Problems · by component

2011 Jeep Patriot engine problems

66 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Jeep Patriot cite engine, 20% of all 326 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
66
20% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The traction control warning light was then illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer; however, the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed. The contact was advised that there was no way to recreate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 13, 2024EngineODI 11594267
“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. While refueling, the fuel tank failed to allow all with fuel. The contact had to restart the vehicle and add more fuel several times. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer where a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was due to a faulty rollover valve and the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2022Fuel system, gasoline, EngineODI 11488352
“While driving in heavy traffic, there was a Red light and attempted to slow the vehicle. The engine started to jerk forward and the RPMs were increasing without my foot on the accelerator! My foot was on the brake! I was able to turn into a gas station to get to a safer place to park the vehicle. While attempting to park in a parking space the vehicle continued to accelerate by itself, again my foot was applied to the brake pedal. I was literally fighting to stop the vehicle and almost ran into the barrier where customers were walking. Once turning off the vehicle and restarting the engine, it was operating correctly while I’m reverse. I then shifted into drive, and the vehicle lunged forward and the engine accelerated by itself. It drove up to 45 miles per hour without my foot on the accelerator and foot resting on the brake pedal. A complete stop was a fight, as soon as there was any brake pedal release the engine lunged forward.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 29, 2022Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11476448
“After filling up the gas tank, when I drive away, the car jerks and loses power for a minute with in a mile of leaving the gas station. Nj pumps gas for me so the tank is not overfilled. My power steering goes down for a moment as my car sputters. Then after a minute it drives great until the next time I fill up my tank. Forums have stated it is a bad charcoal cannister. Many jeep patriot owners have complained about this. It is very unsafe when this happens on the road. I fear driving my toddler now.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 20, 2022Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11453145
“I brought my Jeep Patriot 2011 for a recall. However, after taking the vehicle to the dealer for a recall check out, the jeep came up with a sound like TA, TA,TA... from the gloves compartment and went I stated the air conditioning or the heating when the weather become cooler.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 29, 2022Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11449383

Showing 6 of 66 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

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