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⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: May 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2013 Jeep Patriot: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2013 Jeep Patriot? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 120 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.

120
Complaints
5
Crashes
2
Fires
5
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
1
Recalls

2013 Jeep Patriot Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2013 Jeep Patriot trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

22
MPG City
20–23 range
27
MPG Hwy
23–30 range
24
MPG Combined
21–25 range
368
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $2,000 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.

2013 Jeep Patriot Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2013 Jeep Patriot SUV 4WD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

4/5

21.9% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

3/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

3/5

21.9% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Jeep Patriot has 120 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2013 Jeep Patriot β€” key reliability facts
Make
Jeep
Model
Patriot
Model year
2013
NHTSA owner complaints
120
Crash-related complaints
5
Safety recall campaigns
1
Top reported component
Airbag Malfunctions
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
24
EPA MPG city / highway
22 / 27
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
3/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
3/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Most Common 2013 Jeep Patriot Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
33
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:5
Injuries:5
#2
27
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1
#3
23
complaints

Seat Belt Issues

Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Seat Belt Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2013 Jeep Patriot?

The 2013 Jeep Patriot shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Jeep Patriot

Inspection Focus

  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
  • Request service records for airbag, engine, and seat belt repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's airbag system and engine before purchase.
  • Check for any transmission or drivetrain issues during test drive.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
  • Request service records for airbag, engine, and seat belt repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's airbag system and engine before purchase.
  • Check for any transmission or drivetrain issues during test drive.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2013 Jeep Patriot, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

What the Complaint Data Suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2013 Jeep Patriot are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, engine problems, and seat belt issues. The data suggests potential concerns with safety restraint systems and powertrain reliability, though the confidence level is low due to limited sample size.

Key Findings
  • Airbag malfunctions account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
  • Engine problems and seat belt issues are also frequently reported.
  • Only one recall has been issued for this model year.
Top Concerns
  • Airbag Malfunctions
  • Engine Problems
  • Seat Belt Issues
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The low confidence level indicates that the data may not be representative of the entire vehicle population. Only one model year was analyzed, limiting year-over-year comparisons.

All 2013 Jeep Patriot Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Jeep Patriot. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions335β€”β€”
Engine Problems271β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues23β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain19β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues13β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults11β€”1β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)8β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System7β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration71β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues5β€”β€”β€”
Brake System5β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems4β€”1β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures4β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects3β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System2β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper2β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Real Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Jeep Patriot. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 120 most recent complaints

Uncategorized IssuesSep 29, 2025

When driving down the road the car just shuts off and it’s dangerous especially in busy areas it happens 6 times a day.

Uncategorized IssuesSep 18, 2025

Passenger headrest deployed open even though there was no collision

Seat-Related IssuesJul 21, 2025

The passenger headrest AHR has deployed a couple years ago while parked. I tried working with the dealer for the past year to get it fixed under a recall. The dealer said it was covered for a limited time but no longer is covered. I do not understand why that is. It seems this sh…

Airbag MalfunctionsNov 22, 2024

Drivers side headrest deployed while I was driving.

Uncategorized IssuesOct 19, 2024

Drivers side head restraint deployed while driving without any viable cause or reason

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local d…

Suspension FailuresSep 26, 2023

The rear sub frame suddenly broke (rusted out) There was a known recall for 2008-2012 Jeep Patriot's, but not 2013 [XXX] I have Photos, but the form wouldn't let me upload them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 11, 2023

Transmission overheat warning , Engine loses power and slows to around 30MPH Poses risk to myself and others on highway because can not accelerate to get out of traffic Has not been confirmed by dealer Has been inspected by mechanic The hot transmission warning light comes on.T…

Engine ProblemsMay 3, 2022

Cat converter below threshold bank 1 check engine light code read on obd2. Loss of power and acceleration, sluggish and unable to drive at highway speeds. Poor shifting and temperature ran higher then usual.

Fuel SystemFeb 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the vehicle would only allow the tank to be half full before shutting off the pump. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the r…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 21, 2022

The CVT fluid filler tube broke where the braket is, about 12 inches broke off. Dont know how long its been broken, I found it when I was changing the Electronic Throttle Body. This has happened to a lot of autos in the Chrysler family. Go to any Chrysler auto forum, I guarantee …

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 15, 2022

The CVT transmission is failing before 60k miles and overheating during normal driving conditions. There were 2 prior owners before me and no vehicle history as to why it was traded into a dealer. No matter what I do the transmission heats rapidly and can only dissipate the heat …

Uncategorized IssuesDec 29, 2020

I CAN NOT FILL THE GAS TANK VERY FAST WITH OUT THE PUMP SHUTTING OFF CHANGED ALL OTHER GAS FILTERS THE PROBLEM I'VE BEEN TOLD IS A FAULTY ROLL OVER VALVE INSIDE THE GAS TANK I'VE BEEN TOLD ITS COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE AND MAYBE YOU COULD OPEN AN INVESTIGATION TO FIX THE PROBL…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresOct 30, 2020

FOR THE PAST 3-4 YEARS ALL BULBS FOR SIGNAL LIGHT PURPOSE DO NOT LAST EVEN 4 TO 5 MONTH AFTER REPLACEMENT. I CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM NOR REPAIR SHOP. VEHICLE HAS BEEN WITH ME SINCE BRAND NEW.

Electrical FaultsOct 18, 2020

THE SUNROOF LEAKS AND WATER POURS DOWN FROM THE FRONT OVERHEAD LIGHTS ONTO THE DASH, INTO THE RADIO AND SEEPS INTO THE FRONT CARPETS. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME THERE IS RAIN, WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING.

Uncategorized IssuesSep 3, 2020

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME IT WAS FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. HE THEN TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR MY CAR BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF IT.

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 7, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, WHEN TEMPERATURE GAUGE BEGAN TO RISE AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING NOISE BEGAN TO SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE SPEED UNTIL IT SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS STATIONED FOR U…

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 19, 2020

I HAVE A 2013 JEEP PATRIOT AND THE ENGINE AND TEMPERATURE LIGHT COMES ON; ON TOP ON THAT IT STARTS TO DECREASE IN SPEED SLOWING DOWN OUT OF NOWHERE I JUST STARTED FINANCING THIS VEHICLE AND READ REVIEWS THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ON REPEAT SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY ON …

Structural ProblemsMay 13, 2020

OVER SEVERAL WEEKS I HAD BEEN SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING UPON EXITING MY PATRIOT. FINALLY I NOTICED MY REAR BUMPER WAS MISSHAPEN. IT WAS MELTING! MY LOCAL CAR SERVICE SHOP TOOK A LOOK AND FIGURED OUT MY EXHAUST PIPE HAD MOVED AND LODGED INTO MY BUMPER. ALL THE HEAT MELTED THE BUM…

Seat-Related IssuesMay 7, 2020

WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 35 MPH - DRIVERS HEADREST DEPLOYED AND HIT HUSBAND IN THE BACK OF HIS HEAD. SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. HEADREST SPLIT. A PLASTIC PIECE WAS BROKEN OFF AND IT CAN NOT BE REPAIRED. *TR

Page 1 of 6

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Jeep Patriot.

2013 Jeep Patriot Recalls

1 campaign

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Jeep Patriot. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

16V66800015/09/2016
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Compare Jeep Patriot Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2013 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

201720162015201420132012201120102009

2013 Jeep Patriot Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2013 Jeep Patriot reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 120 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2013 Jeep Patriot shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Jeep Patriot?β–Ύ

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (33 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (27 complaints). #3: Seat Belt Issues (23 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Jeep Patriot?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2013 Jeep Patriot?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Jeep Patriot, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 120 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2013 Jeep Patriot have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2013 Jeep Patriot. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2013 Jeep Patriot?β–Ύ

The 2013 Jeep Patriot shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Jeep Patriot reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2013 Jeep Patriot based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.