Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 stated that the ABS and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the ABS module was replaced. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started shuddering, emitted abnormal sounds, and failed to respond. The contact released the accelerator pedal. The contact shifted to park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The contact then restarted the vehicle and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred twice that same day. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and pulled into a gas station, where there were abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle along with a burning odor. …
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that upon accelerating uphill, the RMPs revved up but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the temperature sensor had failed and damaged the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the temperature sensor, head gasket, water pump, radiator, and unknown hoses and clamps were replaced. A transmission flush was performed, and the transmission was rebuilt. Additionally, the contact stated that upon parking the vehicle after driving 45 MPH, she noticed that the driver's seat headrest had partially been deployed independently. The contact pushed the headrest inside the seat; however, the headrest was completely deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after an hour each time. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. On another occasion, the contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, she observed a winding noise emanating from the engine compartment. The contacts stated that the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, several unknown warning lights and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred a year prior. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a front wheel bearing failure and the front wheel bearing was replaced. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 76,140.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while entering a parking lot, the vehicle lost motive power, shuddered and jerked without warning. The vehicle was restarted however, the failure recurred several times. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power train failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle repeatedly stalled while driving. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. The contact restarted the vehicle after a few minutes and drove to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 166,666.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted and returned to normal functionality. However, the failure became a regular failure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the CVT oil was low. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle momentarily shut off, causing the vehicle to decelerate unintendedly. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
from the day I purchased the vehicle on [redacted] of 2023. I immediately heard a rattling noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle. I also noticed that the transmission had been catching or slipping or missing whenever it transfers gears it is getting worse by the day I have taken it to the original dealership at MNF auto sales in Albuquerque and I have also taken it to the Larry Miller Jeep in Albuquerque New Mexico. They claim that the only thing wrong with the vehicle is the motor mounts after I left with my vehicle from being repaired, it continues to happen, and the transmission is getting worse day by day , I am afraid if I keep driving it much longer that it may cause an accident or damage the vehicle severely. …
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. …
Transmission complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Jeep Patriot, 16% of the model year's 458 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Jeep Patriot transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.