Jeep Patriot Years to Avoid – Jeep has been a beloved brand for decades, known for its rugged off-road vehicles and iconic style. The Jeep Patriot was one of the company’s more recent releases, introduced in 2007 as a compact SUV.
While the Patriot had its merits, there are some years that buyers should avoid due to various issues with the vehicle.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the Jeep Patriot years to avoid, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a used Jeep Patriot.
Jeep Patriot Years to Avoid
While the Patriot had its merits, there were several years that buyers should avoid due to significant issues with the vehicle.
2008 Jeep Patriot
The 2008 Jeep Patriot was the first year of production for this model, and unfortunately, it had several issues that plagued it.
One of the most significant problems was its transmission, which was prone to failure.
The engine had a tendency to overheat, leading to costly repairs. The 2008 Jeep Patriot also had several recalls, including one for a faulty fuel tank control valve, which could lead to a fire.
2009 Jeep Patriot
The 2009 Jeep Patriot had many of the same issues as the 2008 model, including transmission and engine problems. It also had a new issue with the airbags, which could fail to deploy in the event of an accident.
This led to a recall for over 170,000 vehicles, which could be a serious safety concern for buyers.
2011 Jeep Patriot
The 2011 Jeep Patriot had fewer reported problems than the previous years, but it still had a few significant issues.
One of the most common complaints was with the brakes, which could fail prematurely.
There were also reports of issues with the electrical system, including the headlights and taillights.
2012 Jeep Patriot
The 2012 Jeep Patriot had many of the same problems as the 2011 model, including brake and electrical issues.
It also had a new issue with the transmission, which could cause the vehicle to stall while driving. This led to a recall for over 100,000 vehicles, making it an important year for buyers to avoid.
2015 Jeep Patriot
The 2015 Jeep Patriot had some significant issues with the engine and transmission, which could lead to costly repairs.
It had problems with the electrical system, including the radio and navigation system. These issues led to several recalls, including one for faulty software in the transmission control module.
2016 Jeep Patriot
The 2016 Jeep Patriot was the last year of production for this model, and it had some of the same issues as the previous years. The engine and transmission were still problematic, and there were issues with the electrical system as well.
The 2016 model also had a new issue with the airbags, which could deploy unexpectedly while driving. This led to a recall for over 100,000 vehicles, making it another year that buyers should avoid.
While the Jeep Patriot had its merits, including its iconic style and off-road capabilities, there are some years that buyers should avoid due to various issues with the vehicle.
Common Jeep Patriot Problems
The Jeep Patriot is a compact SUV designed for those seeking a rugged off-road vehicle that’s also affordable and practical. While it has its merits, the Jeep Patriot is not without its problems.
We’ll take a closer look at the most common Jeep Patriot problems, including issues with the transmission, water leaks, engine stalling, and rough manual shifting.
Allowing you to make an informed decision when purchasing or maintaining this SUV.
Premature CVT Failure
One of the most common issues with the Jeep Patriot is premature failure of the continuously variable transmission (CVT). This type of transmission uses a system of belts and pulleys to create an infinite number of gear ratios, providing smooth acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.
The CVT in the Jeep Patriot is known to have problems, particularly in the 2007-2016 model years. Some drivers have reported experiencing a sudden loss of power while driving, while others have reported a grinding or whining noise coming from the transmission.
In some cases, the CVT may need to be replaced entirely, which can be a costly repair.
Water Leaking into the Cabin
Another common problem with the Jeep Patriot is water leaking into the cabin, particularly around the sunroof and door seals. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, as well as damage to the interior of the vehicle.
Some drivers have also reported issues with the air conditioning system, which can leak water into the cabin if the drain hose becomes clogged or disconnected.
To avoid this issue, it’s important to regularly inspect the seals and drainage system and address any leaks as soon as they’re detected.
Stalling Engine
The Jeep Patriot has also been known to experience stalling while driving, particularly in the 2011-2012 model years. This can be a dangerous problem, as the vehicle may suddenly lose power and become difficult to control.
Some drivers have reported that the engine will restart after a few minutes, while others have had to bring their vehicle to a stop and restart the engine manually.
The cause of this problem is unclear, but it may be related to issues with the electrical system or fuel system.
Rough Manual Shifting
Finally, drivers of manual transmission Jeep Patriots have reported issues with rough shifting, particularly in the 2007-2014 model years. This can make the vehicle difficult to drive and may cause premature wear on the transmission components.
Some drivers have reported that the clutch pedal feels soft or spongy, while others have had trouble shifting into certain gears.
To address this problem, it’s important to have the clutch system and transmission inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic.
Best Years for Jeep Patriot
While the Jeep Patriot has had its share of problems over the years, there are still some model years that are considered to be more reliable than others.
Here are two of the best years for the Jeep Patriot, based on owner reviews and expert analysis:
2007 Jeep Patriot
The 2007 Jeep Patriot was the first year of production for this model, and it is considered by many to be one of the best years for the Patriot. This model year features a standard manual transmission, which is less prone to problems than the CVT found in later models.
The 2007 Jeep Patriot has a relatively simple design, with fewer electronic features and components that could potentially fail. This makes it a good choice for buyers who are looking for a reliable, no-frills SUV.
2017 Jeep Patriot
The 2017 Jeep Patriot was the last year of production for this model, and it is another good option for buyers who are looking for a reliable SUV.
This model year features a six-speed automatic transmission, which is considered to be more reliable than the CVT found in earlier models.
The 2017 Jeep Patriot has a relatively high ground clearance and solid off-road capability, making it a good choice for buyers who are looking for a capable SUV that can handle rough terrain.
Why are Jeep Patriots so cheap?
One of the reasons why Jeep Patriots are relatively cheap is due to the fact that they were designed as an entry-level SUV. Compared to other Jeep models, the Patriot was designed with a simpler and more cost-effective design, which helped to keep its price point lower.
The Jeep Patriot had a reputation for having some reliability and performance issues, which also contributed to its lower resale value.
Why was the Jeep Patriot discontinued?
The Jeep Patriot was discontinued due to declining sales and the introduction of the Jeep Compass, which shared the same platform and was a more modern and refined version of the Patriot. Jeep made the decision to focus on Compass and other models that were more popular with consumers, leading to the discontinuation of the Patriot after the 2017 model year.
What is the best model of the Jeep Patriot?
According to owner reviews and expert analysis, the 2007 and 2017 Jeep Patriot models are considered to be the best. The 2007 model was the first year of production and had a simpler design with fewer electronic features, while the 2017 model had a more modern six-speed automatic transmission and solid off-road capabilities.
Is a Jeep Patriot a reliable car?
The Jeep Patriot has had a mixed reputation for reliability over the years. While some owners have reported minimal issues with their Patriot, others have experienced problems with the transmission, water leaks, engine stalling, and rough manual shifting.
With regular maintenance and repairs by qualified mechanics, a Jeep Patriot can be a reliable car for many drivers.
What is the biggest problem with the Jeep Patriot?
One of the biggest problems with the Jeep Patriot is the premature failure of the continuously variable transmission (CVT). This type of transmission is known to have issues in the Jeep Patriot, particularly in the 2007-2016 model years, and can be expensive to repair or replace.
Some drivers have reported water leaking into the cabin, stalling engine, and rough manual shifting as common problems with the Jeep Patriot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a Jeep Patriot, it’s important to be aware of the years to avoid due to their known issues and potential problems.
While the Jeep Patriot has its merits, it also has some significant reliability issues that may make it a less desirable choice for some buyers. 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016 model years have all been associated with various issues, including premature CVT failure, water leaking into the cabin, stalling engine, and rough manual shifting.
The 2007 and 2017 model years are considered to be better options with fewer known problems.
It’s important to do your research and consult with a trusted mechanic or expert to make an informed decision when purchasing a Jeep Patriot.