182 of the
4,387 complaints filed about the Jeep Patriot
are about the suspension —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2011.
Certified dealership service department omitted structural safety complaints from official service invoices, left vital diagnostic findings and performance metrics off paperwork tracking paths, cleared a compromised front suspension layout as safe, and actively instructed a vehicle operator to execute a driving pattern that induces sudden power loss on public roadway infrastructure. TIMELINE SUMMARY OF DEALERSHIP SERVICE (see uploaded PDF for details): March 26, 2026: Diagnostic service and fees for front right tire and new spark plugs. Left bay with immediate new serious issue. March 30, 2026: Follow up on new issue. No alerts. Given clearance. Zero charge invoice. May 19, 2026: Follow up AGAIN on same issue. Scheduled eventually after multiple tries to reach Supervisor. RPM alert reading. Technician gave negligent advice causing further damage to my vehicle and putting me in danger. The technician noted an unprecedented 3,000 to 4,000 RPM calculation anomaly on his computer screen yet dismissed the hazard by blaming my driving habits as "too gentle." He instructed me to find a ramp or an open stretch of road to "rev up" the acceleration and seek out cleaner fuel brands. Incomplete records. Zero charge invoice. I followed the advice and caused further damage and put myself and others at risk on the roads. June 22, 2026: Second opinion. Failing transmission and front arm controls damage. Reputable business reported: "Found front control arm bushings damaged and inop. Transmission fluid sample is dark and has a clutch odor. Test drove monitoring misfire and transmission: misfire 0. Trans slip during test drive even shows abnormal transmission slip. Recommend replacement of transmission and torque converter assembly." June 26, 2026: called management for full accountability. I request full repairs immediately. This situation created serious interruptions to my schedule and a threat to my personal safety. July 14, 2026: Certified letters to dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11750388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The transfer case is shot. As well as the rear differential. As a result of the transfer case messing up, the transmission is tore up. We need struts as well.
NHTSA complaint #11571266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since 2021 I have been complaining odd a smell (Burning/ Rotten) upon 1st starting up the vehicle. It was on the faint side when 1st discovered. Taken into dealership I bought it from when 1 first noticed. Dealership said no authorized Jeep mechanics on site and recommended to take it to a authorized Jeep dealer. Taken to Jeep dealership 2022 with same complaint. Replaced inside air filters. No resolution/ taken to 3rd dealership 2023 late winter. It wasn't till )ct.2023 Same dealership taken to in late winter found Converter: Exhaust and CATL crack in maniverter. Over $3,000 in repairs. Who can help me this car there is something wrong with it because I ca still smell the smell after spending all this money
NHTSA complaint #11563759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Total Erosion of front and rear subframe. Replaced front 2021 rear rot 2023 so bad mechanic shop wouldn’t let me drive it after needing a inspection sticker( couldn’t get). Never was notified for extended warranty about replacing this part. Huge safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11533768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle has a bad wheel bearing. While replacing wheel bearing noticed that the rear subframe was completely rotted/rusted. The corrosion on the rear subframe is far worse than the rest of the vehicle. This vehicle is unsafe to drive in its current state as the crossmember could collapse causing a loss of control of the vehicle. Upon doing some research it is clear that Chrysler knows that this is a issue. I cannot believe that there hasn't been a recall to replace these subframes. I guess its going to take a major accident or worse to before anything will get done. I have included pictures of the crossmember as well as the undercarriage of the vehicle for comparison.
NHTSA complaint #11530799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2008 Jeep Patriot with 100,000 miles on it both front and rear subframes are completely rotted and unsafe I need some help I can't afford all this repair I'm disabled I'm working with my local mechanic I need you guys to help pay for some of this
NHTSA complaint #11515201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle is known to have an issue with rusting subframe/crossmembers . Warranty on this vehicle was extended. (Service Bulletin 23-007-17, X69 Warranty Extension) However upon multiple dealer visits and requesting inspection was not notified that issue was happening. Approximately 1.5 years after warranty extension had expired noticeable issues started occurring including noises that got worse and prompted a visit to dealer. Had to fight tooth and nail to get dealership or company to work with me on repairs on low mileage (121K) vehicle and even then they missed 1/2 the problem and told me not to come back to the shop. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - See beginning - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Front crossmember completely rotted out and separated, holding on by only control arm - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, know issues but wording of service bulletin and dealership neglect result in customer not being informed or postponement of repair until too late - Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Dealership - Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No warning other than single notification of warranty extension, asked for vehicle inspection 7 months prior to warranty expiration and given an all good -
NHTSA complaint #11511055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2010 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while getting a routine oil change at the dealer the mechanic stated that there was a large hole in the subframe due to excessive rusting. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The contact recalled Technical Service Bulletin, NHTSA ID 10140027 (Suspension, Steering) from approximately 5 years ago and inquired if the vehicle could be repaired under the TSB. The contact was informed that the TSB was no longer valid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the TSB was no longer valid. The approximate failure mileage was 136,560.
NHTSA complaint #11499185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
i never received a letter about X69 extendy warranty on cross member frame and now im told the bottom of my frame is all rusted and my back tires are bending in and i cant drive the car safely and needs replacement and that its been like this for awhile had i been informed of this x69 i would of taken my jeep in to get fixed i am extremely upset and would like to know if anyone can help me. and my air bag module light came on and i paid over 1000.00 for that to be repaired and i was told there was a recall on that and i never got that letter. i am very distraught over this.
NHTSA complaint #11493805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jeep Patriot 2011 Latitude with severe corrosion to front and rear subframe assemblies. Noted for recent emergence of clunking sound on front end when passing over dips and bumps. Made arrangement for towing of vehicle to personal mechanic to check out and also make state inspection. Noted to have severe fracture of front subframe then resting on axle and wheel assemblage parts. Rear subframe member in same condition with ability to poke holes through structural member. Conditiion resulted in failure to pass inspection. Vehicle deemed unsafe to drive. Further deterioration expected with potential for loss of steering or wheel falling off. Liability for accident or bodily harm in potential failure noted. Vehicle later towed to another mechanic with same determination. Vehicle towed to local body shop where Insurance agent denied accountability for collision or comprehensive coverage. Damage initially assessed at about $900 per part with accessory components to be added at discovery. Issue is well known to manufacturer via many complaint website postings I have since learned. Vehicle towed to another body shop which will assess and complete repair if practical. Second shop said they had repaired similar vehicle for same problem recently. Noted that subframes were manufactured in Mexico. This is inappropriate for regional application in Pennsylvania noted for harsh climate and road treatment. That vehicle was restored with Canada manufactured part of heavier gauge and quality. My vehicle is low mileage at 79000 miles, garage kept, driven locally only;engine fine. I have 2008 Town and Country Chryler and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with NO OBVIOUS signs of such wear. The corrosive factor accelerated since last inspection in Dec 2021. There were NO WARNING lights or signs upon emergence of the problem. This is serious safety issue where unexpectedly steering loss or wheel displacement could result in accident to self or others or crash.
NHTSA complaint #11490633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear undercarriage is rusted through and mount by rear differential mount has broken off causing shaking, vibrating and possible differential leakage.
NHTSA complaint #11487503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The back passenger tire started rubbing and smoking. After getting home, noticed the wheel was at an angle. After taking off the tire, noticed the whole rear suspension cradle was completely rusted through. I contacted Chrysler dealer to find out no recall. Contacted the place I purchased the jeep only 18 months ago, sent them pics, and was told "That is normal". I could have been on the Interstate or highway when the suspension broke. There was absolutely no warning signs this could happen or was going to happen. I have not driven much due to working from home since COVID. Has not been inspected since I don't know who to contact. So now I have a jeep sitting in my drive that I can't drive and still paying on.
NHTSA complaint #11485949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.