CarBrief

NHTSA has 326 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Jeep Patriot, and the engine group has the most of them[1][2][3]. Four recalls are listed for this model year, so check each one before you buy or keep the car[4].

326owner complaints[1]
4recalls[4]
21–25MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Reported problems

Owners filed 326 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. Twenty mention a crash, 3 a fire and 12 an injury, and 1 reports a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name more than one part of the car, and the counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Here is how the complaints split by component group:

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Engine[2] 75 51,000
Suspension[3] 55 81,367
Power train[6] 53 72,550
Structure[7] 51 94,000
Air bags[8] 43 65,000
Unknown or other[9] 35 88,000
Electrical system[10] 32 51,000
Fuel/propulsion system[11] 29 96,000

Engine. The engine group has 75 complaints, with 2 crashes, 3 fires and 3 injuries[2]. In the sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe the car suddenly stalling while driving, often at highway speed. Some say it restarted after a wait. Some say the dealer could not reproduce the problem, and a few say the dealer pointed to software[2].

Suspension. There are 55 complaints[3]. In a sample of suspension complaints we read, owners describe worn front lower ball joints or control arms, sometimes with a wobbly or unstable feel in the steering[3].

Power train. There are 53 complaints, with 2 crashes and 3 injuries[6]. In the sample we read, owners describe a transmission overheat warning light, followed by slowing down or losing power on the highway[6].

Structure. There are 51 complaints, with 1 crash and 2 fires[7]. In the sample we read, owners describe water getting into the cabin around the sunroof and dome lights, a rusted subframe or front cross member, and exhaust heat melting the rear bumper[7].

Air bags. There are 43 complaints, but this group has the most crashes (10) and injuries (6) of any group, plus 1 death[8]. We did not read the texts for this group, so we cannot say what owners describe.

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year, newest first.

Ask a Jeep dealer whether each recall was completed on the car you are considering.

Fuel economy

EPA lists seven versions of the 2011 Patriot. Combined ratings run from 21 to 25 mpg[16][17][5]. All use regular gas. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate and uses its current fuel price assumptions.

Version City / highway / combined mpg Annual fuel cost
2WD, 2.0L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[16] 23 / 27 / 24 $2,800
2WD, 2.4L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[18] 21 / 27 / 23 $2,900
2WD, 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[5] 23 / 28 / 25 $2,700
2WD, 2.0L, Manual 5-spd[19] 23 / 29 / 25 $2,700
4WD, 2.4L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[17] 20 / 23 / 21 $3,200
4WD, 2.4L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[20] 21 / 26 / 23 $2,900
4WD, 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[21] 22 / 27 / 24 $2,800

The 4WD 2.4L automatic rated 21 mpg combined is the thirstiest of the seven[17]. The 2WD manuals are the most frugal at 25 mpg combined[5][19]. Our data lists two separate 4WD 2.4L automatic ratings and does not say what sets them apart[17][20].

Safety ratings

NHTSA has not given this model year a 5-Star Safety Rating, for either the 4WD or the front-wheel-drive SUV[22][23]. That means there is no crash test star score to compare. It is not the same as a bad score.

Engine and size

The EPA test car list gives the 2.4L four-cylinder engine a rating of 172 hp[24].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[25][26].

Measure AWD FWD
Length[25][26] 174 in 174 in
Width[25][26] 69 in 69 in
Height[25][26] 65 in 65 in
Wheelbase[25][26] 104 in 104 in
Curb weight[25][26] 3,250 lb 3,109 lb

How 2011 compares with other years

2007: 270 complaints, 1 recalls20072008: 447 complaints, 0 recalls20082009: 275 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 188 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 326 complaints, 4 recalls32620112012: 354 complaints, 4 recalls20122013: 120 complaints, 1 recalls20132014: 548 complaints, 2 recalls20142015: 315 complaints, 1 recalls20152016: 458 complaints, 1 recalls20162017: 59 complaints, 0 recalls2017
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Patriot model year. The 2011 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20072701
20084470
20092751
20101882
20113264
20123544
20131201
20145482
20153151
20164581
2017590

Here are complaints and recalls on file with NHTSA for each Jeep Patriot model year[4]:

Model year Complaints Recalls
2007 270 1
2008 447 0
2009 275 1
2010 188 2
2011 326 4
2012 354 4
2013 120 1
2014 548 2
2015 315 1
2016 458 1
2017 59 0

With 326 complaints, 2011 sits fifth highest of the eleven years. The 2014 model year has the most complaints (548) and 2017 has the fewest (59)[4]. With 4 recalls, 2011 ties with 2012 for the most, and every other year has 2 or fewer[4]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show where reports landed, not how likely a problem is.

Should you buy a used 2011 Patriot?

The record is mixed, and it leans toward caution. This model year has 326 complaints and 4 recalls, and the recall count is the highest of any Patriot year, tied with 2012[1][4]. Two recalls concern air bags and seat belt pretensioners, so confirm they were done on any car you consider[13][14]. In the samples of complaints we read, owners describe stalling, transmission overheat warnings, worn front suspension parts, water leaks and rust, though those samples are small and cannot tell you how likely any one problem is[2][3][6][7]. EPA lists 21 to 25 mpg combined across versions, and a pre-purchase inspection and VIN recall check would help you decide[17][5].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most reported problems on the 2011 Jeep Patriot?
By complaint count, the engine group leads with 75 of 326 NHTSA complaints, followed by suspension with 55 and power train with 53[1][2][3][6]. In the engine sample we read, owners describe sudden stalling[2].
Does the 2011 Jeep Patriot have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists four: 17V824 (fire extinguishers), 16V668 (occupant restraint control module), 13V233 (air bag software) and 11V315 (steering column rivet)[12][13][14][15].
What gas mileage does the 2011 Jeep Patriot get?
EPA combined ratings range from 21 to 25 mpg depending on version[16][17]. The 4WD 2.4L automatic rated 21 mpg combined is lowest, and the 2WD manuals at 25 mpg combined are highest[5][19][17].
Did the 2011 Jeep Patriot get a NHTSA safety rating?
No. NHTSA lists it as not rated in the 5-Star Safety Ratings for both the 4WD and FWD SUV[22][23].
Is 2011 a bad year for the Jeep Patriot?
It is fifth highest of eleven years for complaints, with 326 against a high of 548 in 2014, but it ties 2012 for the most recalls at 4[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 326 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Jeep Patriot (20 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 12 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 75 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 55 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,367). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Patriot model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Patriot 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 53 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,550). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 51 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 43 complaints name the air bags component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 35 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 88,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 32 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 29 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 17V824, filed December 21, 2017: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 16V668, filed September 15, 2016: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 13V233, filed June 4, 2013: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 11V315, filed June 8, 2011: Steering › Column. NHTSA recall database
  16. EPA rating for Patriot 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Patriot 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Patriot 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Patriot 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Patriot 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Patriot 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2011 Jeep Patriot with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 172 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATRIOT 4DR SUV AWD SPORT/NORTH/LIMITED: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,250 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATRIOT 4DR SUV FWD SPORT/NORTH/LIMITED: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,109 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.