Jeep Patriot was introduced in 2007 as a compact SUV. It ranks 15th out of the 26 SUVs and has a portfolio to hit, but not every model has been a runaway success; that’s why Jeep decided to discontinue Patriot in 2017. It is one of the least expensive and small-sized SUVs available. As such, this vehicle is similar to the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber.
If you are willing to buy a Patriot, then it’s good to know which model years are good to buy and which are good to avoid, so read the full article for a better understanding.
Jeep Patriot Years to Avoid
Here are some of the Jeep Patriot years to avoid given below:
- 2008
- 2009
- 2011
- 2012
- 2015
2008 Jeep Patriot
Keep in mind that even though the 2008 Jeep Patriot might appear attractive, you’ll likely encounter some problems after owning it. According to the NHSTA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), it is the most defective Jeep Patriot SUV in several domains. Sunroof leakage is the most common complaint from consumers.
Manufacturing errors or malfunctioning power windows may cause leaks. As a result of this water problem, you may later notice rusted subframes, mold growth, and other electrical problems.
Furthermore, it also has transmission problems that may occur after running your Patriot 100k miles. Lastly, you may also face engine problems in it. While a sunroof issue can be resolved for $50 to $100, you may have to spend a lot more money if you have transmission or engine issues.
Number of Complaints and Ratings
- According to Carcomplaints.com, the 2008 model year has 174 complaints.
- Edmunds rates the 2008 model at 4.2 out of 5 stars, and cars.com rates it at 3.9 out of 5.
2009 Jeep Patriot Problems
Similar to its previous model 2009 Patriot model is also a problematic year. Some of its common issues included inefficient gear, engine, or transmission issues. This model also has a sunroof leakage problem causing rusty stains on the roof. Short circuits and faulty engines can also be caused by leakage, complicating the situation further.
The transmission of this automobile makes noisy, sharp, and high-pitched sounds when decelerating. As long as your transmission is under warranty, you are on the safe side, but if the warranty has expired, then you have to pay more than $2000.
Number of Complaints and Ratings
- According to Carcomplaints.com, the 2009 model year has 125 complaints.
- Edmunds rates the 2009 model at 4.2 out of 5 stars, and cars.com rates it at 3.9 out of 5.
2011 Jeep Patriot
In 2011 there were two primary concerns you should keep in mind with Patriot: its CVT transmission and stalling engine. Along with these issues, it also has leakage issues. It is alarming when model after model suffers from the same leaking problem. Instead of improving this top concern issue, the company failed, showing its incapacity. Aside from this, the liquid can cause damage to the lighting, radio, engines, etc. as well.
Moreover, many users complained about overheating transmissions as the top problem of this model. It is possible to have difficulties starting 4WD, and the engine may stall or overheat after about 70k miles. It is also mandatory to hear noisy sounds when driving this Jeep due to the CVT (continuously variable transmission). Starting this vehicle can also be challenging, and the vehicle may die on steep roads.
Number of Complaints and Ratings
- According to Carcomplaints.com, the 2011 model year has 87 complaints.
- Edmunds rates the 2011 model at 4.0 out of 5 stars, and cars.com rates it at 4.3 out of 5.
2012 Jeep Patriot
Jeeps of this generation are significantly better than automobiles of previous generations. Although this model does not have a leakage problem, but it has transmission and Defected Modules issues. You may experience overheating, slipping, and hose cracking in the transmission problem.
Moreover, a common problem with TIMPs (Totally Integrated Power Modules) is that they break down frequently, causing a defect in the headlights; it is also not under the control of the customer and can turn on and off at will. In the same way, a power window may fail. You may resolve the transmission issue for more than $3k, and TIMPs repair requires $800 – $1000.
Number of Complaints and Ratings
- According to Carcomplaints.com, the 2012 model year has 82 complaints.
- Edmunds rates the 2012 model at 3.9 out of 5 stars, and cars.com rates it at 3.8 out of 5.
2015 Also Lacks In Many Ways
Brands are not trustworthy if they don’t introduce new, improved models; instead, they make the same mistakes over and over again. Patriot experienced the same thing. All year long, they have had problems with leaks in the sunroof. Additionally, engine stalling and TIMP cannot perform their specific tasks in this year’s model.
This is horrible because the vehicle does not show any engine light warnings before it stops. It is best to avoid these flawed jeeps as you may end up in a workshop every week.
Number of Complaints and Ratings
- According to Carcomplaints.com, the 2015 model year has 72 complaints.
- Edmunds rates the 2015 model at 3.7 out of 5 stars, and cars.com rates it at 4.4 out of 5.
Best Jeep Patriot Models
While talking about the worst models, it is not certain that you cannot find a good Jeep Patriot. Following are the Jeep Patriot best models which can be a better buy than the others.
2017 Jeep Patriot
When it comes to buying a used Jeep Patriot, the 2017 Jeep Patriot is considered to be one of the best options. A number of significant improvements were made to this model in its final year of production. Compared to earlier models, the 2017 Patriot boasted improved features, better reliability ratings, and decent safety ratings.
Even though some reliability issues still existed, such as leaking sunroofs, they were less severe overall and relatively rare. If you want an SUV with Jeep Signature’s off-road capabilities, the 2017 Jeep Patriot remains a desirable choice.
Overall Ratings
- Edmunds rates the 2017 model at 3.6 out of 5 stars, and cars.com rates it at 4.6 out of 5.
2007 Jeep Patriot
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When talking about the best years, it would be unfair to miss out on the Jeep Patriot’s debut year. It’s a budget-friendly and relatively small SUV.
Although the vehicle couldn’t compete with its competitors in terms of luxury or comfort, this SUV still attracted a lot of attention despite being among the cheapest.
In spite of the vehicle’s relatively low price, the model had some outstanding off-road abilities. The engine will be quiet and leak-free; you will experience good handling, better road connections, and low fuel consumption. Overall, the Jeep Patriot got off to a great start in 2007 and deserved to come in second on this list.
Overall Ratings
- Edmunds rates the 2007 model at 4.1 out of 5 stars, and cars.com rates it at 4.1 out of 5.
2013 Jeep Patriot
Jeep Patriot 2013 is the third model on our list. There are three trim levels available on this model, making it an attractive choice. In all variants of this model, front-side airbags are another optional safety feature. Aside from these, all variants come with standard airbags, making unfortunate accident situations relatively safe. Rear disk brakes are also included in the limited variant of this model.
Although it is reliable but because of the lack of legroom for the back seats, this model does not rank higher in this list. Overall it is an excellent and economical choice, but it can be uncomfortable for long trips.
Overall Ratings
- Edmunds rates the 2013 model at 3.7 out of 5 stars, and cars.com rates it at 4.6 out of 5.
Read About Other Jeeps:
Common Jeep Patriot Problems
Some of the common problems of the Jeep Patriot are given below.
Premature CVT failure
It is dangerous to drive the Patriot with its continuously variable transmission because it is prone to failure. In addition to whining noises, users encountered acceleration issues and overheating warnings.
Water leakage
Cabin leaks have also been reported in several Patriot models. Some people reported the water entering through the sunroof, while others reported it entering through the dome light. As a result, there is an increased risk of electrical problems and mold growth.
Stalling engine
It’s no secret that the Patriot lineup’s engines stall frequently. It has been reported that the engine stalled and died after 30k miles or so. Several fixes may cost you up to $660, such as replacing the crankshaft sensor or the ABS module.
Rough manual shifting
Manual transmissions were known to have problems, but they weren’t as bad as CVTs. There have been reports of vibrations and grinding noises when shifting into third gear. First and second-gear shifting was also reported to be rough. It is alleged that the transmission’s synchronizer rings need to be replaced.
Conclusion
The Jeep Patriot is an attractive vehicle that is fun to drive, but it is not the most reliable vehicle available. If you are willing to buy it for yourself or your loved ones, then avoid 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2015. However, instead of these, you can go with the 2017, 2007, and 2013 model years. They are reliable and are less problematic than other model years.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions, and their answers are below.
What Is High Mileage For A Jeep Patriot?
Depending on the maintenance, you can expect the Patriot mileage up to 200,000 miles.
What is the most repeated issue with Jeep Patriot?
The leakage problem is the most repeated issue with the Jeep Patriot.
Is the Jeep Patriot a true 4×4?
Yes, Patriots are equipped with two electronically controlled four-wheel drive systems.
What replaced Jeep Patriot?
It has been replaced with the similarly sized Jeep Compass.
Rand Frankey is OffRoadsCare freelance Content Editor. He loves offroad Travelling and bikes, jeeps, and dirk bikes. He will explain all his experience with dirt bikes and offroad vehicles which helps you to make a decision like which vehicle is right for you.
