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).
Unsafe Vehicle, Unresolved Mechanical Failures - Serious Safety Concern On [redacted], I purchased a Jeep (VIN: [redacted] ) from Whipple Auto Sales. Since the purchase, the vehicle has experienced repeated mechanical failures that have created serious safety concerns. Approximately two weeks after purchase, the dealership replaced a fuel injector due to performance issues. About one month later, the vehicle began showing sensor codes and experienced sudden power loss while driving. On [redacted] the vehicle completely shut off while I was traveling on the highway, placing my safety at significant risk. The dealership initially stated that the key required reprogramming. However, after keeping the vehicle for approximately one month, they were still unable to repair the issue. The dealership later claimed the problem was related to the powertrain. …
2016 Wrangler 4 door 4x4 Automatic transmission, 110,000 miles, 4x4 used maybe for 30 minutes total in it's lifetime since I purchased it brand new. Transmission does not want to shift out of 4th into 5th, this was noticed when my RPM's never seemed to drop going down interstate at any speed, after the transmission has already shifted through 1st, 2nd, 3rd into 4th. I've noticed also that the transmission tends to linger in 3rd gear to long as well. I've had to put into manual mode and shift manually to get it out of 4th into 5th gear. This has been ongoing for a very long time, dealership unable to identify problem. Is this an isolated problem or others experiencing this also?
Driver had 50,000 miles maintenance service scheduled when the engine light went on a week prior to the service date. Therefore she asked the mechanic to do a diagnostic check on engine and mechanic at the Jeep dealership reported list of problems which solutions found which include: Replace Thermostat and holding Replace Vacuum Pump Replacing U-Joint Replacing All Ball Joints Replacing Front Axle Seals Replacing Both Shocks Replacing Engine Oil cooler Driver has been working from home for 6 years and the wrangler is driven on weekends and never done off roading. Jeep was purchased new in 2016.
Torque Convertor is going bad. On a cold start, when you put Jeep in reverse, it will stall. This started around 50k miles. At first, I thought I did something wrong. Then it started happening more often. I contacted Jeep, but they said they could not do anything because the Powertrain warranty was expired by a couple thousand miles. This is dangerous when I have to back out of my driveway in the morning as it will stall and can take a few times for it to restart. There has been no warning lights or codes that pull up on my OBD2 scanner that would lead me to knowing what the issue is.
I was driving down the road in a snow storm when all of a sudden the vehicle started swirling all over the road. I pulled over and looked underneath and something was hanging down. I had no choice but to drive it slow less than 10mph to make it home as it was also making a hard jumping. Once there I had my mechanic come look at it and the drive shaft was busted. I am extremely luck that this happened during a snow storm because if not I may have rolled the vehicle as the steering was greatly affected.
Torque Converter was replaced due to internal failure. Vehicle had 62k miles when torque converter was replaced. Issue arouse around 40k when vehicle would die when placed in reverse after cold start. AutoNation dealership did not cover cost since vehicle had went over 2k of the power train warranty. When I researched online, I came to realize that this is a common problem within the JK models which is upsetting to pay out of pocket cost for defect parts from the manufacturer.
Vehicle has 52940 miles on it only easy driving, never towed anything and all maintenance done at the dealership where it was purchased. Driving down the road has started whining. Transmission shot and needed rebuild or replacement. Jeep Wave and corporate not willing to help. 5 year/60,000 mile warranty that expired in July of 2022. Both dealerships and transmission shop stated that the transmission was done and needed rebuild or replacement.
Oil filter housing is made of plastic and over time the plastic, exposed to heat cycle and elements from being under the plenum, becomes brittle and cracks. The cracks in the oil filter housing create a susbtantial oil leak that drips engine oil onto the exhaust and is a potential for a fire. If the oil level is not properly maintained it could also create a lack of lubrication on the engine for a potential engine lock up while being driven.
2016 Jeep JK 3.6l v6 Symptoms brake warning light,abs warning light, traction control warning light on. Cruise control will not function with the above warning lights. Diagnosis: faulty abs module per obd2. Additional problem is the unavailability from Chrysler for the replacement part which affects many Jeep model years. This is a common complaint with Jeep owners. Chrysler contacted with no resolution. 05
The ABS Traction Control Module in this year, and surrounding year, Jeep Wranglers continues to fail. Now Jeep has stated that the part is under engineering review and not available till June timeframe. Therefore, these vehicles no longer have anti lock brakes or traction control safety features. This is a widespread issue and should be a recall on these modules.
Transmission complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, 16% of the model year's 462 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles, and 39% 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.