2011 Jeep Patriot Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 7, 2026 · 326 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Patriot years
More complaints than other years 4th of 12 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 326 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Jeep Patriot. That ranks 4th out of 12 Patriot model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (66 complaints, 20%), typically at around 68,500 miles. Complaints mention 20 crashes, 3 fires, 12 injuries. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 3 defect investigations involving it.

Jeep Patriot
Jeep Patriot facelift photographed in Sanming , Fujian province, China.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: JamesYoung8167, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2011 Jeep Patriot problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine66 · ~68,500 mi
Suspension55 · ~81,367 mi
Power Train53 · ~73,000 mi
Structure51 · ~94,000 mi
Air Bags43 · ~65,000 mi
Unknown or Other35 · ~89,000 mi
Electrical System32 · ~51,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System29 · ~96,000 mi
Seat Belts25 · ~68,000 mi
Steering19 · ~40,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine problems6620%68,500“filling gas” (8%)—
Suspension problems5517%81,367“sub frame” (16%)—
Power Train problems5316%73,000“transmission overheat” (9%)—
Structure problems5116%94,000“sub frame” (16%)—
Air Bags4313%65,000——
Unknown or Other3511%89,000——
Electrical System3210%51,000——
Fuel/propulsion System299%96,000——
Seat Belts258%68,000——
Steering196%40,000——
Vehicle Speed Control186%49,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling93%3,500——
Wheels93%40,000——
Service Brakes82%70,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)72%74,500——
Exterior Lighting62%37,452——
Tires52%18,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline31%123,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance21%———
Service Brakes, Hydraulic21%22,630——
Visibility21%30,482——
Visibility/wiper21%64,500——
Back Over Prevention10%———
Equipment10%———
Latches/locks/linkages10%45,000——
Seats10%260——
Traction Control System10%48,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2017, with 46 complaints
2011: 132011132012: 15152013: 162013162014: 28282015: 342015342016: 24242017: 462017462018: 22222019: 402019402020: 17172021: 302021302022: 20202023: 9202392024: 662025: 5202552026: 11

n = 326 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2011 Jeep Patriot recalls (4)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

EquipmentDec 21, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Air bags; seat belts:pretensioner; air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactiveSep 15, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 1,435,625 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:software; seat belts; air bags:side/windowJun 4, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V233000 · 254,396 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Steering:columnJun 8, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V315000 · 11,096 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.

Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture (EA21002) — opened Sep 17, 2021, still open.
  • Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment (PE19014) — opened Sep 9, 2019, closed Feb 25, 2026.
  • Engine stall, fuel delivery failure (PE12032) — opened Oct 15, 2012, closed May 3, 2013, led to recall 13V120000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

I purchased my 2011 Jeep Patriot as a new vehicle on [XXX] in Fort Collins, Colorado. The vehicle has been appropriately maintained with the only one major repair (throttle body) to date. On [XXX], the ABS, traction control, and brake light on the dash board lit up upon cranking the vehicle and…

Service Brakes · received Sep 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11762528

Rusted rear sub frame and suspension parts

Suspension · received Oct 6, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11691580

So I bought this used from a previous owner check engine light has come on quite a few times and I’ve gone to two separate places and it’s the catalytic converter efficiency coming up. My mechanic did a recall research and found that this specific vehicle not the VIN number had been recalled…

Engine · received Jul 13, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11673128

I have and airbag check light on on my dashboard. I tested the code and it corresponds to B1B06 (Driver Airbag Squib 2 circuit Open). This matches a recall done on previously. NHTSA Recall Number 16V-288, in which my vehicle was MISSED from the recall!! Now that my vehicle is indicating the problem…

Air Bags · received Jun 2, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11664282

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V288000 (AIR BAGS)…

Air Bags · received Jun 2, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11664286

Other Jeep Patriot years

← 2010 Patriot · 2012 Patriot →

See all Jeep Patriot problems by year, every Jeep model, or the Jeep VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Jeep Patriot?

Owners most often report engine, suspension, power train problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 66 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Jeep Patriot?

Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2011 Jeep Patriot a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Patriot model years, the 2011 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.