2016 Jeep Patriot

Above average

Owners filed 458 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 1 time.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
51,000 milesMedian miles at failure

274 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine169
111
Electrical System64
200
Unknown or Other36
132
Power Train34
100
Air Bags29
13113
Service Brakes19
120
Electronic Stability Control (esc)16
100
Fuel/Propulsion System13
000
Seats11
001
Structure › Body10
110

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine16V907000
Filed Dec 16, 201642,231 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.

Risk. If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 19, 2026MI

One month ago while driving on Business US10, the vehicle had the sensation like the engine had stopped no acceleration, lightning bolts and engine light came on with a sound of a ding ding, ding. Pulled over to the entrance of a Shell station. Shut the vehicle off. restarted within 5 minutes and drove 1 mile to the dealership. The mechanic said it was most likely the throttle body but would have to schedule me out a few weeks and don't leave town in case you need a tow. After a few days the lights on the dash were no longer present. called the dealership and told them the lights were not showing on the dashboard. He advised It was most likely a glitch, but they would check it out. Following appointment, they sent me on my way and said they could not find anything wrong. Since then July 2026 the vehicle has an awful smell upon starting up, using a lot of gas, spitting, hesitating upon acceleration, poor ideal, Aug 12 2026 while entering US10 ramp vehicle hesitated upon acceleration, lightning bolts were blinking on a off but then it went away, I had a complete tune up the following week along with air filters and oil change done according to maintenance recommendations, That didn't help the problem at all. I am a 77 yr. old disabled women who have many doctor appointments and do not need a vehicle which may cause the risk of the engine stalling, loss of control not to mention other hazards. Aug 17,2026 took the vehicle to a Jeep dealer where they put the equipment to read the

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 13, 2026MS

My 2016 Jeep Patriot is cutting off while I’m driving on the highway at 65 mph. The lights on the dashboard are on and for no apparent reason. Now my radio system is cutting on and off sporadically.Rendering my satellite radio and hands free use of my phone useless. I’ve been told that my car has no recalls. Although this recall "S89 / NHTSA 16V-907, seems like the exact problems I’m experiencing. I have taken good care of this vehicle and have had regular maintenance provided. This is a SAFETY issue and I should be able to get it fixed by recall. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Aug 10, 2026IL

I have a 2016 Jeep Patriot, and I am having intermittent stalling and the RPM gauge dropping to zero. It is a safety risk because you do not know when it is going to happen, and no warning lights come on the dashboard. Yes, I have taken it to a mechanic, and they were able to drive it, and it happened to them while driving. I found that there is a recall, but my vehicle was made just months after what is in the recall of S89/NHTSA 16V-907. I was wondering if someone could look into this and see about getting mine repaired too?

Seats
Filed Jul 11, 2026MD

While I was driving, driver's headrest suddenly popped off and hit me hard on the back of the head while driving. I have two children in my car who were startled from the sound. Head has been hurting since the incident.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 24, 2026AR

Driveshaft sensor failure Vehicle stalling while driving dropping to zero rpm vehicle dying completely to zero start at low rpm’s

Engine
Filed Jun 16, 2026SD

Last year (2025) we were on a trip to Minneapolis, MN when our vehicle randomly stalled out on us. It would allow us to start it up again immediately, but stalled again shortly after. Each time it stalled, the dash lights would pop up and the engine would immediately stall and die. We had the car fixed in a pinch, and the diagnosis was a crank shaft error. Fast forward to this past weekend, our car stalled again in traffic, with the dash lights coming on and the engine immediately dying. This time, we were unable to start the vehicle again to get it to a safe location, so ended up pushing it in neutral to the closest convenience store and have the vehicle towed to a Jeep dealer. Upon inspection of the car, the diagnosis was again a bad crank shaft sensor causing erratic readings and needing to be replaced. Having the same issue twice on the same vehicle, we looked into possible recalls that we had previously missed. We found that our VIN does not qualify for any past or present recalls. However, we did find a recall for 2016 Jeep Patriots that addressed the faulty crank shaft sensors (NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000). Having had this same issue twice, our vehicle is clearly being affected by root cause which the above recall was based on. Knowing that, it's hard to believe our vehicle doesn't qualify for this recall, and we would like that recall service extended to our VIN, especially since the issue has happened on multiple occasions.

Steering
Filed Jun 15, 202668,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds through an intersection, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the vehicle was operating as designed. Upon research, the contact located similar failures related to the vehicle going into LIMP Mode and electrical issues. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and the failure was acknowledged. The dealer informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and suggested that the vehicle be towed to the dealer. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed May 26, 202691,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the head rest detached and pooped off. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, it felt like a kick to the back of the head. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, the contact was informed that the repair coverage was for ten years of ownership of the vehicle. The contact stated that ownership was four months over the ten years. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 25, 2026NJ

Driving my car and it just shuts off. I have read numerous complaints but there seems to be no recall already 1000.00 into fixing the car. Today it rained and my car has leaks all around the lights on the roof. Worse car ever. bought it brand new now I read about all these complaints around the same milage.I don’t have money to keep checking possible causes when Jeep knows this should be a recall. Pls look into this

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 15, 2026WA

On Tuesday April 14,2026 at 12 pm I was driving on a highway at 55 miles per hour.The vehicle completely shut off and decreased in speed to which I was able to steer off to the shoulder but had to maneuver for awhile to a space more ample since some areas were narrow.As I made attempts to start car 2x it would not but rather make sounds as if attempting to start to no avail.At that time a pedestrian passed by on bike riding along the shoulder.Luckily,the incident did not happen at same time biker was in proximate vicinity. As I got off to check car,I was cautious enough to check for cars, a semi truck was swerving and luckily straightened out in time.I checked under the hood to see for any obvious signs.I got back in car and attempted to start to which it did.Noticied engine light was on which is new and stayed on until safely got home.Before,a week or so,car did turn off at a traffic light to which it had no problem starting as I cranked it.

Engine
Filed Apr 9, 202696,121 milesGA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle violently jerked while the transmission was changing gear. Additionally, while starting the vehicle, the RPM revved to 1,500 RPM before the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the camshaft and crankshaft sensors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,121.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 4, 2026IL

Air bag light is on and I havent been in a accident or anything.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 24, 2026126,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted, and the contact drove to the residence; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 24, 2026126,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the road. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed crankshaft position sensor. The contact was informed that the crankshaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred several times. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 14, 2026CA

Vehicle acts like it wants to shut off. No warnings or check engine lights it just starts to shake and not let me accelerate. Auto shop looked at it and engine and transmission are ok. They look ed at it 6 times in 4 months and it just keeps happening. Now car is leaking oil and they can’t figure out where from, they replaced oil pan me anything relating to it so not sure what’s wrong. Also, clicking sound from air vent seems to be a electrical issue. Key is starting to bend from ignition shape also. We replaced the key multiple times. New brakes and new rotors but car screeches and sounds like brakes are old but they’re brand new. Car sounds like struggling when accelerators.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 3, 2026FL

Vehicle stalls when idle at stop signs or stop lights. When restarted while driving engine stops running. Idling is sporadic.

Engine
Filed Dec 21, 2025MI

Vehicle began not accelerating and then shut-off. Check engine light was not on, but it sputters. I put it in the shop and was told it's the engine and needs replacing.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 17, 2025FL

The driver headrest deployed without being in an accident. Took my vehicle to Phillips Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership on November 24, 2025 and the associate informed of the recalls/warranty I have. The invoice comment from the dealership "Performed inspection driver side front headrest has failed cannot replace due to part being discontinued." This results in driving a vehicle that is unsafe. I spoke with Chrysler hotline regarding the issue 12/2, 12/3, 12/8, 12/17 and was given a case # 94878288 which was closed without the problem being fixed/repaired. Just trying to get this issue resolved while the part is a recall and covered through the warranty.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 17, 2025VA

I continually have the same issue with this vehicle. It started only a couple of months after initial purchase and has happened various times since. Today was one of those days it occurred, the ABS system will turn on along with the traction control light in the middle of the freeway causing the vehicle to immediately slow down, I could not accelerate and was almost hit by the car behind me because of it. The last time this happened I was in a remote location and was stranded for about an hour with no signal to call anyone. When this happens the car does not turn immediately back on and you can hear it continuously cranking. This vehicle has been in and out of the repair shops and the Chrysler hall could not figure out what was wrong with it. It stopped doing it but now it started again. I notice that when this happens the car starts tugging while driving and will spin out when attempting to brake. It happens randomly and that is very scary and dangerous.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 27, 202590,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and traction control warning light were illuminated. In addition, the contact had to use force to steer the wheel. The contact was unable to coast to the side of the road during several failures. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that after resuming driving, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the crankshaft and camshaft sensors had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

20 of 458 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201759010Routine
2016 — this page458180Above average
2015314163Fatalities reported
2014548272Fatalities reported
2013120120Routine
2012354450Above average
2011326431Fatalities reported
2010136230Routine
2009191110Routine
2008185030Routine
200794010Routine
20023000Routine

Compare every Patriot year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 16, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.