RoadVitals

2011 Jeep Patriot Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
75
Latest Jul 13, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
23%
of 325 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
5
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
3

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2011 Jeep Patriot submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 75 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 75, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jul 13, 2025

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 for issues with this, I would like to get my car added to the recall. I am a single mom. This is my only mode of transportation to him from work and to get my kids I bought this used and I’m pretty sure the owner knew something was wrong with it.

NHTSA ID
11673128
Incident
May 1, 2025
Engine
Filed Jun 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The traction control warning light was then illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer; however, the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed. The contact was advised that there was no way to recreate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID
11594267
Incident
Oct 1, 2023
Mileage
170,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Oct 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. While refueling, the fuel tank failed to allow all with fuel. The contact had to restart the vehicle and add more fuel several times. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer where a service appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was due to a faulty rollover valve and the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA ID
11488352
Incident
Sep 1, 2022
Mileage
115,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 30, 2022

The catalytic converter failed. It had to be replaced.

NHTSA ID
11476711
Incident
May 15, 2022
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jul 29, 2022

While driving in heavy traffic, there was a Red light and attempted to slow the vehicle. The engine started to jerk forward and the RPMs were increasing without my foot on the accelerator! My foot was on the brake! I was able to turn into a gas station to get to a safer place to park the vehicle. While attempting to park in a parking space the vehicle continued to accelerate by itself, again my foot was applied to the brake pedal. I was literally fighting to stop the vehicle and almost ran into the barrier where customers were walking. Once turning off the vehicle and restarting the engine, it was operating correctly while I’m reverse. I then shifted into drive, and the vehicle lunged forward and the engine accelerated by itself. It drove up to 45 miles per hour without my foot on the accelerator and foot resting on the brake pedal. A complete stop was a fight, as soon as there was any brake pedal release the engine lunged forward.

NHTSA ID
11476448
Incident
Jul 27, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 4, 2022

After filling up with gas, the vehicle sputtered, stalled and the steering locked up.

NHTSA ID
11455281
Incident
Mar 4, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Feb 20, 2022

After filling up the gas tank, when I drive away, the car jerks and loses power for a minute with in a mile of leaving the gas station. Nj pumps gas for me so the tank is not overfilled. My power steering goes down for a moment as my car sputters. Then after a minute it drives great until the next time I fill up my tank. Forums have stated it is a bad charcoal cannister. Many jeep patriot owners have complained about this. It is very unsafe when this happens on the road. I fear driving my toddler now.

NHTSA ID
11453145
Incident
Feb 20, 2022
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 29, 2022

I brought my Jeep Patriot 2011 for a recall. However, after taking the vehicle to the dealer for a recall check out, the jeep came up with a sound like TA, TA,TA... from the gloves compartment and went I stated the air conditioning or the heating when the weather become cooler.

NHTSA ID
11449383
Incident
Dec 19, 2021
Engine
Filed Dec 13, 2021

The vehicle completely shut down in the middle of accelerating into a turn. Full loss of power and the engine was hesitant to restart for a few minutes.

NHTSA ID
11443696
Incident
Dec 5, 2021
Engine
Filed Oct 5, 2021

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that most times the vehicle would restart soon after the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was once towed to his home after the failure but restarted the next day. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on his vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11435531
Incident
Apr 1, 2021
Mileage
160,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Sep 15, 2021

Every single time after putting gas, my car wont go further than 10 feet without turning off/stalling. Some times it wont turn back on and takes several tries to get it back up and running. I feel at risk for my life and those in the car with me because not only does it stall but my steering wheel locks everytime and I am unable to move or do anything. God forbid one day it stops and a car is headed in my direction I will be stuck in place. I have read online multiple people have had this issue but no one can seem to find a definitive solution. This started to happen around winter of 2019/spring 2020 and has been happening ever since. The date I recorded below is the most recent time it's occurred.

NHTSA ID
11433149
Incident
Sep 14, 2021
Engine
Filed May 13, 2021

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE BEFORE THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE FRONT AXLE AND THE CONTROL ARM NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS.

NHTSA ID
11416411
Incident
May 10, 2021
Mileage
81,000 mi
Body & structureEngine
Filed Feb 10, 2021

MY MECHANIC HAS BEEN TELLING ME THAT THE FRAME/SUBFRAME OF MY JEEP PATRIOT IS EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE RUST HAS CORRODED OTHER PARTS OF MY CAR AND IT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES. THE CORROSION HAS SERIOUSLY DETERIORATED THE REAR CROSS MEMBER OF MY CAR. I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN A NUMBER OF CLAIMS TO CHRYSLER ON THE STRUCTURAL DAMAGES OF SOME JEEP MAKES/MODELS. I ONCE TRIED CLAIMING THE WARRANTY BUT THE DEALER DENIED SERVICES TO MY CAR. I NEED HELP TO FIX THIS.

NHTSA ID
11395648
Incident
Jun 25, 2020
EnginePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Jun 11, 2020

LOUD CLUNK NOISE WHEN DRIVING, NOTICED THE SUB FRAME THAT'S THE CONTROL ARMS ARE CONNECTED TO AND THE ENGINE AND POWER TRAIN ARE SUPPOSED BY IS RUSTED AND ROOTED SO MUCH I CAN PUSH MY FINGER THROUGH IT. *TR

NHTSA ID
11328431
Incident
Jun 4, 2020
Mileage
111,734 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 5, 2020

EVERY TIME GAS TANK IS FILLED THE CAR BUCKS THEN STALLS AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS. THIS HAPPENS RIGHT AFTER FILLING THE TANK AND PULLING OUT OF THE GAS STATION. I HAVE READ ON FORUMS THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM IN JEEPS FOR YEARS BUT HAS YET TO BE ADDRESSED. ACCORDING TO THE POST THE ISSUE HAS TO DEAL WITH THE VAPOR/LIQUID SEPARATOR VALVE. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH GAS PUMPS SHUTTING OFF WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FILL THE TANK. I ATTEMPTED TO TAKE IT TO THE JEEP DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW GAS CAP. $100 LATER AND STILL THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11316410
Incident
Dec 1, 2019
Mileage
95,000 mi
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 16, 2020

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE JEEP AND IT TURNED OFF ON HER TWICE TRYING TO GET IT BACK HOME. ALL ELECTRICAL WENT OUT AND ENGINE STALLED. AFTER THE SECOND TIME IT ONLY GOES 10 MPH AND STILL STALLS AND POWERS OFF. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I FEEL SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE FROM THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB.

NHTSA ID
11299801
Incident
Jan 16, 2020
Mileage
10 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 23, 2019

VEHICLE STALLS AND POWER STEERING FAILS AFTER FILLING GAS TANK. THIS HAPPENS EITHER IMMEDIATELY, OR A FEW MILES AWAY REGARDLESS OF SPEED. VEHICLE WILL ABRUPTLY AND VIOLENTLY BUCK, THEN STALL MINIMUM OF TWO TIMES.

NHTSA ID
11291006
Incident
Dec 23, 2019
Mileage
85,000 mi
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 18, 2019

CVT?

NHTSA ID
11289953
Incident
Dec 17, 2019
Mileage
5 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 29, 2019

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ABOUT 65 THE JEEPS MOTOR SHUT OFF AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PUT MY HAZARDS ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE BUT I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. THE JEEP WILL START RIGHT BACK UP LIKE NOTHING WAS WRONG AFTER A FEW MINUTES. PLEASE HELP VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID
11276960
Incident
Oct 25, 2019
Mileage
123,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 10, 2019
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH, SMOKE WAS DETECTED AND THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLINED TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA ID
11267759
Incident
Oct 5, 2019
Mileage
125,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 10, 2019

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD THEN DECELERATE. HARD TO ACCELERATE. EVEN WHILE CRUISE CONTROL IS ON IT WILL LUNGE OR HESITATE. THE ENGINE LIGHT ALSO NEVER GOES OFF EVEN WHEN I HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID
11230705
Incident
Dec 19, 2018
Mileage
96,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2019

TRANSMISSION IS NOT WANTING TO SHIFT GEARS

NHTSA ID
11230306
Incident
Jul 8, 2019
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 23, 2019

YOU NEED TO RECALL THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE VEHICLES ITS RIDICULOUS HOW EXPENSIVE THEY ARE NO NORMAL PERSON CAN AFFORD THIS FIX. NOBODY IN WAYNE COUNTY EVEN WANTS TO WORK ON IT. O CANT AFFORD A NEW TRANSMISSION. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR. IT'S ONLY AT 120K . I LOVE MY JEEP. BUT IT IS NOTHING BUT STRESS AND DEPRESSION. IT IS NOT RIGHT MAN.

NHTSA ID
11203270
Incident
Apr 19, 2019
Mileage
12,200 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jul 26, 2018

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE CAR WANTING TO STALL OUT. IT IS AS IF THE GAS IS NOT GETTING TO THE ENGINE. I BEGIN TO LOSE POWER AND STEERING. I GUN THE GAS, BUT IT HESTITATES. THIS IS HUGELY DANGEROUS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE SERVICED IT REGULARLY, AND TO THIS DAY ONLY ABOUT 44K ON IT. THIS IS SCARING ME. MY MECHANIC JUST PUT DRY GAS IN TO PERHAPS ALLEVIATE ANY POSSIBLE WATER IN THE TANK AFTER A RECENT FILL-UP. I HAVE BEEN READING OF MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS TIME FOR A RECALL, FOLKS. HAD I NOT BEEN ON BACK ROADS, I COULD BE DEAD, AS COULD OTHERS. I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS ON THE HIGHWAY AND I NEED ACTIONS, AS DO MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED. WE HAVE WAY TOO MANY JEEPS WITH THIS PROBLEM. STEP UP, PLEASE.

NHTSA ID
11113867
Incident
Jul 25, 2018
Mileage
44,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2018

GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE STALLED. GAVE NO WARNING JUST SHUT OFF. I HAD MY HUSBAND AND 8 MONTH OLD IN THE CAR. THE ENGINE DID START BACK UP.

NHTSA ID
11111317
Incident
Jul 14, 2018
Mileage
84,141 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .