Here Are The Jeep Patriot Years To Avoid
We've identified five Jeep Patriot years to avoid. See which ones (and why we recommend you steer clear) so you can approach your used Jeep shopping process with confidence.
Jeep is a highly recognizable brand that produced some of the most iconic American vehicles like the classic Wrangler. However, not every model in Jeep’s stable was a roaring success - take, for example, the discontinued Jeep Patriot.
While many people liked the Patriot SUV, it wasn’t the best-seller Jeep wanted it to be. Therefore, Jeep had to cease the production of the Patriot. If you’re looking to buy a Jeep Patriot, you’ll have to buy it used.
Today, we rounded up some of the worst Jeep Patriot years to avoid, along with the models you can safely buy.
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Which Jeep Patriot Years to Avoid?
With only 11 iterations, you’ll have to be quite selective when buying a used Patriot. Below are the Jeep Patriot years to avoid:
- 2008 Jeep Patriot
- 2009 Jeep Patriot
- 2011 Jeep Patriot
- 2012 Jeep Patriot
- 2015 Jeep Patriot
2008 Jeep Patriot
Jeep’s sophomore effort with the Patriot was not without its issues. According to Car Complaints, the 2008 Patriot had 436 NHTSA complaints with reports ranging from sunroof leaks to transmission failure.
The bulk of the complaints is about the Patriot’s leaky sunroof. Numerous reports stated that water leaked through the Patriot’s sunroof. In some cases, the leaks would flow through the dash and radio and short the headlights. Some owners were even unable to drive their vehicle whenever it was raining - it’s that bad.
Transmission failure is another issue that you should keep an eye out for with the 2008 Patriot. At around 100k miles, several owners have reported that their Jeep’s transmission simply went out.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE JEEP PATRIOT
With a decade of options on the market, it’s easy to get tripped over the ideal selection - that’s where we come in. Read on to learn about the most reliable year Jeep Patriot offers, the general reliability of the brand, and more.
2009 Jeep Patriot
Another year, another problematic Jeep Patriot was brought into the fray. As per Car Complaints, the 2009 Jeep Patriot has 382 NHTSA complaints and one recall.
This time, the number one owner complaint is the loud whiny noise coming from the transmission. One user reported that the Jeep’s transmission started making a high-pitched noise while slowly decelerating. Under warranty, the transmission will be replaced entirely. Otherwise, be prepared to fork out $2,730 for the repairs.
Like the 2008 version, the 2009 Patriot also suffers from a leaky sunroof. The water leaks will eventually result in mold and electrical problems to make matters worse.
2011 Jeep Patriot
The 2011 Patriot is also one of the worst Jeep Patriot years to avoid. Again, the dreaded water leak makes an unwelcome return plus new ones like overheating transmission.
At the top of the list of problems of the 2011 Patriot is that the transmission is prone to overheating. At around 70k miles on average, many owners have noticed a whining engine noise before seeing the transmission temperature light coming on. This particular issue seems to be common with CVT transmissions.
As mentioned, the leaky sunroof returns with a vengeance in the 2011 Patriot. Again, the water leaks would exacerbate things like damaging the radio or dome lights.
2012 Jeep Patriot
The following year was much better for the Jeep Patriot. However, it still has plenty of reliability woes that shoppers should be concerned about.
The primary issue with the 2012 Patriot is the faulty CVT transmission. Numerous complaints claimed that the problem starts with a whining noise, difficulty accelerating, and overheating warning. The typical repair cost is around $3,940, which is not cheap. Again, this problem seems to be prevalent with the Patriot’s CVT transmission.
On another note, the 2012 Patriot is also prone to faulty integrated power modules or TIPM. A broken TIPM can lead to problems like headlights turning on or off, faulty power windows, non-working blinkers, and many more. The typical cost of replacing the TIPM is $900.
2015 Jeep Patriot
As per Car Complaints, the 2015 Jeep Patriot gets the dishonorable distinction of being the worst Jeep Patriot model year. It comes with several familiar problems like TIPM failure and water leaks, with a new stalling engine thrown into the mix.
According to owner complaints, the worst 2015 Patriot issue is the stalling engine. Many of the accounts claimed that the engine simply stalled while driving - no check engine light warning or any warning for that matter. Obviously, this is a massive safety issue, especially when you’re out on highways or freeways.
At this point, the water leaking into the interior is almost predictable. Many owners concluded that this issue stemmed from a design flaw, but nobody knows since there are no known recalls.
2016 Jeep Patriot
The 2016 Jeep Patriot isn’t the most problematic SUV out there, but it does have its fair share of issues, warranting its place on this list. According to CarComplaints, the top three problems with this model are: water leaking into the cabin, failure to accelerate while driving, and squeaking brakes. While these issues aren’t exactly severe as the other ones on this list, they’re still quite annoying according to many complainants.
In addition, the 2016 model was also affected with the premature CVT transmission failure, which is also present in many Patriot models. According to the reports, people experienced whining noises, overheat warnings, and the inability to accelerate. Fortunately, the 2016’s stock transmission is a five-speed manual gearbox, with automatic offered across different trims. You’ll only have to look out for the CVT issue if you have the Freedom Drive II off-road package.
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Common Jeep Patriot Problems
According to RepairPal, the Jeep Patriot has a Reliability Rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. It ranks 15th out of 26 compact SUVs. Despite its above-average reliability scores, the Patriot had some glaring issues, including:
- Premature CVT failure - The Patriot’s continuously variable transmission is prone to failure. Drivers experienced symptoms like acceleration issues, overheating warnings, and whining noises. Customers claimed that the Patriot’s CVT was poorly designed.
- Water leaking into the cabin - Numerous Patriot models are known to have leaky cabins. Some reported the water came in through the sunroof, while some came through the dome light. This increases the risk of electrical issues and mold growth.
- Stalling engine - One of the worst issues with the Patriot lineup is the stalling engine. After 30k miles or so, several reports claimed the engine stalled and died while running. Typical fixes include replacing the crankshaft sensor or ABS module, which may cost you up to $660.
- Rough manual shifting - The 2007 to 2010 Patriots were known to have manual transmission issues, but it’s not as bad as the CVT. Owners have reported vibrations and grinding noises whenever they shift into third gear. Some noted the same roughness when shifting to first and second gear. The touted fix is to replace the synchronizer rings of the transmission.
Which Jeep Patriot Years are Safe to Buy Used?
Now that we’ve wrapped up the Jeep Patriot years to avoid, let’s make a quick list of the ones that should be safe to buy as used.
2007 Jeep Patriot
The 2007 Jeep Patriot has successfully carved a little niche for itself. With a low base price and decent off-road capabilities, the 2007 Patriot is a solid choice if you’re looking for an older used model. It does have several reliability problems like control arm failure and stalling. Still, they’re not significant compared to the problematic years listed above.
2017 Jeep Patriot
Perhaps the best year for the Jeep Patriot is the 2017 version - the last Patriot model before its unfortunate discontinuation. The 2017 is the model year where Jeep has got a lot of things right with this lineup, such as a robust set of features, good reliability scores (76 consumer rating from J.D. Power), and decent safety ratings.
The 2017 model year does have some familiar reliability woes like the leaky sunroof, but they’re not as severe and few and far between.
Frequently Asked Questions: Jeep Patriot Years to Avoid
Q: Which Jeep Patriot years are most problematic?
A: As mentioned in the guide, the following Jeep Patriot years were most problematic: 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2015. These models are known to have issues with leaking sunroofs, transmission failure, and electrical problems.
Q: Should I avoid buying a used Jeep Patriot?
A: Not necessarily. While some Jeep Patriot years are known for their problems, others are considered reliable. If you are considering buying a used Jeep Patriot, it is crucial to research and get a pre-purchase inspection.
Q: How much does repairing a leaking sunroof in a Jeep Patriot cost?
A: The cost of repairing a leaking sunroof in a Jeep Patriot can vary depending on the severity of the leak and the specific model year. However, repairs typically cost between a few hundred dollars and over $1,000.
Q: What are some alternatives to the Jeep Patriot?
A: If you are looking for a small SUV known for its reliability, there are several alternatives to the Jeep Patriot. Some popular options include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester.
Are Jeep Patriots typically reliable?
Produced from 2007 to 2017, the Patriot served as the brand’s budget model (along with the Jeep Compass). So, it’s got a reputation for not having the best build quality. In addition, some model years are prone to electrical problems and transmission troubles. If you’re car shopping, you’ll want to research what Jeep Patriot years to avoid. And then have any vehicle under consideration inspected by a mechanic.
How much does a used Jeep Patriot typically cost?
Expect to pay $3,000 for an older Jeep Patriot with about 150,000 miles, while a newer edition with fewer miles can fetch as much as $18,000. Although these are not the most robust Jeeps ever made, crossovers remain in demand. According to CoPilot Price Pulse, a typical 2015 Jeep Patriot has a $12,897 selling price. That’s 28% higher than what it would be without inflated market conditions.
Is the Jeep Patriot a good car to purchase?
Jeep created the Patriot (along with the Compass) as an entry-level model for the brand. It shares parts with the Dodge Caliber and other vehicles from the Chrysler family. As a result, this is not your typically robust Jeep (even though it wears a “Trail-Rated” badge). Think of the Patriot as more of a suburban crossover than a backwoods SUV. If this usage meets your needs and you’ve explored what model years to avoid, the Patriot can be a suitable vehicle.
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