2009 Jeep Patriot Transmission Problems

51 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2009 Jeep Patriot to NHTSA — 19% of all 275 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 88,000 miles. That ranks #6 of 11 Patriot model years for transmission complaints (a typical year has 53). One related recall has been issued.

51complaints
88ktypical miles
1related recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries

Which parts fail

  • Manual transmission
    2
  • Automatic transmission
    2
  • Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    1

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    512%
  • 25k–50k
    37%
  • 50k–75k
    1023%
  • 75k–100k
    716%
  • 100k–150k
    1126%
  • 150k+
    716%

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 while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started to decelerate. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and after restarting the vehicle, he drove to his residence. The contact took the vehicle to three different independent mechanics who failed to service the vehicle due to a recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure due to the vehicle being over 10 years old. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V528000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer has been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

150,000 miles · Jun 2021

The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate and jerk. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and waited for an hour before continuing to drive to her residence. The contact stated she experience the failure for a second time and had the vehicle towed to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V528000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

87,000 miles · Sep 2021

I report reveral times issuess with my gear box, but each time they said the car is fine. The problems start after the car was serviced years ago to Jeep Desources rep (3400 Sources Blvd, Dollard-des-Ormeaux QC H9B 1Z9, Canada) but the issues become worst in time. It started to not be able to drive in authomatic mode but ok in manual and they told me that forgot to tide a transmition cable and now when I am reporting the issue, I cannot drive and any mode (authomatic or manual) and base on service department, nothing is wrong with the car. what they are waiting, to have an accident or die? Since I bought the car, all the maintenace of it was not as supposed as per maintenance manual of the car - to give an example, oil change it's come on after 3000km no matter where i drive (city or highway) and the blain me for driving the car. …

Nov 2022

Vehicle's CVT transmission will overheat and cause the speed of the vehicle to slow down, unable to speed back up, and the acceleration to be extremely slow, if at all. This can cause the vehicle to decelerate rapidly, and unexpectedly on the highway (or generally any speed, for that matter) which can cause an accident at high speeds, all in which the driver had no control over how the vehicle behaved due to the transmission behaving erratically on it's own. I have researched and down that this is a common issue that Jeep/Chrysler knew of, and 1000's of Jeep Patriot owners/owners of vehicles with CVT transmissions have experienced.

Nov 2022

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.

Mar 2022

After refueling car stalls when this happens loss of power steering brakes etc Dangerous entering busy roads from gas stations Been happening consistently, many other owners report same problem across multyears of manufacture.

Jul 2021

I am submitting this complaint regarding the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failure in our Jeep vehicle. We have experienced intermittent transmission issues throughout our entire period of ownership. The CVT has now completely failed-the vehicle will not shift out of low gear. The RPMs surge rapidly, and although the vehicle will move at very low speeds if you ease off the accelerator, it will not reach normal driving speeds, making it unsafe and unusable for daily travel. The check engine light is on, and diagnostic codes confirm a CVT-related issue. The vehicle originally came with a lifetime powertrain warranty. We complied with the required inspection and maintenance schedule, except for the most recent inspection, which we missed due to a personal hardship. …

Feb 2025

Had a very noticeable vibration while driving car. Took into dealership and mechanic was able to stick his fingers through the "k" frame and noticed 3 giant holes in the frame from corroded metal. Upon investigation it was noted that on 5-19-14 that the 2007 Jeep Patriot was recalled for the exact same thing (23-012-14) due to corrosion of the k frame which ended up extending the warranty indefinite. I contacted Chrysler and explained my frustration with the situation and asked that since there was a recall for the same exact situation for the 07 if there was anything they could do for me. They proceeded to tell me there was nothing they could do because my year was not recalled even though it was the same issue. Due to this I will have to buy a new vehicle on short notice due to the safety of driving my family in an unsafe vehicle I bought brand new 6 years ago. …

102,000 miles · Mar 2015

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. While driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed that the engine began to stall and the transmission indicator illuminated. The vehicle began to slow down and made a grinding sound. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. When the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, it operated normally. The vehicle was driven to st. Michael car care center (500 central ave e, saint michael, mn 55376) where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer (stillwater motors, 5900 stillwater blvd n, stillwater, mn 55082) was informed of the failure and offered to trade in the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact of NHTSA campaign number: 08V528000 (power train), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000.

150,000 miles · Oct 2017

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.

1,000 miles · Nov 2008

Related recalls

Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA recall 08V-528 · Oct 9, 2008 · 712 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, Dodge caliber, avenger, journey, Jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Transmission complaints in other Patriot years

200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172660512553631970507415
Transmission complaints per model year, Jeep Patriot.

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Jeep Patriot?

NHTSA has 51 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Jeep Patriot, 19% of the model year's 275 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (2 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2009 Jeep Patriot transmission problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-528 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Oct 9, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2009 Jeep Patriot transmission problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.

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.