Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Jeep Patriot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the vehicle front subframe was corroded. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the front subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that in July 2022, the vehicle was taken to a tire shop and the contact was informed that the rear subframe was corroded. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
The contact's daughter-in-law owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while he was replacing the brakes and control arms on the vehicle, he noticed that both the front and rear sub frame of the vehicle were severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear and front subframe of the vehicle was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
My rear subframe is completely rusted through. It is available for inspection. It has been confirmed by an independent service center. Warranties were issued to 2007 owners or 10 years old. 3 years ago I noticed a squeek in the trunk. Was told it was struts so I had them replaced. Now the vehicle knocks and squeaks so bad it has to sit until I can afford to replace subframe.
Air conditioner drain drips directly on subframe cross brace for front cradle, erosion and road grim along with neverending dripping water even from using defrost leads to rust and cross brace breaking into and well you can use your imagination for what happens next. Drain needs extended and re routed because I know I can't be the only one with this problem.
The rear suspension crosmember corroded and snapped in half. There was a 10year extended warranty that I apparently missed by a few months. This is super dangerous. It caused the tire to pop when I was driving home from it rubbing and then I veered off the road. The front crossmember is also in similar condition. There needs to be a recall asap. It is now stationary and immobile because of the situation. It was in motion when the accident happened on a city street. It caused me to need a tow.
In April 2016 this 2009 Jeep patroit failed the annual new york state safety inspection due to a severely rusted, unsafe frame crossmember under the engine. The owner is aware that Chrysler/Jeep recognizes this safety problem and in July 2014 issued an extended warranty (x58) to cover repairs to 2007 Jeep patroits and others. This subject vehicle has the exact same corrosion issue but is not recognized by Jeep as being part of the warranted population. The Jeep customer service representatives fail to provide a creditable explanation for why a warranty cannot be extended to any vehicle that manifests the problem they have already addressed. This owner argues that Jeep should provide for this repair from standpoints of ethics, creditably, safety, precedent, and promotion of future customer loyalty. …
The subframe on this vehicle is rusted through this seems to be a problem on several Chrysler product's dealership said it needs replaced but Chrysler will not cover any portion of the cost this is a obvious safety defect with their product and should be taken care of my mechanic said when this breaks apart I will loose control of steering reading on several forums this is a wide spread problem with their vehicles a seven year old vehicle should not have major structural issues contacting Chrysler customer assist was no help they said they would not help with the cost even after a Chrysler dealership said it was rotted out and needs replaced before it breaks and cause's an accident I had read that they extended the warranty on the 07 model years because of this major defect now they need to step up and include the later model years I would encourage anyone looking at a Chrysler product …
2009 Jeep Patriot 4x4, 20,800 miles bad enough I had to replace the front left lower ball joint at this low mileage, but while in the shop my mechanic calls me to inform me that the k-frame is rotted out and needs to be replaced. A k frame or cross member on a car is the part of the car's frame bolted beneath the underside of the vehicle. The k cross member, which features engine mounts, is used to support a longitudinally mounted transmission. The k frame enables better handling and alignment with respect to suspension. He tells me to call the dealer and that it should be under warranty. I call two dealerships without a return phone call and then call Chrysler. Nope, not covered under warranty and they are unwilling to assist in the cost to repair. Did I mention it only has 20,800 miles?
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot 4x4. While attempting to move the vehicle, there was an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe displayed excessive corrosion. The contact was informed that the subframes of the engine mount, the shock mount, and the entire undercarriage were rusted to the point where the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact was informed that the subframe of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact saw that a piece of the engine cradle was missing due to corrosion on the driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the corrosion had spread to the driver's side control arm. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was undriveable and remained unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was not available.
Body complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2009 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the body & structure of the 2009 Jeep Patriot, 22% of the model year's 275 complaints. The component named most often is body (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Jeep Patriot body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2009 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 2009 Jeep Patriot body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to body & structure 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.