JEEP Patriot
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2009–2018). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific JEEP Patriot? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Interpretation
High ConfidenceBelow AverageNHTSA complaint data for the Jeep Patriot (2009–2018) shows a high volume of reports, with the most complaints concentrated in the 2014 model year. The engine, power train, and electrical system are the most frequently cited components. While the data suggests potential issues in these areas, it does not confirm manufacturing defects.
- Engine complaints are the most numerous, with 759 reports across all years.
- The 2014 model year has the highest number of complaints (547), while 2018 has none.
- Air bags and seat belts also appear among the top complaint components.
- Electrical system issues are frequently reported, with 394 complaints.
- Power train problems are noted in 418 complaints.
- Vehicle speed control concerns appear in 227 complaints.
The 2014 model year has the highest complaint count (547), with engine and power train issues likely contributing. The 2016 model year also shows elevated complaints (449).
The 2018 model year has zero complaints, and 2017 has only 59, suggesting these later years may have fewer reported issues, though low sales could be a factor.
- Inspect the electrical system for any signs of malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and power train repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
16 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2009–2018. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 2,626 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
2,626 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
THE SECURITY SYSTEM MODULE MALFUNCTIONED AND SHUT DOWN THE CAR. THE GARAGE RESET THE MUDULE BUT IT KEEPS SHUTTING DOWN. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE CAR HAS TO BE RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE - ONLY THEY CAN FIX IT.
Driver headrest AHR has deployed without any accident or incident. Car is under 100,000 miles. Dealer advises there is no recall or extended warranty on this issue, however research shows other jeep vehicles manufactured at the same time with extended warranty. Safety now at risk as no repair for factory issue and headrest now pushes head out of alignment with the seat.
New pads, rotor, caliper, and wheel hub installed. After driving around 200 miles, approximately 10 days later, while applying the brakes, the rear wheel locked. This caused a roll over crash.
Because they have not sealed the screws on the interior side of the roof that hold the rails on top of the Jeep it now leaks since we have attached a kayak rack to those Jeep factory placed rails. Jeep is not willing to repair it and it requires tearing out the complete interior headliner to repair. After it rains the water sits in the door frame and leaks into the floor of the backseat causing molding issues (last good rain we got I ended up with an inch of water sitting in the back floorboard). It also collects in the front interior light fixture so when you drive and come to a stop there is water coming down all over the dashboard and the electrical/computer components of the dash. I called Jeep customer service and they won't repair it even though it is a VERY COMMON problem (per google search to try and see what the cause and repair entails, this is how I found out that the rail screws are the issue). Since it is a common problem and Jeep doesn't want to repair it and it is not only ruining my headliner and the carpet, but it also poses a risk when driving that it distracts as you try to sop it up as it's leaking from the light fixture as you drive and there's no other way to get it out without taking the whole inside of the Jeep apart.
Jeep cvr transmission started bucking and hesitating when driving. Having problems shifting when accelerating. Worried it would quit while driving. Had it serviced and no codes came up for transmission. Still has hesitation when driving. Mechanic said it was transmission. No warning lights came up on dash.
I am writing to formally express my deep concern and frustration regarding the persistent electrical issues with my 2017 Jeep Patriot, which I purchased in November 2018 with approximately 18,000 miles. Just two days after purchasing, I began experiencing electrical malfunctions. I returned to the selling dealership, who claimed they found no issue but performed a tune-up. Over the years, the problems persisted, and despite numerous visits to authorized dealerships, I was repeatedly given temporary repairs with no permanent resolution. Eventually, a recall was issued, but by that time, I was told the vehicle was no longer under warranty — despite the fact that I had reported the issue early and consistently. I have spent thousands of dollars trying to resolve these electrical faults, with no lasting fix. Most recently, I brought the vehicle to a trusted dealership who confirmed an electrical issue, but informed me the required part has been discontinued. I have also learned that many other Jeep Patriot owners have experienced similar electrical issues. Some have returned or sold their vehicles due to the same defects. This pattern suggests a systemic problem with this model, and it is unacceptable that a vehicle this recent is no longer serviceable due to lack of parts and ongoing defects. I have contacted Chrysler support multiple times, but I have received no meaningful resolution. At one point, I was told to use an aftermarket part, which carries no warranty and no guarantee of compatibility. This is not a safe or acceptable option for a manufacturer-supported vehicle. At this point, I am requesting the following: A full investigation into the recurring electrical issues on my vehicle; Chrysler’s support in covering the cost of repairs or offering an alternative solution (e.g., buyback, reimbursement, or replacement assistance); Written clarification on why this part has been discontinued and what Chrysler’s policy is on supporting vehicles in this situat
Active head restraint deployed when not in accident
This is an update to my claim report #11532893 filed on July 18th, 2023, Regarding the spontaneous deployment of the AHR injuring and startling me, believing I was being attacked from behind. I have undergone an ACDF c4-7 fusion, TBI diagnosis, and speech therapy treatments for cognitive speech impairment, Depression, PTSD and anxiety Chrysler stated to me that, in essence, there is virtually zero chance of harm from a random deployment of a defective AHR. I have learned that the FCA now admits there is oil contamination and that they began washing parts with alcohol in August of 2017 to rid the parts of potential contaminants. The dealership, upon inspection, stated they could order a new AHR, which could take months to receive and fix, but refused to replace the un deployed passenger AHR under warranty because it did not deploy. My wife nor I was instructed it would be unsafe to drive in front of the random activated AHR until it could be replaced leading us to believe it was safe fully extended and a logical question, why the needeployment?. When my wife drove me to doctor appointments pre- and post-ACDF recovery, the passenger AHR was tied down with 110# rated Paracord, and I sat with a pillow and the back down slightly, which I believe was not safe either; my neurosurgeon was shocked I had to sit in front of it. We opted not to replace the activated driver's side AHR, believing it's safer fully extended. I discovered fearful people making tutorials on how to remove the AHR's as well, not a safe alternative is tying with zip ties that could cause lacerations. That is why I opted for paracord. I noticed my wife driving, her head still about an inch from the extended AHR. I asked if it was comfortable, and she said yes; I thought of the crash test dummy head placements, far enough away the AHR doesn't even make contact when deploying so fast, I like the idea of catching, parachuting the head back. Is anyone asking common sense questions at NHTSA?
Was driving on highway about 70 mph and check engine light, red lightning bolt symbol, and traction control lights all came on wasn't able to accelerate and vehicle wouldn't go above 30 mph. It's been in and out of dealerships since May and is still not fixed with no explanation why it's doing it . I have 1000 miles until my warranty is up . Could anyone take a look at this !
The contact owned a 2017 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while in stopped traffic, a pickup truck rear-ended and the air bags failed to deploy. The adult son sustained injuries that required spinal surgery. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed total by the insurance company. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,646.
Exhaust manifold crack causing fumes into cabin. Had a local shop diagnose the problem
Repeated issues with the car refusing to increase in speed while driving and it feeling as though it’s the throttle body control however with the check engine light on it was scanned and found it was the computer. It is a known safety issue that the computer has a glitch that causes the car to have acceleration issues then the light for the throttle body control and check engine light to come on. This has occurred while driving on the highway which is exceedingly dangerous due to the speeds of 60-70 mph. The date below is the fourth time this has happened and it was on the freeway at 60-65mph. Previous times were at 50 and 70.
The head rest in the passenger seat basically popped open when we were driving. My fiancé said her head and neck hurt bad after that instance.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several attempts were needed before the vehicle would start. The contact stated that while accelerating, the transmission was slipping. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. There was a warning light indicating that the vehicle needed to be serviced. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the throttle body had failed due to an air intake failure. The contact was informed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the failure recurred and became persistent. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Had throttle body cleaned 300$ in Jan 2023. Having throttle body replaced Oct 4 2023. Mechanic states an extra part is required due to redesign. Found a general recall on line dated June 2023. I had not been notified.. costing me a few dollars under a $1000 to repair. Car almost died 3x from no power trying to go home.
Before this drivers headrest exploded on me striking my neck I was already totally disabled with known cervical issues from congenital spinal stenosis. I've had 3 disk diaections and cage pedicle screws fixation of L4 L5 S1. Previous to this exploding headrest injury I was attempting to get off social security obtaining online Google certifications. Friday the 7th of July not long after dark my wife and I going to town for food. My wife already got in passenger seat of our 2017 jeep patriot she bought new, no rear end collisions. As soon as I got in driver's seat and in motion of shutting door as soon as it shut boom striking me in back of neck head, first thought is an attacker was hiding behind me and hit me in head with log. I thought I was going to be killed or knocked out and my wife attacked next. I twisted around to fight but nobody there, next thought I was shot and wife shot as she was screaming what's going on. I was holding my head my neck and got out of jeep, opened back door and seen the headrest, it looked not so menacing. My wife feared I sufferd a cuncission I wasn't acting normal and agreed to go if paramedics suggest I do. Firemen examined the headrest and medica said they don't advise if someone should or shouldn't go. A fireman said the headrest is padded and concussions come from hard surfaces. I refused and seen a chiropractor who could fit me in next day as I was really sore, flared up my lower back as well. Speech was difficult and stumbling on words. The chiropractor said he wouldn't touch my neck without an MRI and stated he believes I have a cuncission. He sked why I didn't go to ER and told him what the fireman said. He said boxing its illigal to punch to back of head and boxing gloves are padded. At home after chiropractor who couldn't do much and didn't mess with my neck because he was afraid to I called ambulance again, I was diagnosed at hospital ER with cuncission, sciatica R side hip down leg. Hearing issues and speech
When starting out from home the other day and several other occasions, the transmission has been jerking while shifting gears, its automatic and has around 43000 miles on it, have owned it for two years bought it from car dealer with extended warranty. Have not been able to get it checked yet but wil soon. The transmission has been shifting weird for some time now, it really whines when climbing hills, or traveling on the highways. It shifts gears when going slightly uphill and the engine revs up to 3000 rpms until car levels off or starts downgrade before shifting back to overdrive. Also has leak from sunroof after it rains and it leaks down thru interior lights onto radio.
Car continues to overheat and shut down. This issue has happened on multiple occasions in normal traffic. This is the 3rd or 4th time in the last 3 months.
CVT Tansmission went out with only 120,000 miles resulting in a costly transmission replacement
Vehicle position in drive waiting for for a Walmart customer to vacate parking spot when I tried to proceed into the parking spot the car just stopped,tried to restart after putting the truck in park, when the key was turned to start, nothing...hazard lights would not come, could not move the shift into neutral to push to safe location, passenger door and backdoors would not unlock, truck would not open, everything just locked making the car not movable at all...is there a reason for the truck to have just stop.
Showing 20 of 2,626 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific JEEP Patriot
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The JEEP Patriot has 2,626 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The JEEP Patriot has 16 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 123 of the JEEP Patriot's 2,626 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all JEEP Patriot vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two JEEP Patriot vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The JEEP Patriot has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.