Problems · NHTSA complaints

2009 Jeep Patriot problems

Owners filed 275 complaints about the 2009 Jeep Patriot with NHTSA between Aug 2009 and Jan 2026. The most-cited component is structure (61).

Complaints
275
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
8
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Structure61
  2. Suspension53
  3. Power train51
  4. Engine48
  5. Fuel/propulsion system35
  6. Electrical system33
  7. Service brakes18
  8. Steering17
  9. Vehicle speed control10
  10. Electronic stability control (esc)10
  11. Exterior lighting9
  12. Tires9
  13. Air bags7
  14. Wheels5

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 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20098
20105
201121
201218
201319
201419
201527
201645
201722
201828
201924
20209
202111
202210
20235
20242
20251
20261

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.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Structure

61 reports1 crash
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 11, 2022StructureODI 11483935

Suspension

53 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 6, 2023SuspensionODI 11542989

Power train

51 reports1 related recall
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 1, 2025Power trainODI 11677908

Engine

48 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 15, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11711168

Fuel/propulsion system

35 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 29, 2023Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11557496

Electrical system

33 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 1, 2022Electrical systemODI 11454740
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.