Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2013 Jeep PatriotRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 120 owner complaints for the 2013 Jeep Patriot. Most complaints involve air bags (33) and engine (25). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
21–25mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2016
Owner complaints
120
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

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
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

120 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2013 – Sep 2025
  1. Air bags33
  2. Engine25
  3. Seat belts23
  4. Power train19
  5. Electrical system11
  6. Electronic stability control (esc)8
  7. Fuel/propulsion system7
  8. Vehicle speed control7
  9. Seats5

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
2016460
201759
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

33 reports5 crashes
“The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact scheduled an appointment and was informed that parts were on backorder upon arrival. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 9, 2024Air bags, Seat belts, EngineODI 11607499

Engine

25 reports1 crash
“Cat converter below threshold bank 1 check engine light code read on obd2. Loss of power and acceleration, sluggish and unable to drive at highway speeds. Poor shifting and temperature ran higher then usual.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 3, 2022EngineODI 11463151

Seat belts

23 reports
“I HAVE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPT TO GET THIS FIXED AND THEY KEPT TELLING ME THAT WHEN THEY GET THE PART THEY WILL FIX IT. THIS HAS BEEN ON GOING FOR MORE THAN A YEAR. THE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE LOSS OF AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER DEPLOYMENT CAPABILITY IN CERTAIN CRASH EVENTS DUE TO A SHORTING CONDITION RESULTING IN A NEGATIVE VOLTAGE TRANSIENT THAT TRAVELS TO THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER VIA THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR WIRES. RECALL STATUS RECALL INCOMPLETE REMEDY THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER MUST BE REPLACED. SAFETY RISK DESCRPITION THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER DEPLOYMENT CAPABILITY IN SUCH CRASH EVENTS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY IN A CRASH.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 12, 2017Seat beltsODI 11045423
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small 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 Nov 11, 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$2,500360
Patriot 2WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233025$2,500349
Patriot 2WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
222724$2,600368
Patriot 4WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
222724$2,600366
Patriot 2WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212723$2,700379
Patriot 4WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
212623$2,700391
Patriot 4WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off Road Package · 4-Wheel Drive
202321$2,950418
  • Patriot 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    23 city · 28 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    23 city · 30 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 2WD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    22 city · 27 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 4WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 27 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 2WD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 4WD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 26 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Patriot 4WD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off Road Package
    20 city · 23 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Jeep Patriot SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
3 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
3 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Jeep Patriot SUV 2WD
Frontal crash
3 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
3 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 7677Vehicle 7453
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

2013 Patriot questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Jeep Patriot have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 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 2013 Jeep Patriot problems?

Owners filed 120 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (33), engine (25), seat belts (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 Jeep Patriot get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Jeep Patriot at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

How safe is the 2013 Jeep Patriot?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Jeep Patriot 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026