CarBrief

Owners filed 458 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Patriot, and engine trouble leads the list[1][2]. The car also has one recall for a sensor that can stall the engine[3].

458owner complaints[1]
1recalls[4]
21–25MPG combined (EPA)[5]
4★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 458 owner complaints for the 2016 Patriot[1]. Of these, 24 mention a crash[1], 8 a fire[1] and 19 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.

Here is how the complaints split by component group:

Group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine[2] 241 59,000
Electrical system[7] 99 52,000
Unknown or other[8] 75 51,500
Power train[9] 74 58,580
Speed control[10] 49 45,000
Fuel/propulsion system[11] 41 48,737
Air bags[12] 33 18,000
Brakes[13] 26 51,500

We read a small sample of 12 complaint texts for each of four of these groups. The themes below show what owners describe in that sample. They are not a measure of how common a problem is.

The air bags group is small, with 33 complaints[12], but 14 of them mention a crash[12] and 13 an injury[12]. The median mileage at failure is 18,000[12], much lower than the other groups. We did not read a sample of those texts, so we cannot say what owners describe.

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for the 2016 Patriot[4].

The recall only covers vehicles built in that date range[3]. Our data does not say whether a particular car is included, so ask a dealer to check the car you are considering. In our sample of engine complaints, 4 of 12 texts come from owners who say the repair parts were not available[2].

Fuel economy

The EPA lists several versions of the 2016 Patriot. Combined fuel economy runs from 21 to 25 MPG, and the EPA's estimated annual fuel cost runs from $2,700 to $3,200[14][5][15][16]. Add[14] or drop the sentence.

Version City / Highway / Combined Annual fuel cost
FWD, 2.0L, Manual 5-spd[16] 23 / 30 / 25 $2,700
FWD, 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[5] 23 / 28 / 25 $2,700
FWD, 2.0L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[14] 22 / 26 / 24 $2,800
FWD, 2.4L, Automatic 6-spd[17] 21 / 27 / 23 $2,900
4WD, 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[18] 22 / 27 / 24 $2,800
4WD, 2.4L, Automatic 6-spd[19] 20 / 25 / 22 $3,050
4WD, 2.4L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[15] 20 / 23 / 21 $3,200

In these ratings, the 2.4L front-wheel-drive versions get 1 MPG more combined than the matching 4WD versions with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic[5][18][17][19].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2016 Patriot 4 stars overall, for both the 2WD and the 4WD versions[6][20]. Frontal crash gets 3 stars, side crash gets 5 stars and rollover gets 3 stars[6][20]. NHTSA puts the rollover risk at 21.9%[6][20].

Engine and size

The EPA test car list shows two engines. The 2.0L 4-cylinder is rated at 158 hp[21]. The 2.4L 4-cylinder is rated at 172 hp[22].

The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

AWD FWD
Length 174 in 174 in
Width 69 in 69 in
Height 67 in 65 in
Wheelbase 104 in 104 in
Curb weight 3,263 lb 3,137 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

2007: 270 complaints, 1 recalls20072008: 447 complaints, 0 recalls20082009: 275 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 188 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 326 complaints, 4 recalls20112012: 354 complaints, 4 recalls20122013: 120 complaints, 1 recalls20132014: 548 complaints, 2 recalls20142015: 315 complaints, 1 recalls20152016: 458 complaints, 1 recalls45820162017: 59 complaints, 0 recalls2017
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Patriot model year. The 2016 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20072701
20084470
20092751
20101882
20113264
20123544
20131201
20145482
20153151
20164581
2017590

NHTSA's counts for each Patriot model year show 2016 near the top for complaints. Its 458 complaints rank second among the 11 years listed[4]. Only 2014 has more, at 548[4]. The 2008 year is close behind with 447[4].

On recalls, 2016 has one. The 2010 year has 2, the 2011 and 2012 years have 4 each, and 2014 has 2[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2016 Patriot?

The record gives you reasons to look carefully. Complaints are high, with 2016 ranking second among the 11 Patriot years, and owners describe stalling and loss of power in several groups[4][2][9][10]. The sample is small and the reports are unverified, so this is a reason to ask questions, not a verdict on every car. Before you buy, confirm with a dealer whether recall 16V907 applies and was completed[3], ask for service records about stalling, and take a test drive. NHTSA gives 4 stars overall, with 3 stars for frontal crash and rollover[6].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Patriot?
Engine is the biggest complaint group, with 241 of the 458 NHTSA complaints, and the electrical system follows with 99[1][2][7]. In a small sample we read, owners describe stalling and loss of power[2].
Does the 2016 Jeep Patriot have recalls?
Yes, one: 16V907, for a crankshaft or camshaft sensor that may make the engine stall. Dealers replace the sensor connector for free[3].
How many miles per gallon does a 2016 Jeep Patriot get?
The EPA rates combined fuel economy from 21 to 25 MPG depending on the version[15][5][16].
How safe is the 2016 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall, with 3 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 3 stars rollover[6][20].
Is 2016 a bad year for the Jeep Patriot?
It has the second highest complaint count of the 11 model years, 458 compared with 548 for 2014, but counts are not adjusted for sales[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 458 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Jeep Patriot (24 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 19 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 241 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 16V907, filed December 16, 2016: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Patriot model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Patriot FWD, 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. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 99 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 75 complaints name the unknown or other component group (4 crashes, 4 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 74 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,580). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 49 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 41 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,737). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 33 complaints name the air bags component group (14 crashes, 1 fires, 13 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 26 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. EPA rating for Patriot FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 26 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. 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
  16. EPA rating for Patriot FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Patriot FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. 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
  19. EPA rating for Patriot 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Jeep Patriot with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 158 hp. www.epa.gov
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Jeep Patriot with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 172 hp. www.epa.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATRIOT 4DR SUV AWD: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,263 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATRIOT 4DR SUV FWD: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,137 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.