Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Power steering cooler line failing and leaking on exhaust and catching fire. We are a leasing company and have 13 of these. One has already burnt to the ground and another caught fire today but was able to be put out. We are grounding the rest of these until we figure something out.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Jeep Patriot. While driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel vibrated and the vehicle pulled to the right after a stop. Also, the tire pressure warning indicator was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to kunes country Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of oregon, 601 gale street, oregon, il 61061) where it was diagnosed with a bent rim. The exact rim was unknown; however, it was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger side lower control arm was bent. The control arm and axle shaft were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer a third time and was awaiting diagnoses. The contact mentioned that the headlights were also turned towards the ground and the dealer adjusted the direction and replaced the passenger side head lamp. …
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds through an intersection, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the vehicle was operating as designed. Upon research, the contact located similar failures related to the vehicle going into LIMP Mode and electrical issues. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and the failure was acknowledged. The dealer informed the contact that a diagnostic test was needed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and suggested that the vehicle be towed to the dealer. …
My ABS module has gone out, giving me an UNSAFE Jeep Patriot, now with ZERO ABS or Traction control, major issue in Tampa driving! Apparently, according to the dealer here, they're on "galactic back order" for a few years now; I couldn't even find one at a used parts store in the area...had to resort to Ebay, having it installed at the dealership this week, who says they'll install it (Janet) but they won't guarantee they can program it and it will reset those dash lights?!?! They can't guarantee it? Then something needs to be figured out to GUARANTEE I have a working Jeep, complete with ABS and traction control. This is a major, according to several people I've spoken with but there's no recall? …
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted to park and turned off. After waiting for several minutes, the vehicle was restarted and regained power; however, the vehicle was sputtering while starting. The check engine warning light illuminated with a red lightning bolt flashing when the failure occurred. The failure reoccurred after being repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the electronic throttle body had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred a second time and the vehicle was returned to the mechanic but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.
On 5 occasions at various speeds and types of roads, my vehicle suddenly goes into limp mode, the engine shuts off and power steering goes out. I have very limited time and control to move off the road before the car behind me slams into me. The majority of the instances this has happened, the orange anti-skid light comes on though road conditions were fine. I found a recall of 2016 Jeep Patriots (s89/NHTSA 16-v-907 Crankshaft/Camshaft Sensor Wire Harness) and many complaints I've found experiencing the same thing I experienced were included in this recall. Mechanic ran my Jeep's code and it showed a number of things were triggered but he couldn't pinpoint what exactly could be the cause based on the code errors. I have a young child in a car seat in the back of my car and feel extremely unsafe taking her anywhere, let alone when it's just me in the car. …
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably in the front end, causing the steering wheel to vibrate uncontrollably. The contact also heard abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the vehicle was not under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.
The partriot randomly stalls while travelling at any speed. The engine shuts off and car has to coast to a stop. It is extremely dangerous and only a matter of time before someone is injured or killed. Multiple mechanics and the Jeep dealership have no clue as to how to fix the problem. Online research shows this is a major issue for many Jeep owners, not just patriots. Jeep / Chrysler has a major issue and will not acknowledge or address it. If they refuse to do anything, they should be prepared to pay for their lack of addressing this critical issue. It takes less than a minute to search and see how many people are affected with engine stalling issues with Jeep automobiles. I hope the NHTSA will conduct a thorough review of these issues and force more attention to be given to the serious issue. …
Related recalls (2)
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured January 1, 2015, to May 11, 2015. During assembly, the power steering hose retention clamp may have been installed at an incorrect location, resulting in the detachment of the low pressure return hose.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the return power steering hose clamp, repositioning the clamp as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Jeep Patriot years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (53), 2007 (34), 2015 (30), 2016 (24) and 2011 (19) model years. Steering complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Jeep Patriot steering problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 15V-878 (hose, piping, and connections, Dec 23, 2015); 11V-315 (column, Jun 8, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Jeep Patriot steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the linkages › tie rod assembly (9 mentions), followed by the rack and pinion (1).
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.