Best & Worst Jeep Patriot Years | Years To Avoid

The following are five Jeep Patriot years to avoid. Knowing which Jeeps to avoid (and why) can help you feel confident in your used Jeep shopping experience.

The Jeep Wrangler is a highly recognizable vehicle that has become an icon of Jeep’s brand. There were some successful models that weren’t in Jeep’s lineup, such as the Jeep Patriot, which was withdrawn from production.

Here Are The Jeep Patriot Years To Avoid

Patriot SUV sales failed to meet Jeep’s expectations, despite its popularity. It was therefore necessary to discontinue the Patriot. Buying a Jeep Patriot used is the only way to get one.

Listed below are the most dangerous Jeep Patriot years and models to avoid.


Which Jeep Patriot Years to Avoid?

There are only 11 iterations of Patriots available used, so you must be very selective. Below is a list of Jeep Patriot years to avoid:

  • 2008 Jeep Patriot
  • 2009 Jeep Patriot
  • 2011 Jeep Patriot
  • 2012 Jeep Patriot
  • 2015 Jeep Patriot

2008 Jeep Patriot

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Jeep’s second Patriot attempt. A total of 436 NHTSA complaints were filed about the Patriot in 2008. Leaky sunroofs and transmission issues were among the complaints.

2008 Jeep Patriot

One of the most common complaints about the Patriot is that its sunroof leaks. Water has been reported to leak from the Patriot’s sunroof numerous times. There have been instances in which leaks have penetrated the dash and radio, causing the headlights to be shorted. Rainstorms have even prevented owners from driving their vehicles in some cases.

It is also important to check for transmission failures on the 2008 Patriot. It has been reported that some Jeep owners have had their transmissions fail after around 100k miles.

2009 Jeep Patriot

Jeep Patriots have been problematic for two years in a row. According to the NHTSA, 382 complaints have been filed and one Jeep Patriot has been recalled.

2009 Jeep Patriot

There are complaints from owners this time around about loud whining noises from the transmission. Jeep owners have reported high-pitched noises coming from their transmission during slow deceleration. Warranty coverage includes transmission replacements. Failure to comply will result in a $2,730 repair bill.

As with the 2008 Patriot, the 2009 Patriot has a leaky sunroof. Mold and electrical problems will develop as a result of the water leaks.

2011 Jeep Patriot

Jeep Patriot models from 2011 are among the worst to avoid. Again, overheating transmissions and water leaks make an unwelcome appearance.

2011 Jeep Patriot

One of the main problems with the 2011 Patriot is its transmission overheating. Before the temperature light illuminates on the transmission, owners often notice a whining noise around 70k miles. There seems to be a problem with CVT transmissions in particular.

It’s the leaky sunroof again on the 2011 Patriot. Radios or dome lights could also be damaged by a water leak.

2012 Jeep Patriot

A significant improvement in performance was seen in the Jeep Patriot the following year. Shoppers should, however, keep in mind that the vehicle still has plenty of reliability concerns.

2012 Jeep Patriot

The 2012 Patriot’s CVT transmission has a problem. Many consumers have reported whining noises, difficulty accelerating, and warnings of overheating as symptoms of this problem. Repairs cost an average of $3,940, which isn’t cheap. CVT transmissions on Patriots are also prone to this problem.

There are also faulty integrated power modules in the 2012 Patriot in addition to faulty TIPMs. The TIPM can cause many problems, including faulty power windows, non-working blinkers, and turning the headlights on and off. The cost of replacing a TIPM is typically $900.

2015 Jeep Patriot

Jeep Patriot model year 2015 earns the disreputable distinction of being the worst. Water leaks and TIPM failure are some of the problems associated with a new engine that stalls.

2015 Jeep Patriot

The 2015 Patriot’s stalling engine is the most common complaint. In some reports, the engine stalled in the middle of driving, unwarned and without any check engine light on. Highways and freeways are obviously high-risk areas, especially at night.

At this stage, leaks into the interior are almost inevitable. It is believed that it was a design flaw since there are no recalls.

2016 Jeep Patriot

While the 2016 Jeep Patriot is not the most problematic SUV on the market, it deserves a place on this list regardless of its problems. There are three major problems reported by CarComplaints with these models: water leaks, slow acceleration, and squeaky brakes. In spite of the fact that these problems aren’t as serious as the ones listed above, many complainers find them quite annoying.

2016 Jeep Patriot

The 2016 Patriot also suffers from premature CVT transmission failures, as do many Patriot models. It is reported that several people have heard whining noises, heard overheat warnings, and experienced difficulties accelerating. 

On certain trim levels, an automatic transmission is available in addition to the five-speed manual transmission. You only need to worry about the CVT if you choose the Freedom Drive II off-road package.


Common Jeep Patriot Problems

According to RepairPal, the Jeep Patriot has a Reliability Rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. The Jeep Patriot ranks 15th out of 26 compact SUVs. Despite its above-average reliability rating, the Patriot had a few glaring flaws, including:

Common Jeep Patriot Problems
  • Premature CVT failure – The Patriot’s CVT is susceptible to premature failure. The vehicle’s acceleration was difficult, there were overheating warnings, and a whining noise was reported by many drivers. Patriot’s CVT was criticized by customers.
  • Water leaking into the cabin – Patriots are notorious for leaky cabins. The sunroof and dome light have been reported to be leaking. A result of this is a higher likelihood of electrical issues and mold growth.
  • Stalling engine – The Patriot lineup is plagued by this problem. There have been several reports of the engine stalling after about 30k miles. In most cases, the ABS module or crankshaft sensor needs to be replaced. You may have to pay up to $660 for this.
  • Rough manual shifting – From 2007 to 2010, Patriots with manual transmissions experienced rough shifting, but not as much as those with CVTs. The vibrations and grinding sounds are heard whenever the owner shifts into third gear. Some found it difficult to shift into first or second gears. As a solution, transmission synchronizer rings are supposed to be replaced.

Which Jeep Patriot Years are Safe to Buy Used?

Now that we’ve covered the Jeep Patriot years to avoid, let’s make a list of the Jeep Patriot years to avoid.

2007 Jeep Patriot

In spite of its limited market niche, the Jeep Patriot 2007 is able to carve out a place for itself in the market. 2007 Patriot makes a great used option for those seeking an older model with decent off-road capabilities at a low base price. Control arm failures and stalling are some of its reliability issues. Even so, they aren’t as problematic as the previous years.

2007 Jeep Patriot

2017 Jeep Patriot

The last Jeep Patriot model before it was discontinued was one of the best years for Jeep Patriots. There are a lot of positives about Jeep’s 2017 lineup, including its robust features, high reliability rating (76 J.D. Power consumer score), and decent safety rating.

2017 Jeep Patriot

Sunroof leaks are one of the more common reliability issues, but they are not as severe.


Are Jeep Patriots Generally Reliable?

When it comes to car buying, choosing a reliable brand will save you money and ensure a long lifespan. Regardless of the year, the Patriot will not be reliable. Reviewing Jeep Patriot reviews will help us figure out how reliable it is.

The Jeep Patriot does not score well when it comes to reliability. The Jeep Patriot is rated 40 on withclutch.com, which means it is not a very reliable vehicle. Jeeps have the lowest reliability rating across the board. 

It is also a good idea to get a second opinion about the reliability of a vehicle. According to repairpal.com, the Jeep Patriot tops the list among subcompact vehicles with a score of 45 out of 26. Even though it isn’t the worst, it’s not the best either.

Jeep Patriot’s annual repair cost is $596, which is higher than other subcompact cars. There is a 12% greater chance that an unexpected repair will be severe than the average for similar cars – 1% more likely.

In the same way as subcompact cars, Jeep Patriot owners report visiting the mechanic an average of three times per year. A better choice is available, but the Jeep Patriot isn’t one of them.


Is The Jeep Patriot Worth It?

Jeep Patriots are available for sale used, but they aren’t the most reliable. If you want the most out of your investment, you should choose another subcompact.

If you’re planning to invest in a Jeep Patriot, choose one of the most reliable models. Your investment will be maximized if you follow these guidelines.


Frequently Asked Questions: Jeep Patriot Years to Avoid

Which Jeep Patriot years are most problematic?

According to the guide, Jeep Patriot models produced in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2015 were problematic. There are known leaks in the sunroofs, transmission failures, and electrical system problems with these models.

Should I avoid buying a used Jeep Patriot?

I don’t think so. Various Jeep Patriot models have been known for their reliability, but others have been known for their problems. If you plan to buy a used Jeep Patriot, do your research and obtain a pre-purchase inspection.

How much does repairing a leaking sunroof in a Jeep Patriot cost?

Repairing a leaking sunroof on a Jeep Patriot can be expensive depending on how severe the leak is and the model year. A few hundred to over a thousand dollars is usually the cost of repairs, however.

What are some alternatives to the Jeep Patriot?

When it comes to small SUVs that are reliable, there are several options to choose from. Some of the most popular models are the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester.

Are Jeep Patriots typically reliable?

From 2007 to 2017, Jeep’s budget models were Patriot and Compass. It has a reputation for having poor build quality. Electrical problems and transmission problems can also be found in some model years. If you are shopping for a Jeep Patriot, you might want to avoid certain years.  After considering any vehicle, it is recommended to have it inspected by a mechanic.

How much does a used Jeep Patriot typically cost?

Newer Jeep Patriots with fewer miles can cost as much as $18,000, while older models with more miles start at $3,000. In spite of the fact that Jeep crossovers are not the most robust vehicles ever produced, they remain popular. A 2015 Jeep Patriot sells for an average of $12,897, according to CoPilot Price Pulse. The price would be 28% higher under inflated market conditions.

 Is the Jeep Patriot a good car to purchase?

A Jeep entry-level model was launched with the Patriot and Compass. The Dodge Caliber and other Chrysler vehicles share parts. Despite displaying a “Trail-Rated” badge, this is not your typical rugged Jeep. A Patriot is more like a suburban crossover than a backwoods SUV. It may be appropriate for you to purchase the Patriot if this application suits your needs and you have researched what model years to avoid. 


Conclusion

The Jeep Patriot is stylish and drives well, but it isn’t always reliable. If you enjoy driving Jeeps, it will be more expensive over time.

It was a pleasure to share this information with you! Among so many used Jeep options available on the market, our information should help you narrow down your choices. There is a good reason why Jeeps are so popular.

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