Problems · by component

2009 Jeep Patriot power train problems

51 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Jeep Patriot cite power train, 19% of all 275 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
51
19% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“I report reveral times issuess with my gear box, but each time they said the car is fine. The problems start after the car was serviced years ago to Jeep Desources rep (3400 Sources Blvd, Dollard-des-Ormeaux QC H9B 1Z9, Canada) but the issues become worst in time. It started to not be able to drive in authomatic mode but ok in manual and they told me that forgot to tide a transmition cable and now when I am reporting the issue, I cannot drive and any mode (authomatic or manual) and base on service department, nothing is wrong with the car. what they are waiting, to have an accident or die? Since I bought the car, all the maintenace of it was not as supposed as per maintenance manual of the car – to give an example, oil change it’s come on after 3000km no matter where i drive (city or highway) and the blain me for driving the car. With all respect, every time i made compline i felt no one offer me the correct attention and the issue with the gear box for me is abouve the accepted limit.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2023Power trainODI 11510132
“Vehicle's CVT transmission will overheat and cause the speed of the vehicle to slow down, unable to speed back up, and the acceleration to be extremely slow, if at all. This can cause the vehicle to decelerate rapidly, and unexpectedly on the highway (or generally any speed, for that matter) which can cause an accident at high speeds, all in which the driver had no control over how the vehicle behaved due to the transmission behaving erratically on it's own. I have researched and down that this is a common issue that Jeep/Chrysler knew of, and 1000's of Jeep Patriot owners/owners of vehicles with CVT transmissions have experienced.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 29, 2022Power trainODI 11495310
“The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started to decelerate. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and after restarting the vehicle, he drove to his residence. The contact took the vehicle to three different independent mechanics who failed to service the vehicle due to a recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure due to the vehicle being over 10 years old. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V528000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer has been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 29, 2022Power trainODI 11471506
“Air conditioner drain drips directly on subframe cross brace for front cradle, erosion and road grim along with neverending dripping water even from using defrost leads to rust and cross brace breaking into and well you can use your imagination for what happens next. Drain needs extended and re routed because I know I can't be the only one with this problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 10, 2022Suspension, Power train, StructureODI 11456222
“The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate and jerk. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and waited for an hour before continuing to drive to her residence. The contact stated she experience the failure for a second time and had the vehicle towed to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V528000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2021Power trainODI 11435008

Showing 6 of 51 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.

Power trainReported Oct 9, 2008NHTSA 08V528000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026

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