The Jeep Patriot, a compact SUV produced from 2007 to 2017, offered an affordable entry point into the Jeep brand. While it wasn't known for luxurious features or groundbreaking performance, it provided decent fuel economy and available four-wheel-drive capability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, like any vehicle, some model years proved to be more reliable and desirable than others. This guide will delve into the best and worst years of the Jeep Patriot to help you make an informed decision if you're considering purchasing one.
Jeep Patriot Model Years: A Quick Overview
| Model Year | Key Features/Improvements | Common Issues/Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | First year of production, available with 2.4L or 2.0L engines, Freedom Drive I or II 4WD systems | Numerous recalls (airbag, wiring), transmission issues (CVT), TIPM failures, water leaks |
| 2008 | Minor interior changes | Same as 2007, plus reports of premature brake wear |
| 2009 | Revised steering system, improved interior materials | Continued transmission issues, TIPM problems, rust concerns |
| 2010 | Side airbags became standard | Reports of engine stalling, continued CVT problems, rust |
| 2011 | Significant interior and exterior refresh, new steering wheel, improved seats | Some reports of premature clutch wear (manual transmissions), continued rust issues, TIPM problems |
| 2012 | Minor changes | Reports of engine misfires, oil consumption, rust, some CVT issues |
| 2013 | Available with a 6-speed automatic transmission (replacing the CVT in some models) | Fewer CVT issues (with the 6-speed), but still reports of oil consumption and rust |
| 2014 | No major changes | Similar issues to 2013: oil consumption, rust, occasional electrical glitches |
| 2015 | No major changes | Similar issues to 2013/2014: oil consumption, rust, occasional electrical glitches |
| 2016 | Limited availability | Similar issues to 2013-2015: oil consumption, rust, occasional electrical glitches |
| 2017 | Final year of production | Similar issues to 2013-2016: oil consumption, rust, occasional electrical glitches. Benefit of being the newest model year. |
Detailed Explanations
First Year of Production (2007): As with many vehicles, the first year of production often has more kinks to work out. The 2007 Jeep Patriot faced numerous recalls related to airbag issues and wiring problems. Furthermore, early models were prone to transmission failures, particularly with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and issues with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), a central electrical hub, were prevalent. Water leaks were also a common complaint.
Minor Interior Changes (2008): The 2008 model year saw only slight tweaks to the interior. Unfortunately, it inherited many of the same problems as the 2007 model, including CVT issues and TIPM failures. In addition, some owners reported premature brake wear.
Revised Steering System, Improved Interior Materials (2009): Jeep attempted to address some of the criticisms of the earlier models with a revised steering system and improved interior materials in 2009. However, the fundamental issues with the transmission and TIPM persisted. Rust also began to surface as a concern for owners in colder climates.
Side Airbags Became Standard (2010): The addition of standard side airbags was a welcome safety improvement. Despite this, reports of engine stalling began to emerge, adding to the existing problems with the CVT and rust.
Significant Interior and Exterior Refresh (2011): The 2011 model year brought a much-needed facelift to the Patriot, with a redesigned interior and exterior. The new steering wheel and improved seats significantly enhanced the driving experience. However, some owners with manual transmissions reported premature clutch wear, and rust continued to be a problem. TIPM issues were still reported, though perhaps less frequently than in earlier years.
Minor Changes (2012): The 2012 model year saw minimal changes from the refreshed 2011 model. Reports of engine misfires and increased oil consumption started to surface, in addition to the ongoing concerns about rust and occasional CVT issues.
Available with a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (2013): This was a crucial year for the Patriot. Jeep finally addressed the notoriously problematic CVT in some models by offering a more reliable 6-speed automatic transmission. While this significantly reduced transmission-related complaints, issues with oil consumption and rust remained.
No Major Changes (2014-2016): These model years were largely carryovers from the 2013 redesign. The 6-speed automatic transmission was available, making these years generally more reliable than those with the CVT. However, oil consumption, rust, and occasional electrical glitches continued to be reported. The 2016 model year had limited availability, potentially affecting parts availability down the line.
Final Year of Production (2017): The 2017 Jeep Patriot represents the final year of production. It shares similar characteristics and potential problems with the 2013-2016 models, namely oil consumption, rust, and occasional electrical glitches. However, being the newest model year, it theoretically has the lowest mileage and least wear and tear.
Recommendations
Based on reliability and features, the 2013-2017 Jeep Patriot models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission are generally considered the best. The 6-speed transmission eliminates the most significant reliability concern associated with earlier models. However, it's crucial to thoroughly inspect any used Patriot for signs of rust, particularly in areas prone to corrosion. Also, check the oil level regularly and be aware of potential oil consumption issues.
Model years to potentially avoid are 2007-2012, especially those with the CVT. The high failure rate of the CVT makes these models a risky proposition unless you're willing to invest in a transmission replacement. Even then, other issues like TIPM failures and rust can add to the overall cost of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the Jeep Patriot? The most common problem, especially in early models, is transmission failure related to the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
Which Jeep Patriot year is the most reliable? The 2013-2017 models with the 6-speed automatic transmission are generally considered the most reliable.
Does the Jeep Patriot have rust problems? Yes, rust is a common issue, particularly in areas with harsh winters and road salt. Thoroughly inspect the undercarriage and body panels before purchasing.
What is the TIPM and why is it a problem? The TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) is a central electrical hub that controls various vehicle functions. Failures can cause a range of electrical problems.
Is the Jeep Patriot good in snow? Models equipped with Freedom Drive I or Freedom Drive II 4WD systems offer decent traction in snow, but proper winter tires are essential.
How long will a Jeep Patriot last? With proper maintenance, a Jeep Patriot can last 150,000-200,000 miles, but this depends heavily on the model year and how well it has been maintained.
Is the Jeep Patriot expensive to maintain? Maintenance costs can be moderate, but major repairs like transmission replacements can be costly, especially on CVT-equipped models.
Does the Jeep Patriot have good gas mileage? The Jeep Patriot offers decent fuel economy for its class, typically averaging around 20-23 mpg combined.
What should I look for when buying a used Jeep Patriot? Check for rust, transmission issues (especially on CVT models), TIPM problems, oil leaks, and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
Is the Freedom Drive II worth it?
Freedom Drive II provides better off-road capability thanks to its lower crawl ratio. However, it might reduce fuel economy slightly. Consider your off-road needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Jeep Patriot model year can significantly impact your ownership experience. While the early years suffered from several reliability issues, the later models with the 6-speed automatic transmission offer a more dependable and enjoyable ride. Always perform a thorough inspection and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic to ensure you're making a sound investment.