Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2011 Jeep PatriotRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 326 owner complaints for the 2011 Jeep Patriot. Most complaints involve engine (66) and suspension (55). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21–25mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Dec 2017
Owner complaints
326
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

EquipmentReported Dec 21, 2017NHTSA 17V824000

Seat belts: pretensioner

Remedy pending

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Seat beltsReported Sep 15, 2016NHTSA 16V668000

Air bags: side

Free remedy

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

Air bagsReported Jun 4, 2013NHTSA 13V233000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

326 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2011 – Sep 2026
  1. Engine66
  2. Suspension55
  3. Power train53
  4. Structure51
  5. Air bags43
  6. Electrical system32
  7. Fuel/propulsion system29
  8. Seat belts25
  9. Steering19

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

By model year

Complaints for each Patriot model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007270
2008447
2009275
2010188
2011326
2012354
2013120
2014548
2015315
2016459
201759
Crashes reported
20
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
12
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

66 reports2 crashes2 fires
“So I bought this used from a previous owner check engine light has come on quite a few times and I’ve gone to two separate places and it’s the catalytic converter efficiency coming up. My mechanic did a recall research and found that this specific vehicle not the VIN number had been recalled for issues with this, I would like to get my car added to the recall. I am a single mom. This is my only mode of transportation to him from work and to get my kids I bought this used and I’m pretty sure the owner knew something was wrong with it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 13, 2025EngineODI 11673128

Suspension

55 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 7, 2023Suspension, Power trainODI 11530799

Power train

53 reports2 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 16, 2024Power train, Unknown or otherODI 11609031
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Patriot 2WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
232825$2,550355
Patriot 2WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
232925$2,550355
Patriot 2WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
232724$2,700370
Patriot 4WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
222724$2,700370
Patriot 2WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212723$2,800386
Patriot 4WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
212623$2,800386
Patriot 4WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off-road Package · 4-Wheel Drive
202321$3,050423
  • Patriot 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    23 city · 28 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    23 city · 29 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 2WD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    23 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 4WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 2WD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 27 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 4WD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 26 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 4WD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off-road Package
    20 city · 23 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Jeep Patriot as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 514Vehicle 103
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 Patriot questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Jeep Patriot have?

4 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Jeep Patriot problems?

Owners filed 326 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (66), suspension (55), power train (53). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Jeep Patriot get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Jeep Patriot at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026