Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the contact attempted to blow the horn and no sound came from the horn. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to steer and the controls on the steering wheel were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the steering column and the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 13,000.
This vehicle is not suitable for driving, it has suspension, alignment, brake and speed problems. I was about to have an accident, I was going down an avenue and suddenly the wheels stopped and the car began to move from one side to the other and I lost stability of the steering wheel and the car, putting my life and the lives of my family (my girlfriend and my mother) at risk, luckily I did not cause an accident because there was no car in the side lane ... It is impossible to drive this car, the next day I took the car to a detailed inspection at a mechanical workshop specialized in Jeeps and indeed it has serious and serious problems with the car. There are images where the lights on the dashboard are on and the engine is also overheated ... For this reason, I decided to return the car to the dealer and file the report as evidence of this defective car and dangers to driving ...
2016 Jeep JKU 78,000 miles NOT driveable because front end wobbles and steering wheel vibrates. Increasing to 60 MPH stops the wobble. This happened to me twice and someone else driving my vehicle. Had new tires installed and front end aligned - thought it was fixed but then the problem became worse. I just got back home after a 20 mile drive and the shaking and wobbling was horrific. I did not feel safe in this vehicle. Upon returning home the right front wheel began smoking so I grabbed a fire extinguisher just in case. The right front wheel was extremely hot to the touch. After cooling off and no fire, I conducted a visual inspection of the right front brake caliper and noticed it had circular markings on caliper in 3 different areas. I am not going to drive this vehicle again until the dealership can fix it.
My 2016 Jeep Wrangler will buck and jerk when on the highway. I'll be going a steady speed, not changing speed. I feel the car slow down and stomp on the gas but it goes all the way to the floor and nothing happens. When I try to go into the break down lane, the steering wheel locks up and won't turn. Usually I take the key out then put it back in the ignition and it starts no problem. Recently, the engine has been stalling when I put the key back in the ignition. I usually have to take the key out and sit on the side of the highway for 5 minutes before starting it up with no problem. This has happened too many times than I'd like to admit. Take it to the shop, no codes come up. Sometimes the engine light will turn on when this happens, other times it doesn't.
2016 Jeep Wrangler intermittently misfires then immediately loses power and dies. Also loses power steering at the same time. It almost caused an accident and is a big safety concern. Now I drive in the right lane in case I have to hurry and pull off the side of road. I turn the key off, but then start it right back up and it drives fine. But then will happen again random. No dash board warning lights ever come on. Been to the dealer twice- 1st time they updated pcm software, this time they changed spark plugs and coil pack. Help. *also, first started happening at 104,500 miles .. took to dealer for the issue, it is still happening and currently at 107,500; happens randomly whether at 25mph or 50 mph
This Jeep is a right hand drive wrangler. Airbag light, traction control light came on, and my horn quit working. Cruise control quit working, and then my antilock brake system was malfunctioning. I couldn't figure out why. So I went to both the Jeep dealership, and the local autozone where they scanned my Jeep for codes, and it's saying a bad clockspring. They said there is a known recall for 2016 models, but mine isn't included. They said to figure out why this Jeep is not included. . Why is my Jeep not included in the already known recall for the bad clock springs?
On September 2, 2025, while driving at 65 mph, I lost control of my vehicle three times. The traction control light came on each time, creating a serious safety risk to me and others. The issue appears to involve the airbag clockspring/steering column assembly, matching symptoms reported under Safety Recall 27B (RC-27B-24). My VIN is not currently included in the recall. Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram opened Case #94164354 and advised me to submit this so my VIN can be added. The part is available for inspection. My car is not drivable at this time due to the safety issue.
ABS module reported to dealer in February, 2025..They said was safe to drive. Then April 2025 the module went out.-Part has been on backorder since March 2025. It was taken to Key Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Marianna in March 2025. Jeep would not steer properly, the brakes were not normal and all the warning lights on dash were on. I could not drive. .
The sway bar on the 2016 Jeep Rubicon sway bar engages and you lose ability to steer. This has happened on the expressway to us, several time. I have read about this issue, there was a class action lawsuit that did not go anywhere. This is very dangerous to the people driving and also to people around them. I
When I was coming to a stop at a stoplight, my vehicle started to violently wobble almost having me to loose control. I was unable to slow down when pressing the brakes and almost hit vehicles in front of me.this has happened numerous times and I have had my tires rotated and alignment done just recently.
Steering complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, 6% of the model year's 462 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Jeep Wrangler steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 5 recalls 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 Wrangler steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
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.