The 2016 Jeep Wrangler is associated with 458 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 5 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Service Brakes, accounting for 69 reports (15% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 4 certified vehicle configurations spanning 3.6l 6-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 18 MPG combined. Detailed NHTSA crash-test ratings are not available in the current AutoUtility dataset for this model year.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 458 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 5 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Service Brakes (69 / 15%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 28 crash / 15 fire / 28 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: Not rated by NHTSA
- • EPA Efficiency: 18 MPG (4 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Wrangler 4WD | 3.6L 6-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 5-spd | 17 MPG | 21 MPG | 18 MPG | — | $3,400 / yr |
| Wrangler 4WD | 3.6L 6-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 MPG | 21 MPG | 18 MPG | — | $3,400 / yr |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD | 3.6L 6-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 5-spd | 16 MPG | 20 MPG | 18 MPG | — | $3,400 / yr |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD | 3.6L 6-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 16 MPG | 21 MPG | 18 MPG | — | $3,400 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4DR 4WD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | | 27.900000000000002% |
| 2DR 4WD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | | 27.900000000000002% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as No and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 Jeep Wrangler models.
View complete 2016 Jeep Wrangler crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 Jeep Wrangler problems & component breakdown (98 categories) →
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Defect Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain right hand drive 2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Debris contamination may cause the clockspring to fail, preventing the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the clockspring, steering wheel back cover, and steering column shrouds, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 27B.
Affected Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Defect Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VA6.
View all 2016 Jeep Wrangler recalls & campaign history (5 campaigns) →