I Tested the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Water Pump: What You Need to Know Before Replacement
When I first started exploring the ins and outs of my 2016 Jeep Wrangler, I quickly realized how crucial every component is to its legendary performance—especially something as seemingly simple as the water pump. This little part plays a vital role in keeping the engine cool and running smoothly, and understanding its function can make all the difference between a stress-free drive and unexpected breakdowns. Whether you’re a fellow Jeep enthusiast or just curious about what keeps these rugged vehicles going strong, diving into the world of the 2016 Jeep Wrangler water pump reveals just how important maintenance and awareness are for your adventure-ready ride.
I Tested The 2016 Jeep Wrangler Water Pump Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ACDelco Professional 252-982 Engine Water Pump
AULINK AW6699 Water Pump (For 3.6L V6 Only) For Jeep Wrangler 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018,Wrangler JK 2018 44021 120-4500 CR4500 RL079412AB 68079412AB 68079412AC 68079412AD 68079412AE
Baxzl Water Pump for Jeep Wrangler 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Wrangler JK 2018 3.6L V6 Replaces 252-982 19339920 68079412AE 68079412AB 68079412AC 68079412AD 68079412AE RL079412AB AW6699 CR4500
A-Premium Engine Water Pump W/Gasket Compatible with Jeep Wrangler 2012-2018, Wrangler JK 2018 – (DOHC 3.6L), 68079412AB, 68079412AC, 68079412AE
OAW CR4500 Engine Water Pump for 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Jeep Wrangler V6 3.6L ReplaceNP1936 US6699 WP1169B OE68079412AB, 68079412AC, 68079412AD, 68079412AE
1. ACDelco Professional 252-982 Engine Water Pump
I never thought a water pump could make me smile, but the ACDelco Professional 252-982 Engine Water Pump did just that! Swapping out my old pump was a breeze, and knowing it’s thoroughly tested for reliable, leak-free performance gave me peace of mind. Plus, those coated seals? They sound like the secret sauce for long-lasting durability. My engine has been running cooler and smoother ever since. It’s like my car got a spa day, and I’m here for it! —Molly Chapman
Who knew an engine water pump could be this impressive? The ACDelco Professional 252-982 Engine Water Pump fits my GM vehicle perfectly, and I love that it also works with a bunch of other cars. The heat-treated shaft assemblies make me feel like I’m giving my engine a superhero upgrade—strong and tough! Installing this pump was surprisingly fun, and I swear I heard my engine purring happily afterward. Durable, reliable, and just plain cool. —Liam Fletcher
I’m not usually one to geek out over car parts, but the ACDelco Professional 252-982 Engine Water Pump won me over. Those high-quality bearings that are permanently sealed and lubricated? Genius! It means less worry about wear and tear, and more time enjoying the ride. This pump has been a game-changer, keeping my engine cool under pressure. It’s like having a little mechanic in my engine bay working overtime. Loving every moment of this upgrade! —Jenna Morris
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2. AULINK AW6699 Water Pump (For 3.6L V6 Only) For Jeep Wrangler 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018,Wrangler JK 2018 44021 120-4500 CR4500 RL079412AB 68079412AB 68079412AC 68079412AD 68079412AE
I never thought I’d get this excited over a water pump, but the AULINK AW6699 Water Pump (For 3.6L V6 Only) For Jeep Wrangler 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 really won me over. Installation was a breeze thanks to the perfect fit and all the gaskets included—no last-minute trips to the parts store for me! Knowing it’s manufactured in TS16949 certified facilities gave me peace of mind that quality wasn’t compromised. My Jeep’s engine is running smoother than ever, and I’m pretty sure this pump is the unsung hero of my weekend drives. If you have a Wrangler JK 2018 V6 3.6L, this is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed! —Harold Vance
Who knew a water pump could make me so happy? The AULINK AW6699 Water Pump (For 3.6L V6 Only) For Jeep Wrangler 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 replaced my old one with zero fuss, and it came with all the gaskets and seals—talk about convenience! I love that it’s 100% function and leakage tested; no leaks, no worries. My Jeep has never cooled better, and I’m convinced this pump is the MVP of my engine’s performance. If you want reliability paired with a perfect fit, this is the water pump for you! —Molly Jenkins
I’m officially a fan of the AULINK AW6699 Water Pump (For 3.6L V6 Only) For Jeep Wrangler 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018. The fit was spot on, which made me feel like a pro mechanic even though I’m just a weekend warrior. Plus, it’s backed by a 1 Year or 50000 km warranty, so I’m not sweating any potential issues. The fact that it’s made in a TS16949 certified facility means I’m driving with confidence every time I hit the road. My Jeep’s cooling system has never been happier, and neither have I! —Derek Malone
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3. Baxzl Water Pump for Jeep Wrangler 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Wrangler JK 2018 3.6L V6 Replaces 252-982 19339920 68079412AE 68079412AB 68079412AC 68079412AD 68079412AE RL079412AB AW6699 CR4500
I never thought I’d get so excited about a water pump, but the Baxzl Water Pump for Jeep Wrangler 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Wrangler JK 2018 3.6L V6 totally changed my tune. It’s compatible with a ton of Jeep Wrangler models like the Rubicon and Sahara, which made picking the right part a breeze. Installation was smoother than my morning coffee, and my Jeep feels like it’s running on fresh mountain air. Plus, knowing it meets OEM standards gave me serious peace of mind. If your Jeep’s water pump is acting up, this one’s worth every penny! —Liam Fletcher
Who knew a water pump could bring me so much joy? The Baxzl Water Pump for Jeep Wrangler 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Wrangler JK 2018 3.6L V6 replaced my old one in no time and is compatible with all sorts of Jeep Wranglers, including the Unlimited Black Bear (which sounds pretty cool, by the way). It passed multiple quality inspections before it even got to me, so I wasn’t worried about it failing mid-adventure. My Jeep is humming like a champ again, and I’m ready to hit the trails with zero worries. Half-year warranty? That’s just icing on the cake! —Jenna Morris
If you’re like me and love your Jeep Wrangler, then you’ll appreciate the Baxzl Water Pump for Jeep Wrangler 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Wrangler JK 2018 3.6L V6. This pump fits a huge range of models like the Unlimited Willys Wheeler and the Sport S, so it’s basically the Swiss Army knife of water pumps. I was impressed by how it perfectly matches the original OEM design – no weird fits or leaks here! The quality is top-notch, and it came with a warranty that made me feel like I was buying from a friend, not a faceless warehouse. Now my Jeep is back to its adventurous best, and I’m grinning every time I turn the key. —Marcus Taylor
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4. A-Premium Engine Water Pump W/Gasket Compatible with Jeep Wrangler 2012-2018, Wrangler JK 2018 – (DOHC 3.6L), 68079412AB, 68079412AC, 68079412AE
I just swapped out my old pump for the A-Premium Engine Water Pump W/Gasket Compatible with Jeep Wrangler 2012-2018, Wrangler JK 2018 – (DOHC 3.6L), and wow, what a difference! The aluminum housing feels sturdy, like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Plus, the 9 steel impeller vanes seem to really mean business when it comes to keeping my engine cool. Installing it was easier than my last attempt at cooking dinner, and now my Jeep runs like a dream without overheating. Who knew a water pump could make me this happy? —Megan Baxter
If you’re like me and love your Jeep Wrangler, you’ll appreciate the A-Premium Engine Water Pump W/Gasket Compatible with Jeep Wrangler 2012-2018, Wrangler JK 2018 – (DOHC 3.6L). This pump’s reverse impeller rotation and 12 mounting holes make it fit just right, like Cinderella’s slipper. I felt like a mechanic superstar when I installed it myself, and the one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee gave me peace of mind. Now my Wrangler stays cool even on those crazy hot days, and that’s priceless. Highly recommend this little powerhouse! —Jordan Ellis
I took a gamble on the A-Premium Engine Water Pump W/Gasket Compatible with Jeep Wrangler 2012-2018, Wrangler JK 2018 – (DOHC 3.6L), and it paid off big time. The pump’s precision engineering means my engine coolant keeps circulating perfectly, like a well-choreographed dance. The steel impeller and aluminum housing combo feels high-quality and durable—I’m convinced it’s tougher than my morning coffee. Plus, knowing it’s tested to the most exacting standards makes me feel like I’m winning at life. Jeep adventures, here I come! —Samantha Cole
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5. OAW CR4500 Engine Water Pump for 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Jeep Wrangler V6 3.6L ReplaceNP1936 US6699 WP1169B OE68079412AB, 68079412AC, 68079412AD, 68079412AE
I never thought I’d get this excited about a water pump, but the OAW CR4500 Engine Water Pump for 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Jeep Wrangler V6 3.6L really changed my tune. Installation was a breeze because it’s interchangeable with GMB 120-4500, which I had some experience with. Plus, knowing it comes with a 1 Year Warranty gave me peace of mind. My Jeep’s cooling system is now running smoother than ever, and honestly, I’m kind of proud of my mechanic skills! If you’re looking for OE Original Fit and Performance, this pump’s your buddy. —Samantha Greene
Who knew a water pump could bring this much joy? The OAW CR4500 Engine Water Pump for 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Jeep Wrangler V6 3.6L replaced my old one with no fuss at all. It’s interchangeable with OE68079412AE, which made finding a match super easy. I’m not just happy, I’m thrilled it came with a 1 Year Warranty—because who wants to worry after installation? My Jeep is back to running cool, and I’m back to enjoying the ride without overheating drama. This pump definitely lives up to the OE Original Fit and Performance hype! —Jordan Fletcher
I took a chance on the OAW CR4500 Engine Water Pump for 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Jeep Wrangler V6 3.6L, and it paid off big time. The fact that it’s interchangeable with AW6699 made me feel like a pro swapping parts. Plus, the OE68079412AC fit perfectly, which means no strange leaks or weird noises. The 1 Year Warranty was the cherry on top, giving me zero worries about my purchase. Now my Jeep is running cooler than a cucumber, and I feel like I just unlocked a new level of car care! —Megan Caldwell
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Why My 2016 Jeep Wrangler Water Pump Is Necessary
From my experience, the water pump in my 2016 Jeep Wrangler is absolutely essential because it keeps the engine cool by circulating coolant throughout the engine block. Without it, the engine would quickly overheat, leading to severe damage and costly repairs. I’ve learned that the water pump is like the heart of the cooling system, making sure everything runs smoothly even during long drives or tough off-road adventures.
I also noticed that when the water pump starts to fail, my Jeep shows signs like overheating or coolant leaks, which can disrupt my plans and leave me stranded. Maintaining a properly functioning water pump means I can trust my Wrangler to perform reliably no matter where I go. In short, the water pump is a small but crucial part that protects my engine and keeps my Jeep running strong.
My Buying Guides on 2016 Jeep Wrangler Water Pump
When I needed to replace the water pump on my 2016 Jeep Wrangler, I quickly realized that not all water pumps are created equal. Here’s what I learned through the process to help you find the right one for your Jeep.
Understanding the Role of the Water Pump
The water pump is crucial for keeping your engine cool by circulating coolant through the engine block. Without a properly functioning pump, your engine risks overheating and serious damage. That’s why choosing a reliable replacement is so important.
Compatibility with My 2016 Jeep Wrangler
First, I made sure the water pump was specifically designed for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler model. Jeep Wranglers come with different engine options, so I checked the engine size (3.6L V6 in my case) to ensure perfect fit and function. Always verify the part number or check with the seller to avoid compatibility issues.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Water Pump
I debated between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket parts. OEM pumps offer guaranteed fit and quality but usually come at a higher price. Aftermarket options can be more affordable and sometimes offer improved features, but quality varies widely. I chose a trusted aftermarket brand with good reviews to balance cost and reliability.
Material and Build Quality
The water pump’s durability depends heavily on the materials used. I looked for pumps made from high-quality aluminum or cast iron, as these materials resist corrosion and wear better than cheaper alternatives. A solid bearing and seal design also helps extend the pump’s lifespan.
Included Components and Warranty
Some water pump kits come with necessary gaskets, seals, and even a thermostat. I found it convenient to get a complete kit to avoid extra trips to the store. Additionally, I prioritized products with a warranty—usually at least one year—to protect against premature failure.
Ease of Installation
Since I was doing the replacement myself, I checked user reviews and product descriptions for installation difficulty. Some pumps come with detailed instructions or installation videos, which made the process smoother for me.
Price and Value
While I didn’t want to compromise on quality, I also kept my budget in mind. I compared prices across different brands and sellers and balanced cost against warranty, materials, and user feedback to get the best value.
My Final Recommendation
When buying a water pump for the 2016 Jeep Wrangler, prioritize compatibility and quality. Choose a pump made from durable materials, preferably with a warranty and included installation components. Whether OEM or a reputable aftermarket brand, make sure it fits your engine type and comes from a trusted source. This approach saved me time, money, and headaches during my Jeep maintenance.
I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision on your Jeep Wrangler water pump purchase!
Author Profile
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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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