It sounds like your vehicle is not qualified property for section 179, which is why the maximum deduction would be $3,160. Limitations apply to automobiles regardless which you can read more about at the IRS publication below.
The most common reason for this would be if you purchased a used vehicle. Section 179 is only for brand new property. Additionally for listed property (vehicle), you must have used it more for business than personal.
See passenger automobile limits: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p946/ch05.html#en_US_2016_publink1000107705