Best and worst Jeep Patriot years — which to avoid

Among compact SUVs with great interior spacing and reliable engines, Jeep Patriot stands out on the US market. However, buying one isn’t easy as there have been some reports on certain model years being deemed less reliable than others.

So, our team took it upon ourselves to bring you a list of best and worst Jeep Patriot years so you can make an easier purchase decision. To accomplish that feat, we’ve gone through the reliability records filed to NHTSA by other drivers, as well as details on Jeep Patriot recalls and history of common issues that plagued certain model years, so let’s get into the details.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Jeep Patriot years

To evaluate the best and worst Patriot models, our team relied on a variety of different sources to give you factual and proven information. Among these, we mostly relied on renowned automotive agencies like the records of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, along with a few other platforms like Cars.com for the details regarding Patriot recalls.

We combined that information with Jeep Patriot consumer ratings and reports from platforms like CR, Edmunds, and KBB. Finally, we coupled all of that with real driver impressions and experiences cited from trustworthy forums including Reddit and Jeep Enthusiasts forum, and here’s what we found out.

Most common Jeep Patriot problems

Jeep Patriot is overall a reliable compact SUV and no car can come without any issues during 10 years in production. That’s why we’ve scoured the reports on Jeep Patriot most common problems that followed through the years of production, and these are the most common reports.

1. Crankshaft position sensor fault

One of the rare engine issues that the Jeep Patriot drivers have reported is crankshaft position sensor failure. It’s a sensor that measures the rotational speed and position of the crankshaft and reports it back to the engine control unit (ECU).

Using this information, the ECU can control the fuel injection process and combustion timing, so a faulty sensor can cause some problems. Most notably, the 2.4-liter petrol engine had these issues and they often caused problems starting the engine, misfires, and engine vibrations.

Replacing the sensor solved things, and it’s a minor repair you can even do yourself considering the importance of the sensor for the engine’s performance.

2. Water leaks in the interior

One issue that never got solved during the production time of the Jeep Patriot was the sunroof leak. This matter caused water to leak inside the car’s passenger side, and while the issue persists with nearly all model years, there has never been a recall since it’s due to a design flaw.

Either way, not only did this stop most people from using their sunroof, but it also caused additional headaches during bad weather. It’s not a mechanical fault that endangers you while driving, but it’s almost equally annoying because of the water leaking inside the car, making it a big problem.

3. Electrical problems

Finally, some model years of Jeep Patriot faced issues with electrical connections. The problem is mostly related to failed radio and dashboard lights. Also, it caused dim headlights which presents a safety issue while driving with lower visibility.

One thing is for sure – it wasn’t the battery and it even resulted in the 2013 recall concerning 2010 to 2012 Patriot models. In the worst-case scenario, these electrical issues caused airbag system malfunctions. If you plan on buying a Patriot produced within these model years, it’s crucial to check if it was recalled and whether the issue has been fixed.

Worst Jeep Patriot years to avoid

First model years in production are always the toughest for car manufacturers, and the same happened to Jeep with the Patriot. That being said, the earliest models had some issues, but you are probably wondering – what are the worst Jeep Patriot years to avoid?

The worst Jeep Patriot years are 2012 and 2014, but here’s a full list:

• 2008
• 2012
• 2014
• 2016

As long as you avoid these, you should be fine with the purchase of a used Patriot, and we’ll go through the issues that plagued the mentioned model years to make sure you’ve got it right.

First-generation Jeep Patriot (2008, 2012, 2014, and 2016 model years)

It’s simply sad that the Jeep Patriot was discontinued in 2017 and we never got to see the second generation. The car got a 2011 facelift in the meantime, so this is the only generation where we can discuss the problems of this car.

As mentioned, you should skip the first few years of production if you are considering buying this car. Not only were the main issues with later models solved, but the price difference isn’t as big as you’d expect. The 2008 and 2009 model years had quite a few issues with the sunroof leaking and automatic transmission causing loud noises during downshifts.

It also caused transmission slipping issues if drivers left it unattended for too long, so it’s probably best to go with a manual one or a 6F24 automatic created by Hyundai. CVT transmission also causes a lot of problems, so you should also avoid it as an option.

Sunroof problems continued for quite a while and we never got to see a recall concerning that problem. Finally, the 2015 problem year is also often regarded as one that should be avoided. It had a lot of issues with the board computer, water leaks in the interior, and problems with the 2.4-liter engine reported by many previous owners.

What are the best Jeep Patriot years to buy?

While the list of mentioned problems might seem a bit overwhelming, considering the Patriot only has one generation, not everything is so dark. Some model years deserve the appraisal, so our team decided to give you a detailed overview. This way you can avoid buying one of the worst model years and focus on getting one of the following Jeep Patriot models:

• 2007
• 2010
• 2013
• 2017

We’ll also discuss the 2007, 2013, a 2017 models in further detail since the 2010 model year was somewhat better than the previous years,, but still had some issues with a 2.0L engine and quite a few complaints.

2007 Jeep Patriot

The 2007 Patriot model is among the best-rated ones as it received less than 200 complaints on NHTSA. Besides a low number of ownership concerns submitted, it also received a positive rating of 4.1 out of 5 on Edmunds without any major mechanical complaints causing the score to drop.

2013 Jeep Patriot

On the other hand, model years from 2014 were significantly improved, except the 2015 model year which had some ECU and water leak issues. The best model years to go when it comes to Jeep Patriot are surely 2013 and 2017 when it comes to those issues being sorted out if you are looking for a more recent model.

The 2013 one even received a lower amount of reliability remarks made by drivers to NHTSA than the 2007 model, making it one of the best Patriot years.

2017 Jeep Patriot

For the 2017 model, there were also fewer reports of sunroof leaks, although this issue stuck with the car until the end of production. Overall, it’s best to skip buying Jeep Patriot models before 2017 if you are looking at more recent ones, and this one makes the absolute best choice.

It even featured a lot of recalled models that got their transmission systems upgraded and remanufactured engines that proved to be much more reliable. So, we recommend going for the latest Jeep Patriot models if you wish to have peace of mind while driving this SUV.

Is the Jeep Patriot worth buying?

Overall, Jeep Patriot is worth buying if you go for later model years since used car prices are quite affordable these days. You can even find Jeep Patriot models with low mileage at a fraction of the initial cost, but early models had a fair share of problems.

If you are looking for a reliable compact SUV, Patriot is just in the middle of the reliability test. Pause for a moment and explore our insights on Jeep Compass years to avoid, Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid, and Hyundai Tucson years to avoid. We’re here to help you clinch a deal on a vehicle that’s more than just transportation—it’s a companion for the journey ahead. Let’s ensure your next car pick is one you’ll be thrilled with every time you hit the road.