Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Jeep Patriot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Filled gasoline up and had car idle while driving. Had to place car in park, turn ignition off and back on to get it to turn back on. This happened two times and happens everytime I fill up gas in car. Other Patriots have reported same issue and I have been very close to accidents due to this.
Was driving two hours away for a medical appointment, and was just driving in the right lane. I was passing a vehicle in the left lane and had no power at all. The high pitch wine came from under the hood and the RPM were redlining at 65 MPH. The transmission would not shift and the Jeep just slowed on its own. The temperature light for the transmission came on. Pulling over to the median almost killed my husband and I. This is a dangerous vehicle to drive and go over 50mph. We had to sit on interstate 64 for an hour to let the transmission cool down. Something needs to be done before someone is killed from their transmission stalling or overheating going down an interstate, or just driving for any period of time on a highway. We do not fee safe in this 2007 Jeep with only 70,000 miles on it. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Jeep Patriot. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power in the middle of the road, and the shifter locked up without warning. The contact waited approximately five minutes and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised that there was a recall. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer who stated that there was no recall. The failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The contact was referred to NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
My car's manual transmission died at 115,000 miles. I've had this car a year and am still paying it off. Now I have to pay another $4,400 to get my transmission replaced. I've been told by several repair shops and the dealer that I bought it from that this is a common problem between 90,000-100,000 miles with this transmission. Not only that, but the part that fails is permanent so you have to replace the whole thing and it's very spendy. Be very careful when purchasing used 2007 Jeep patriots. You will probably have the same problem as I did. Very disappointed.
Going to town driving between 45mph and 50mph and the front tires stop turning and skid to a stop. Therefore causing my head face to strike the steering well resulting in a bleeding nose and a bruised chest.
On 09/17/13 at 0858 hours, I was driving my 2007 Jeep Patriot on the I-17 frontage road when the vehicle began to lose power steering. Prior to the loss of power, I was traveling northbound on an even concrete surface at approximately 50 MPH in normal traffic conditions. When the vehicle began to "act up," the light for my electronic stability control turned on and the ESC became active and my check engine light began to blink amber. Due to ESC, my vehicle was extremely difficult to control (once again this was on an even, paved surface with no conditions requiring the ESC to activate). Along with the ESC becoming active, my vehicle began to stall and lose power. My engine would peak at a mere 2000K RPM and at about twenty miles per hour. …
Entire front end of our 2007 Jeep Patriot needed replaced at only 57,000 miles. In addition this caused both brand newfront tires to wear aggressively and now they need replaced. It began with a clunking and popping in the front driver side tire 2 weeks ago. The issue only occurred when going over speed bumps at low speeds. The second week it happened after being at a stop and accelerating. I took it to the dealer who informed me that Jeep patriots are known for bad u joints and front end assembly. They are replacing the bad u-joints with the same defective part! The dealer said it is good we brought this in because a front end failure was possible any time which would cause complete loss of control and an accident. I bought an extended 3rd party warranty at the time of purchase which will cover the repairs about $1,200 worth of work. I still have to buy 2 new tires. …
I was stopped at a traffic light and my vehicle stalled on me, it began to shake a bit before it turned off. In order to get the vehicle back on, I had to turn the key to off, put the vehicle in park, then turn the vehicle back on. Unfortunately, I've been having this issue since 2007 and we are in 2013. I have taken the SUV to Jeep multiple times and they cannot find the problem, even after leaving it for over a week. Last week, I was making a u-turn when the vehicle stalled on me once again. I drew the line and I'm ready to take legal action. My life was suddenly in danger as I had a vehicle approaching me at over 40mph. Something must be done to get these vehicles off the street. …
I have a 2007 Jeep Patriot with just over 60,000 miles on it. I was driving when I heard rumbling under my hood. I pulled over to find that my engine was knocking really loud. I pulled the dipstick after a few minutes to make sure there was oil in the car. Yes, there was an appropriate amount of oil. I change my oil every 3,000 miles and have always taken exceptional care of my vehicle per the manufacturer's specification. I had to have the vehicle towed to my mechanic who informs me that the engine needs to be replaced. After 60,000 miles the engine is shot? He can't offer an explanation of how or why this happened. I even called two Jeep dealerships and each service manager was very surprised to hear of an engine failure this early.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Jeep Patriot 4x4. The contact stated that the vehicle was being examined by an authorized dealer for routine maintenance and the dealer stated that both front lower control arms and ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred approximately 30,000 miles later. The vehicle was again repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that someone would be working on the case. The approximate failure mileage was 34,516. Updated 02/09/12 the consumer stated the tie rods, transmission and the left and right lower control arms were replaced. Updated 02/27/12
Transmission complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Jeep Patriot, 10% of the model year's 270 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Jeep Patriot transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2007 Jeep Patriot, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Jeep Patriot transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.