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 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. …
Vehicle is known to have an issue with rusting subframe/crossmembers . Warranty on this vehicle was extended. (Service Bulletin 23-007-17, X69 Warranty Extension) However upon multiple dealer visits and requesting inspection was not notified that issue was happening. Approximately 1.5 years after warranty extension had expired noticeable issues started occurring including noises that got worse and prompted a visit to dealer. Had to fight tooth and nail to get dealership or company to work with me on repairs on low mileage (121K) vehicle and even then they missed 1/2 the problem and told me not to come back to the shop. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - See beginning - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? …
Front cross member (Subframe is completely rusted)Causing a loud thumping noise when applying brakes or driving over bumps in the road. Very dangerous if the subframe would come completely separated from the vehicles body.(THIS Should definitely be a RECALL and why it hasn't been is a real mystery to me. This is not an isolated problem. Every Patriot owner I have talked to seem to have the same problem. Chrysler is aware of this too. I am expressing my deep concern on this matter and I know that there won't be a [redacted] thing done about it. I will be left with fixing this [redacted] on my own. In the meantime I refuse to let my wife drive the [redacted] thing until it is fixed. Chrysler should be held accountable for this defect but I'm sure that they won't. Wife bought this vehicle brand new in 2011 against my better judgement. But she's the one that paid for it. …
The front subframe rusted through on the left hand side which in turn caused the lower control arm to shift outward preventing full steering capabilities. There was a warranty extension dated back from 2017, brought into service on December of 2019, to the Chrysler dealership where it was purchased for lights on the cluster and a steering vibration and no one mentioned the subframe issue that was persisting on this model year. Was told rather that it needed a new bearing and a speed sensor. Replaced both and the issue wasn't fixed. I am told now (July 2021) that this extension expired in March of this same year. Was told by both the dealer and the customer service hotline that there is absolutely nothing they can do. They also mentioned that there should have been a letter sent out for this warranty extension but nothing was ever received. …
The back passenger tire started rubbing and smoking. After getting home, noticed the wheel was at an angle. After taking off the tire, noticed the whole rear suspension cradle was completely rusted through. I contacted Chrysler dealer to find out no recall. Contacted the place I purchased the jeep only 18 months ago, sent them pics, and was told "That is normal". I could have been on the Interstate or highway when the suspension broke. There was absolutely no warning signs this could happen or was going to happen. I have not driven much due to working from home since COVID. Has not been inspected since I don't know who to contact. So now I have a jeep sitting in my drive that I can't drive and still paying on.
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that upon taking her vehicle to an independent mechanic, the mechanic discovered a significant amount of rust to the sub frame of the vehicle. The mechanic informed her that there might have been a recall on the vehicle for the corrosion. The mechanic also informed her that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the amount of rust on the suspension. The contact then called the dealer and was informed that there was a warranty on the vehicle for the corrosion on the subframe however, the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
I purchased my 2011 Jeep Patriot from a car dealership in October of 2020. After a week of having the vehicle, I noticed a loud clunking sound coming from underneath. I took it back to the dealer and was told it was nothing. After taking it to my mechanic, he found major rust and corrosion on the front and rear subframe and crossmembers. I paid $2200 in repairs on the car, only to find out the he only did the front end of the car. The back end is just as bad and the car is unsafe for me to drive. When he did the front end of the car, the pieces fell apart as he began taking it apart. This car was a ticking time bomb. It's now June of 2021 and I don't know what to do
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.
Rear suspension lower control arm disconnected from the rear crossmember due to crossmember rust. The manufacturer isn't honoring the x69 front and rear crossmember rust out extended warranty because the vehicle is a few weeks past 10 years, but the vehicle was at the dealer a year before the warranty ran out and the rear crossmember was apparently not inspected, only the front suspension was looked at according to the Multi Point inspection recommendations. Consumer stated dealers diagnosis blames a rusty lower control arm for the failure, which isn't true.
Suspension complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2011 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 Jeep Patriot, 17% of the model year's 326 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Jeep Patriot suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.