Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
We bought this car in March of 22 for our daughter. She used to drive back and forth between Mankato, MN and Coralville, IA. Every time she has driven it, the overheating light has come on and the car slows down below 50 mph. We have taken it to the mechanic, who we bought it from, three times for repairs. Every time we think it is done, the same thing happens. She has also had two different mechanics look at in Mankato. On Friday, September 2, 2022, after only driving an hour, the overheat light came on the car slowed to below 50 mph. She said there was a semi behind her that almost rear-ended her when this happened. I believe there is a danger with this car. I have read a lot complaints, on different online forums, that this year and model of Jeep has a problem with its CVT-continuously variable transmission. …
Engine stalls only after filling up gas, resulting in check engine light or oil light turning on. I have taken it to numerous mechanics, who have all given me different answers, with anywhere from issues with EVAP hoses and fuel tank, to the fuel pump, or purge system. Problem was never addressed or mentioned when bought from dealership in June 2025 but noticed immediately after filling up gas for the first time since purchase of the car and problem occurs continuously after filling up gas. Not sure if related either, but if gas tank is overfilled at all in the slightest, it leaks out the bottom immediately.
Car shuts off after fueling. Is a common problem with other Jeep owners found on Google. My mechanic actually found the articles. Apparently it is a Rollover valve issue. Like others have suggested, not to fill the fuel tank full unless you want to pay over $1000 for a new gas tank. I don't want to drive in fear this car is going to keep shutting off. Why hasn't this been fixed when so many others have had the same issue?
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot 4x4. The contact stated that an unknown warning light illuminated and the brake pedal became loose. The vehicle failed to slow down or stop and the rpms increased to seven and then immediately to zero. The steering wheel seized and the engine stalled. While driving 45 MPH, the contact crashed into an unknown object on the side of the road and caused the vehicle to roll over. Four passengers sustained shoulder injuries and lacerations. The contact also mentioned that the front driver side seat belt failed to tighten and the rear passenger side seat belt completely detached during the crash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
12/12/19 tried to get on I-295 all lights on dash came on including malfunction indicator, ESP bas, and others all came on when no lights were on before. Lost power to Jeep on 295 could not go any fast then 25 MPH and then stalled; almost rear ended. Could restart Jeep, all dash lights still on, no power past 25 MPH and made it off an off ramp where stalled again. Towed Jeep to mechanic where they replaced PCM, intake manifold, and o2 censor. Called Jeep because there is a recall to PCM and was told my VIN not included. 12/26/2019 on I-295 going 70mph and Jeep lost all power with no warning lights this time and had no acceleration. Was in the far left lane and had near miss of being rear ended by tractor trailer. Veered Jeep to breakdown lane and towed to mechanic. Second mechanic repaired ground at g104 on right side of engine bay said is reason for several computerised controls. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. Within less than six months of owning the vehicle, the rpms raced, the vehicle ran hot, and an abnormal noise was coming from the engine. In addition, the transmission idled roughly and the air bag warning indicator flashed. The dealer (nyle maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of taylor, 14150 us-79, taylor, tx 76574, [phone]) was contacted. The vehicle was also serviced by south point Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (5210 s ih 35 frontage rd, austin, tx 78745, [phone]) for routine maintenance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. While the contact's daughter was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate violently when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to accelerate, but the rpms remained at 5. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. Prior to the failure, the contact's daughter took the vehicle to a dealer for a noise in the engine. The vehicle was diagnosed with needing a new battery, sparks plugs, and transmission. The vehicle was not repaired at that time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine cradle had corroded and the failure was caused by evaporating fluid leaking onto the cradle. The technician then stated that the cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the diagnoses and failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. Each time the fuel tank was refilled, the vehicle stalled and the steering wheel seized. When the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle operated normally. The contact was not aware of any warning indicators illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to southern Chrysler Jeep greenbrier (located at 1414 s military hwy, chesapeake, va 23320, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. While driving 60-70 MPH, the engine lost power, the vehicle decelerated, and the contact lost control of the brakes. Additionally, the transmission would not move into gear and the vehicle remained stationary on the shoulder. The throttle, fill cap, and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the test could not read the codes. The vehicle was not repaired. Days later, the failures recurred. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Engine complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Jeep Patriot, 19% of the model year's 275 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Jeep Patriot engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 4 injuries to engine & cooling 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.