Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Jeep Patriot
The 2016 Jeep Patriot has notable owner complaints, particularly with the engine and electrical system. There is one recall related to engine stalling due to faulty sensors. Overall, evidence points to frequent issues, but more severe problems may be rare. Test thoroughly and ask comprehensive questions, especially concerning engine reliability.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Jeep Patriot has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 459 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #16V907000 Crankshaft Sensor May Fail Causing Engine Stall NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 224 complaints
- Electrical System 99 complaints
- Unknown or Other 75 complaints
- Power Train 74 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 49 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 41 complaints
Of the 459 complaints on file, 24 report a crash and 8 a fire; across all 459 complaints, owners report 19 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Possible stalling
How to check: Verify recall completion and test for stalling.
Intermittent failures
How to check: Examine dashboard for warning lights or malfunctions.
Sensor failures
How to check: Check if camshaft/crankshaft sensors are replaced.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for uneven idling or stalling.
Red flag: Engine stalls or runs rough.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights.
- 03
Acceleration up to 30 mph
What to check: Monitor for hesitation or surging.
Red flag: Hesitation or lack of power.
- 04
Steady cruising
What to check: Feel for vibrations or swaying.
Red flag: Unusual vibrations or swaying.
- 05
Hard braking
What to check: Notice for any instability or noise.
Red flag: Instability or grinding noises.
- 06
Park and engine off
What to check: Check for electrical resets or failures.
Red flag: Systems reset or fail to power off.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine recall been addressed?
- Have camshaft or crankshaft sensors been replaced?
- Any ongoing electrical issues?
- Do warning lights often appear?
- Has the vehicle ever stalled?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Service and maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Previous owner details
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Jeep Patriot at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 Jeep Patriot? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.