Problems · NHTSA complaints
2008 Jeep Patriot problems
Owners filed 447 complaints about the 2008 Jeep Patriot with NHTSA between Mar 2008 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is suspension (110).
Complaints
447
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Suspension110
- Fuel/propulsion system89
- Structure88
- Engine60
- Power train60
- Steering53
- Electrical system45
- Vehicle speed control17
- Service brakes16
- Exterior lighting16
- Wheels14
- Fuel system, gasoline14
- Air bags11
- Engine and engine cooling10
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
5
12
32
35
38
26
47
51
76
31
35
33
13
5
2
4
0
0
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 35 |
| 2012 | 38 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2014 | 47 |
| 2015 | 51 |
| 2016 | 76 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Suspension
110 reports1 crash2 fires
“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”
Fuel/propulsion system
89 reports1 crash
“The vehicle stalls after a gas fill up. Daughter was stuck in traffic. No Power steering, brakes, etc. Started back up. very dangerous. This has happened after every fill up.”
Structure
88 reports2 crashes2 fires
“Front and rear crossmembers are rusted through. Replaced front subframe for $1008.00 in 2021. Available for inspection. Could come to a complete stop if it breaks. Confirmed by independent service center. Not inspected yet. Front squeak heard 2021. Rear squeak heard 2022. This is my 2nd jeep patriot & both jeeps front & rear crossmembers are rusted through breaking apart.”
Engine
60 reports1 crash
“Car stalls after fill up. NUMEROUS online Jeep forums have noted this issue for years. There seems to be an issue with the “vapor canister”. Recall was apparently issued for 2011 model - but not older models. It is intermittent yet consistent problem over past few months. Please note that an Engine stall leaves steering wheel LOCKED and unable to maneuver car for a period until can restart. Can leave driver on a VERY DANGEROUS situation traveling at speed !”
Power train
60 reports1 crash1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE SLOWING THE VEHICLE DOWN OR COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KEARNY MESA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (8010 BALBOA AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 560-7100) AND SAN DIEGO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (777 CAMINO DEL RIO S, SAN DIEGO, CA 92108, (619) 224-4151) TO BE INSPECTED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
Steering
53 reports3 crashes
“CAR STALLS WITHIN THE FIRST MINUTE OR SO OF DRIVING AFTER FILLING GAS TANK TO SHUTOFF. WHEN THE ENGINE DIES, SO DOES THE POWER STEERING, CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY. BEGAN SEVERAL YEARS AGO BUT I LIVED WITH IT BY NOT FILLING TANK TO FULL. NOW MY SON DRIVES THE CAR, AND I AM CONCERNED THAT IT MAY HAPPEN WHEN HE IS DRIVING AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT IT, AND NHTSA MUST DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT AND HOLD CHRYSLTER/JEEP RESPONSIBLE”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.