Selling a junk or non-running Jeep Patriot
The 2014 Jeep Patriot drew more complaints to NHTSA than any other year of the model: 548, as of October 10, 2026. Air bags lead that year with 141. The 2016 comes next with 458, and 169 of those name the engine.

- Model years
- 2007-2017
- Built in
- Belvidere, Illinois
- Complaints to NHTSA
- 3,360
- Year with the most complaints
- 2014 (548)
- Recall campaigns
- 11
- Gas engines
- 2.0 and 2.4 four-cylinder
If your Patriot no longer runs, or the repair costs more than the Jeep is worth, you don't have to fix it first. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.
One design for 11 model years
Wikipedia describes the Patriot as a compact crossover on the Chrysler PM/MK platform, built at Belvidere, Illinois, alongside the Compass. It was "essentially unchanged as it entered its 11th model year." Production stopped in December 2016, and the remaining stock was sold as 2017 models. The second-generation Compass replaced it.
The gas engines were the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter GEMA World four-cylinders. Wikipedia lists a 5-speed manual, a Hyundai 6F24 6-speed automatic and a Jatco JF011E CVT. EPA data shows FWD, 2WD and 4WD versions.
Since the design barely changed, the years below are grouped by what owners complained about, not by generation.
| Model years | Complaints | What owners named most | Recalls touching these years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2010 | 1,180 | Fuel/propulsion and suspension (2007-2008), structure (2009) | 07V196, 08V528, 13V233, 16V668 |
| 2011-2013 | 800 | Engine (2011-2012), air bags (2013) | 11V315, 12V142, 13V120, 13V233, 16V668, 17V824 |
| 2014-2017 | 1,380 | Air bags (2014), engine (2015-2016), power train (2017) | 13V552, 15V878, 16V668, 16V907 |
2007-2010: suspension, fuel and body complaints
The 2007 has 270 complaints. Of those, 71 name the fuel/propulsion system and 64 the suspension. The 2008 jumps to 447, led by suspension (82) and structure (76). Structure tops the 2009 list too, with 53 of 275.
Recall 07V196 covered 2007 Patriots with rear disc brakes. The rear wheel hub mounting bolts were the wrong length to meet the federal brake standard, so dealers replaced them and repaired the parking brake. Recall 08V528 replaced the powertrain control module on some 2009s because of an adhesive used to make it. Its 712 vehicles include the Sebring, Caliber, Avenger, Journey and Compass.
2011-2013: fuel tanks and engine complaints
Engine complaints climb here: 51 on the 2011 and 85 on the 2012. The 2011 also has 20 complaints that report a crash.
The 2012 had two fuel recalls shared with the Compass. Recall 12V142 replaced a damaged fuel tank on Jeeps built December 17, 2011 through January 2, 2012 (1,689 vehicles). Recall 13V120 replaced a wrongly made fuel transfer tube on Jeeps built October 18, 2011 through May 7, 2012 (20,799). Recall 13V233 corrected a software error on 2010-2012 Patriots and Compasses built from May 6, 2008 to July 20, 2012, a campaign of 254,396.
2014-2017: the restraint controller and the engine
Complaints on the 2014 report 31 crashes and 40 injuries. Recall 16V668 replaced the occupant restraint control module on 2010-2014 Patriots. That campaign counts 1,435,625 vehicles, but it also covers the Compass, Chrysler 200, Sebring, Caliber and Avenger, so most of that number is not Patriots. Owners first got letters saying parts weren't ready yet.
Two engine recalls follow. Recall 13V552 replaced the balance shaft module on some 2014s with the 2.4-liter engine because of abrasive debris; its 521 vehicles include the Compass, Avenger and Chrysler 200. Recall 16V907 replaced the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector on 2016s built May 9 to July 15, 2016, because the sensor might work only now and then. Its 42,231 vehicles include the Journey and Compass.
The 2016's 169 engine complaints are the most for any Patriot year. The 2017, the last one, has 59 complaints and no recall listed for that year. A later model year has also had fewer years on the road in which owners could file.
Patriot complaints and recalls by year
Patriot figures reflect NHTSA's owner complaint records through October 10, 2026. The recall column sums to more than 11, since one campaign often reaches across two or more Patriot years.
| Model year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Most-named component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 270 | 4 | 2 | 1 | Fuel/propulsion (71) |
| 2008 | 447 | 7 | 4 | 0 | Suspension (82) |
| 2009 | 275 | 5 | 1 | 1 | Structure (53) |
| 2010 | 188 | 8 | 3 | 2 | Fuel/propulsion (34) |
| 2011 | 326 | 20 | 3 | 4 | Engine (51) |
| 2012 | 354 | 9 | 5 | 4 | Engine (85) |
| 2013 | 120 | 5 | 2 | 1 | Air bags (30) |
| 2014 | 548 | 31 | 7 | 2 | Air bags (141) |
| 2015 | 315 | 14 | 6 | 1 | Engine (65) |
| 2016 | 458 | 24 | 8 | 1 | Engine (169) |
| 2017 | 59 | 7 | 1 | 0 | Power train (11) |
Two more campaigns cover the Patriot along with other models: 11V315 (steering column rivets, 2011) and 17V824 (Kidde fire extinguishers in various Chrysler, Dodge and RAM vehicles).
Is a broken Patriot worth fixing?
- Look up the Patriot's VIN first at NHTSA's recall lookup. An unrepaired restraint controller on a 2010-2014, or a sensor connector on a 2016, is a free dealer fix.
- CVT gone? The failing CVT guide covers the signs and how to weigh a replacement.
- Engine done? Read blown engine before paying for a rebuild on a car this age.
- Then compare the shop's number against the going price for a running Patriot with similar miles. When those two numbers sit near each other, see repairs cost more than it is worth.
Selling a Patriot whole
- Gather the details: VIN, mileage, the 2.0 or 2.4 engine, front-drive or 4WD, and what's wrong.
- Ask for an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
- Describe the spot: driveway, street or lot, and whether the Patriot's wheels turn freely. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
- Leave it whole. Keep the transmission, converter and wheels on it.
- Have the Patriot title and your ID ready for the truck. Your state sets the rule on keeping the Patriot's plates: after you sell. No title? Start with selling with no title.
Questions people ask
- Which Patriot model year has the most NHTSA complaints?
- The 2014, with 548 as of October 10, 2026, and 141 of them name the air bags. The 2016 (458) and the 2008 (447) come next. The last model year, 2017, has 59.
- Is there a recall on the Patriot's air bag controller?
- Yes. Recall 16V668 replaced the occupant restraint control module on 2010-2014 Patriots. Its count of 1,435,625 vehicles also covers the Compass, Chrysler 200, Sebring, Caliber and Avenger, so it is not a count of Patriots. Check if your Patriot got the new module by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Will you buy a Patriot whose CVT or engine has quit?
- Yes. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US. Tell us it won't drive and whether it rolls.
- Should I pull parts off the Patriot before I sell it?
- No. You sell the whole car as it sits. A Patriot already missing its converter or wheels can still go; just mention what was pulled.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from one of these. Checked October 11, 2026.
- NHTSA complaints flat file (FLAT_CMPL.zip), downloaded October 10, 2026 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 07V196: rear wheel hub mounting bolts, 2007 Patriot nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 08V528: powertrain control module, 2009 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 11V315: steering column, 2011 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 12V142: fuel tank assembly, 2012 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 13V120: fuel transfer tube, 2012 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 13V233: software, 2010-2012 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 13V552: balance shaft module, 2014 2.4L nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 15V878: power steering hose clamp, 2015 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 16V668: occupant restraint control module, 2010-2014 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 16V907: crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, 2016 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 17V824: Kidde fire extinguishers, 2011 nhtsa.gov
- EPA fuel economy data (model years and versions) fueleconomy.gov
- Wikipedia: Jeep Patriot en.wikipedia.org