NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
Debris inside the steering column can damage the clockspring, which may prevent the driver's airbag from deploying during a crash.
This page covers 6 recalls, 444 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler.
18 mpg combined
13.1 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, brake system and engine complaints dominate the filing history. The most concentrated pattern involves the ABS control module, owners across multiple reports describe the module failing, triggering ABS and traction control warning lights and putting the vehicle into reduced-function mode. A recurring frustration in these reports is parts availability: many owners say the replacement module is on extended backorder or simply unavailable through dealers and aftermarket suppliers, leaving vehicles unrepaired for months. On the engine side, owners report check engine lights, fueling issues such as gas overflowing during fill-ups, and general drivability concerns, though these show more variety in specific symptoms than the ABS complaints do. The powertrain category draws a similar complaint count to the engine, with owners describing hesitation and performance irregularities. The ABS module availability issue stands out as the most consistent theme, with owners describing an inability to source the part even from refurbishing services.
444
Total Complaints
28
Crash-Related
15
Fire-Related
28
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator, which can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury.
The remaining recalls cluster around two other airbag concerns and a seatbelt issue, with several affecting only right-hand-drive models. On the front impact sensing side, the headlamp assembly can rotate in a crash, pulling the front impact sensor wiring loose before it registers the collision. Without that signal reaching the restraint controller, both frontal airbags and the seatbelt pretensioners can fail to deploy at all, leaving occupants without crash protection. On right-hand-drive vehicles specifically, the clockspring, a rotating electrical connector behind the steering wheel, can become contaminated with dust or debris and cause the driver's airbag circuit to fail, meaning the driver's frontal airbag may not fire in a crash. The seatbelt concern, also limited to right-hand-drive models, involves the driver's seatbelt buckle mounting strap, which can fracture and pull free from the seat frame, leaving the driver's belt effectively nonfunctional before a crash even occurs.
At a glance
What can fail
Debris inside the steering column can damage the clockspring, which may prevent the driver's airbag from deploying during a crash.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the clockspring, steering wheel back cover, and steering column shrouds at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap can fracture and separate from the seat frame.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's frontal air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure during deployment and rupture or explode.
What the fix does
The passenger frontal air bag inflator will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a crash, the front impact sensor wiring can pull loose and disconnect before sending a signal to the airbag control module, preventing airbag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will reroute the sensor wiring and reposition the impact sensor branch to prevent disconnection.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During a crash, headlamps can rotate and pull the front impact sensor wiring loose before the sensor can signal the airbag system, preventing airbags from deploying when needed.
What the fix does
Dealers will reroute and secure the front impact sensor wiring harness to prevent it from becoming disconnected.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Dust contamination in the clockspring assembly can cause the air bag circuit to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
