Most common 2011 Jeep Patriot problems
Share of the 326 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Patriot complaints by model year
Best Patriot years: 2017, 2013, 2010. Years to avoid: 2014, 2016, 2008, 2012. Compare all years →
2011 Jeep Patriot recalls (4)
Equipment
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.
Air bags
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017.
Electrical system › Software
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
Steering › Column
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, Jeep wrangler, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 200 convertible, Dodge avenger, Dodge nitro, Jeep liberty, Dodge caliber, Jeep compass, Jeep patriot, Dodge grand caravan and Chrysler town & country vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 4, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2011 Jeep Patriot:
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early…
Engine stall, fuel delivery failure
In a letter dated April 3, 2013, Chrysler Group LLC submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA identifying a safety defect in the fuel delivery system in approximately 20,532 model year (MY) 2012 Jeep Patriot (11,624) and Compass (8,908) vehicles manufactured from October 18, 2011 through May 7, 2012 and equipped with certain fuel tanks produced between October 18, 2011 and January 26, 2012 (Recall…
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2011 Jeep Patriot owners say
Engine & cooling all 75 →
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. While refueling, the fuel tank failed to allow all with fuel. The contact had to restart the vehicle and add more fuel several times. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer where a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was due to a faulty rollover valve and the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The traction control warning light was then illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer; however, the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed. The contact was advised that there was no way to recreate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Suspension all 55 →
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the subframe inadvertently lowered. Additionally, the contact stated that the muffler was rusted. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact notified the local dealer of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a discount on the cost of the parts. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
I went to get my car inspected and was told that I would need to replace my cross member/subframe which would cost thousands. I was trying to figure out how to fix it for less when I came across a discussion board where everyone with these vehicles were having the same problem. I also look on YouTube and all the comments under multiple videos showing how to replace it also had the same problem. This issue is Chrysler knew this was an issue and extended the warranty for that part and most owner of that vehicle had no idea they did. The owner ended up paying thousands for the part or trading their car in and buying another one. I believe Chrysler quietly extended the warranty and never properly notified vehicle owners of the extension. They also didn't make any type of public announcement that would inform drivers who brought the cars used after one or more owners had it. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 53 →
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that there was a rattling noise coming from under the hood of the vehicle while driving. On another occasion while driving approximately 20 MPH, the speedometer went 0 MPH and failed to function as needed. The vehicle stalled shortly afterward and was coasted to the side of the roadway. The contact had the vehicle towed from the scene. The contact stated the failure occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,362.
Vehicle has a bad wheel bearing. While replacing wheel bearing noticed that the rear subframe was completely rotted/rusted. The corrosion on the rear subframe is far worse than the rest of the vehicle. This vehicle is unsafe to drive in its current state as the crossmember could collapse causing a loss of control of the vehicle. Upon doing some research it is clear that Chrysler knows that this is a issue. I cannot believe that there hasn't been a recall to replace these subframes. I guess its going to take a major accident or worse to before anything will get done. I have included pictures of the crossmember as well as the undercarriage of the vehicle for comparison.
2011 Jeep Patriot engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 28 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 23 / 27 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD | 22 / 27 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 4WD | 21 / 26 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Jeep Patriot a good car?
Based on 326 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Patriot rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Patriot at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Jeep Patriot?
The engine & cooling — 75 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the suspension (55) and transmission & drivetrain (53).
How many recalls does the 2011 Jeep Patriot have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2011 Jeep Patriot, the most recent from December 21, 2017 (equipment). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Patriot?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2013 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2016, 2008 and 2012. See the full Jeep Patriot years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Jeep Patriot problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 38% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.