According to Au7o's analysis of 1,989+ owner reports, the 2012 Jeep Patriot has 17 documented known issues, with 9 rated critical. The most serious are Jatco CVT Transmission Overheating / Failure ($200-$4,500 repair), Engine Overheating / Water Pump and Radiator Fan Failure ($100-$800 repair), Occupant Restraint Control Module Short Circuit Disables Airbags (Recall S61 / 16V668000) ($0-$0 repair), Airbag Control Software Error Causes Delayed Deployment (Recall 13V233000) ($0-$0 repair), Rear Differential and Power Transfer Unit Failure on 4WD Models - Howl, Growl and Locked Rear Wheels ($150-$2,000 repair), Fuel Tank Rollover Valve Damage and Fuel Transfer Tube Defect (Recalls 12V142000 and 13V120000) ($0-$900 repair), TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Internal Relay and Solder Failure - Random Electrical Faults, No-Start and Stalling ($100-$1,800 repair), 2.4L Cylinder Head Gasket Failure - Coolant Into Cylinder, Misfire and White Exhaust Smoke.
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.
Campaign #16V90700016/12/2016
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
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.
Campaign #16V66800015/09/2016
ENGINE
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,989+ owner reports, the 2012 Jeep Patriot has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Jatco CVT Transmission Overheating / Failure, Engine Overheating / Water Pump and Radiator Fan Failure, Occupant Restraint Control Module Short Circuit Disables Airbags (Recall S61 / 16V668000). Of these, 9 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Jeep Patriot reliable?
The 2012 Jeep Patriot has 17 known issues documented across 1,989+ owner reports. 9 issues are rated critical: Jatco CVT Transmission Overheating / Failure and Engine Overheating / Water Pump and Radiator Fan Failure and Occupant Restraint Control Module Short Circuit Disables Airbags (Recall S61 / 16V668000) and Airbag Control Software Error Causes Delayed Deployment (Recall 13V233000) and Rear Differential and Power Transfer Unit Failure on 4WD Models - Howl, Growl and Locked Rear Wheels and Fuel Tank Rollover Valve Damage and Fuel Transfer Tube Defect (Recalls 12V142000 and 13V120000) and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Internal Relay and Solder Failure - Random Electrical Faults, No-Start and Stalling and 2.4L Cylinder Head Gasket Failure - Coolant Into Cylinder, Misfire and White Exhaust Smoke and Crankshaft Position Sensor Heat-Damaged Wiring - Intermittent Stall and No-Restart (Recall S89 / 16V907000 on 2016). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Jeep Patriot problems?
Repair costs for known Jeep Patriot issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Jatco CVT Transmission Overheating / Failure, typically costs $200-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2014 Jeep Patriot Jatco CVT Transmission Overheating / Failure?
The Jatco CVT2 continuously variable transmission is the single biggest reliability problem on the Patriot. The CVT overheats frequently, especially in hot weather, stop-and-go traffic, or on hills. When the fluid breaks down from heat, the pulleys wear and the steel belt slips,… Repairs typically run $200-$4,500. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
Filter:
When Issues Typically Appear
Front Suspension Clunking / Strut Mount & Sway Bar Link Failure
18K-60K
Jatco CVT Transmission Overheating / Failure
24K-36K
Engine Overheating / Water Pump and Radiator Fan Failure
80K-100K
025K50K75K100K mi
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, the under-hood Totally Integrated Power Module distributes power and grounds for nearly every circuit on the Patriot, and its internal relays and circuit-board solder joints degrade with heat cycling. Owners report a scattergun set of symptoms that never trace to a single component: fuel pump not priming and a no-start, headlights or a single headlight dead with a good bulb and fuse, door locks cycling on their own, the radio dropping out, wipers or horn operating by themselves, and phantom chimes. This is the same TIPM family that swept Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products of this era, and there is no broad recall covering the Patriot for it - owners pay. Because the TIPM also carries fuel-level and gauge signals, it is a frequent hidden cause of dead or stuck gauges.
Common Symptoms
Crank but no start, fuel pump does not prime
One or both headlights dead with good bulbs and fuses
Door locks cycle by themselves
Radio cuts out intermittently
Wipers or horn operate on their own
Phantom door-ajar chime
Gauges dead or stuck
How to Fix
Diagnose before buying the module: many failures are a single internal relay (commonly the fuel pump relay) and can be bypassed with an external relay harness for under $100, or the board can be sent to a TIPM rebuild specialist. A new Mopar TIPM must be programmed to the VIN by a dealer and typically runs $900-$1,800 installed - forum owners report the rebuild option landing within roughly $60 of a replacement in some cases, so price both. No free remedy exists; this is not a recall item on the Patriot.
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot 2.4L I4 ED3 World Engine, on the 2.4L World Engine the crankshaft position sensor sits at the rear of the block and its harness is routed close to the exhaust manifold, where heat embrittles the insulation and the connector terminals. The result is an engine that stalls at idle or while driving, restarts after cooling, and sets P0339 - an intermittent-circuit code rather than a hard failure, which is why parts-cannon repairs miss it. For 2016 vehicles specifically, FCA issued campaign S89 / NHTSA 16V907000 for improperly manufactured crankshaft and camshaft sensor connector terminals that create the same intermittent connection and stall.
Common Symptoms
Engine stalls at idle or while driving
Restarts only after sitting and cooling
Cranks but will not start when hot
Check engine light
Tachometer drops to zero momentarily
How to Fix
If the vehicle is a 2016, check the VIN for 16V907000 - the dealer replaces the affected sensor connector terminals free. Outside that population, replace the sensor with a Mopar or OE-supplier part (cheap aftermarket sensors are a documented repeat-failure source), and inspect and re-loom the harness away from the manifold with high-temp sleeving, repairing any melted connector. The sensor itself is inexpensive but access behind the heat shield at the rear of the block drives labor; expect $200-$450 at a shop.
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, this is one of the few P2067 cases where the fuel level sender is not the problem at all, and it catches technicians out repeatedly on the Patriot and its Compass twin. Front-wheel-drive Patriots have a simple single-sender fuel tank. Four-wheel-drive Patriots do not: the rear driveshaft and rear differential force a saddle-shaped tank, so 4WD cars get a second fuel level sender in the opposite lobe of the tank, and the instrument cluster is responsible for reading that second sender and reporting the level onward. The cluster and the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) both carry vehicle configuration data that tells them which body they are installed in. If that configuration says 2WD — because a used or remanufactured cluster or TIPM was installed, because a module was flashed with the wrong VIN or the wrong model year, or because the configuration was corrupted — the module simply stops looking for a second sender. The secondary fuel level signal is then never reported, the PCM sees a persistently low Sensor 2 input, and P2067 sets and refuses to clear. A documented professional case involved a 2016 Patriot Latitude 2.4L whose TIPM configuration data identified it as a 2015 2WD model; the fuel sender and its wiring tested fine. The giveaway is that the fuel level code almost never travels alone. Because the same configuration data drives the drivetrain, the same car had a 4WD Lock switch that did nothing even though the transfer case would engage when commanded with a scan tool. The mirror-image version of this fault also exists: fitting a 4x4 cluster into a 2WD Patriot makes the cluster look for a secondary sender that physically is not there. Owners chase this for months, replacing the fuel pump module — sometimes twice — and still have the code, because there was never anything wrong with the part they bought.
Fuel gauge reads empty regardless of how much fuel is in the tank
P2067 returns immediately after clearing, even with a new fuel pump/sender
4WD Lock switch does nothing, though the transfer case engages when commanded by a scan tool
4x4 and traction control telltales do not illuminate during the key-on cluster self-test
Secondary fuel level sender PID reads zero while the sender itself tests good
Check engine light on
How to Fix
The diagnostic that saves you the money is done before you touch the fuel tank. Watch the fuel level Sensor 2 / secondary sender PID with a scan tool while the tank has a known amount of fuel in it. If Sensor 1 reads a sensible voltage and Sensor 2 reads flat zero regardless of fuel level, and the sender ohms out correctly at the connector on top of the tank, the sender is fine and the fault is upstream in how the vehicle is configured. Then cycle the key on and watch the cluster's self-test sweep and telltale bulb check: if the 4x4 telltales never light, the cluster is not behaving as a 4WD cluster. Confirm the drivetrain half of the symptom too — if the 4WD Lock switch is dead but the transfer case engages when commanded by the scan tool, that is the same configuration mismatch showing up in a second system. The repair is a software one. Using the factory scan tool (wiTECH), read the configuration data stored in the TIPM and the instrument cluster and compare it against the vehicle's actual VIN, model year and drivetrain. In the documented case, restoring the TIPM to its factory default configuration and reprogramming it under the vehicle's own VIN resolved both the P2067 and the 4x4 fault in about fifteen minutes, with no parts replaced. If a used cluster or TIPM was fitted from a 2WD donor, it must be reconfigured to the receiving vehicle rather than simply plugged in — and in some cases a mismatched module cannot be reconfigured and has to be swapped for a correct one. This is dealer or well-equipped independent work because it requires the manufacturer's tool and, in some cases, an online security unlock; budget roughly one to two hours of diagnostic and programming labor. Only after the configuration is confirmed correct and P2067 persists should you go after the hardware — at that point inspect the fuel pump module connector on top of the tank for corroded terminals, then test the secondary sender's resistance sweep directly, and replace the sender or the complete pump module assembly if it is genuinely out of range. Reconfiguration typically runs $150 to $350; a fuel pump/sender module replacement, if it truly is needed, runs about $400 to $800 installed.
On the 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, a shorting condition creates a negative voltage transient that travels to the occupant restraint controller through the front impact sensor wires, and can leave the frontal airbags, the seat belt pretensioners and the side airbags unable to deploy in a crash. FCA recalled 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot and Compass along with 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and Dodge Avenger under campaign S61 / NHTSA 16V668000, announced September 2016. Parts shortages meant interim letters went out in October 2016 and the actual remedy did not begin until August 2017, so some vehicles were driven for a year in the defective condition and some owners never returned.
Common Symptoms
Airbag warning light on
No fault visible to the driver until a crash
Stored airbag system faults on a scan
How to Fix
Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The dealer replaces the occupant restraint control module free of charge with no expiration. A used Patriot bought secondhand is worth checking specifically for this one - the long parts delay left an unusually high number unrepaired. An illuminated airbag light on a 2010-2014 car should never be cleared without confirming this recall was closed.
On the 2010-2012 Jeep Patriot, separate from and earlier than the S61 hardware recall, 2010-2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles were recalled in June 2013 under NHTSA campaign 13V233000 for a software error in the occupant restraint controller that could delay deployment of the airbags and seat belt pretensioners. A delayed deployment reduces or eliminates the protection the restraint was designed to give. Some vehicles in the 2010-2012 overlap are subject to both 13V233000 and 16V668000, and having one performed does not close the other.
Common Symptoms
No driver-visible symptom
Airbag light may be off despite the defect
Restraint-system software calibration flagged on a scan
How to Fix
The remedy is a free dealer reflash of the occupant restraint controller software - a short appointment with no parts. Verify both 13V233000 and, for 2010-2014 vehicles, 16V668000 are closed on the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; owners on the forums report assuming one recall letter covered everything and finding an open campaign years later.
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, beyond the thermostat housing issue, the Patriot suffers from additional cooling system failures including water pump failure, radiator fan motor burnout, and radiator cap failure. The water pump can develop an internal leak that mixes coolant into the engine oil, causing severe engine damage. The radiator fan may stop working intermittently, leading to overheating in slow traffic or idle.
Replace the water pump (Mopar 04884319AH for 2.4L, $50-80 part) at 80,000-100,000 miles as preventive maintenance. Check coolant for oil contamination (milky appearance). Replace radiator fan assembly if failing ($200-350, Dorman 620-046). Replace radiator cap annually ($5-10, Stant 10230). Flush and replace coolant every 30,000 miles with Mopar OAT coolant.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Mopar 68046026AA water pump
OEMMopar 68046026AA
Water-pump replacement after external leakage, bearing damage or failed circulation is confirmed Fitment/availability: 2007-2010 and 2012-2017 Patriot 2.0L/2.4L catalog fitment; confirm 2011 and every VIN before ordering.
New sealing gasket when the matching water pump is removed Fitment/availability: 2007 Patriot 2.0L/2.4L catalog listing and related World-engine pump branch; confirm VIN/current supersession.
High ConfidenceVerified356 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2024Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
412 owners
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, the plastic thermostat housing on the 2.0L and 2.4L World engines cracks from heat cycling, causing coolant leaks and potential engine overheating. This is the same design flaw shared with the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber that use the same engine family. The plastic becomes brittle over time and cracks at the O-ring seal area.
Replace the plastic thermostat housing with the upgraded aluminum version. OEM part number 68003582AB or aftermarket Dorman 902-319 ($30-60). The aluminum housing eliminates the cracking problem permanently. The assembly includes the housing, thermostat, temperature sensor, and O-ring. Parts cost $30-80, labor 1-2 hours. Very DIY-friendly repair with basic tools.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Plastic housing/thermostat/O-ring assembly replacement when the matching five-port housing is confirmed leaking or damaged Fitment/availability: 2007-2017 Patriot 2.0L/2.4L; 2007-2008 requires the later 2009-and-newer heater-hose design,…
OEM upper-cover replacement when the pressure-tested leak is isolated to that catalog branch Fitment/availability: Current upper-cover supersession for 4884571AB on specified Patriot 2.0L/2.4L applications; confirm VIN because catalog ye…
High ConfidenceVerified412 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot 2.4L I4 ED3 World Engine, the 2.4L ED3 head gasket fails between a coolant jacket and a cylinder - cylinder 3 is the most commonly named - pushing coolant into the combustion chamber. Owners describe steady coolant loss with no external puddle, a single-cylinder misfire that survives plug and coil replacement, white sweet-smelling exhaust smoke on start-up, and overheating that appears only under load. The aluminum head warps easily once it has been overheated, so a head-gasket job that skips a straightedge check fails again. This failure is repeatedly reported on the 2.4L and should not be assumed for the 2.0L, which is a lower-output, lower-stress version of the same architecture.
Coolant disappearing with no visible external leak
White smoke from the exhaust on start-up
Single-cylinder misfire that returns after new plugs and coils
Overheating under load
Bubbles in the coolant reservoir
Milky residue under the oil cap
How to Fix
Confirm before tearing down: a block test (combustion-gas detector) on the coolant, a cooling-system pressure test and a cylinder leak-down test together will separate a head gasket from a cracked head. Repair means removing the head, machining or replacing it if it is out of flat, a new MLS gasket and new head bolts (torque-to-yield, never reuse), plus plugs and any coil fouled by coolant. Shop cost typically $1,500-$2,600. No recall or FCA extended warranty covers this failure.
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot 2.4L, the 2.4L World engine in the Patriot can consume oil at an excessive rate, often exceeding 1 quart every 2,000-3,000 miles. The issue is caused by worn piston rings, valve seals, and the PCV system. If oil level drops too low between changes, it can cause engine bearing damage and eventual failure. The problem is more pronounced on higher-mileage engines.
Monitor oil level every 1,000 miles and top off as needed. Use 5W-20 full synthetic oil (recommended: Mobil 1 or Valvoline MaxLife for high-mileage engines). Replace PCV valve ($10-20) as a first step - a stuck PCV valve increases crankcase pressure and oil consumption. For severe consumption, a piston ring replacement ($1,500-3,000) may be necessary. Some owners find switching to a slightly heavier oil (5W-30) reduces consumption slightly.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Pennzoil Platinum full-synthetic SAE 5W-20 motor oil, five quarts
OEMPennzoil 550046122 / AutoZone 427014
Correct-specification engine oil for service and measured top-up while consumption is documented Fitment/availability: API SP/ILSAC GF-6A SAE 5W-20 meeting Chrysler MS-6395; use the exact owner's-manual capacity and level, not the whole …
PCV-valve replacement after crankcase-ventilation inspection confirms the valve is restricted or failed Fitment/availability: 2010-2017 Jeep Patriot 2.4L catalog fitment.
High ConfidenceVerified298 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2024Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
689 owners
On the 2007-2014 Jeep Patriot, the Jatco CVT2 continuously variable transmission is the single biggest reliability problem on the Patriot. The CVT overheats frequently, especially in hot weather, stop-and-go traffic, or on hills. When the fluid breaks down from heat, the pulleys wear and the steel belt slips, leading to complete transmission failure. "Transmission Over Temp" and limp mode are extremely common complaints. In 2014, Jeep dropped the CVT in favor of a 6-speed automatic on most trims.
CVT slipping - engine revs but vehicle does not accelerate
How to Fix
Preventive: Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles using MOPAR CVTF+4 (05191184AA). Replace the external CVT cooler filter (the "soup can" inline filter). Install an auxiliary transmission cooler for sustained relief ($100-200, Hayden 526 or similar). If CVT is slipping or shuddering, replacement is typically the only fix ($2,500-4,500 at a transmission shop). A used CVT from a low-mileage donor ($800-1,500 plus install) is an option.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Mopar 5191184AB CVTF+4 automatic transmission fluid, one quart
OEMMopar 5191184AB / 05191184AB
Quantity depends on the exact service operation—do not guess from total c
CVT filter replacement as part of a confirmed CVT service plan Fitment/availability: Jeep Patriot with CVT transaxle; confirm VIN/transmission and whether the planned procedure also requires the separate cooler filter, pan seal and one-t…
High ConfidenceVerified689 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2024Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, 4WD Patriots carry a power transfer unit at the transmission and a rear differential assembly at the axle, and both are documented failure points in owner reporting. The rear differential announces itself as a whine or howl from the back that changes pitch with road speed and persists after both rear wheel bearings have been replaced - a pattern owners repeatedly describe on the forums. PTU failures show as a growl or a shudder that appears when the system engages. A complete rear diff failure can lock the rear wheels, which is why this is not a defer-it item. Fitment matters: the standard Freedom Drive I rear differential and the Freedom Drive II Off-Road package unit are not interchangeable, and the electronically controlled coupling attaches to the rear diff on Freedom Drive II.
Common Symptoms
Whine or howl from the rear that rises with speed
Growling that persists after rear wheel bearings replaced
Shudder or clunk when 4WD engages
Metal particles in the differential or PTU fluid
Fluid leak at the PTU seal
How to Fix
Rule out wheel bearings and tires first, then check the fluid in the PTU and rear diff - both are commonly never serviced despite a recommended interval, and burnt or metal-laden fluid is the confirmation. Fluid service alone is worthwhile prevention (roughly $150-$250 for both). A failed rear differential assembly runs $1,000-$2,000 installed and a PTU is similar; when ordering, match Freedom Drive I versus Freedom Drive II exactly. No recall covers these.
On the 2012 Jeep Patriot, two separate fuel-system defects hit 2012 Patriots. Under NHTSA campaign 12V142000 (April 2012) a damaged rollover valve in the fuel tank could allow fuel to escape in a rollover - a fire hazard - and the remedy was full fuel tank replacement. Under NHTSA campaign 13V120000 (April 2013) an incorrectly manufactured fuel tank transfer tube interrupted fuel transfer between the tank's two sides, which can starve the pump and stall the engine even with fuel showing on the gauge. The transfer-tube defect also explains a class of complaints where the vehicle runs out of fuel at a quarter tank or the gauge reading does not match reality.
Common Symptoms
Engine stalls or runs out of fuel with fuel still indicated
Fuel gauge reading inconsistent with actual level
Fuel smell
Sputtering under a quarter tank
How to Fix
Both are free dealer remedies with no expiration - check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12V142000 gets a new fuel tank; 13V120000 gets a new fuel tank transfer tube. If the recall is already closed and the vehicle still stalls or reads wrong at low fuel levels, the in-tank level sender and its wiring are the next suspects, and on this platform the fuel-level signal passes through the TIPM, so a dead or stuck gauge with a good sender points back at the power module rather than the tank.
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, separate from the sunroof drains, Patriots leak at the A-pillar and along the door weatherstrip. Water tracks down the A-pillar, follows the door seal onto the body door frame, and runs under the mat into the carpet - owners report both driver and passenger footwells soaking on cars with no sunroof at all. The other documented path is the firewall and wiring-harness grommets. Left wet, the carpet feeds moisture into floor-mounted modules and connectors, and the body seams behind it begin to corrode. The 2016 model year has its own thread of interior water-leak reports, so this is not confined to the early cars.
Common Symptoms
Wet carpet in the front or rear footwell
Water visible running down the inside of the A-pillar
Damp headliner edge at the windshield pillar
Fogging windows and a musty smell
Corrosion on floor-mounted connectors
How to Fix
Find the path before sealing anything: pull the sill plate and A-pillar trim, dry the area, and hose one zone at a time from the bottom up with someone inside watching. Documented fixes are replacing the door weatherstrip, sealing the A-pillar and the black trim along the roof ditch, and clearing or adding a weep drain at the bottom of the door frame so trapped water can escape. Weatherstrip runs $60-$200 per door; a shop leak hunt is typically 1-2 hours. Dry and treat the carpet and jute padding or the smell returns. No recall covers body water leaks on this nameplate.
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, sunroof-equipped Patriots collect water in a drain pan feeding four rubber tubes routed down the pillars. The tubes kink at the routing points, dirt accumulates at the kink, and the pan overflows into the headliner - from there the water enters the cabin at a dome light, down an A-pillar, or into the footwells. Owners report soaked headliners, mold, and wet carpet feeding the body harness grommets and creating electrical faults downstream, which is why an unexplained electrical gremlin on a sunroof Patriot is worth a moisture check first. The 2009 model year in particular carries a large cluster of leaking-sunroof complaints.
Common Symptoms
Water dripping from a dome light or overhead console
Damp or stained headliner
Wet front or rear carpet after rain or a car wash
Musty mildew smell in the cabin
Unexplained electrical faults after wet weather
How to Fix
Flush the drains: pour water into each corner of the sunroof pan and confirm it exits behind the front tires and at the rear. Clear a clog with compressed air at low pressure or trimmer line - never a stiff wire, which punctures the tube inside the pillar. Owners fix the root cause by pulling the A-pillar trim and re-seating the kinked tube so it drains straight; that repair is free beyond time. Budget for headliner and carpet replacement if mold has set in. No recall or warranty extension covers this.
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, the front hub-and-bearing assemblies are a wear item on the Patriot rather than a lifetime part, and owners report failures well under 100,000 miles. The signature is a low grinding or whirring hum that rises with road speed and changes when the vehicle is loaded in a corner - louder turning one direction, quieter the other. Because the ABS tone ring is integral to the bearing on this platform, a failing bearing frequently trips the ABS, ESP/BAS and traction-control lights together, which sends owners chasing a wheel-speed sensor that is not actually bad. Forum owners note that a bearing can be audibly failing for a long time while still showing no play at the 12-and-6 rock test, so a no-play result does not clear it.
Growling or humming that increases with vehicle speed
Noise changes when turning or swerving
ABS, ESP/BAS and traction control lights on together
Occasional wheel-speed sensor code
How to Fix
Diagnose by road speed rather than engine speed, and load-test by swerving gently side to side; a chassis-ear or listening to each hub with the wheels spun off the ground confirms which corner. The Patriot uses a sealed hub assembly, so the fix is a complete hub-and-bearing unit per side, roughly $180-$400 per corner installed. Replacing the hub normally clears the ABS/ESP lights without touching the sensor. No recall covers wheel bearings on this nameplate.
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, the Patriot front suspension develops clunking and rattling noises over bumps. The most common culprits are worn sway bar end links, strut mounts, and control arm bushings. The sway bar end links are particularly prone to premature wear, often failing before 60,000 miles. The strut mount bearings can also deteriorate, causing a knocking noise when turning.
Replace sway bar end links in pairs (Moog K750611, $15-25 each). Replace strut mounts when replacing struts (Moog K160305, $30-50 each). Quick strut assemblies (Monroe 172525/172526 for front) include new mounts and springs for a complete refresh ($150-200 each). Control arm bushings can be replaced separately or with complete control arms ($80-150 each, Moog RK620055).
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Quick Steer K750385 front stabilizer-bar link
OEMQuick Steer/MOOG interchange K750385
Confirm position and do not confuse with rear links.
Front strut-mount/bearing replacement after steering and suspension tests isolate the mount Fitment/availability: 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot front, sold individually; inspect spring, seat, isolator, bumper and strut separately because this i…
MOOG RK620066 front-left lower control arm and ball-joint assembly
OEMMOOG RK620066
Complete left lower-arm replacement when its bushing or ball joint is confirmed failed Fitment/availability: 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot front left/lower. Not the right arm; verify alignment and torque requirements after installation.
MOOG RK620065 front-right lower control arm and ball-joint assembly
OEMMOOG RK620065
Complete right lower-arm replacement when its bushing or ball joint is confirmed failed Fitment/availability: 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot front right/lower catalog application; page is preselected to 2015 2.4L, so enter the exact year/engine …
High ConfidenceVerified234 owner reportsLast reported by owners Apr 2024Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, the Patriot kept rear drum brakes for its entire run, and in salt-belt use the drum internals corrode faster than they wear. Owners report wheel cylinders seizing and holding the shoes against the drum, producing brake drag, a hot rear wheel, a burning smell and a fuel-economy drop; the return springs and hardware rust and lose tension; and the drum itself corrodes onto the hub face so tightly that a puller is needed to remove it for a routine inspection. The consequence is that rear brakes go uninspected for years, so a seized cylinder is often found only when a shoe has worn to the rivets or a cylinder has begun weeping fluid onto the linings.
Common Symptoms
Rear brake drag or a hot rear wheel
Burning smell after driving
Drum will not come off the hub without a puller
Squeaking or grinding from the rear
Parking brake will not release fully
Brake fluid on the inside of a rear wheel
How to Fix
Inspect the rear drums on a real interval rather than waiting for noise - annually in a salt region. Service the whole drum as a unit: shoes, both wheel cylinders, the complete hardware and spring kit, and new drums if the friction surface is scored or the drum will not come off cleanly. Anti-seize on the hub face at reassembly prevents the next drum from welding itself on. Expect $250-$500 per axle at a shop. Contaminated linings from a weeping cylinder must be replaced, never cleaned.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured January 1, 2015, to May 11, 2015. During assembly, the power steering hose retention clamp may have been installed at an incorrect location, resulting in the detachment of the low pressure return hose.
Campaign #15V87800023/12/2015
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot Engine Overheating / Water Pump and Radiator Fan Failure?
Beyond the thermostat housing issue, the Patriot suffers from additional cooling system failures including water pump failure, radiator fan motor burnout, and radiator cap failure. The water pump can develop an internal leak that mixes coolant into the engine oil, causing severe… Repairs typically run $100-$800. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot Occupant Restraint Control Module Short Circuit Disables Airbags (Recall S61 / 16V668000)?
A shorting condition creates a negative voltage transient that travels to the occupant restraint controller through the front impact sensor wires, and can leave the frontal airbags, the seat belt pretensioners and the side airbags unable to deploy in a crash. FCA recalled 2010-20… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2012 Jeep Patriot Airbag Control Software Error Causes Delayed Deployment (Recall 13V233000)?
Separate from and earlier than the S61 hardware recall, 2010-2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles were recalled in June 2013 under NHTSA campaign 13V233000 for a software error in the occupant restraint controller that could delay deployment of the airbags and seat belt pretens… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot Rear Differential and Power Transfer Unit Failure on 4WD Models - Howl, Growl and Locked Rear Wheels?
4WD Patriots carry a power transfer unit at the transmission and a rear differential assembly at the axle, and both are documented failure points in owner reporting. The rear differential announces itself as a whine or howl from the back that changes pitch with road speed and per… Repairs typically run $150-$2,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2012 Jeep Patriot Fuel Tank Rollover Valve Damage and Fuel Transfer Tube Defect (Recalls 12V142000 and 13V120000)?
Two separate fuel-system defects hit 2012 Patriots. Under NHTSA campaign 12V142000 (April 2012) a damaged rollover valve in the fuel tank could allow fuel to escape in a rollover - a fire hazard - and the remedy was full fuel tank replacement. Under NHTSA campaign 13V120000 (Apri… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Internal Relay and Solder Failure - Random Electrical Faults, No-Start and Stalling?
The under-hood Totally Integrated Power Module distributes power and grounds for nearly every circuit on the Patriot, and its internal relays and circuit-board solder joints degrade with heat cycling. Owners report a scattergun set of symptoms that never trace to a single compone… Repairs typically run $100-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot 2.4L Cylinder Head Gasket Failure - Coolant Into Cylinder, Misfire and White Exhaust Smoke?
The 2.4L ED3 head gasket fails between a coolant jacket and a cylinder - cylinder 3 is the most commonly named - pushing coolant into the combustion chamber. Owners describe steady coolant loss with no external puddle, a single-cylinder misfire that survives plug and coil replace… Repairs typically run $1,500-$2,600. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot Crankshaft Position Sensor Heat-Damaged Wiring - Intermittent Stall and No-Restart (Recall S89 / 16V907000 on 2016)?
On the 2.4L World Engine the crankshaft position sensor sits at the rear of the block and its harness is routed close to the exhaust manifold, where heat embrittles the insulation and the connector terminals. The result is an engine that stalls at idle or while driving, restarts… Repairs typically run $0-$450. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot Thermostat Housing Coolant Leak / Cracking?
The plastic thermostat housing on the 2.0L and 2.4L World engines cracks from heat cycling, causing coolant leaks and potential engine overheating. This is the same design flaw shared with the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber that use the same engine family. The plastic becomes bri… Repairs typically run $60-$300. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot 2.4L Engine Excessive Oil Consumption?
The 2.4L World engine in the Patriot can consume oil at an excessive rate, often exceeding 1 quart every 2,000-3,000 miles. The issue is caused by worn piston rings, valve seals, and the PCV system. If oil level drops too low between changes, it can cause engine bearing damage an… Repairs typically run $20-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot 4WD Secondary Fuel Sender Ignored After Instrument Cluster or TIPM Is Configured as a 2WD Vehicle?
This is one of the few P2067 cases where the fuel level sender is not the problem at all, and it catches technicians out repeatedly on the Patriot and its Compass twin. Front-wheel-drive Patriots have a simple single-sender fuel tank. Four-wheel-drive Patriots do not: the rear dr… Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot Rear Drum Brake Corrosion - Seized Wheel Cylinders, Drums Rusted to the Hub and Brake Drag?
The Patriot kept rear drum brakes for its entire run, and in salt-belt use the drum internals corrode faster than they wear. Owners report wheel cylinders seizing and holding the shoes against the drum, producing brake drag, a hot rear wheel, a burning smell and a fuel-economy dr… Repairs typically run $250-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot A-Pillar and Door Seal Water Intrusion - Wet Footwell Carpet on Non-Sunroof Cars?
Separate from the sunroof drains, Patriots leak at the A-pillar and along the door weatherstrip. Water tracks down the A-pillar, follows the door seal onto the body door frame, and runs under the mat into the carpet - owners report both driver and passenger footwells soaking on c… Repairs typically run $60-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot Sunroof Drain Tubes Kink and Clog - Water Into the Headliner, A-Pillars and Floor?
Sunroof-equipped Patriots collect water in a drain pan feeding four rubber tubes routed down the pillars. The tubes kink at the routing points, dirt accumulates at the kink, and the pan overflows into the headliner - from there the water enters the cabin at a dome light, down an… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot Front Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Failure - Speed-Dependent Growl and ABS Light?
The front hub-and-bearing assemblies are a wear item on the Patriot rather than a lifetime part, and owners report failures well under 100,000 miles. The signature is a low grinding or whirring hum that rises with road speed and changes when the vehicle is loaded in a corner - lo… Repairs typically run $180-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot Front Suspension Clunking / Strut Mount & Sway Bar Link Failure?
The Patriot front suspension develops clunking and rattling noises over bumps. The most common culprits are worn sway bar end links, strut mounts, and control arm bushings. The sway bar end links are particularly prone to premature wear, often failing before 60,000 miles. The str… Repairs typically run $100-$800. Severity: low.
