NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 459 owner complaints for the 2016 Jeep Patriot. Most complaints involve engine (224) and electrical system (99). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“One month ago while driving on Business US10, the vehicle had the sensation like the engine had stopped no acceleration, lightning bolts and engine light came on with a sound of a ding ding, ding. Pulled over to the entrance of a Shell station. Shut the vehicle off. restarted within 5 minutes and drove 1 mile to the dealership. The mechanic said it was most likely the throttle body but would have to schedule me out a few weeks and don't leave town in case you need a tow. After a few days the lights on the dash were no longer present. called the dealership and told them the lights were not showing on the dashboard. He advised It was most likely a glitch, but they would check it out. Following appointment, they sent me on my way and said they could not find anything wrong. Since then July 2026 the vehicle has an awful smell upon starting up, using a lot of gas, spitting, hesitating upon acceleration, poor ideal, Aug 12 2026 while entering US10 ramp vehicle hesitated upon acceleration, lightning bolts were blinking on a off but then it went away, I had a complete tune up the following week along with air filters and oil change done according to maintenance…”
“My 2016 Jeep Patriot is cutting off while I’m driving on the highway at 65 mph. The lights on the dashboard are on and for no apparent reason. Now my radio system is cutting on and off sporadically.Rendering my satellite radio and hands free use of my phone useless. I’ve been told that my car has no recalls. Although this recall "S89 / NHTSA 16V-907, seems like the exact problems I’m experiencing. I have taken good care of this vehicle and have had regular maintenance provided. This is a SAFETY issue and I should be able to get it fixed by recall. Thank you [XXX]”
“Vehicle acts like it wants to shut off. No warnings or check engine lights it just starts to shake and not let me accelerate. Auto shop looked at it and engine and transmission are ok. They look ed at it 6 times in 4 months and it just keeps happening. Now car is leaking oil and they can’t figure out where from, they replaced oil pan me anything relating to it so not sure what’s wrong. Also, clicking sound from air vent seems to be a electrical issue. Key is starting to bend from ignition shape also. We replaced the key multiple times. New brakes and new rotors but car screeches and sounds like brakes are old but they’re brand new. Car sounds like struggling when accelerators.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 353 |
| Patriot FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 25 | $2,550 | 347 |
| Patriot 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Patriot FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 26 | 24 | $2,700 | 378 |
| Patriot FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 381 |
| Patriot 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $2,900 | 400 |
| Patriot 4WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,050 | 418 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall 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.
Owners filed 459 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (224), electrical system (99), power train (74). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Jeep Patriot at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Jeep Patriot 4 out of 5 stars overall.