The Jeep Patriot is a compact crossover SUV that features Jeep’s distinct box-like design and unmistakable front grille. Like many vehicles in FCA’s lineup, Jeeps usually don’t hold their value as well as other brands like Toyota. The resale value of a 2017 Jeep Patriot is expected to depreciate by about 37% in five years according to AutoPadre.com. The Patriot is in the bottom 70th to 80th percentile of vehicles when it comes to resale value.
This article will cover the Jeep Patriot’s reliability and the common problems that its owners have experienced since the model’s first release in 2007.
Is the Jeep Patriot Reliable?
Despite its unexceptional resale value, the Jeep Patriot has an above-average reliability rating, according to RepairPal.com. Major Jeep Patriot repairs are uncommon, and the frequency of visits to repair shops is 0.3 times a year, which is average.
Earlier Jeep Patriot models made from 2007 to 2010 are known to have transmission issues. As a result, Patriot models are fairly cheap on the used-car market. However, recent Patriot models, like the ones made after 2013, have fewer reported problems.
Jeep Patriot Problems
Premature CVT Failure
Problems with the Jeep Patriot’s Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) begin with whining noises, overheat warnings, and acceleration problems. CVTs are a kind of transmission where belts are used in place of gears in changing the gear ratios. Owners have reported this issue happening as early as three weeks after purchase. The issue caused the SUV to have problems accelerating over 40mph.
This is a major issue, as it prevents drivers from exceeding certain speeds, which can be a huge inconvenience, especially on the highway. Owners also have reported their vehicles losing power when driving uphill. Severe cases of the issue have resulted in power decreasing gradually until they were forced to halt and have their vehicle towed.
It’s unclear what causes the CVT to have problems, but owners are pointing their fingers at poor design. Drivers have been sharing fixes for the issue in forums by disregarding the CVT maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual and immediately replacing the transmission fluid filters. Users also recommend swapping out the CVT’s oil pan with a replacement that includes a drain plug. On the first sign of hearing whining, some owners recommend replacing the fluid.
This problem occurs in the 2007 to 2010 Jeep Patriot model years. The problem seems to be very common, as there are more than 800 people that have reported the problem on RepairPal.com. As a result, the late 2014 Jeep Patriot model changed its transmission system to a traditional torque converter automatic transmission instead of a CVT system.
Manual Transmission Is Difficult to Shift
The 2007 to 2010 Jeep Patriot models also have problems with their manual transmission. Luckily, the issues with the Patriot’s manual transmission version aren’t as bad as its CVT version. But unlike the CVT issue, where grinding gears and transmission overheats are a constant, people have varying experiences with this issue. Some have reported that their vehicle shakes and makes a grinding noise when they shift into third gear. Some have difficulty shifting into the first and second gear. Other drivers say that their gear levers pop out from the position, while other people say that their gear lever gets stuck.
This issue can distract the driver during acceleration and can result in an accident. Some owners needed to have their entire transmission rebuilt because of damage from the issue. One owner who had purchased a lifetime warranty had already replaced the five-speed transmission three times. Resolving the issue may involve replacing the transmission’s synchronizer rings, according to RepairPal.com.
Water Leaking in the Cabin
Many Jeep Patriot models are known to have leaking cabins. Owners have reported the water entering through the sunroof, while others say it entered through the vehicle’s dome light. This problem seems to be widespread over many of the Patriot model years, particularly the 2008 to 2016 models. While this may not be an issue that disrupts the vehicle’s overall function, it can cause possible electrical problems and mold accumulation inside the cabin.
Owners have reported that the leaks can be so severe that water can drip all over the dashboard and radio. Their floorboards would also get soaked. The water has also shorted out the vehicle’s dome lights and infotainment system, which incurred further repairs. Even brand-new models have the issue. Owners in forums are adamant about complaining to Jeep about the issue so that it can take responsibility and repair the issue.
Among the many reports in CarComplaints.com, only a few owners seem to have fixed the issue by either realigning the sunroof, checking all grommets and plugs, or replacing the sunroof drain tubes.
Knowing about these issues may be a deal-breaker if you’re planning to get a Jeep Patriot. However, it’s good to note that most of these issues are only common in older Jeep Patriot models. Do your research before buying a specific model, so that you’re prepared to deal with any possible problems that may arise.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
