432 of the
4,387 complaints filed about the Jeep Patriot
are about the transmission —
10% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
432
Complaints
10%
Share of all complaints
7
Crashes
3
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11739253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was going to work at 5am I came to a red light, and the light turn green i press the gas to go there was no acceleration the car rolled backwards. I turned vehicle off. and restarted. still no acceleration. i moved the gear into first (this an auto vehicle). with that i catches enough to coarse. Not enough acceleration to pull into the driveway. I had gone into reverse just to get in. i had it looked at and it's the CVT transmission for my 2014 jeep patriot the cost for repairs 5,000 to 6,000. The failure mileage130,000
NHTSA complaint #11732864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle acts like it wants to shut off. No warnings or check engine lights it just starts to shake and not let me accelerate. Auto shop looked at it and engine and transmission are ok. They look ed at it 6 times in 4 months and it just keeps happening. Now car is leaking oil and they can’t figure out where from, they replaced oil pan me anything relating to it so not sure what’s wrong. Also, clicking sound from air vent seems to be a electrical issue. Key is starting to bend from ignition shape also. We replaced the key multiple times. New brakes and new rotors but car screeches and sounds like brakes are old but they’re brand new. Car sounds like struggling when accelerators.
NHTSA complaint #11710973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle momentarily shut off, causing the vehicle to decelerate unintendedly. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11672806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sitting at a red light with foot on brake and auto “jumped” happened quickly do not know If any warning lights were on. It seams to now be not not shifting property resulting in a lag in power
NHTSA complaint #11644692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
crankshaft went out I replaced it and 5 months later I'm replacing the crankshaft sensor again the 2016 have a recall why dose not the 2015 same issue and it's a problem
NHTSA complaint #11641431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My air bag light keeps blinking off and on and my hood keeps rattling from coming loose in the front. And just like everyone my transmission doesn't act right they should have done recalled this car it was totally not worth 25000 dollars
NHTSA complaint #11640262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Was driving on highway about 70 mph and check engine light, red lightning bolt symbol, and traction control lights all came on wasn't able to accelerate and vehicle wouldn't go above 30 mph. It's been in and out of dealerships since May and is still not fixed with no explanation why it's doing it . I have 1000 miles until my warranty is up . Could anyone take a look at this !
NHTSA complaint #11623836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Problems started when the wheel and axel came off the vehicle on a side road 3 years ago. The vehicle dropped a wheel again when crossing the country a month later. Both incidents included my wife and passengers. That at least seems resolved. At 28900 miles or so we have been wrestling for the last year and some with intermittently all the warning lights coming on and now the car will occasionally lose all power while in motion. So we have taken it to the dealership where they say it requires a replacement of the electrical harness. Topping off, the driver seat rest safety mechanism deployed randomly this last week while the vehicle was parked in the driveway.
NHTSA complaint #11611364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The component that failed was the front, driver's side subframe. This component and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The sudden and unexpected failure of the subframe on the vehicle, due to excessive rust corrosion, precipitated a series of hazardous events that significantly compromised not only my own safety but also the safety of others on the road. While driving at a low speed, the detachment of the wheel hub and CV axle joint led to a complete loss of vehicle control. This mechanical failure was further exacerbated by the total loss of transmission fluid, which leaked onto the road, potentially creating a slippery and dangerous surface for other road users. The culmination of these mechanical failures resulted in having been stranded in the middle of a busy intersection, a location where a major freeway on and off ramp intersect with a significant artery of traffic. This situation placed myself in immediate danger, exposed to the risk of collision from oncoming traffic. Moreover, the unexpected presence of my immobilized vehicle in the intersection also posed a significant risk to other drivers, who may have had to make sudden maneuvers to avoid a collision. This could have led to secondary accidents, endangering even more road users. The problem was confirmed by an independent insurance agent, and therefore, the vehicle and failed subframe were inspected by insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or messages from the Electronic Vehicle Information Center, nor were other symptoms of the problem apparent immediately prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11609031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle repeatedly stalled while driving. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. The contact restarted the vehicle after a few minutes and drove to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 166,666.
NHTSA complaint #11606719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought my 2015 Jeep Patriot new as I was getting older & I said this is the last vehicle I will buy. I am nearing [XXX] now & today I took it about 35 miles from home & on way back it jerked so hard I didn't think I was gonna make it home. I was going 65 mph but even slowing down to 45-50 it still jerked bad! There was no lights on the dash come on. Was very scary. I have babied my car took excellent care of it & have 45,000 miles on it. I do not have money to have transmission replaced & that's what I'm reading on computer. I have so many medical bills I can't afford nothing right now. Did I miss a recall or have there been problems with these cars transmissions? Can you help me know what it could be? The car dealer wants $139 an hour to check it out & I'm worried sick. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11603429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pressure plate replaced twice and still not working with only 27301 miles. Went in for routine oil change no problems during the last warranty oil change things start to change. Returned to the dealership to express problem report back oil needed top off. Checked for recalls none reported. Truck continued to drive funny popping out of gear when driving and speed decrease while driving on the interstate. No warning lights or any indication something was wrong. I haven't driven my truck in three years due to dealership not having staff and no one is willing to work on Jeep vehicles. Total waste of money and no support. The sad part the tow truck driver towed my neighbors car and remembered towing my truck and stated he has towed many more since.
NHTSA complaint #11600648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal whining sound emanating from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission, requiring that the transmission be replaced. The contact was informed that the on-board diagnostic system was not functioning as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11595727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car has caught on fire with smoke at least 4 times, 3 times with my minor child inside of it. I have video to show you just how dangerous it is. All components of the vehicle have failed. I have put thousands of dollars into the vehicle and it only has 80,000 miles on it. My safety and my son and elderly mother's safety has been at extreme risk and my car is NOT SAFE TO OWN OR DRIVE. Carl Gregory, the dealer, never informed me EVER of a 2015 Jeep Patriot recall only three months after I purchased the vehicle while pregnant. The vehicle has been inspected/ worked on by Carl Gregory and now Southern Motors Jeep several times over the last 8 years located on Middleground Road at the corner of Abercorn Street in Savannah, Georgia. My insurance company has charged me to tow my vehicle at least six times as my son and I have been stranded all over the city waiting hours for a tow truck. There were no warning lamps on the vehicle prior to it catching fire and I have my car tuned regularly at Wal-Mart Automotive and cleaned at Montgomery Cross Roads Car Wash once a month. Today the engine stalled and I barely made it out of of the street which is highly dangerous for pedestrians and other drivers on the road. This is probably the 3rd time it has done that. The steering wheel stalls leaving me at the whim of an open road as my car goes out of control. The radio's electrical unit shut down two years ago and the back door does not open. I can't afford to fix those.The brakes were replaced approximately two years after owning it as the vehicle would not slow down during a red light (at the cost of $2,000). I had to veer right. Last November, the car was worked on and the clutch was replaced because it stopped working. One month ago we paid $600 for a new power steering hose to be replaced as it apparently was and continues to leak fluid. This has now been indicated on the dashboard as "hot oil". Currently, I love my car but my family and I are PETRIFIED AND TRAUMATIZED.
NHTSA complaint #11594507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, several unknown warning lights and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred a year prior. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a front wheel bearing failure and the front wheel bearing was replaced. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 76,140.
NHTSA complaint #11592088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Last night was the 3rd time my family's safety was threatened by a malfunction in my 2016 Jeep Patriot (manual). When driving, the car started to stall out as if I'm changing gears badly, but wasn't doing so. Next, it stalled completely without any dashlight notices. I was forced to pop it out of gear to give some control to the steering (something I learned after the 1st time it happened). Then, I coasted to the side of the road while maneuvering moving traffic! The 1st 2 times this happened I was in local traffic and it almost caused an accident. Last night, I was in the center of I95 with rushing traffic. Terrifying! Each time the car has had to be towed and the crankshaft sensor has been the culprit. It is in the shop today (June 1, 2024) and that's the problem again! The dealership says the recall on Jeep Patriot crankshaft is not for my vehicle. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11591888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.