2016 Jeep Wrangler
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 2dr SUV 4WD Rubicon, 2dr SUV 4WD Sahara, 2dr SUV 4WD Sport/Willys Wheeler, Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Rubicon
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 17 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 152.8–173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,785–4,341 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 22% below the 2016 small SUV average of 23 MPG.
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 27.9% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Jeep Wrangler is a small SUV offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 153 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 95-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,129 lb (2dr SUV 4WD Rubicon).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (17 city / 21 highway), 22% worse than the 2016 small SUV average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 462 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Wrangler — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Wrangler →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Toledo, Ohio
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Wrangler configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr SUV 4WD Rubicon | 152.8 in | 73.6 in | 72.4 in | 95.3 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 4,129 lb | 50/50 |
| 2dr SUV 4WD Sahara | 152.8 in | 73.6 in | 72.4 in | 95.3 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,975 lb | 50/50 |
| 2dr SUV 4WD Sport/Willys Wheeler | 152.8 in | 73.6 in | 72.4 in | 95.3 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,785 lb | 50/50 |
| Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Rubicon | 173.2 in | 74 in | 70.9 in | 116.1 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 4,341 lb | 50/50 |
| Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Sahara | 173.2 in | 74 in | 70.9 in | 116.1 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 4,295 lb | 50/50 |
| Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Sport/Willys Wheeler | 173.2 in | 74 in | 70.9 in | 116.1 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 4,101 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrangler 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 18 | -22% | $3,700 | 481 |
| Wrangler 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 18 | -22% | $3,700 | 481 |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 20 / 18 | -22% | $3,700 | 504 |
| Wrangler Unlimited 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -22% | $3,700 | 502 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Jeep Wrangler 4DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 27.9% |
| 2016 Jeep Wrangler 2DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | –★ / –★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 27.9% |
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Jeep Wrangler (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Subaru Crosstrek | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2016 BYD e6 | 187 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette · Mar 14, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V196000 · 1,831 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage · Sep 26, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V680000 · 11,463 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 15, 2019 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 19V018000 · 1,413,222 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 injury or death.
- 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 recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Oct 13, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V734000 · 182,743 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 (ORC).
- 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 customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S76.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 11, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V288000 · 7,196 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S40.
Not every 2016 Jeep Wrangler is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Jeep Wrangler buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Service Brakes — 120 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 88 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 76 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Wrangler years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Wrangler | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Wrangler | 21 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2025 Wrangler | 21 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 82 |
| 2024 Wrangler | 21 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 14 | 966 |
| 2023 Wrangler | 25 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 16 | 377 |
| 2022 Wrangler | 25 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 16 | 412 |
| 2021 Wrangler | 25 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 17 | 962 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 25 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 13 | 618 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 24 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 9 | 746 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 24 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 14 | 1,827 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 18 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 5 | 312 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 18 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 478 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →