10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,127 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Jeep Patriot:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #21

Jan 012016

Patriot

  • 48,000 miles
2012 Patriot has 48K miles on it. Been driving a std shift for most of my 46 years. The throw out bearing is very noisy. This has developed over a few months. I contacted the local dealer service moritz and they didn't know if it was covered under the 100K drive train warranty so I contacted Jeep. They didn't know either and had to look it up. It is not covered. There is no way, under normal driving conditions, that a throw out bearing should go bad with such low milage. Jeep won't cover the repair. If one looks on the internet this is a very common problem with the Patriot and not just with the 2012 model year. This should be a recall item. Jeep is hiding behind the 12K clutch warranty to make customers pay for a defect in craftsmanship. I've owned german and Japanese cars that had over 130K miles that needed neither a clutch or a throw out bearing. The Patriot shifts fine, the clutch does not slip. The only issue so far is the very noisy throw out bearing'.clearly a manufacturing defect as it's so common.

- Azle, TX, USA

problem #20

Mar 082016

Patriot 4-cyl

  • 59,000 miles
We own a 2012 Jeep compass (VIN [xxx]) and a 2012 Jeep Patriot (VIN [xxx]).. both transmission filler tubes have broken off in the exact same places both between 50,000/60,000 miles..noticed them hanging underneath the front spoiler...the compass is showing signs of transmission trouble. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Waco, TX, USA

problem #19

Aug 122015

Patriot

  • 68,400 miles
Several incidents occurred where when driving I would be in drive mode, but while on the freeway going 60 mph, out of no where, my transmission would switch into limp mode going 0 mph or 5-10 mph. I was almost hit by semi truck. Another incident occurred when I was driving, and stopped by the red light, soon as I put the foot on the gas, it went on limp mode again and my car completely stopped at the intersection driving in city, the light turned red, and someone from the intersecting direction had to swerve behind my car to avoid me. The symptoms seen was the all the gears "P, R, N, D" would be selected, the anti-roll over light, engine light and transmission heating light would be on. The rpms would rev, but most often the mph still would be '0'. at the shop after running diagnostics, they found occasions where they found "tcm lost communication with computer" several times.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

problem #18

Jun 092015

Patriot

  • 70,846 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle lost power and decelerated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as an abnormal noise came from the front of the vehicle and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after a while. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the totally integrated power module (tipm), and brake light switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,846.

- San Leandro, CA, USA

problem #17

Oct 012015

Patriot

  • miles
I was driving and the car shifted itself into 1st gear as I was making a left turn. I couldn't get the car to go through the intersection fast enough. I was almost hit. The car has continued to go into this limp mode ( 1st gear ) by itself. I can't get it to accelerate.also, I pulled over and I could smell rubber burning. It is at the dealership right now. I looked online and it seems other people with the 2012 are having the same problems with their transmission. It happens when I'm driving on both city streets and the highway.

- Boerne, TX, USA

problem #16

Sep 082014

Patriot

  • 29,000 miles
While shifting into third gear the vehicle revved really high and wouldn't allow me to shift. After towing the Patriot to the shop I was informed the transmission was totalled. The next incident happened a year later the vehicle failed to start. I have to turn off the key and wait then attempt to.restart. The car always started but it took as many as 6 tries some times. The dealer ran diagnostic test but came up with nothing. They couldn't get the vehicle to duplicate. Very frustrating and ridiculous. Chrysler is aware of the issue but won't have a fix until the first quarter of 2016.

- Stuarts Draft, VA, USA

problem #15

Jun 232015

Patriot

  • 86,500 miles
This Jeep Patriot has been having issues with acceleration, first and foremost. When driving at constant speeds with cruise control set, vehicle will stutter and miss gears. Dealership has not found any solution to figure out the issue because there is not light on the dash. Second, the Jeep has had a creaking/clunking sound coming from the rear. The dealer started with replacing the rear struts and sway bar bushing. This did not fix the issue and the sound kept getting worse. Two different dealers have diagnosed several different issues that they "think" are causing the problems with the suspension and causing the sound. There is no definite diagnosis but the dealers are more than willing to use my money for a trial and error replacement of each part until they get to the bottom of the sound. I am not a test rat for their dealership and if they cannot diagnose the car then they need to replace it.

- Tiffin, OH, USA

problem #14

May 212015

Patriot

  • 47,555 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. While driving at various speeds, the contact heard a sound from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Immediately after the vehicle was repaired, while driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost power and the electronic throttle control and fuel cap warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,555.

- Fairfield, TX, USA

problem #13

Jul 192014

Patriot 4-cyl

  • 29,000 miles
My husband and I were driving from New Mexico to Wyoming. The average speeds were between 65 and 75. After driving for about 5 hours, with stops every 2 hours to rest and get gas, the transmission light came on and the Jeep lost power. We pulled over to the side of the road and let it sit for about 10 min until the light went off. We drove the rest of the way at much lower speeds. Between 50 and 60 mph. The transmission overheated again on the way back after 6 hours or so, with stops every 2 hours. The dealership we took it to told us that there were no error codes, and no problems with the transmission or its fluid. There was nothing for them to fix. They advised us to stop often if we were planning on traveling for long distances. Thankfully (but very scary) we were in the middle of nowhere when it happened and not in the middle of heavy traffic.

- Holloman Afb, NM, USA

problem #12

Jun 042014

Patriot

  • 38,000 miles
While driving 75mph for 25miles the transmission overheat light came on and the Patriot started slowing itself down, on the interstate in heavy traffic, I read in the manual to pull over put in neutral till it cools off or just drive slow, I have had this happen 10 times since reaching 38,000 I contacted Chrysler and they advised I have a diagnostic done at dealer, I did and the dealer said it showed nothing. The dealer said there isn't anything I can do because it is doing what it is designed to do. They also added that they have had several similar cvt complaints from Patriot owners. Driving 75 mph should not overheat a transmission. It is very dangerous to be driving on the interstate when the Patriot slows itself down, I have almost got run over several times..I need Chrysler to acknowledge this problem and find a solution before I have an accident from it.

- Burns, TN, USA

problem #11

Jul 252012

Patriot 4WD 4-cyl

  • 3,000 miles
While on the mountainous interstate we lost our acceleration and didn't know why. We were in a dangerous location just beginning to cross a bridge and we pulled off the road as far as we could. We did know that stopping on the bridge was a very dangerous location. At this point I was shaking and very scared. After a few minutes, I put the vehicle in 1st gear, and we actually moved. At this point I was just trying to get us past the bridge to a safer location. But as I went from 1 gear to another, we were slowly gaining momentum, so I kept going. Then June 9, 2014 we lost acceleration while traveling on the interstate again going through mountainous roads in nm. We were able to move slowly till we got to an off ramp and pulled into a gas station. I figured my fluid levels were good due to just having a $300 service performed with oil, etc. 2 weeks prior just before leaving on vacation. I then pulled out the owners manual to see just what that light was for. It was the transmission fluid overheating due to the mountainous terrain we were in. I had never heard of that before, so I called the dealership service area at Jeep in w. bell rd in peoria, AZ. The gentleman I talked to had no good answers for me. Then he mentioned that the certain type of transmission that was in the Jeep Patriot can overheat. We just needed to follow the instructions in the manual and sit in neutral till the temperature dropped. The vehicle loses acceleration as a protection for the transmission so it doesn't overheat and cause damage. Well, then... what about to the occupants that are in the vehicle being suddenly stranded in very unsafe locations.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #10

May 042014

Patriot

  • 34,548 miles
While driving my 2012 Jeep Patriot sport 4X4 down the autobahn at around 120km(74 mph) my Jeep started making a deep whirling/humming sound. While accelerating it is a low deep sounding whirling/humming sound, while decelerating the whirling/humming sound becomes louder deep sounding whirling/humming. I tried calling the Jeep dealership here in germany but was basically told they could not be of any help do to my Jeep being american spec. Also, I find it absurd that my Jeep has recalls and I was never informed and of course I've been told that I cannot get them fixed over here.

- Apo, AE, USA

problem #9

Mar 082014

Patriot

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph and attempting to decelerate, the engine rpms remained over 4,000. The contact then smelled a burning clutch odor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection but they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Mclean, VA, USA

problem #8

Apr 112013

Patriot

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph uphill, the vehicle lost power and independently decelerated to 35 mph. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis but to no avail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was not available.

- Norcross, GA, USA

problem #7

Aug 142013

Patriot 4WD 4-cyl

  • 19,290 miles
While traveling at 75 mph on level surface the tachometer briefly spiked and the vehicle lost power. There were no warning lights, the vehicle's electric accessories remained on, but there was no throttle response. The ambient temperature was in the upper 90S, the fuel tank was above 1/4 full and the driver was 2.5 hours into a 3.25 hour trip. The vehicle coasted to the side of the highway and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the nearest dealership. The dealership technician was able to start the vehicle and reported no diagnostic errors or codes. The driver collected the vehicle, filled the fuel tank and began the 3.25 hour return trip. While traveling at 75 mph, approx 2.75 hours into the return trip the vehicle lost power again. After sitting at the edge of the highway for almost 20 min, the driver heard a relay click from the rear of the vehicle and attempted to start the car. The vehicle started and ran normally for an additional 10 minutes before stalling again with the same symptoms as the previous two instances: A brief spike from the tach then no throttle response. The driver again was able to restart after a 15-20 rest and continued off the highway and onto side streets with no further occurrences. The issue recurred on a subsequent long trip approx one month later with the same symptoms. Upon getting the vehicle back into the city it was again taken to a different dealer who discovered no diagnostic codes or errors.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #6

Jun 252013

Patriot

  • 22,500 miles
My wife was driving on I-80 East at highway speeds. This happened about 2 hours after starting including some hilly areas but all high speed highway driving. The car suddenly lost power and she had to pull off the interstate on the shoulder. After calling several times and waiting about 20 minutes, the car restarted and she was able to drive 6 miles at lower power/low speeds to an exit where she was advised to put oil in the car. After cooling off for 20 minutes more, she was able to start the car and continue her trip (another 100 miles) without incident.

- Traverse City, MI, USA

problem #5

Jun 252013

Patriot

  • 22,500 miles
My wife was driving on I-80 East at highway speeds. This happened about 2 hours after starting including some hilly areas but all high speed highway driving. The car suddenly lost power and she had to pull off the interstate on the shoulder. After calling several times and waiting about 20 minutes, the car restarted and she was able to drive 6 miles at lower power/low speeds to an exit where she was advised to put oil in the car. After cooling off for 20 minutes more, she was able to start the car and continue her trip (another 100 miles) without incident.

- Traverse City, MI, USA

problem #4

Jul 072013

Patriot

  • 24,550 miles
I was driving on us 23 South just entering toledo when the vehicle lost power and after driving 4 hours at highway speeds. I was going about 60 mph at the time. As this has happened before, I pulled off at the exit at dropping power..could the car to go at most 10 mph and pulled into a service station to check fluids and refuel. After a few minutes the car restarted and was able to drive again. Taking the car into dealer but they already disavowed any recalls or reported troubles with the Jeep.

- Traverse City, MI, USA

problem #3

Sep 222012

Patriot 4-cyl

  • 2,400 miles
Stopped at red light on incline, went to go car would only roll backwards with no engine running. Turned off key, restarted vehicle. Stopped at same light incident was repeated 2 more times. Entering highway at stop light car approximately going less than 5 mph engine stopped running. Turned key off and turned the car back on.

- Andover, KS, USA

problem #2

Sep 022012

Patriot 4-cyl

  • 5,800 miles
This is the second incident that I have had with this car. The first incident was very similar. This time I was coming back from Arizona into California and I was on the 15 South between barstow and victorville. I was traveling at approximately 70 mph in the left lane. The cruise control was previously, but had been cancelled and I had traveled appr. 10 miles after canceling it. Without warning the throttle revved and became unresponsive. The car stalled and I was unable to get to the right shoulder. I pulled over to the left shoulder. The fuel gauge read halfway between 1/4 and 1/2. the engine would not restart. I called roadside assistance and had the car towed to the dealer in victorville. When the car was taken off the tow truck, I was able to start it again. I drove home the rest of the way. I took the car to the dealership 2 weeks after this incident to have it looked at. The car had not been driven at all since the incident. The dealer ran diagnostic tests and concluded the issue was with the transmission overheating due to mud. I was advised the transmission was designed to shut off if it got too hot with little to no warning. This is the second time this has happened with this vehicle and I have not observed any warning light on the dashboard before the engine cuts off.

- Chatsworth, CA, USA

Read the next 1 complaints »