Jeep Patriot Transmission Problems

Owners have filed 506 complaints about transmission & drivetrain problems with the Jeep Patriot — 15% of all Patriot complaints. The worst model years are 2016 (74), 2014 (70) and 2012 (63). Problems typically start around 64,000 miles. One related recall has been issued.

506complaints
2016worst year
64ktypical miles
1related recalls
8crashes
4fires

Transmission complaints by model year

200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172660512553631970507415
Transmission complaints per model year, Jeep Patriot.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
20171525%34,000 miles
20167416%59,000 miles
20155016%55,000 miles
20147013%45,000 miles
20131916%69,000 miles
20126318%57,000 miles
20115316%73,000 miles
20102513%58,000 miles
20095119%88,000 miles
20086013%80,000 miles
20072610%61,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Automatic transmission
    9
  • Manual transmission
    6
  • Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    4
  • Driveline
    2
  • Clutch assembly
    2
  • Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
    1
  • Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
    1

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

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    7518%
  • 25k–50k
    9222%
  • 50k–75k
    9323%
  • 75k–100k
    8420%
  • 100k–150k
    5112%
  • 150k+
    184%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several attempts were needed before the vehicle would start. The contact stated that while accelerating, the transmission was slipping. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. There was a warning light indicating that the vehicle needed to be serviced. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the throttle body had failed due to an air intake failure. The contact was informed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the failure recurred and became persistent. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

2017 Patriot · 79,000 miles · Aug 2022

When starting out from home the other day and several other occasions, the transmission has been jerking while shifting gears, its automatic and has around 43000 miles on it, have owned it for two years bought it from car dealer with extended warranty. Have not been able to get it checked yet but wil soon. The transmission has been shifting weird for some time now, it really whines when climbing hills, or traveling on the highways. It shifts gears when going slightly uphill and the engine revs up to 3000 rpms until car levels off or starts downgrade before shifting back to overdrive. Also has leak from sunroof after it rains and it leaks down thru interior lights onto radio.

2017 Patriot · Jun 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The stated that the ABS and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the ABS module was replaced. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started shuddering, emitted abnormal sounds, and failed to respond. The contact released the accelerator pedal. The contact shifted to park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The contact then restarted the vehicle and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred twice that same day. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and pulled into a gas station, where there were abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle along with a burning odor. …

2016 Patriot · 34,000 miles · May 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that upon accelerating uphill, the RMPs revved up but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the temperature sensor had failed and damaged the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the temperature sensor, head gasket, water pump, radiator, and unknown hoses and clamps were replaced. A transmission flush was performed, and the transmission was rebuilt. Additionally, the contact stated that upon parking the vehicle after driving 45 MPH, she noticed that the driver's seat headrest had partially been deployed independently. The contact pushed the headrest inside the seat; however, the headrest was completely deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. …

2016 Patriot · 155,000 miles · Aug 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut off without warning. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic could not diagnose the failure due to the lack of a warning; they have also tried to duplicate the failure but was unsuccessful. The dealer was also notified of the failure and the contact was given an estimate diagnostic estimate which the contact declined. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

2015 Patriot · 43,000 miles · Apr 2026

Urgent Safety Complaint: Sudden Loss of Power in 2015 Jeep Patriot on Interstate I am writing to formally report a critical safety issue I experienced with my 2015 Jeep Patriot on multiple occasions. While driving on the interstate at approximately 70mph, my vehicle unexpectedly lost power, causing an immediate drop in speed. This incident occurred under normal driving conditions with no prior warning signs or dashboard alerts. The sudden loss of power in a high-speed lane posed a severe risk not only to my safety but also to other motorists, as it could have led to a multi-vehicle collision. Fortunately, I was able to maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder without incident, but the potential for a more severe outcome was distressingly high. I am extremely concerned about the reliability and safety of the 2015 Jeep Patriot. …

2015 Patriot · Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on a long road trip, the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal with the transmission temperature message displayed. The vehicle was turned off and the contact reset the transmission per the instructions in the Owner's Manual. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred months later during normal highway driving. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

2014 Patriot · 95,000 miles · Oct 2022

At long rides in hot weather traveling over 65 miles a hour car slows down to a sto was in fast lane at time had to put hazards on to make to shoulder a message on dashboard lights up red circle with ! Inside of circle looked on manual its marked as transmission overheat when vehicle cools down can start driving again I've brought to dealer in NJ and fla for problem mechanics state can't duplicate message so did unwanted repairs when today 10/30/2023 after complaining to Chrysler now they can dupicate message and states theres a problem with transmission this problem had been with me since I brought car in 2014 i looked online and have seen many complaints about the cvt transmission my car is at dealer now with price tag of 9000 to repair please help me get my repairs

2014 Patriot · Oct 2015

Related recalls (1)

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.

Frequently asked questions

Which Jeep Patriot years have transmission problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (74), 2014 (70), 2012 (63), 2008 (60) and 2011 (53) model years. Transmission complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2016.

Is there a recall for Jeep Patriot transmission problems?

Yes — 1 recall, including 08V-528 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Oct 9, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Jeep Patriot transmission problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the automatic transmission (9 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (6).

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.