2012 Jeep Patriot problems
The Jeep Patriot (MK74) is a front-engine five-door compact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Jeep, having debuted with the Jeep Compass in April 2006 at the New York Auto Show for the 2007 model year. Both cars, as well as Dodge Caliber shared the GS platform, differentiated by their styling and marketing, with the Patriot exclusively offering a four-wheel drive system, marketed as Freedom Drive II.
The Patriot was manufactured at Chrysler's Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant alongside the Compass. Although the model was still selling well even as it was essentially unchanged as it entered its 11th model year, production ended with the 2017 model year.
Design
In the U.S. the Patriot uses either the 2.0 L or 2.4 L World gasoline I4 engine. Both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available. The Patriot features two four-wheel drive systems both of which are electronically controlled.
The standard four-wheel drive system is called Freedom Drive I. This is a full-time Automatic 4WD that directly drives the front differential carrier from the transmission output and is exclusively front-wheel drive whenever 4WD is not commanded by the powertrain control module or the driver. The transaxle supplies power to the rear drive unit via a driveshaft that is in constant mesh with the front carrier. The driveshaft joins the front transaxle through a small, fixed ratio gearbox which Jeep refers to as the Power Transfer Unit.The driveshaft is suspended by a centrally mounted carrier bearing and delivers torque to an assembly at the rear of the vehicle Jeep refers to as the Rear Drive Unit. An electronically controlled multi-plate wet clutch located inside the rear drive unit variably couples this driveshaft with a pinion gear that drives an open differential carrier and delivers power to the rear wheels. The clutch coupling force is sufficient to supply up to 100% of available engine torque to the rear axle. A driver accessible control located between the front seats allows the driver to command a locked 4wd mode that simulates the behavior of a fixed center coupling on a conventional 4WD vehicle. In both the default operating mode and the driver selected 4WD mode, the operation of this clutch is computer controlled and it will disconnect and revert to automatic operation above 35 miles per hour. To prevent static driveline windup the powertrain controller will vary the force of clutch engagement while the vehicle is traveling on a curved path, using input from a steering angle sensor.
An optional four-wheel drive system called Freedom Drive II is based on Freedom Drive I and operates similarly, however in combination with a unique CVT transmission it is capable of a 19:1 gear reduction simulating a low range usually found in vehicles with dedicated transfer cases. This 19:1 "crawl" ratio is achieved with a much lower (numerically higher) ring and pinion ratio compared to non Freedom Drive II vehicles and permits the driver to optionally hold this initial ratio for enhanced control at very low speeds.
Freedom Drive II is part of an equipment package including several other enhancements intended for use on more difficult terrain and Jeep Patriots with this package bear Jeep's "Trail Rated" badging.
All Jeep Patriots include an enhanced traction control system that operates on both driven axles (4WD models) or on the front axle only (2WD models) to supply torque to all four wheels effectively and without a locking or limited slip differential. This system is branded BLD by Jeep and operates by applying braking force to a wheel on either (driven) axle if that wheel is measured spinning faster than the other wheel on the same axle. BLD remains in effect even if the driver selects the traction control off option.
The 2.4 L GEMA I4 is an option for the 4X2 model Patriot.
For Europe and Australia, a 2.0 L (1968 cc; 120 cid; 140ps) Volkswagen-manufactured diesel engine is fitted along with a 6-speed manual gearbox. All EU cars are fitted as standard with four wheel drive and a version of the Freedom Drive System that tuned differently from the U.S. versions, but with similar capability to FDII with brake traction control and three switchable electronic stability control and traction control settings for on or off-road use.
The Patriot won the 2007 Green 4x4 Award and the 2008 4x4 of the Year in the UK.
Social links
Common 2012 Jeep Patriot problems
The 2012 Jeep Patriot, like its predecessors, has been plagued with a few common problems that have been a cause for concern among its owners. The primary issue with the 2012 Patriot is the faulty Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) transmission. Numerous complaints have been made about a whining noise, difficulty in accelerating, and overheating warning associated with the CVT transmission.
Another issue that has been reported by many 2012 Jeep Patriot owners is the leaky sunroof. This problem has been a common issue in previous models of the Patriot, and it continues to affect the 2012 model. The leaky sunroof can result in water leaks that can exacerbate things like damaging the radio or dome lights.
In addition to the CVT transmission and leaky sunroof issues, the 2012 Jeep Patriot is also prone to faulty integrated power modules or TIPM. A broken TIPM can lead to problems like headlights turning on or off, faulty power windows, non-working blinkers, and many more. The typical cost of replacing the TIPM is $900.
The 2012 Jeep Patriot's CVT transmission has been a significant source of frustration for many owners. The transmission is prone to whining noises, difficulty in accelerating, and overheating warning. This problem can be expensive to repair, with the typical cost being around $3,940. The CVT transmission has the drawback of being very expensive to replace, even with a used one.
The leaky sunroof issue has also been a common problem in the 2012 Jeep Patriot. This problem can result in water leaks that can damage the radio or dome lights. The leaky sunroof can be a significant inconvenience for owners, and it can be challenging to fix. Only a few owners seem to have fixed the issue by either realigning the sunroof, checking all grommets and plugs, or replacing the sunroof drain tubes.
The faulty integrated power modules or TIPM is another problem that has been reported by many 2012 Jeep Patriot owners. A broken TIPM can lead to problems like headlights turning on or off, faulty power windows, non-working blinkers, and many more. This problem can be expensive to repair, with the typical cost being around $900.
In conclusion, the 2012 Jeep Patriot has been plagued with a few common problems that have been a cause for concern among its owners. The primary issue with the 2012 Patriot is the faulty CVT transmission, which can be expensive to repair. The leaky sunroof and faulty integrated power modules or TIPM are also significant issues that have been reported by many 2012 Jeep Patriot owners. These problems can be frustrating and expensive to fix, and they can significantly impact the overall ownership experience of the 2012 Jeep Patriot.
Do 2012 Jeep Patriots have problems?
A handful of minor reliability issues but that's more the previous owners fault than the car. Really the biggest issue comes in the performance.
What is the most common problem with the Jeep Patriot?
Common Jeep Patriot Problems
- Premature CVT failure - The Patriot's continuously variable transmission is prone to failure. ...
- Water leaking into the cabin - Numerous Patriot models are known to have leaky cabins. ...
- Stalling engine - One of the worst issues with the Patriot lineup is the stalling engine.
How many miles can a 2012 Jeep Patriot go?
According to motorbiscuit.com, a standard Jeep will last around 200,000 miles with proper care. Since the Patriot is known to last 200,000 miles, it's safe to say that anything right below 200,000 miles is high for the Jeep Patriot. It lines right up with the average for the manufacturer.
Is there a recall on 2012 Jeep Patriot transmission?
Chrysler Group LLC is recalling 630,000 Jeep SUVs for transmission and restraint system problems just two days after it refused a federal request to recall 2.7 million vehicles for faulty fuel systems. In the U.S., the automaker will recall 254,000 Compass and Patriot SUVs from model years 2010 to 2012.
Do 2012 Jeep Patriots have problems?
A handful of minor reliability issues but that's more the previous owners fault than the car. Really the biggest issue comes in the performance.
What is the most common problem with the Jeep Patriot?
Common Jeep Patriot Problems
- Premature CVT failure - The Patriot's continuously variable transmission is prone to failure. ...
- Water leaking into the cabin - Numerous Patriot models are known to have leaky cabins. ...
- Stalling engine - One of the worst issues with the Patriot lineup is the stalling engine.
How many miles does a 2012 Jeep Patriot last?
According to vehiclehistory.com, you can expect the Jeep Patriot to last around 200,000 miles with proper care. If you're someone who ensures your vehicle is in pristine shape, it could last far beyond that point. It's a decent car for an off-roading experience behind the wheel with the classic Jeep appearance.
Is it expensive to fix a Jeep Patriot?
The average annual repair cost for a Jeep is $634, which means it has above average ownership costs.
2012 Jeep Patriot car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jeep Patriot problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Jeep Patriot vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Jeep Patriot
The NHTSA has received 343 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Jeep Patriot. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Jeep Patriot vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-21
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal whining sound emanating from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission, requiring that the transmission be replaced. The contact was informed that the on-board diagnostic system was not functioning as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-11
- VIN: 1C4NJPBA0CD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle had a flat tire. The contact stated upon changing the flat tire, the contact noticed that the rear subframe where the rear axle was connected to was rusted and the axle had started to detach from the vehicle. The contact called the dealer and was informed there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and instructed the contact to reach out to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-29
- VIN: 1C4NJRFB3CD
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Unknown: Something is wrong with the gas tank. When refueling, it's nearly impossible to activate the latch on the pump handle without the pump immediately stopping. To refuel, I have to gently squeeze the trigger to enable a very slow flow of fuel. To fill the tank, while gently activating the trigger, takes approximately 15-20 minutes. In the past, you could depress the trigger and activate the locking catch and fill up in 3-4 minutes depending on the pressure of the gas station system. I don't know if this issue points to a safety problem, however, clearly it's a defect. I consulted the Jeep dealership and they recommended to not fully insert the nozzle into the filler neck of the tank. It was a bizarre recommendation because it was never an issue in the past. Of course I tried their recommendation an as expected it made no difference. At a minimum, it's annoying as hell trying to fill up in Chicago while holding a fuel pump handle when it's 20°F with a wind chill well below that! I thought that perhaps it was my local gas station. On a trip from Chicago to I had to fill up twice each way at different stations and the issue persists.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-14
- VIN: 1C4NJRFB7CD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the lights inside the vehicle were flickering and the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then stalled. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact smelled an abnormal odor, and the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the exhaust was clogged. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact became aware of a coolant leak. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound and shuddered. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-24
- VIN: 1C4NJRCB8CD
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My fuel tank problem should be included in the Safety Recall M11/NHTSA 12V-142 Fuel Tank Roll-Over value..I have taken my car to several Jeep dealers and have been informed the problem with this tank falls in the recall…I have been dealing with this problem for years….I recently found out that the problem falls in the recall above…I took my car to the Jeep dealer, Pelegríno in Woodbury,NJ on 5/19/21 for the problem..They informed me tank would have to be removed to be fixed…they never informed me that there was a recall…so I did not get it fixed at the time. I have been dealing with this problem since 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-19
- VIN: 1C4NJRFB7CD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled again. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle was undrivable. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-17
- VIN: 1C4NJRFB7CD
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The vehicle stalls while driving with no warning. This has happened 5 times in the last week.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-28
- VIN: 1C4NJRCB7CD
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: When filling the tank with gas and then driving the vehicle, the vehicle either stalls, bucks really bad, or hesitates when accelerating. There is a heavy smell of gas. This unsafe condition has been traced to a faulty fuel tank valve that requires the entire fuel tank to be replaced ($1,000- $1,800). Others have experienced fuel being spewed out suddenly when refueling very slowly due to this same faulty valve. Any fuel system issue puts the vehicle at risk of fire, which is risks my life and my family's life.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-24
- VIN: 1C4NJRBB3CD
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel tank receiver separated from the fuel door holder
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-03
- VIN: 1C4NJRBB7CD
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I have a problem fueling my 2012 Jeep Patriot. I have to dribble the gas into neck to prevent gas from blowing out of neck. My mechanic replaced neck. Still have the same problem. I have read of a recall due to valve inside tank sticking which could cause fuel to pour out if a rollover occurs but I'm hearing from mechanic that the problem with valve sticking is why I'm having a problem refueling. If both issues are due to the same valve problem, shouldn't the recall cover my jeep? I have had my jeep to my mechanic 3 times now for this issue in the past month. I have also had my jeep stall if I accelerate quickly.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- VIN: 1C4NJRBB6CD
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I cannot put gas in my car, continuously shuts off and spits fuel back out like its full. It takes about 20 minutes to get enough gas in it to feel like I can drive a little distance without worrying I will run out since It always acts as if its full. It also seems as if it wants to stall out at times and I just give it more gas. I have had this car for a few months now and Im scared its going to stall and cause an accident. Having a difficult time with getting someone to work on it, codes will not diagnose. After reading I saw this had recalls in the past. Should this car have been recalled?
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-19
- VIN: 1C4NJPFB8CD
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Intake manifold flow valve was replaced and so was the manifold. One month later my vehicle threw an engine light for code p2015 for the same issue. I then replace the valve again three days after thinking it was a faulty part and almost a week last same code with the engine light. It give very bad idling and with jump the rpm to almost 4k before the vehicle even moves. Needless to say pulling out in traffic would be impossible unless I was to be hit by multiple vehicles.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-14
- VIN: 1C4NJRFB4CD
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, fuel was pouring from the fuel tank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V142000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-30
- VIN: 1C4NJRFB8CD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to shake abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the undercarriage was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 91,847.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-14
- VIN: 1c4njrfb2cd
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The catalytic converter failed. It had to be replaced.
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-01
- VIN: 1C4NJRBB2CD
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The subframe and rear cross members are extremely rusted and corroded, resulting in the vehicle being unsafe to drive. While there appears to be a ten year extended warranty covering the repair of this problem, apparently not every 2012 Jeep Patriot qualifies for extended warranty which only applies vehicles manufactured at only certain locations. According to FCA customer care the extended warranty does not attach my VIN number, although the rust and corrosion problem is identical to the damage repaired for other Jeep Patriots.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-29
- VIN: 1c4njpba2cd
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Along with complaints 11466544 11466577 I want to add that I bought this car in November 2015. The engine blew in May 2021 with 104k miles. Not at all what would expect from a 2010+ model vehicle. And another thing .... I'm used to needing more regular tune ups. So, once a year -ish... I'd take the jeep in for spark plug replacement, etc. Well, when I switched to the other brkes plus closer to my home, the tech told me that's not required for this jeep. We actually kind of got into it. But, we're able to amicably come to agreement. Anyways, the other brakes plus did so without argument, at least twice. After me and dude from brakes plus had our Lil tiff... I reevaluated my owners manual, and confirmed the spark plug thing. He was right. But one thing I always found odd... was that transmission fluid replacement was not recommended untilb130,000. Did I find that odd?? YES! Because I've was an oil tech at one point in my life. BUT! If that's what the manual says... who am i to argue with that? I mention this because that was one of the things I saw when perusing over recalls, etc. A reviewer recommended to not wait until the manual's recommendation. Who was this person? IDK. Is this accurate? The 130k thing? Because when I got into my "argument" at brakes plus, my exact verbiage was I'm here for a tune up, I'm here to get done whatever needs to get done on this car. If manufacturer information is incorrect, that's a problem. I've had 2 cars repossessed. It was extremely important to me to maintain this vehicle and pay it off. I do have a little bit of a fondness for working on engines. No, I have not done anything to this engine myself. I know this isn't some top of a model line car, but it seemed like the perfect kind of engine to tinker on someday. But not at 104,000 miles. Not on a well maintained vehicle. I would also think that if the manual recommends 120000k trannie fluid replacement for the first time that the engine would last at least until then? Lol.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-29
- VIN: 1c4njpba2cd
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Ah- yes, The absolute most weirdest thing about this jeep. When putting the recommended 87 gas in the tank, it loses acceleration power. The manual that came with it (which i cant seem to find) stated 85. Did I think THAT was weird? Yes! It's a truck, kinda heavy, but it is a 4 cylinder- so ok jeep. That manual, however, was not very thorough, so I purchased one. That one stated 87. Put 87 in it. Nope. Boomerang only takes 85. When 87 is put in, it loses acceleration power and won't go above 35 mph. The issue always seemed to resolve on its own. Not sure why, and I didn't put much thought into it. Every now and then I would try 87, same thing happened. This happened about 4 or 5 times under my ownership. I mentioned this several times at regular maintenance and oil changes. No one had much to say about it other than that was weird. Agreed. Aside from the issues mentioned in complaints 11466577 11466544 11466583 It ran fine. I never considered it as disrupting my driving needs. I'm pretty much a city driver. Jobs close by. Groceries. Some trips out of town and to the mountains. Never towed anything on it. So now, thinking back to when I fixed the engine throttle and was told that would be a recurring theme because it's a patriot- ok, something's bound to happen, it's almost a ten year old car (at the time). The jeep gave me something to tinker on- no biggie. But not a whole blown engine at 104k, that's for sure. And the combined issues started nagging at me. But it was after covid happened, I was driving considerably less, and that concern quickly subsided. 3-4 months later, fixed oil pan gasket. 2-3 months after that, engine blew. Lastly, unless I remember something else- over the years I've seen numerous jeep patriots on the side of the highway (looked like about the same year, make model)- and I always wondered what kind of issues they had. My engine never literally stalled out until last year. Weird? Yes.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-29
- VIN: 1c4njpba2cd
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I submitted a form yesterday and forgot to mention that there have been a few other odd things about the jeep which I'm not sure how to explain. 1. There has, since day 1 of my purchase, test drive, etc, always been some weird whistling sound when driving. Very light, like the kind of whistle made with just your tongue at the roof of the mouth. Not a "full" whistle sound. 2. When going uphill, the engine squeals. And honestly has poor acceleration uphill in general. Very poor. But I thought it was how this make and model is. 4 cylinders aren't known for their awesome power and speed, after all. 3. Occasionally, the jeep "tugs"? Seemingly like how manuals switch between gears, but mine is an automatic. It does so unprovoked, not by my using the cvt option, randomly, at any speed. 4. Occasionally there would be a "dropping" kind of sound. Can't remember any particular details about that, but I think it may have happened more in the summer months. Again. All of these things, other than the last, had always been happening. I attributed it to make and model idiosyncrasies. I have noticed other recall issues listed with this jeep that I glanced over, did not read them. Just so you know. But, after my engine went out, it made me reconsider all of these "odd" things that are probably connected. Oh yeah... Also... 5. I had to replace my engine throttle, supposedly brakes plus says it's also "normal" for this model. 6. My engine blew very shortly after an oil pan gasket fix, which I put off for a while. Makes me think there's a pressure problem with the engine in general, when combined with the other "symptoms", on hindsight. Like I said, I was an oil tech for Jiffy Lube, i am not a mechanic. But this experience may have taught me a thing or two about suspicious auto mechanisms.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-29
- VIN: 1c4njpba2cd
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Ah... yes. And the most absolute weirdest thing of all about this jeep- The manual that came with the jeep (which i cant seem to find) stated 85 gas is recommended. Did I think THAT was weird? YES! It's a truck. Kinda heavy... didn't expect 85 gas. But it's a 4cylinder, so ok. That manual was also not very thorough, for lack of a better term, so I purchased one. That manual stated 87. Put 87 in it. The jeep lost acceleration power. Couldn't get above 35mph. Boomerang only takes 85. Weird. Didn't put too much thought into it. If I remember correctly, this issue always resolved on its own somehow. Not sure why. Anyhow. That has happened about 4 or 5 times under my ownership. Every now and again, after regular maintenance, I would kind of check it, to see. On several occasions, when i took it in for regular oil changes, i'd mention that issue, no one had anything to say about it. Other than it was weird. Agreed. Aside from the issues mentioned in complaints 11466583 11466544 11466577 It ran fine. I never considered those issues as disrupting my driving needs. I'm pretty much a city driver. Jobs were close by. Groceries. Occasional mountain and hiking trips- drives out of town, never towed anything. Thinking back to when I fixed my engine throttle and was told that would probably be a recurring theme, bc it's a patriot, that whole gas thing really started nagging at me. Ok, jeep gave me something to tinker on. No biggie. It's almost a 10 year old car. Something's bound to happen. Uh- but not a whole blown engine, that's for sure. This was, however, within the first year of covid, and i was driving considerably less, so that concern subsided. 3-4 months later, fixed oil pan gasket. 2-3 months after that, engine blew. Lastly, unless I remember something else- Over the years I've seen numerous patriots on the side of the highway and wondered what kinds of issues they had. Weird? Yes. My engine literally never stalled out until last year. I must've been something right.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-28
- VIN: 1c4njpba2cd
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Something is wrong with the engine. I was told the engine is blown. I've maintained my vehicle and completed recommended repairs by Brakes Plus. I'd like to mention that as a former lube tech for Jiffy Lube, I am familiar with oil top offs. Naturally, I periodically checked my dip stick to confirm oil levels. It ALWAYS read at an acceptable level. Did I think it was weird? No, because I'm not a mechanic. I just thought that's how Jeeps are. Go Jeep! I'm a fan... well, my engine blew. Took it to Brakes Plus,l (towed), after a few check ups (towed each time)asked the techs how much oil was in the tank. Was told 2 quarts. I'm thinking that should have been reflected somehow on the dipstick. It wudnt. Since my car's been dead, thought I'd "experiment" with the oil readings. I have NOT driven the jeep. Anyhow, put a quart in- low and behold... it reads WAY above the max fill marker. As far as I know, there's only about 3 quarts in there. Also, my engine always had this 'tick' . Again, did not find it weird, thought that's how Jeeps are. Noticed it on day one, asked the salesman, he stated that's normal for the patriot. After this issue happened, I've found several YouTube videos with explanations of valve cover adjustments being needed, cheap fix, supposedly. I've been quoted 4000-9000 for engine replacement. The valve adjustment thing.. I don't know, maybe they have selective hearing, or 4-9k sounds better, cuz no one has even acknowledged that I mentioned that, or cared to confirm. Regardless, the dipstick is wrong. Seems pretty important. Especially if my engine is, in fact, blown.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-17
- VIN: 1C4NJRFB4CD
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fueling vehicle takes upwards of 15-20 minutes. I am worried it may have something to do with recall 12V142000 along with recall 13V120000. Which are both hazardous to the driver and passenger being that one may cause an accident and the other may result in death of the occupants.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-01
- VIN: 1C4NJPBA0CD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK VALVE WOULD CLOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REFUELED. BEAVER COUNTY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (2761 CONSTITUTION BLVD, BEAVER FALLS, PA 15010) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED A FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V142000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199073 also another time TL* my 2012 JEEP PATRIOT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLEd THE THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TONHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V120000 . CAR STALLS AT EVERY STOP. WHILE DRIVING HIGH WAY SPEEDS FOR A FEW MINUTES IT DROPS DOWN IN SPEED CAUSING YOU CLOSE CALL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE IT IS VERY SUDDEN. IF I DRIVE THE JEEP AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP REGARDLESS IF AT STOP SIGN RED LIGHT OR BEHIND TRAFFIC THE CAR WILL TURN OFF HAVING ME TO TURN THE KEY IN OFF POSITION AND PUT IT IN PARK TO START IT AGAIN. IF I AM ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING I CAN BE GOING 45 MPH AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE JEEP STARTS DECLINING IN ITS ACCELERATION AND WILL NOT GO ABOVE 10MPH. ALSO WHEN INITIALLY STARTING UP IF I HAVE TO BACK UP IT TURNS OFF WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF BACKING UP. THIS ISSUE IS BEEN KNOWN TO HAPPEN TO A FEW PEOPLE WHO I KNOW THAT OWN THE SAME EXACT JEEP OR THE 2012 MODEL. ALSO HAVE HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND ONLY THING THAT POPS UP IS A CODE FOR THE GAS CAP WHICH I HAVE REPLACED AND STILL POPS THE CODE FOR IT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-12
- VIN: 1C4NJRFB4CD
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Can't pump gas without it shutting off within seconds of trying to auto click handle. It is taking average 15-25 minutes to pump a tank of gas. It is BY PASSING the auto shut off so gas could spew out of tank when full. This is happening every week when I go get gas, estimate 4 months now. Doesn't matter if cold or hot outside but I am already tired of holding handle trying to get gas in the tank. I read that Chrysler is looking at 2011-2012 models due to the gas tank is split and has valve line that is defective. I have to turn ignition key on so I can see when I put enough gas in vehicle multiple times to get a full tank. I am the original owner. No warning messages that alert for condition. This is unsafe.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-02
- VIN: 1C4NJRBB3CD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: ON DEC 2 2021 WILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF MY SAFTEY AND THE SAFTEY OF OTHERS WERE PUT AT RISK AS I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY A TRUCK SERVICED AT A REPAIR SHOP THEY REPLACED THE EVAP SYSTEM AND THE CHARCOL FILTER BUT WERE UNSURE OF THE REASON WHY IT SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART VEHICLE HAD A QUATER TANK OF GAS AT THE TIME AND WOULD NOT RESTART THE NEXT DAY I ADDED MORE FUEL AND IT STARTED BUT IT HAD TWO WARNING LIGHTS PRESENT
2012 Jeep Patriot recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2012 Jeep Patriot.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- Summary: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.
- Consequence: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.
- Consequence: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
- Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Negative 2012 Jeep Patriot car reviews
Positive 2012 Jeep Patriot car reviews
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I bought this vehicle because I have a 2007 Patriot. The 2011 is a completely different vehicle in terms of comfort, quietness, and ride performance. I was expecting to be only satisfied with my purchase, but I am ecstatic with it. Great job Jeep!
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Congratulations on your new base model Patriot from NW Jeep! It sounds like you made a great choice with the cherry pearl and black interior paint combo. The interior is nicely laid-out and the air conditioning is a great feature. It's great to hear that you were able to get all of this for a great price of $13,100. Enjoy your new ride!
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your new vehicle! It sounds like you did your research and found the perfect fit for you. The Patriot definitely seems like a great choice with its spacious interior and impressive fuel efficiency. It's great to hear that you're already seeing some good gas mileage, especially on the interstate. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with us!
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It's great to hear that you're enjoying your purchase so far! I noticed that you considered other options like the Nissan Rogue, Kia, and Suzuki, but ultimately decided on the Patriot after test driving it. It sounds like you made a confident and informed decision.
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Pros: This vehicle has good passing speed and a sleek look. It also has more storage space than the average SUV, which is important. Cons: The acceleration is slow, especially in the 2.4 model. Additionally, the basic model does not come with A/C, which is a dealer option that can cost over $4000. Maintenance costs are also high, with brakes, struts, shocks, and tires costing over $2200. However, cheaper tires are available for $70 each. If I had to buy this vehicle again, I would not do so without A/C. The USB port is located inside the glove box at an odd angle. Driving with only the front windows down creates an annoying helicopter sound, which can be relieved by cracking the back windows slightly. Overall, this vehicle has some design flaws, but it is still a great economical option with adequate room for essentials and up to 5 passengers.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Jeep Patriot problems:
2012 Jeep Patriot Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Problem with your 2012 Jeep Patriot? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2012 Jeep Patriot.
2012 Patriot CVT started slipping | Jeep Patriot Forums
Sep 23, 2020 ... I changed everything else listed in the forums over the past two years trying to resolve this too common problem on my 2010 Patriot. I ...
2012 Jeep Patriot Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 Jeep Patriot? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Common problems??? | Jeep Patriot Forums
Sep 29, 2010 ... :eek: t" Edition. Roof leaked on 3rd day of ownership and multiple times thereafter. Wheel Speed Sensor FAILED (3x!) causing ABS system to ...
Here Are The Jeep Patriot Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Mar 27, 2024 ... The primary issue with the 2012 Patriot is the faulty CVT transmission. Numerous complaints claimed that the problem starts with a whining noise ...
Other years of Jeep Patriot
Are you having problems with your 2012 Jeep Patriot?
Frederick Shields 2024-11-26
I followed all guidelines according to the manual and unfortunately, the transmission failed 7.5 years later. The cost of repair, which is over $3500, exceeds the value of the vehicle. This experience has led me to reconsider future purchases from All Jeep and I will be informing my friends of my experience. It is disappointing to have a vehicle that is now stagnant and will be sent to the scrap yard.
Roscoe McDermott 2024-11-18
Hey there! So sorry to hear about your jeep troubles. It's always frustrating when things seem to be going smoothly and then suddenly they're not. I'm glad to hear that you were able to get the transmission replaced under warranty though! That's definitely a relief. It's understandable that you might be feeling a bit wary of your jeep now, but hopefully with the new transmission it will be back to its old reliable self in no time. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Torrance Hegmann 2024-06-19
I purchased my 2011 Patriot as a program car in the spring of 2012 and have been pretty satisfied with it until now. It has 83,000 miles on it and I am replacing the first set of tires. I noticed some wear issues and have been informed that it needs left and right front control arms and rear tow links. The parts alone will cost around $500 before labor. I have been told that this is a common issue for the Patriot and NAPA says they sell lots of these parts. While this is my first Jeep, I have enjoyed its good mileage of 24-26.5 mph, and it is driven 72 miles a day and babied for mileage. If I were to trade vehicles today, it would be a very uphill sale for Jeep. Unfortunately, component failure reoccurred at 138,000 miles, which required the control arms to be replaced by NAPA due to the lifetime guarantee. Additionally, I experienced transmission overheating on three occasions while on a road trip to Florida and the transmission made some grinding noises in January of 2017. Despite these issues, it still drove fine, but I ultimately decided to trade it off for a 9-month-old 2016 Ford F 150.
Kameron Baumbach 2024-05-08
Since my purchase, I have experienced a number of issues with my Jeep. During the first month, the left brake light and rear hatch hydraulic failed. The hill assist feature has also been problematic, as it stalls due to the brakes not releasing. After removing the assist, the ABS light would not go off. Additionally, the cruise control is no longer functioning and the clutch has recently failed. As someone who needs a dependable car, I am disappointed with these issues. As a cancer patient who frequently travels over the coastal mountain range to see my oncologist, having a reliable vehicle is especially important to me. I hope that Jeep can address these issues and improve their quality. Sincerely, Joe.
Camron Langosh 2024-02-27
I needed a vehicle quickly and listened to the salesman's pitch. I didn't have much time to research, but I had always wanted a Jeep, so I decided to go for it. At first, everything seemed fine, but I soon noticed that the fuel economy was worse than expected, averaging only 23 miles per gallon. I had to fill up every 5 days, even though my commute is not long. The interior started to fall apart gradually, and the rear seats were uncomfortable for both my six-foot teenage son and my 11-year-old daughter. There was absolutely no legroom in the back. The Uconnect system was slow and tedious to use. Changing blown light bulbs was a hassle, as I had to remove panels to access them. The only positive thing was that it was small enough to park in tight spaces. However, getting up to speed to merge on a freeway was a challenge, and I had to press down hard on the pedal. I guess the saying is true: the only good Jeep to buy is a Wrangler.