steering knuckle needs replaced! The car is shaking and knocking and is not safe to drive. It's being replaced in a few days but is costing over $800 and this car has not been in an accident and is only 6 years old.
Vehicle engine stopped. Loss of steering. Yes Yes Engine light was on, hesitation on acceleration. Safety recall S89 has been done 5-3-2017 at 4,973 miles, and was told that there was a 2 year warranty on the repair?
Purchased vehicle less than 6 monthes ago and complained to the dealer that it sounded and felt like wheels were about to fall off. 8 days later I took it to get an oil change and the shop refused. He explained that when they lifted the Jeep and inspected tires the wire treads were exposed in the middle of the tire, at any moment the vehicle could pose serious injury or death to passengers. I took it to the dealership and they changed tire but did not inspect the vehicle. The brakes continually made a screeching sound , for some unknown reason. The steering wheel would often veer left when turned right and the Jeep kept making rubbing and popping sounds last week while travelling less than 20 miles an hour the car made a popping sound , I lost control of steering wheel and it was veering to right , running up on the curb and the vehicle was still in motion . . …
I was driving not far from my house doing between 20 and 25 MPH. The road is very windy and being a secondary road there are no guard rails. Both sides of the road are heavily populated with trees. Coming up to another curve in the road I applied my brakes the slow a little more to take the curve, as I started to turn the steering wheel I realized it would not turn, it was locked in place.now I'm applying my brakes harder, fighting to turn my steering wheel and stop, all to no avail. I hit a tree before I could steer my Jeep. My "purchased new" 2016, in very good condition is now totaled, windows blowout, airbags deployed, and thank god I walked away with the help of ems, firefighters and police. I am a single working mother, who could have lost her life. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. While driving approximately 20 MPH approaching a red light, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and the vehicle rolled forward. In an attempt to stop the vehicle from crashing, the contact depressed the brake pedal, placed the vehicle in park, and turned off the engine. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to restart. The vehicle was towed to allen samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (201 west loop 340, waco, texas 76712, [phone]), but the dealer could not duplicate the failures. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Steering complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2016 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Jeep Patriot, 5% of the model year's 458 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Jeep Patriot steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 29,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.