Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 459 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, and it carries 5 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 69 | 15% |
| Air bags | 51 | 11% |
| Engine | 48 | 10% |
| Power train | 42 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 28 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 12 | 3% |
| Power train | 12 | 3% |
| Structure | 12 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
ABS Control Module stopped working with several warning lights showing on dash display. After 12 months the dealer is unable to supply a replacment part or a possible date when a new part might be available.
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The ABS module on my jeep has failed. I've been put on a list to get a replacement part but have been on the list for 10 months with no indication of when my parts order will be fulfilled. The failed ABS module caused t
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
My 2016 Jeep Wrangler is experiencing an ongoing problem with the ABS/braking system and wheel-speed sensor. The ABS/brake warning light comes on intermittently, particularly when turning right and during hot weather. T
NHTSA complaint: Wheels
ABS Brake Sensor is on and the ABS Module needs to be replaced, however there are a lot of other people out there with this same issue and nobody can keep up with the parts to fix the problem. This should be a recall for
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced an ABS module failure. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The deale
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The ABS control module has internal problem which shuts down the module. Results of the module shut down includes: -The stability and traction systems are offline. -A failure in the ABS module or hydraulic unit. -Cruise
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
Code C2200 Multiple visits to shop. Part is on indefinite backorder. Brakes lock up when quick needed, traffic/other driver pull out in front of me Showed up 4 months ago
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
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 le
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 t
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious inj
Fix: 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 r
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.
Risk: A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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 rece
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured June 16, 2015, to August 14, 2016. In certain crash conditions, the front impact sensor wiring may be pulled until it detaches before a signal can be received by the Occupant Restraint Controller (OR
Risk: If the ORC module does not receive a signal from the front impact sensor, both frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the front impact sensor wiring and relocate the impact sensor branch, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2016. Owners may contact
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Right Hand Drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to May 2, 2016. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.
Risk: Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer
| Reliability raw | 57 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 66 | good |
| Maintenance | 70 | good |
| Depreciation | 66 | good |
| Performance | 68 | good |
| Efficiency | 35 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 459 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and service brakes is the most reported area with 69 of them (15%). There are 5 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 57/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 66/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2016 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 62/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.