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 2011 Jeep Patriot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that most times the vehicle would restart soon after the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was once towed to his home after the failure but restarted the next day. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on his vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
While driving in heavy traffic, there was a Red light and attempted to slow the vehicle. The engine started to jerk forward and the RPMs were increasing without my foot on the accelerator! My foot was on the brake! I was able to turn into a gas station to get to a safer place to park the vehicle. While attempting to park in a parking space the vehicle continued to accelerate by itself, again my foot was applied to the brake pedal. I was literally fighting to stop the vehicle and almost ran into the barrier where customers were walking. Once turning off the vehicle and restarting the engine, it was operating correctly while I'm reverse. I then shifted into drive, and the vehicle lunged forward and the engine accelerated by itself. It drove up to 45 miles per hour without my foot on the accelerator and foot resting on the brake pedal. …
Every single time after putting gas, my car wont go further than 10 feet without turning off/stalling. Some times it wont turn back on and takes several tries to get it back up and running. I feel at risk for my life and those in the car with me because not only does it stall but my steering wheel locks everytime and I am unable to move or do anything. God forbid one day it stops and a car is headed in my direction I will be stuck in place. I have read online multiple people have had this issue but no one can seem to find a definitive solution. This started to happen around winter of 2019/spring 2020 and has been happening ever since. The date I recorded below is the most recent time it's occurred.
So I bought this used from a previous owner check engine light has come on quite a few times and I've gone to two separate places and it's the catalytic converter efficiency coming up. My mechanic did a recall research and found that this specific vehicle not the VIN number had been recalled for issues with this, I would like to get my car added to the recall. I am a single mom. This is my only mode of transportation to him from work and to get my kids I bought this used and I'm pretty sure the owner knew something was wrong with it.
After filling up the gas tank, when I drive away, the car jerks and loses power for a minute with in a mile of leaving the gas station. Nj pumps gas for me so the tank is not overfilled. My power steering goes down for a moment as my car sputters. Then after a minute it drives great until the next time I fill up my tank. Forums have stated it is a bad charcoal cannister. Many jeep patriot owners have complained about this. It is very unsafe when this happens on the road. I fear driving my toddler now.
I brought my Jeep Patriot 2011 for a recall. However, after taking the vehicle to the dealer for a recall check out, the jeep came up with a sound like TA, TA,TA... from the gloves compartment and went I stated the air conditioning or the heating when the weather become cooler.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. While driving 45-50 MPH, smoke was detected and the vehicle spontaneously caught fire. There were no warning indicators illuminated. There were no injuries. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The insurance company declined to assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000.
I was on a short trip when a car behind me frantically waved me to stop and informed me that my Jeep was on fire. The exhaust burnt a whole through the rear bumper and melted the bumper. I had no indication that this was happening.
Engine complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 75 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Jeep Patriot, 23% of the model year's 326 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Jeep Patriot engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2011 Jeep Patriot, though it has 4 recalls 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 2011 Jeep Patriot engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 3 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.