2009 Jeep Patriot Problems
Compared with other Jeep Patriot years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
32/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Jeep Patriot year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 21 of its 191 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported problem: Transmission / PCM stalls and shifting problems (64 complaints, median 91,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 191filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 78,500miles, 152 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Jeep Patriot (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2009 Jeep Patriot most often report rusted-through front and rear crossmembers/subframes, water leaking into the cabin from the roof and dome lights, and stalling or rough running shortly after refueling. Many complaints come in above 70,000 miles, and the corrosion reports often describe a gradual process that owners only notice once noises, handling changes or a shop inspection reveal it.
- Body and structure
Crossmember / subframe rust-through
- 39 complaints (20%)
- median 107,551 mi at 8.0 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2023
Complaints describe the front engine cradle, K-frame or rear crossmember rusting through, sometimes with holes, cracks or pieces missing. Owners often learn of it from a clunking noise, wandering or swaying rear end, or during unrelated service at a shop; several report the part needed replacement or that the vehicle was not driveable. A service bulletin on front and rear crossmember corrosion describes an inspection and warranty extension for replacement of the crossmember(s). Commonly reported between roughly 70,000 and 170,000 miles, often on vehicles driven in winter-salt states and usually discovered during inspection rather than suddenly.
What to check: Have the front and rear crossmembers inspected on a lift for perforation and flaking rust before buying, especially on a vehicle from a salted-road region. Ask whether the crossmember warranty extension inspection was done and whether the crossmember has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“It has been making a cracking/clunking noise there for years. My wife complained of it sounding louder than normal, so I looked at it closer and noticed the crossmember was broken. I've been having issues with that side for several years and have replaced broken ball joints and control arms. I found out last night that this would've been a warranty item had I brought my vehicle in 6 months ago, but am being told that I brought it in too late. …”
NHTSA complaint #11324287, filed 2020-05, 75,000 miles“The engine cradle rusted to the point that the front sway bar broke off and the control arm was about to on 1-28-2017. It was at dick scott dealership of plymouth mi. For a timing chain cover gasket repair on 10-6-2016. When I called the dealership to ask why I was not notified of the safety issue at that time. Butch said we do not inform customers of rust issues. I was refused any assistance with this matter from FCA and informed this would be an out of pocket expense. …”
NHTSA complaint #10953863, filed 2017-02, 79,320 miles - Body and structure
Water leaking from dome lights and sunroof
- 27 complaints (14%)
- median 28,000 mi at 2.7 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- filed 2009–2022
Owners describe water entering through the front or rear dome/map lights and roof headliner after rain or a car wash, sometimes running down onto the dash, radio and console. Several report repeated dealer visits, resealing of sunroof seams, sunroof glass adjustment, drain tube clearing or parts replacement, with the leak returning. Some say the water damaged the radio, dome lights or other electronics. Reported across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to over 100,000, usually after rain or washing and more often on vehicles with a sunroof.
What to check: Look for damp headliner, water stains or corrosion around the dome lights and check for a musty smell; run water over the roof and sunroof and watch for drips. Ask whether sunroof drains have been cleaned or seam sealer added.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased a 2009 Jeep Patriot in july of 2013 with 27,000 miles. From the very first hard rain fall the sunroof leaked. For the first few months, due to insufficient rainfall, I thought I had not properly closed the sunroof the few times it leaked. However, soon afterwards it became clear that it was leaking. The water enters my interior roof and trails to the lowest point, my dome lights and screw holes, where it exits onto my dash and radio. My radio has been damaged. …”
NHTSA complaint #10631328, filed 2014-09, 28,000 miles“I purchased a new 2009 Jeep Patriot on 7/10/09 and paid cash. On 8/20/09 I took it to the dealership with 2,563 miles on it because water was pouring into the dash, radio, and onto me while driving after a rainy night. They adjusted sunroof glass and resealed open seams in sunroof fame and said it was fixed. On 9/10/09 I took it back to dealership with 3,316 miles on it for the same exact problem of water pouring from the dome light all over the dash, radio, and me again after another rainy night. …”
NHTSA complaint #10396535, filed 2011-04, 2,563 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission / PCM stalls and shifting problems
- 64 complaints (34%)
- median 91,000 mi at 8.2 yrs old (51 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2026
Owners describe stalling, hesitation and jerking while driving, hard or delayed shifts, a whining noise while slowing, and occasionally the vehicle dropping speed with the transmission or power train control module light on. Some say the vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty power train control module or a transmission needing replacement; a few reference the automatic transmission control module recall but were told their VIN was not included. Mostly reported between roughly 25,000 and 150,000 miles, with stalls occurring at stops, at low speed or during acceleration.
Recall 08V5280003 related service bulletins
What to check: Check that the recall for the power train control module has been addressed for this specific vehicle by VIN, and drive the car through stop-and-go and deceleration to feel for hesitation, jerk or delayed engagement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When accelerating the car occassionally would act like it wanted to go, then slowly start to shift to move. There would be a whining noise when slowing down, but no lights came on until 2 days before. The check engine light came on and the car stopped moving while I was driving down a rural road 2 days later. . 105k miles. . Regularly serviced. .”
NHTSA complaint #11021592, filed 2017-09, 105,000 miles“Repeated hesitation, and popping out of gear. This vehicle has a manual transmission, the transmission has already been replaced once for the issue, but problem continues. The gear shifter pops out of first gear, and makes a loud noise when doing clutch and gas from a stand still. The gas pedal, and engine response lags, and bucks on occasion, with out setting a code. These combined make pulling into traffic dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10290881, filed 2009-11, 150 miles - Fuel system
Stalls or cuts out after refueling
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the engine stalling, stumbling or failing to restart within a short distance after filling the tank, sometimes with the steering or warning lights affected. Several owners say it happens mainly when the tank is filled completely, while others describe random stalls at stoplights or while driving. Some report dealers and mechanics could not identify a cause; a few also mention slow or difficult refueling with fuel backing up. Reported from under 20,000 to over 140,000 miles, most often shortly after a fill-up with the tank near full.
What to check: Note whether the vehicle stumbles or dies right after a fill-up on a test drive, and try refueling to half a tank as a comparison. Ask whether the fuel tank vent/rollover valve or the fuel system has been looked at.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Jeep stutters and stalls out immediately upon filling tank with gas, almost got hit many times pulling out of gas station, this needs to be addressed, it is deadly and many other people on various forums have reported same problem. Nhtsa needs to stop overlooking this issue. It is a common vehicle still on the road today and I have no plans to get rid of the car for at least another 5 years minimum. Recall this issue, it is deadly and dangerous and I will not be a statistic.”
NHTSA complaint #11337232, filed 2020-07, 120,000 miles“Every time I fill up gas tank car wont start immediately and when I finally get it to start it turns off again when I drive off or at first stop I make. Problem seems to only occur when gas tank is completely full.”
NHTSA complaint #11341788, filed 2020-07, 134,000 miles - Suspension
Suspension noise and front control arm wear
- 50 complaints (26%)
- median 75,100 mi at 7.0 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2023
Complaints describe clunking, cracking or popping noises from the front wheel area and uneven or unstable handling. Some owners report broken or worn lower control arms, ball joints or sway bar links needing replacement, and a few link the noise to corrosion of the cradle area. Service bulletins cover rear stabilizer bar end link nut torque and front lower control arm to crossmember bolt torque on early production vehicles. Reported from around 13,000 to over 100,000 miles, often noted during tire, brake or alignment work.
What to check: Listen for clunks or pops over bumps and while turning, and have the front lower control arms, ball joints and sway bar links checked for play. Ask whether any torque-related bulletins were applied and inspect the cradle for rust at the same time.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Took vehicle in to tire shop to replace tires. During inspection, it was noted that the lower right control arm was broken. While that may be common for a 5 year old vehicle, that should not be common for a 39k mi vehicle that has spent the majority of its life sitting in a driveway or garage. Mechanics at shop stated that if it was not replaced, vehicle should not be driven over 40 MPH due to an increased likelihood of wheel separation and damage to vehicle/persons in vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10759460, filed 2015-08, 39,038 miles“While driving vehicle, Patriot began to make a weird noise and when braking on any incline the brake pedal would fell as though it was bouncing and you could hear a ticking noise from passenger front area of car. Shortly after the ABS/traction control light came on. After having the car scanned at a local shop, it wasn't reading what was wrong. They reset computer and after driving over 20mph, the lightscame back on. I recently took it into a local mechanic shop where they analyzed the computer system and brake system. …”
NHTSA complaint #10502046, filed 2013-03, 50,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection on a lift is worthwhile on this model year, focusing on crossmember and subframe corrosion and on suspension and ball joint condition. Also confirm recall status by VIN and test the car right after a fill-up and through stop-and-go driving to check for stalling or shift hesitation.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 191 consumer complaints for the 2009 Jeep Patriot. 152 of the complaints include a mileage, and 31% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 78,500 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 38 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 9 Jeep Patriot model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 32 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure48 25%
- Suspension38 20%
- Engine35 18%
- Electrical system24 13%
- Fuel system24 13%
- Other or unknown19 10.0%
- Brakes13 6.8%
- Steering10 5.2%
Also reported: Air bags (6), Exterior lighting (6), Vehicle speed control (5), Tires (4), Equipment (3), Wheels (3), Interior lighting (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “I had an inspection done and was told my Jeep is not safe to drive! The subframe and crossmember is trash and could cause an immediate accident at any given moment. I went to chrysler dealership and they told me my warranty expired in june 2019 a few months ago. Please recall this so it can be fixed and lives are not at stake.”
NHTSA complaint #11290597, filed 2019-12, 78,000 milesSuspension: “During service, chrysler found front crossmember had a hole that was rusted through. Was informed that if not fixed, my vehicle was dangerous to drive. Had to pay for repair as my extended warranty through easycare does not cover rust.”
NHTSA complaint #10944566, filed 2017-01, 84,249 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I just purchased this car from a car lot with unknown issues sure enough a few weeks in I start to notice the jerking when I press the breaks and the hesitation to start as well and steering and noises coming from under the hood that auto shops could not figure out the reasoning behind. I need answered. I believe this car should have been on the recall list. There has to have been some king of mistake not putting it on there”
NHTSA complaint #11229915, filed 2019-07, 102,000 milesEngine: “12/12/19 tried to get on I-295 all lights on dash came on including malfunction indicator, esp bas, and others all came on when no lights were on before. Lost power to Jeep on 295 could not go any fast then 25 MPH and then stalled; almost rear ended. Could restart Jeep, all dash lights still on, no power past 25 MPH and made it off an off ramp where stalled again. Towed Jeep to mechanic where they replaced PCM, intake manifold, and o2 censor. Called Jeep because there is a recall to PCM and was told my VIN not included. …”
NHTSA complaint #11300418, filed 2020-01, 149,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
31% of the 152 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,000 and 114,300 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Jeep Patriot. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 16.4% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Jeep Patriot version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 23 | 27 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 20 | 22 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 08V528000Oct 9, 2008Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Covers: Jeep Patriot 2009, Dodge Journey 2009, Jeep Compass 2009 +3 more
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, dodge caliber, avenger, journey, jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (pcm) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Recall details for the 2009 Jeep Patriot → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 38 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11022027Aug 15, 2025Other or unknown. Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders: Warranty, Mopar, customer pay and service contract. Order "68" part number for New unsold units only.
- 11022026Aug 15, 2025Other or unknown. Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders: Warranty, Mopar, customer pay and service contract. Order "68" part number for New unsold units only.
- 11017445Apr 2, 2025Other or unknown. Actuator - a/c and heater
- 11017435Apr 2, 2025Other or unknown. Actuator - a/c and heater
- 10248509Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10244348Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10229998May 26, 2021Brakes, Seat belts. KEY, BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER Please note that after programming the new key integrated transmitter that Lock, Unlock and Remote Start will all function as expected but the Remote Start Cancel button…
- 10223386May 26, 2021Electrical system. KEY, BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER Please note that after programming the new key integrated transmitter that Lock, Unlock and Remote Start will all function as expected but the Remote Start Cancel button…
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners…
- 10223512Jun 24, 2020Fuel system. THROTTLE BODY For clarification, only use 68414676A$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited.
Other model years of the Jeep Patriot
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 59 | 34,000 | 0 | 4 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 459 | 51,000 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 80 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 316 | 50,744 | 1 | — | 25 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 548 | 53,000 | 2 | 4 | 24 | 95 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 120 | 50,000 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 14 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 354 | 55,000 | 4 | — | 25 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 326 | 72,100 | 4 | — | 25 | 81 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 136 | 76,600 | 2 | — | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 191 | 78,500 | 1 | — | 25 | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 186 | 95,132 | 0 | — | 24 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 94 | 85,600 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Jeep Patriot model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Jeep Patriot?
Owners of the 2009 Jeep Patriot most often report rusted-through front and rear crossmembers/subframes, water leaking into the cabin from the roof and dome lights, and stalling or rough running shortly after refueling. The issues reported most often: Crossmember / subframe rust-through; Water leaking from dome lights and sunroof; Transmission / PCM stalls and shifting problems.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Jeep Patriot have?
NHTSA recorded 191 consumer complaints for the 2009 Jeep Patriot as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Jeep Patriot is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 48 complaints (25% of the total), followed by suspension with 38.
Has the 2009 Jeep Patriot been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Jeep Patriot get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Jeep Patriot (Patriot 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 23 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Jeep Patriot reported?
Among the 152 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 78,500 miles and the middle half falls between 42,000 and 114,300 miles; 31% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.