Problems · NHTSA complaints
2011 Jeep Patriot problems
Owners filed 326 complaints about the 2011 Jeep Patriot with NHTSA between Mar 2011 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is engine (66).
Complaints
326
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
20
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
12
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine66
- Suspension55
- Power train53
- Structure51
- Air bags43
- Electrical system32
- Fuel/propulsion system29
- Seat belts25
- Steering19
- Vehicle speed control18
- Wheels9
- Engine and engine cooling9
- Service brakes8
- Electronic stability control (esc)7
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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
13
15
16
28
34
24
46
22
40
17
30
20
9
6
5
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2014 | 28 |
| 2015 | 34 |
| 2016 | 24 |
| 2017 | 46 |
| 2018 | 22 |
| 2019 | 40 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 30 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
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
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.”
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.”
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…”
Structure
51 reports1 crash2 fires
“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH attempting to reverse, there was an abnormal sound coming from near the rear wheel. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was not towed to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.”
Air bags
43 reports10 crashes1 related recall
“I have and airbag check light on on my dashboard. I tested the code and it corresponds to B1B06 (Driver Airbag Squib 2 circuit Open). This matches a recall done on previously. NHTSA Recall Number 16V-288, in which my vehicle was MISSED from the recall!! Now that my vehicle is indicating the problem JEEP refuses to fix the problem. Although this was supposed to be fixed during the appropriate recall time. I called Jeep on May 26, 2025 and the associate told me that is the problem comes from the recall, the dealer will fix it. The dealer says they are not going to fix it because it is a closed recall. I called Jeep again, and they are not clear about fixing it. They clearly failed to include my vehicle in the recall and now I have the problem.”
Electrical system
32 reports1 crash
“I purchased my 2011 Jeep Patriot as a new vehicle on [XXX] in Fort Collins, Colorado. The vehicle has been appropriately maintained with the only one major repair (throttle body) to date. On [XXX], the ABS, traction control, and brake light on the dash board lit up upon cranking the vehicle and backing out of my driveway. I dropped the vehicle off the next morning for diagnostics at a local Meineke location. The vehicle eventually threw a C2220 code, which indicates the ABS module had an internal failure. Unfortunately for me, I’ve learned that Stellantis is no longer manufacturing the part. This has resulted in an increased cost to repair since new parts are hard to find and very expensive, third-party parts are also hard to find, and companies that could repair and refurbish the part were no longer doing so due to challenges in getting the right parts for refurbishment. (I called UpFix on 8/28/26 to confirm their inability to repair the part.) My particular case is not an isolated event. Apparently this is a known issue and one that has not triggered a recall or any legal action against Jeep and their parent companies for failure to address a known defect and…”
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.