The Jeep Patriot is widely recognized as a car-based SUV with a truck-like appearance and distinctive Jeep characteristics. Notably, it is among the most affordable compact SUVs in the market, available with two different 4-cylinder engines and the option for all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. The transmission choices include a CVT, 5-speed manual, and a traditional 6-speed automatic added in 2014, making it a versatile and accessible choice for many drivers.
Common Problems
As with any vehicle, the Jeep Patriot is not without its issues. Several common problems have been reported by owners, ranging from fuel tank difficulties to electrical and transmission issues. One common issue is difficulty in filling the fuel tank due to a faulty valve, sometimes requiring a full tank replacement. Front and rear crossmember corrosion, engine start problems, stalling, throttle control issues, alternator and generator noise, water damage, ABS light problems, and CVT transmission overheating are some other prevalent problems that owners have faced.
These issues can be costly to address, making an extended powertrain warranty a wise consideration to cover potential transmission failure. Despite its drawbacks, the Patriot can still serve as a practical and budget-friendly choice for daily commuting, provided it is in good mechanical condition.
Engine and 4-Wheel-Drive System
The Patriot is powered by either a 2.0L World Gas Engine with 158 horsepower or a 2.4L World Gas Engine with 172 horsepower. Both engines, while not exceptionally quiet, are generally trouble-free. The front-biased 4-Wheel-Drive system in the Patriot includes a Lock Mode, offering additional torque to the rear wheels when engaged, providing traction in challenging terrain. Additionally, an optional off-road package enhances its capabilities with features such as a low-range mode, skid plates, and Hill Descent Control.
Summary
Despite its affordability, the overall reliability of the Patriot is below average, with improvements noted in the 2013+ models. If choosing an engine and transmission pairing, the 2.4L engine with a 6-speed automatic is recommended as the best option for the Patriot. While the Patriot may not be without its faults, for budget-conscious individuals in need of a practical transportation solution, it might still be a viable option if properly maintained and covered by an extended warranty.
What are the common problems with Jeep Patriot?
Common problems with Jeep Patriot include issues with valves inside the tank leading to difficulty in filling, front and rear crossmember corrosion, engine not starting due to corrosion at the relay box, code P0456 related to bad gas cap or EVAP leak detection unit, stalling in early models, throttle control warning light turning on, alternator decoupler pulley damage, interior water damage, electrical and lighting problems, PCM reprogramming for check engine light issues, ABS light issues, CVT transmission overheating, and loss of acceleration.
What are the engine options for Jeep Patriot?
The Jeep Patriot is powered by either a 2.0L World Gas Engine with 158 horsepower or a 2.4L World Gas Engine with 172 horsepower. Both engines come with a timing chain and no timing belt. The 2.4L engine is considered a better option.
How capable is the Jeep Patriot 4-Wheel-Drive system?
The Jeep Patriot has a front-biased 4-Wheel-Drive system, with the front wheels always powered and the rear wheels engaged when necessary. It also features a Lock Mode to send more torque to the rear wheels when engaged. The optional Freedom-Drive II Off-Road Group package includes upgrades for off-road capabilities such as Skid plates, Hill Descent Control, and Off-Road 4-Wheel-Drive LOCK mode with the CVT transmission engaging low-range mode.
What is the overall reliability of Jeep Patriot?
The overall level of reliability for Jeep Patriot is below average, with less issues reported for the 2013+ models. The 2.4L engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission is considered the best engine and transmission pairing for the Patriot.