Owners have filed 292 complaints
about the 2009 Jeep Patriot with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 37
Against the median year of the Jeep Patriot. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 14
2.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 40
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
3364.7%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
47.8%
Frame AND Members
47.8%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
23.9%
Underbody Shields
23.9%
TIE ROD Assembly
23.9%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
23.9%
Automatic Transmission
23.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
83.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
125.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
135.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3816.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3514.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4519.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
6627.8%
150,000+ miles
208.4%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2009 Jeep Patriot 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
16.4% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2009peak 9Jan 2026
Recalls on the 2009 Jeep Patriot
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
08V528000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2008371132 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, a broken solder joint on the printed circuit board of the Power Control Module (PCM) can affect the fuel pump relay performance and potentially result in an engine stall while driving and/or a no start of the engine. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the PCM.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Belvidere, NJFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unknown the Jeep Patriot 2009 was purchased from DND auto in Belvidere NJ 07823. Failed inspection ABS U0416 codes pop up which the brake system. ESP U1110, PAS U1120. This vehicle under has stalled and brake system failed. Alternator also is not working properly. Odometer does not work properly.
NHTSA complaint #11418954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belvidere, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown the Jeep Patriot 2009 was purchased from DND auto in Belvidere NJ 07823. Failed inspection ABS U0416 codes pop up which the brake system. ESP U1110, PAS U1120. This vehicle under has stalled and brake system failed. Alternator also is not working properly. Odometer does not work properly.
NHTSA complaint #11418954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown the Jeep Patriot 2009 was purchased from DND auto in Belvidere NJ 07823. Failed inspection ABS U0416 codes pop up which the brake system. ESP U1110, PAS U1120. This vehicle under has stalled and brake system failed. Alternator also is not working properly. Odometer does not work properly.
NHTSA complaint #11418954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,000 milesChesaning, MICrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE REAR SUSPENSION CROSMEMBER CORRODED AND SNAPPED IN HALF. THERE WAS A 10YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I APPARENTLY MISSED BY A FEW MONTHS. THIS IS SUPER DANGEROUS. IT CAUSED THE TIRE TO POP WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM IT RUBBING AND THEN I VEERED OFF THE ROAD. THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER IS ALSO IN SIMILAR CONDITION. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ASAP. IT IS NOW STATIONARY AND IMMOBILE BECAUSE OF THE SITUATION. IT WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET. IT CAUSED ME TO NEED A TOW.
NHTSA complaint #11349297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,300 milesOcean Park, MECrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
BOUGHT CAR IN NOV WITH CLEAN CARFAX - 5MONTHS LATER IT SEEMED TO HAVE A FUEL INJECTION PROBLEM. ON WAY TO THE DEALER, CAR DID NOT STALL, BUT SPEED DROPPED TO 30-35 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY (ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON) HAD TO DRIVE IN BREAKDOWN LANE WITH HAZARD LIGHTS FLASHING, AND ON EXIT RAMP SHOULDER . TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO THE DRIVING LANE ON RAMP- SPEED DROPPED TO 5-10MPH. - NO ACCELERATION.. CAR WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE JUST BEHIND THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL - THE CAR WAS TOTALED...CAUSE STILL UNKNOWN. NOTE: CORRECTION BY CONSUMER - THE SPEED DID NOT DROP... THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 35 MPH .... BELIEVES IT WAS ALSO A TRANSMISSION ISSUE. *RMM
NHTSA complaint #10861768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesBeaumont, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A POLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10722679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Grand Haven, MI
ENGINE
Engine stalls only after filling up gas, resulting in check engine light or oil light turning on. I have taken it to numerous mechanics, who have all given me different answers, with anywhere from issues with EVAP hoses and fuel tank, to the fuel pump, or purge system. Problem was never addressed or mentioned when bought from dealership in June 2025 but noticed immediately after filling up gas for the first time since purchase of the car and problem occurs continuously after filling up gas. Not sure if related either, but if gas tank is overfilled at all in the slightest, it leaks out the bottom immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11711168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Haven, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine stalls only after filling up gas, resulting in check engine light or oil light turning on. I have taken it to numerous mechanics, who have all given me different answers, with anywhere from issues with EVAP hoses and fuel tank, to the fuel pump, or purge system. Problem was never addressed or mentioned when bought from dealership in June 2025 but noticed immediately after filling up gas for the first time since purchase of the car and problem occurs continuously after filling up gas. Not sure if related either, but if gas tank is overfilled at all in the slightest, it leaks out the bottom immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11711168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St Charles, MO
POWER TRAIN
I am submitting this complaint regarding the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failure in our Jeep vehicle. We have experienced intermittent transmission issues throughout our entire period of ownership. The CVT has now completely failed—the vehicle will not shift out of low gear. The RPMs surge rapidly, and although the vehicle will move at very low speeds if you ease off the accelerator, it will not reach normal driving speeds, making it unsafe and unusable for daily travel. The check engine light is on, and diagnostic codes confirm a CVT-related issue. The vehicle originally came with a lifetime powertrain warranty. We complied with the required inspection and maintenance schedule, except for the most recent inspection, which we missed due to a personal hardship. Jeep initially sent reminders for these inspections but eventually stopped, and we received no notice of the upcoming deadline. The vehicle has been regularly maintained by a trusted local repair shop. Despite this, it is now undriveable. From both our personal experience and broader consumer reports, it’s clear that these types of CVT failures are common among Jeep vehicles. Jeep has refused to honor the warranty, stating it could only be reinstated if we paid for the repairs ourselves within a specific timeframe—which has now passed. This policy places an unreasonable burden on the consumer, especially for a known and recurring mechanical issue. We believe Jeep is failing to take responsibility for a serious safety and performance defect. I respectfully ask the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and evaluate whether broader action—such as a recall—is warranted.
NHTSA complaint #11677908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
SUSPENSION
My whole front end of my jeep when I stop feels like it's coming out from underneath me
NHTSA complaint #11599535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flossmoor, IL
ENGINE
Changed catalytic converter now my car want go over 5 mph
NHTSA complaint #11590947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Porte, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After refueling the vehicle at a gas station, I drive about a 1/4 of a mile and the engine will stall and die. It will immediately restart and when I step on the gas pedal the engine has no power and will stall again. I will start it a third time and then it will run ok until I need to fill-up again. I think this is a safety hazard because I stand a good chance of getting rear ended being stuck in traffic. I have read many articles about people having the same problem. Seems the fix is replacing the gas tank which costs about $1500.00. Please make the responsible party face this serious safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11557496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Faulty gas tank. Doesn’t fill and gas shoots out during the fill process.
NHTSA complaint #11551414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesPayette, ID
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to a tire repair shop for alignment and tire rotation services; however, the contact was informed that the services could not be performed because the rear crossmember was severely corroded and fractured, which caused damages to the rear tires. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the front crossmember was corroded. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's mother. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under TSB Number: 23-007-17 REV.B, because the TSB had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11542989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Grand Rapids, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
Subframe front and rear are completely rusted out and unsafe to drive
NHTSA complaint #11526857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pierrefonds, QC, Canada, NY
POWER TRAIN
I report reveral times issuess with my gear box, but each time they said the car is fine. The problems start after the car was serviced years ago to Jeep Desources rep (3400 Sources Blvd, Dollard-des-Ormeaux QC H9B 1Z9, Canada) but the issues become worst in time. It started to not be able to drive in authomatic mode but ok in manual and they told me that forgot to tide a transmition cable and now when I am reporting the issue, I cannot drive and any mode (authomatic or manual) and base on service department, nothing is wrong with the car. what they are waiting, to have an accident or die? Since I bought the car, all the maintenace of it was not as supposed as per maintenance manual of the car – to give an example, oil change it’s come on after 3000km no matter where i drive (city or highway) and the blain me for driving the car. With all respect, every time i made compline i felt no one offer me the correct attention and the issue with the gear box for me is abouve the accepted limit.
NHTSA complaint #11510132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marquette, MI
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle's CVT transmission will overheat and cause the speed of the vehicle to slow down, unable to speed back up, and the acceleration to be extremely slow, if at all. This can cause the vehicle to decelerate rapidly, and unexpectedly on the highway (or generally any speed, for that matter) which can cause an accident at high speeds, all in which the driver had no control over how the vehicle behaved due to the transmission behaving erratically on it's own. I have researched and down that this is a common issue that Jeep/Chrysler knew of, and 1000's of Jeep Patriot owners/owners of vehicles with CVT transmissions have experienced.
NHTSA complaint #11495310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, NJ
STEERING
front and rear crossmember assembly rusted through car available. acknowledged history on this and related models of Chrysler products resulting in a additional 10 yr warrantee on these components which was not communicated to original owners and has now expired. vehicle has the potential to lose driver control and cause injury or death. no warning but rust has been visible for years but consumers not advised of extended warrantee. now cost of repair exceeds book value. Jeep disavows any responsibility for this defect in materials after the warrantee's expiration.
NHTSA complaint #11494229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, NJ
SUSPENSION
front and rear crossmember assembly rusted through car available. acknowledged history on this and related models of Chrysler products resulting in a additional 10 yr warrantee on these components which was not communicated to original owners and has now expired. vehicle has the potential to lose driver control and cause injury or death. no warning but rust has been visible for years but consumers not advised of extended warrantee. now cost of repair exceeds book value. Jeep disavows any responsibility for this defect in materials after the warrantee's expiration.
NHTSA complaint #11494229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Joseph, MO
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle started making a metal rub noise. Took to mechanic. K frame front drivers side is completely broken in two. Engine could have broken thru and caused a crash. No warning lights
NHTSA complaint #11483935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coralville, IA
ENGINE
We bought this car in March of 22 for our daughter. She used to drive back and forth between Mankato, MN and Coralville, IA. Every time she has driven it, the overheating light has come on and the car slows down below 50 mph. We have taken it to the mechanic, who we bought it from, three times for repairs. Every time we think it is done, the same thing happens. She has also had two different mechanics look at in Mankato. On Friday, September 2, 2022, after only driving an hour, the overheat light came on the car slowed to below 50 mph. She said there was a semi behind her that almost rear-ended her when this happened. I believe there is a danger with this car. I have read a lot complaints, on different online forums, that this year and model of Jeep has a problem with its CVT-continuously variable transmission. https://repairpal.com/cvt-transmission-543 "Problem Description There have been numerous complaints of early transmission failure, even with with normal servicing. Issues start with a whining noise, overheat warnings, and an inability to accelerate. The most common solution is replacement of the transmission. Late 2014 model year Patriots changed to a non-CVT transmission. 891 people reported this problem 244 comments Jeep Patriot Vehicles With This Problem 11 model years affected 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, view all Average mileage: 94,755 (1,700–1,000,000)
NHTSA complaint #11483323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesRacine, WI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the vehicle front subframe was corroded. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the front subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that in July 2022, the vehicle was taken to a tire shop and the contact was informed that the rear subframe was corroded. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
NHTSA complaint #11478206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westville, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
My rear subframe is completely rusted through. It is available for inspection. It has been confirmed by an independent service center. Warranties were issued to 2007 owners or 10 years old. 3 years ago I noticed a squeek in the trunk. Was told it was struts so I had them replaced. Now the vehicle knocks and squeaks so bad it has to sit until I can afford to replace subframe.
NHTSA complaint #11474029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMiami, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started to decelerate. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and after restarting the vehicle, he drove to his residence. The contact took the vehicle to three different independent mechanics who failed to service the vehicle due to a recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure due to the vehicle being over 10 years old. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V528000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer has been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11471506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dekalb, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dome light leaking water when rain or snow, leaving seats, car floor mats drenched. Had to replace radio three times and it smells like something burning
NHTSA complaint #11459802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dekalb, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dome light leaking water when rain or snow, leaving seats, car floor mats drenched. Had to replace radio three times and it smells like something burning
NHTSA complaint #11459802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dekalb, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dome light leaking water when rain or snow, leaving seats, car floor mats drenched. Had to replace radio three times and it smells like something burning
NHTSA complaint #11459802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roan mtn, TN
POWER TRAIN
Air conditioner drain drips directly on subframe cross brace for front cradle, erosion and road grim along with neverending dripping water even from using defrost leads to rust and cross brace breaking into and well you can use your imagination for what happens next. Drain needs extended and re routed because I know I can't be the only one with this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11456222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roan mtn, TN
SUSPENSION
Air conditioner drain drips directly on subframe cross brace for front cradle, erosion and road grim along with neverending dripping water even from using defrost leads to rust and cross brace breaking into and well you can use your imagination for what happens next. Drain needs extended and re routed because I know I can't be the only one with this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11456222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roan mtn, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY
Air conditioner drain drips directly on subframe cross brace for front cradle, erosion and road grim along with neverending dripping water even from using defrost leads to rust and cross brace breaking into and well you can use your imagination for what happens next. Drain needs extended and re routed because I know I can't be the only one with this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11456222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesKansas, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the anti-theft warning light would illuminate and the vehicle would fail to start up. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was parked and remained at the residence unrepaired. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer had been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #11454740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.