2016 Jeep Wrangler Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 19%of 462 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, 19% of the 462 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I noticed an oil burning smell and upon further inspection saw oil all over the undercarriage of my vehicle including the transmission and exhaust . Looked under the hood and noticed oil underneath my engine cover by the oil filter housing. So now every time I drive it smells like it's on fire. So I guess they are not worried about the people who buy their vehicles burning up.”
NHTSA complaint #11384975, filed 2020-12, 77,000 miles“Engine mis fire also vehicle was sold as new to me and had over 200 miles on it parts were missing from roof engine mis fire cytinder 2 factory says not warranted how ever I have been toild by dealer was warranted as the heads are made by two different companies said repair is back logged and will take at lase 3 weeks to replir”
NHTSA complaint #11205845, filed 2019-05, 49,000 miles“After replacing the ignition coils ( twice) and misfiring spark plugs, my engine light continues to go on. After multiple computer readings, that keep saying the same thing, is not turning off. The dealer and other mechanics stated that this has been an issue in other jeeps as well. They tell me to campaign for this to be looked into. I still have 2 years of payments and want to have this resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #11319658, filed 2020-03, 58,000 miles“Engine ticking on left side. This seems to be a common problem with the 3.6 penstar engine. I've taken it to two different Jeep dealerships and both of them said pretty much that this is something I'll just have to deal with. That is totally unacceptable. This was over a 30 thousand dollar investment. This Jeep didn't have this problem when I purchased it otherwise I wouldn'thave bought it. Looking to the NHTSA for a solution.”
NHTSA complaint #10950125, filed 2017-02, 13,000 miles“I replaced a single roller rocker on the right side of the engine early in 2019. Now I am looking at a failed roller rocker on the same side of the engine and potentially an engine replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #11322372, filed 2020-04, 92,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11002828Jun 25, 2024"Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic…
- 11001198May 5, 2024Suspected Engine Coolant Leak
- 10230029May 11, 2021Customer Complaint May Include Engine Oil Leak Or Consumption
- 10223257May 11, 2021Customer Complaint May Include Engine Oil Leak Or Consumption
- 10169219Nov 1, 2019wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
- 10121706Jul 22, 2016Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic And System Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Customers may…
- 10121699Jul 20, 2016Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic And System Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Customers may…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 29 | 40% |
| 2024 | 417 | 56% |
| 2023 | 108 | 29% |
| 2022 | 93 | 23% |
| 2021 | 222 | 23% |
| 2020 | 56 | 9% |
| 2019 | 45 | 6% |
| 2018 | 99 | 5% |
| 2017 | 62 | 20% |
| 2016 | 88 | 19% |
| 2015 | 128 | 27% |
| 2014 | 322 | 49% |
| 2013 | 140 | 21% |
| 2012 | 172 | 21% |
| 2011 | 36 | 7% |
| 2010 | 38 | 6% |
| 2009 | 18 | 5% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 33 | 6% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 19 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler
137 complaintsAir bags
77 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
74 complaintsElectrical system
57 complaintsOther or unknown
57 complaintsVehicle speed control
36 complaintsSteering
28 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsElectronic stability control
13 complaintsForward collision avoidance
12 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology