2013 Jeep Patriot Problems
Compared with other Jeep Patriot years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
14/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× 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.
- 26 of its 120 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalls or cuts power while driving (22 complaints, median 38,596 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
- 120filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles, 77 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
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Jeep Patriot (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe the engine cutting out or losing power, sometimes at highway speed and without warning, and a separate set of complaints about the transmission overheating on longer trips and dropping into a reduced-power mode. Airbag and seat belt complaints also appear frequently, and many center on the occupant restraint recall campaign rather than on a part failing on its own. Reported mileages in the sample range from near-new to well over 100,000.
- Engine
Engine stalls or cuts power while driving
- 22 complaints (18%)
- median 38,596 mi at 3.4 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2025
Complaints describe the engine shutting off or dropping power without warning, sometimes at highway speed, and occasionally not restarting for a period of time. Several owners say a dealer found no fault or told them to wait until a warning light came on before bringing it back. In some cases the repair involved the throttle body or a throttle position sensor, and some report the stall returned afterward. Reported across the mileage range, from a few hundred miles up to about 140,000, with many at 20,000-60,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the throttle body or throttle position sensor has ever been replaced and whether the powertrain control module has been reflashed. Scan for stored codes and take a highway test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle stalls without warning and leaves the driver without power steering, loss of all control until the car is restarted. When slowing down from higher speeds with clutch pushed in the car stalls. It is a random problem. First time - as I was slowing down to make a turn I pushed in the clutch then the brake and started to make my turn and about to put the car into second gear, I realized I had no control since the car stalled while in the middle of the turn with traffic coming. …”
NHTSA complaint #10545119, filed 2013-09, 100 miles“This vehicle dies constantly while driving. Doesnt matter the speed, 5mph or 75mph, it will die out of no where. Its incredibly dangerous, I cannot tell you how many accidents this has almost caused. It apparently is a known and frequent problem with these SUV's that needs to be corrected! I've had different codes come up at different times. From crankshaft position sensor to o2 sensor to throttle body to catalytic converter. The fuel mileage is suddenly terrible out of no where as well. This is ridiculous. …”
NHTSA complaint #11309241, filed 2020-02, 140,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission overheating and reduced power on longer trips
- 19 complaints (16%)
- median 69,025 mi at 5.8 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2023
Owners describe the transmission overheating warning coming on after 20-30 minutes of highway driving, followed by the vehicle dropping power or entering limp mode, sometimes in warmer weather. Some mention a whining or shudder before the light appears, and several say dealers could not find anything because no code was stored. A few were told the transmission needed replacement. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 110,000 miles, usually on highway trips of half an hour or more.
What to check: Check the transmission fluid level and condition, ask whether any overheating events or codes are stored, and test the vehicle on an extended highway drive rather than only around town.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2013 Jeep Patriot and the engine and temperature light comes on; on top on that it starts to decrease in speed slowing down out of nowhere I just started financing this vehicle and read reviews that others are having the same problem on repeat spending a lot of money on trying to repair the same issues. It's definitely a hazard that is not a solid fix. Hopefully me reaching out can help my problem and others. I am using this vehicle for work so it is very important that it's safe and secures my finances as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11329708, filed 2020-06, 89,527 miles“The transmission overheats and looses power. It will make a high pitched whining noise and then the overheating light comes on and the vehicle looses power. Very scary in 4 lanes of traffic. Has happened at least 20 times since june 2015 when I purchased the vehicle. Has been to two different Jeep dealerships that can find nothing wrong with it.”
NHTSA complaint #10894987, filed 2016-08, 69,025 miles - Engine
Cooling and overheating while driving
- 7 complaints (6%)
- median 63,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2013–2020
Complaints describe the engine overheating during highway driving or after a period of steady-speed running, with power dropping and the vehicle slowing to 20-30 mph until it cools. Several owners report the temperature warning alongside those symptoms and say repeated dealer visits found nothing. Some link it to coolant loss or repeat engine work. Varied widely, from very low mileage to around 100,000; often tied to sustained highway driving.
What to check: Check coolant level and condition, look for signs of a coolant leak, and ask whether the water pump or thermostat has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2013 Jeep Patriot. I have had nothing but issues with it and I purchased it brand new in december of 2012. From it turning completely off on me while sitting at lights. To it having power surges, and the seatbelts stop working. I had the engine replaced march of 2016 and it only has 60,000 miles on it to date. According to what chrysler said, it malfunctioned on me and it left me stranded on a freeway late at night. There is a constant issue with the coolant system. And I am now needing another engine it, because of that issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10955142, filed 2017-02, 60,500 miles“Engine will overheat after traveling 20 miles or so at an average speed of 55 when A/C is in use. Engine will overheat after traveling 30 miles at an average speed of 55 when A/C is not in use. Continues to be a safety issues, began shortly after vehicle purchase in 2013 at 15000 however dealer checked for problem and stated none was found. Problem has existed since and have had multiple mechanics check and not find what the problem is. Last incident had 9 stops for a 69.7 mile trip.”
NHTSA complaint #11024089, filed 2017-09, 100,000 miles - Air bags
Airbags and seat belts: recall repair and deployment
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Many complaints reference the occupant restraint control recall, with owners saying parts were unavailable or backordered and their vehicles stayed unrepaired for months. Others describe side airbags deploying without a crash, all restraints deploying while the battery was disconnected, or frontal airbags failing to deploy in a collision. Some had not received notice of the campaign at all. Reported from a few dozen miles up to about 115,000 miles, with no clear mileage pattern.
Recall 16V6680002 related service bulletins
What to check: Check the VIN against the occupant restraint recall to confirm the repair was completed, and ask for documentation that it was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving 45 MPH (posted speed limit) on a single lane public road I was forced to make a quick evasive maneuver to go around a small truck stopped on road looking to make a left turn, and drove over raised earth that was alongside road shoulder. Both side airbags ( passenger and driver) deployed even though car was never in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11118735, filed 2018-08, 90,000 miles“Takata recall, vehicle owner took vehicle to local garage to have shifter cable replaced, tech opened hood to disconnect battery heard a click and then a load noise, looked in car and found all air bags in seats, seat belts and roof had deployed, ran VIN and found that the takata airbag recall was never completed.”
NHTSA complaint #11156950, filed 2018-12, 114,870 miles - Fuel system
Hard to refuel and stalling after a fill-up
- 7 complaints (6%)
- median 58,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2022
Owners describe the fuel pump shutting off repeatedly before the tank is full, with a repair quoted for a faulty roll-over valve inside the tank. Others report bucking, lurching or stalling shortly after filling up, settling down once some fuel is used. A few mention strong fuel fumes entering the cabin through the vents. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 100,000 miles, typically right after refueling.
What to check: Fill the tank during the test drive and see whether the pump clicks off early, and ask whether the fuel tank or roll-over valve has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I can not fill the gas tank very fast with out the pump shutting off changed all other gas filters the problem I've been told is a faulty roll over valve inside the gas tank I've been told its common with this vehicle and maybe you could open an investigation to fix the problem will cost $800 to $1300 been dealing with this for four months and have dealt with it but with winter here its a lot extreme”
NHTSA complaint #11385433, filed 2020-12, 88,110 miles“After filling the vehicle with a 'fill up', upon starting and driving, the vehicle began to start 'bucking' and lose power to accelerate. I looked this up and see many people with this same problem that either do not fill their tanks all the way anymore or corrected it by replacing their tank since they say this is a flaw in the design when fuel gets pulled into a canister or container that is supposed to push out vapor build up only, but pulls fuel back in and chokes out. …”
NHTSA complaint #11322295, filed 2020-04, 95,000 miles
Buying note. Check service records for the airbag and seat belt campaign, and budget time for an extended highway test drive since complaints about stalling, overheating and transmission limp mode often appear only after sustained driving. A pre-purchase scan for stored codes and a review of cooling and transmission service history are worthwhile.
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 120 consumer complaints for the 2013 Jeep Patriot. 77 of the complaints include a mileage, and 49% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 92 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 14 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.
- Air bags33 28%
- Engine25 21%
- Seat belts23 19%
- Other or unknown13 11%
- Electrical system11 9.2%
- Fuel system9 7.5%
- Vehicle speed control7 5.8%
- Brakes5 4.2%
Also reported: Seats (5), Exterior lighting (4), Body and structure (4), Steering (3), Suspension (3), Engine cooling (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Wheels (2).
Example complaints
Air bags: “September of 2014 my airbag light came on. I called dealership. Dealership stated it was a bad sensor that could be replace and that there was no danger driving with the bad sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #11066782, filed 2018-02, 54,000 milesEngine: “While driving on the highway my check engine light came and has remained on. I am being told I need a new catalytic converter but the dealership and crystler customer service are all confused as to why my vehicle is not showing up under a recall. It is the right make, model, year and engine size for the catalytic converter recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11298436, filed 2020-01, 72,500 milesSeat belts: “I am not sure how long a recall typically takes. I received this letter in november 2016 and it is january 11, 2017. It has been 2 months and the parts have not been ordered yet as an effort to correct things. I don't want to get anyone in trouble but just thought I would bring that to your attention. Thank you for your help!”
NHTSA complaint #10944232, filed 2017-01Transmission and drivetrain: “Jeep dealership said that the bearing went out in the transaxle which caused it to lock up. It locked up so hard that the case was cracked from the outside and all the fluid ran out of it. The dealership contacted corporate to see what they wanted to do. 3 days later, they replaced the transaxle. When I wanted to get copies of the pictures the dealership took, they said no and they belong to corporate because it is now in an investigation. I told them that I need the pictures because this could have locked up on the interstate and killed people. …”
NHTSA complaint #10659719, filed 2014-11, 18,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
49% of the 77 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,500 and 80,000 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 2013 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 · SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 · 21.9% risk |
| Patriot · SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 · 21.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 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 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 22 | 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 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 20 | 23 | 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
- 16V668000Sep 15, 2016Air bagsCovers: Jeep Patriot 2010–2014, Dodge Avenger 2010–2014, Jeep Compass 2010–2014 +3 more
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…
Recall details for the 2013 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. 92 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11034343Jun 18, 2026Engine. Emissions Recall U67 - Catalytic Converter Efficiency - Dealer Notification (Revision 11)
- 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
- 10248517Sep 20, 2023Equipment. LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
- 10244356Sep 20, 2023Suspension. LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.
- 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…
- 10243209Aug 30, 2023Equipment. FCA Caribbean Warranty Bulletin ID-23-20 "Can / Am" Warranty Coverage - 594 / 595 / 596 WCC
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 2013 Jeep Patriot?
Owners of this model year most often describe the engine cutting out or losing power, sometimes at highway speed and without warning, and a separate set of complaints about the transmission overheating on longer trips and dropping into a reduced-power mode. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or cuts power while driving; Transmission overheating and reduced power on longer trips; Cooling and overheating while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Jeep Patriot have?
NHTSA recorded 120 consumer complaints for the 2013 Jeep Patriot as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Jeep Patriot is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 33 complaints (28% of the total), followed by engine with 25.
Has the 2013 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.
How did the 2013 Jeep Patriot do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Jeep Patriot 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Jeep Patriot get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Jeep Patriot (Patriot 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 23 city and 30 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 2013 Jeep Patriot reported?
Among the 77 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 20,500 and 80,000 miles; 49% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.