Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Jeep Patriot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Front and rear crossmembers are rusted through. Replaced front subframe for $1008.00 in 2021. Available for inspection. Could come to a complete stop if it breaks. Confirmed by independent service center. Not inspected yet. Front squeak heard 2021. Rear squeak heard 2022. This is my 2nd jeep patriot & both jeeps front & rear crossmembers are rusted through breaking apart.
My 2008 Jeep Patriot with 100,000 miles on it both front and rear subframes are completely rotted and unsafe I need some help I can't afford all this repair I'm disabled I'm working with my local mechanic I need you guys to help pay for some of this
I made a u-turn in my vehicle on a town street , as I completed the u-turn the vehicles rear suspension broke. The broken suspension made the vehicle feel like it was going over a rumble strip, the suspension being broke made the wheels turn in towards the wheel wells where it rubbed and eventually blew my tire. I was looking for a place to pull off safely. When I finally got it too a auto shop they told me the suspension rusted in two .it had to be moved with a flat bed. I had the vehicles front fixed in January of 2017 . Which was under the extended warranty because of complaints so the vehicles rear took an extra three years to rust out which is only two years over the warranty. I have enclosed a copy of bill from when then front was done.
I had to have the subframe and cross member replaced on my 2008 Patriot in January 2017, it has rusted again and the same parts need replaced, it was replaced oe parts which I feel were faulty. I was making a u-turn on a small city street and my rear cross member broke, I thought I ran over a something then my steering wheel shimmed , my tires that were held in the cross member were now tilted in to my cross member making black smoke. My tire rubbed on my wheel well untill blew . I was very lucky I was not going fast when this occured.
When turning right or accelerating from a stop I would hear a bang noise coming from the rear of my Jeep. Immediately my ESP/bas light would come on. The ESP/bas warning light would go off but come back on again after making a turn. I noticed my left, rear tire was wearing out on the inside. Tread on other 3 tires had no uneven wear. On dec. 23, 2015 I brought my Jeep into palm Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge of punta gorda, florida for a multipoint inspection and oil change. I was informed that my rear sub chassis was rusted through and repairs excessive. I was informed by my service advisor -- kristie wilkinson, repairs would exceed what the Jeep is worth and that rust is not covered under warranty, and it is not even covered under my lifetime maximum care Chrysler service contract (# 34813970) I purchased in addition to the regular warranty. …
Purchased vehicle in December, complained of loose steering from day 1 nicely, inspection sticker was put on through dealerships mechanic which I later discovered was on local news for investigation of fraud like activity, reached out to credit acceptance, no results, later discovered they have past lawsuits, investigations, court rulings against them, as well as dealership having multiple business claims in ma/nh, I proceeded to bring my case to the bbb, district attorney as well, two written estimates of vehicle not being safe, still have one of two bald tires for evidence in my possession, pictures of 5 safety lights on to date, I have spent at least 500.00 additional repairs, vehicle monthly payment, insurance, initial deposit and trade in, I am a struggling sole parent/provider that was tired of dealing with my prior vehicle, I have research to present my case including lemon law …
Our Jeep Patriot this past year had been stalling after getting gas. This happens now after every time we get gas. It doesn't matter how much 1/4, 1/2, or full tank. What makes this a serious safety issue, is that is stalls at any time, parked or driving at highway speeds. With no check engine light as a warning, my daughter put gas in approximately a month ago and after an hour driving, it stalled on a busy street traveling at 55 MPH, which interrupted the steering as it decelerated on a highway. After towing to a local Firestone auto center we were informed that there were too many diagnostic codes firing off to diagnose the problem. Since then my husband gassed up the Patriot and it stalled at a busy intersection just pulling out of the station. He managed to drive on back roads avoiding traffic where it had repeatedly stalled. …
I own a 2008 Jeep Patriot 4x4. The driver side lower control arm failed at 29,000 miles costing over $800 to fix and not covered by warranty. I started doing research online in Jeep forums and blogs and found this is a common problem on these vehicles. Dealer told me if I haven't happened to bring it in for an oil change and tire rotation, my left front wheel would have fallen off. I don't drive this off-road, just back and forth in city driving to work and for errands and one 1400 mile trip every 2-3 years via interstate. Found they had a recall for this same issue in earlier versions of jeeps, but not on 2007 or 2008 patriots. My research found this is a poor design and will keep happening over and over again once it starts. This is dangerous and could get someone killed and Chrysler/Fiat should stand up to the plate and do a recall on this vehicle. …
At just over 50,000 miles the lower control arms went out on my 08 Jeep Patriot, now in 2015 this problems has surfaced again this time it is the control arm and the outer tie rods. Looking this up on the internet this appears to be a consistent problem with the Jeep patriots. Where my wife works they had a couple of these jeeps that they used as courtesy vehicles and after only a couple or years and minimal driving around a hospital campus they had the same problems with theirs. While there was not an accident my mechanic just called and said this was really bad and could have lead to an accident if we had not brought it in when we did. These vehicles should not be failing like this and this is an obvious design problem and many customers are being forced to pay for their own repairs. What does it take before these are recalled? Does it take someone getting seriously injured or killed?
On July 13, 2016, I took my Jeep in to our local dealer for an oil change. When picking up my Jeep, I was told by the service writer that they discovered the k frame (crossover in front of vehicle) was rusted through and would very soon need to be replaced. If it was not replaced, it would be a safety hazard! I am aware that Chrysler extended the warranty on the 2007 Jeep Patriot to 10 years for this same exact problem. The 2007 and 2008 models use the same frame and design. They did not extend the coverage for the 2008 model. This is a defective design causing a significant safety risk. I have approximately 105,000 miles on my Jeep.
Suspension complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2008 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 110 complaints about the suspension of the 2008 Jeep Patriot, 25% of the model year's 447 complaints. The component named most often is front (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Patriot suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2008 Jeep Patriot. 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 2008 Jeep Patriot suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.