Owners have filed 178 complaints
about the 2013 Jeep Patriot with NHTSA between 2013 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 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 — 22
Against the median year of the Jeep Patriot. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 44
8.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 69
40% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
98.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
109.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
109.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2523.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2422.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2018.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
65.6%
150,000+ miles
32.8%
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.
Mar 2013peak 11Sep 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Jeep Patriot
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
PE19014Opened 9 Sep 2019Closed 25 Feb 2026SEATS
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in...
Recalls on the 2013 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2016448139,513 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles in certain types of crashes, airbag and seatbelt pretensioner deployment capability may be lost due to a short in the front impact sensor wiring affecting Occupant Restraint Controller function. Failure of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy in a crash (when warranted) could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the Occupant Restraint Controller module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 13,800 milesMidville, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STARTING IN THE SUMMER OF 2014 THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY JULY 15, 2016 WHILE DRIVING I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING. LOOKED BEHIND ME AND THE BACKSEAT WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE! PULLED OVER AND CALLED 911. FIREFIGHTERS DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAD SHORT CIRCUITED. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE CAR IT HAD STOPPED THE WIRES FROM BURNING. THE FIREFIGHTERS DISCONNECTED THE WIRES AND I CAREFULLY CONTINUED ON MY WAY. DURING THIS TIME I ALSO HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE DOOR LOCKS CONSTANTLY LOCKING AND UNLOCKING, EVEN WHEN NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR. ALSO, THE HORN AND STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS, SUCH AS THE CRUISE CONTROL AND RADIO CONTROLS, WENT OUT. I JEEP ABOUT THE FIRE/SMOKE AND ALSO TOLD THEM ABOUT THE OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I WAS HAVING. I MET WITH A CHRYSLER INSPECTOR AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. SHORTLY AFTER I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT THEY WERE NOT AT FAULT FOR THE ISSUES HAPPENING WITH MY PATRIOT. .
NHTSA complaint #11066781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, WACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
2013 JEEP PATRIOT. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT AND BOTH OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED INJURIES IN THE COLLISION. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10955969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SKIDDED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, LEGS, AND HEAD. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. - (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
NHTSA complaint #10945701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2940 W 8 ST, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED UPWARD, RATHER THAN OUTWARD. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10920296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesClarksville, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WITH FORCE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS RESTRAINED TIGHTLY IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT FROM THE SEAT BELT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEADACHES, NECK PAINS, BACK PAINS, PAIN TO THE RIGHT HAND ON MAINLY THE TWO MIDDLE FINGERS, AND KNEE PAINS. THE OTHER VEHICLE LEFT THE SCENE OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRABLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR LONGER THAN A WEEK AND WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHAT CAUSED THE AIR BAGS NOT TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SENT A RESPONSE LETTER INDICATING THAT THE SPEED UPON IMPACT WAS A FACTOR IN WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #10837534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesHouston, TXFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVING AT 70 MPH, INTERSTATE 57, NEAR MARION, ILLINOIS. DRIVER ALERTED BY PASSING VEHICLE. DRIVER IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO SHOULDER WHEN DRIVER SAW FLAMES COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. WHEN STOPPED, ALL PEOPLE EXITED VEHICLE. DRIVER AND NAVIGATOR IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TRYING TO PUT OUT FLAMES COMING FROM REAR HATCH AREA. WITH THE AID OF SEVERAL PASSING MOTORISTS, FLAMES WERE NEARLY PUT OUT BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ON SCENE. POLICE WERE IMMEDIATELY THERE, BEFORE FIRE DEPARTMENT. LOST MOST OF THE CLOTHING AND CAMPING EQUIPMENT THAT WERE RIDING IN THE PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS IN THE BUMPER-MOUNTED HITCH CARRIER. WHEN WE FIRST STOPPED, FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT AND MELTING PLASTIC BODY PANELS AND PLASTIC BUMPER PARTS, AND PLASTIC REAR WIPER PARTS, AND PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS IN THE HITCH CARRIER. STANDING BEHIND VEHICLE, FLAMES SEEMED TO ORIGINATE FROM THE LOWER RIGHT HAND BUMPER AREA, AND SPREAD RAPIDLY UP AND OVER THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, SMOKING AND MELTING EVERYTHING PLASTIC. DRIVER & NAVIGATOR SUFFERED MINOR BURNS ON HANDS OF THE KIND CAUSED FROM VARIOUS MELTING PLASTICS. BY SOME MIRACLE, THE GAS TANK DID NOT EXPLODE. DAMAGE SEEMED EXTENSIVE BUT CONFINED TO REAR 1/4 OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE, BUT DEEMED UNSAFE TO MOVE UNDER IT'S OWN POWER. SO UP ON A TOW VEHICLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY IT WENT. AT THIS WRITING, DAMAGE ASSESSMENT/REPAIR IS TAKING PLACE. OUTCOME UNKNOWN, BUT PROBABLY GRIM.
NHTSA complaint #10586633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Tyler, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving down the road the car just shuts off and it’s dangerous especially in busy areas it happens 6 times a day.
NHTSA complaint #11690322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
san Rafael, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Passenger headrest deployed open even though there was no collision
NHTSA complaint #11688260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, NY
SEATS
The passenger headrest AHR has deployed a couple years ago while parked. I tried working with the dealer for the past year to get it fixed under a recall. The dealer said it was covered for a limited time but no longer is covered. I do not understand why that is. It seems this should be covered under a recall and is a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11674989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FL
SEATS
Drivers side headrest deployed while I was driving.
NHTSA complaint #11626947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FL
AIR BAGS
Drivers side headrest deployed while I was driving.
NHTSA complaint #11626947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Drivers side headrest deployed while I was driving.
NHTSA complaint #11626947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Drivers side head restraint deployed while driving without any viable cause or reason
NHTSA complaint #11620799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesDyer, IN
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact scheduled an appointment and was informed that parts were on backorder upon arrival. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11607499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesDyer, IN
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact scheduled an appointment and was informed that parts were on backorder upon arrival. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11607499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesDyer, IN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact scheduled an appointment and was informed that parts were on backorder upon arrival. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11607499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Eagle, PA
SUSPENSION
The rear sub frame suddenly broke (rusted out) There was a known recall for 2008-2012 Jeep Patriot's, but not 2013 [XXX] I have Photos, but the form wouldn't let me upload them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11546589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Eagle, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The rear sub frame suddenly broke (rusted out) There was a known recall for 2008-2012 Jeep Patriot's, but not 2013 [XXX] I have Photos, but the form wouldn't let me upload them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11546589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, NC
POWER TRAIN
Transmission overheat warning , Engine loses power and slows to around 30MPH Poses risk to myself and others on highway because can not accelerate to get out of traffic Has not been confirmed by dealer Has been inspected by mechanic The hot transmission warning light comes on.This has been going on several years
NHTSA complaint #11543916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklinville, NC
ENGINE
Cat converter below threshold bank 1 check engine light code read on obd2. Loss of power and acceleration, sluggish and unable to drive at highway speeds. Poor shifting and temperature ran higher then usual.
NHTSA complaint #11463151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the vehicle would only allow the tank to be half full before shutting off the pump. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the roll-over valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V142000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
NHTSA complaint #11454466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZ
POWER TRAIN
The CVT fluid filler tube broke where the braket is, about 12 inches broke off. Dont know how long its been broken, I found it when I was changing the Electronic Throttle Body. This has happened to a lot of autos in the Chrysler family. Go to any Chrysler auto forum, I guarantee this will be something that has happened to 1 if not more people. Just google "broken cvt fluid filler tube" and it will all come up. This has to be a manufacture defect. Happening to too many people. They break at the same place, the bracket, no warning light indicator....nothing! It is usually found when something else is being done under the hood, then you see the broken piece just laying there. Thanking the Lord you and your family are ok, because had this piece of metal tubing broke off and went flying anything could have happened. This situation has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center nor has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance rep. I am providing pictures of the piece that broke off. I bought the vehicle used in July 2021, have had my vehicle serviced twice and noone has ever noticed the broken tube, I had to replace my battery in October 2021never noticed the broken piece. Only until I personally replaced the Electronic Throttle Body did I find the broken tube. And that was done yesterday Feb 19, 2022.
NHTSA complaint #11453170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZ
ENGINE
The CVT fluid filler tube broke where the braket is, about 12 inches broke off. Dont know how long its been broken, I found it when I was changing the Electronic Throttle Body. This has happened to a lot of autos in the Chrysler family. Go to any Chrysler auto forum, I guarantee this will be something that has happened to 1 if not more people. Just google "broken cvt fluid filler tube" and it will all come up. This has to be a manufacture defect. Happening to too many people. They break at the same place, the bracket, no warning light indicator....nothing! It is usually found when something else is being done under the hood, then you see the broken piece just laying there. Thanking the Lord you and your family are ok, because had this piece of metal tubing broke off and went flying anything could have happened. This situation has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center nor has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance rep. I am providing pictures of the piece that broke off. I bought the vehicle used in July 2021, have had my vehicle serviced twice and noone has ever noticed the broken tube, I had to replace my battery in October 2021never noticed the broken piece. Only until I personally replaced the Electronic Throttle Body did I find the broken tube. And that was done yesterday Feb 19, 2022.
NHTSA complaint #11453170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The CVT fluid filler tube broke where the braket is, about 12 inches broke off. Dont know how long its been broken, I found it when I was changing the Electronic Throttle Body. This has happened to a lot of autos in the Chrysler family. Go to any Chrysler auto forum, I guarantee this will be something that has happened to 1 if not more people. Just google "broken cvt fluid filler tube" and it will all come up. This has to be a manufacture defect. Happening to too many people. They break at the same place, the bracket, no warning light indicator....nothing! It is usually found when something else is being done under the hood, then you see the broken piece just laying there. Thanking the Lord you and your family are ok, because had this piece of metal tubing broke off and went flying anything could have happened. This situation has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center nor has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance rep. I am providing pictures of the piece that broke off. I bought the vehicle used in July 2021, have had my vehicle serviced twice and noone has ever noticed the broken tube, I had to replace my battery in October 2021never noticed the broken piece. Only until I personally replaced the Electronic Throttle Body did I find the broken tube. And that was done yesterday Feb 19, 2022.
NHTSA complaint #11453170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trevorton, PA
POWER TRAIN
The CVT transmission is failing before 60k miles and overheating during normal driving conditions. There were 2 prior owners before me and no vehicle history as to why it was traded into a dealer. No matter what I do the transmission heats rapidly and can only dissipate the heat would be to turn the heat on full blast.
NHTSA complaint #11452162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,110 milesShakopee, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I CAN NOT FILL THE GAS TANK VERY FAST WITH OUT THE PUMP SHUTTING OFF CHANGED ALL OTHER GAS FILTERS THE PROBLEM I'VE BEEN TOLD IS A FAULTY ROLL OVER VALVE INSIDE THE GAS TANK I'VE BEEN TOLD ITS COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE AND MAYBE YOU COULD OPEN AN INVESTIGATION TO FIX THE PROBLEM WILL COST $800 TO $1300 BEEN DEALING WITH THIS FOR FOUR MONTHS AND HAVE DEALT WITH IT BUT WITH WINTER HERE ITS A LOT EXTREME
NHTSA complaint #11385433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cabo Rojo, PR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FOR THE PAST 3-4 YEARS ALL BULBS FOR SIGNAL LIGHT PURPOSE DO NOT LAST EVEN 4 TO 5 MONTH AFTER REPLACEMENT. I CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM NOR REPAIR SHOP. VEHICLE HAS BEEN WITH ME SINCE BRAND NEW.
NHTSA complaint #11372397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merion Station, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE SUNROOF LEAKS AND WATER POURS DOWN FROM THE FRONT OVERHEAD LIGHTS ONTO THE DASH, INTO THE RADIO AND SEEPS INTO THE FRONT CARPETS. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME THERE IS RAIN, WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING.
NHTSA complaint #11364883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merion Station, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE SUNROOF LEAKS AND WATER POURS DOWN FROM THE FRONT OVERHEAD LIGHTS ONTO THE DASH, INTO THE RADIO AND SEEPS INTO THE FRONT CARPETS. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME THERE IS RAIN, WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING.
NHTSA complaint #11364883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merion Station, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE SUNROOF LEAKS AND WATER POURS DOWN FROM THE FRONT OVERHEAD LIGHTS ONTO THE DASH, INTO THE RADIO AND SEEPS INTO THE FRONT CARPETS. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME THERE IS RAIN, WHETHER THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING.
NHTSA complaint #11364883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesCleveland, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME IT WAS FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. HE THEN TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR MY CAR BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF IT.
NHTSA complaint #11352986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.