Why Are Jeep Patriots So Cheap
This is mostly due to the lack of interest from, well, anyone. Jeep enthusiasts dont care for small crossover SUVs like the Patriot. Not to mention, the less-than-stellar engine performance. And crossover SUV buyers are not too interested in it either due to the boxy styling. Many buyers prefer something sleeker and modern. So, no one really likes the Patriot, thus low demand, and if you studied economics, low demand generally means a lower price.
Common Jeep Patriot Transmission Problems
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The Jeep Patriot has always been highly regarded for its brand prestige and affordable price. However, one thing seems to be consistently associated with it Jeep Patriot transmission problems. Because these failures are so extensive and happen so frequently, it has almost become an expectation that undermines the cars reliability and overall performance. This guide aims to counter that perception by discussing the vehicles most common issues and how to fix them.
Common Jeep Patriot transmission problems include shuddering and whining noises. Generally, issues originate from a defective transmission but may also come from damaged brakes and tie rods or corroded sway arms. Inspecting transmission fluid levels is usually the first step to addressing them.
Here are the 7 most common Jeep Patriot transmission problems:
Unresolved transmission failures are an accident waiting to happen hence, they should be treated with the utmost urgency. That said, if transmission and differential fluid levels are up to spec, then it is time to look into other components that may require a more laborious troubleshooting process. Dont worry if you are new to all this, as this article has got you covered.
Are Jeep Patriots Good In Snow
Many media outlets have reported that the Patriot provides above-average performance in rough conditions and snow, thanks to the optional four-wheel drive system. Jeeps Freedom Drive II system has a front-wheel drive bias but can automatically send up to 50% of power to the rear axle if the computer deems it necessary. So, its no Wrangler, but it can still handle snow just fine.
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Kbb Vehicle Review And Rating Methodology
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.
We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.
Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBBs editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better than the other cars its competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built?
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading as well as the essential acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
Not All Jeep Patriot Years Are Created Equal
CoPilot Compare breaks down pricing and feature differences between Jeep Patriot years so you can find the sweet spot between value AND reliability.
Jeep Patriot by TuRbO_J CC-BY-SA-4.0
Jeep is a highly recognizable brand that produced some of the most iconic American vehicles like the classic Wrangler. However, not every model in Jeeps stable was a roaring success – take, for example, the discontinued Jeep Patriot.
While many people liked the Patriot SUV, it wasnt the best-seller Jeep wanted it to be. Therefore, Jeep had to cease the production of the Patriot. If youre looking to buy a Jeep Patriot, youll have to buy it used.
Today, we rounded up some of the worst Jeep Patriot years to avoid, along with the models you can safely buy.
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Jeep Patriot Years To Avoid
So, to answer the question: what are the Jeep Patriot years to avoid? Well, there are quite a few of them. You may have noticed earlier on that we mentioned that the Patriot uses a Jatco CVT transmission.
Some of you probably already know how problematic this transmission is. Especially those of you who have owned a Nissan, or have researched Nissan CVTs before. More on that later. Anyway, here are the Jeep Patriot years to avoid:
So, there are quite a few Jeep Patriot years to avoid. Thats a total of seven model years out of the 11 model years that Jeep produced. Worse still, some other model years arent particularly reliable either. But those are the absolute worst ones and you should steer clear.
Other Jeep Patriot Powertrain Issues
Although this list covers the most reported set of problems with the Jeep Patriot, it is non-exhaustive. Other vehicle issues are as equally troublesome as the items above. Here are some of them:
- Fractured transmission fill tube
- Loud clunking noise
- Burning smell from beneath the hood due to oil leaks or burnt plastics
- Hot water coming from clogged A/C drain tube, causing waterlogging and transmission module failure
Most of the problems Jeep Patriot vehicles have are in its 4WD system called Freedom Drive, which connects to a Jatco-built CVT. Since the 2007 production model, this transmission has proven to have an unfortunate proclivity to failure. What makes this worse is that the transmission is rarely serviceable, which means an expenditure amounting to $5,000 for the clueless vehicle owner. A cheaper alternative would be a rebuilt transmission. But even that option costs between $800 and $3,400 .
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Jeep Patriot Transmission Problems
If youre not familiar, Jatco is a transmission manufacturer owned by Nissan. One of their most famousor rather infamousproducts is the CVT transmission. Continuously Variable Transmission is a type of automatic transmission that uses a set of belts and pulleys to manipulate power and torque output to the wheels. As opposed to planetary gears in conventional automatic transmissions.
While the transmission is mind-numbingly boring to drive, theres nothing wrong with it. It provides a smoother driving experience since theres no gear change. And on the face of it at least, it should be reliable as there are fewer moving parts.
However, Jatco CVTs are infamous for breaking down all the time in Nissan. And its no different in the Jeep Patriot, or any other Jeep that uses this transmission.
The height of the problem was in 2011. Owners report it overheating, or worse, breaking down at around 80,000 miles. For context, most transmissions would last until 150,000 before major repairs are necessary.
There are many theories as to why Jatcos CVT transmission is so unreliable. But we believe the problem stems from a defective cooler that isnt up to the job. This causes the transmission to overheat, and translates to it slipping, engaging limp mode, and failing altogether.
In some Nissan cars, you can prevent overheating by upgrading the cooler with an aftermarket one. But we couldnt find information about whether this would work on the Jeep Patriot or not.
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Engine Stalls While Driving
Engine issues are a bit more sporadic than the water leakage problem. Were seeing complaints of the engine stalling mostly in the 2014 and 2015 model years, although some other model years also have this issue.
There seem to be multiple causes. In the 2015 model year, the most common cause was the crankshaft sensor. The crankshaft is a rotating shaft that converts reciprocation from the pistons into rotational energy and transfers it to the flywheel.
We wont get into the details as it can get quite long and complex, and you can learn more about crankshaft repairs here. But in essence, the engine needs to know the crankshafts position to ensure smooth operation.
By knowing the crankshafts position, the Engine Control Unit knows when to fire the injectors, spark plugs, and control other engine components. And its the crankshaft position sensors job to feed the ECU with the correct information.
So, if the sensor is defective, it will result in engine problems. And yes, it can cause the engine to stall as the ECU cant operate the engine correctly. Repairs can cost up to $660, but there was a recall from Jeep to fix this issue, albeit only for certain model years.
Other causes include the bad CVT transmission , and there are also reports of defective throttle position sensors . Like in most modern cars, the Patriots throttle is electronically controlled.
What Does It Sound Like When A Transmission Blows
If your car starts vibrating and making strange noises like grinding or high pitched whining, its most likely that your transmission is suffering. If you notice that your car has trouble accelerating or moving at all but you hear the engine speed up or rev, youre experiencing the transmission gears slipping.
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Jeep Patriot 2008 Cvt Transmission Problems
Hello,
I have a 2008 Jeep Patriot with a CVT transmission. The car was recently purchased and seems to have problems with slippage. When I accelerate, the car revs up highly, the tack goes to nearly 4k but the car does not accelerate in unison. Also, going up hill seem to challenge it. Seems like its slipping. When I took it to the dealer, the service manager says its because its a CVT transmission thats the way it supposed to perform. Is this the normal performance for this type of tranny? Can someone suggest how I might handle issues with this tranny and getting the dealer to fix it? – Thx!
I doubt it. Fluid change and filter cleaning first step, magical additives next step, transmission rebuild 3rd step. How many miles?
I believe this is normal for a CVT. The transmission will keep the engine in the power band during acceleration. Here is a simple explanation of a CVT.
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For your own peace of mind take a test drive in another Patriot for comparision.
On the other hand the Patrot CVT does seem to have issues.
Nice post ed, 4k rpm sounds excessive but will admit new cars do new things I am not familiar with, but it seems you are. Thanks, I do not want to pass along any bad info!
The CVT transmissions in these cars isnt that robust so it is hard to tell if you have a problem or if you are just not used to the feel of a CVT transmission.
Difficulty Starting The Engine
You may not have to worry about the engine stalling while youre driving. Why? Because your Jeep Patriot may not even start in the first place, as some owners have reported.
The problem plagues several model years and appears as early as the 2008 model year. The cause seems to vary too by model year. For example, some owners say the problem was a faulty key fob that wasnt recognized by the engine, so it wont start.
However, the more common cause seems to be the aforementioned crankshaft sensor issue. Since a faulty sensor cant feed the ECU with the correct information, its bound to cause issues with starting the vehicle. This seems to affect mostly the 2011 model year.
We should note that the crankshaft position sensor is known to fail after about 100,000 miles or 10 years. So, its not like they have an unlimited lifespan. However, owners are reporting this problem appearing at around 46,000 miles, well before the expected lifespan.
Also, note that sometimes the camshaft position sensor is the one that fails. The camshaft is a rotating shaft with lobes that controls the opening and closing of the engines valves. Its a little less common but is equally expensive to fix.
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How To Put Jeep Patriot In 4 Wheel Drive
The Jeep Patriot is always in all-wheel drive mode, sending its power mostly to the front axle unless the ECU deems it necessary to send power to the rear wheels. To engage four-wheel drive, theres a switch in the center console. Pull that switch and a 4WD light in the dashboard should turn on. Pull the switch again to turn it off.
How Many Miles Do Jeep Transmissions Last
Jeep transmissions should last around 150,00 to 200,000 miles. But the transmission is also a victim of collateral damage when you take your Jeep off-roading. Driving up, down, and around multiple obstacles will add special wear and tear to your transmission that would not occur under normal driving circumstances.
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Water Leaks Into Interior
The whole idea of a car is that it should shield you from the environment. This includes the hot sun, violent winds, creepy bugs, and of course, when the rain starts pouring down. Otherwise, might as well ride a motorbike, no?
Most carmakers have got the hang of making a car that can shield its occupants from the outside world. Jeep isnt one of those carmakers. For almost the entirety of its production run, the Patriot is plagued by water leakage issues.
One of the biggest sources is the sunroof. There have been many reports of water coming down from the sunroof during rain. Okay, fine, the sunroof can be a bit tricky sometimes. And at least it isnt exploding like the ones in Nissan Frontier.
However, there are multiple spots in the car that may leak. Owners have reported leaks coming from the front of the car, the rear of the car via the taillight, and most commonly, from the dome light. Sometimes the leak is so bad that it would result in a puddle of water.
Worse still, Jeep isnt doing a recall despite this being a widespread problem. So, owners are stuck with a leaky car. Some suggest rewelding and resealing firewall panels can solve the issue, but we imagine thats isnt an easy or cheap job.
My Vehicle Is Showing At Least One Of These Signs What Should I Do
If you suspect your CVT transmission is not performing as it should be, bring it in to your local Mister Transmission. We always start with our FREE Road Test and Multi Check Inspection to identify any problems with your transmission and provide you with different repair options. The key to minimizing repair costs is to get them checked as soon as you notice them, and you most likely only need a minor repair or service.
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Driving The Used 2008 Jeep Patriot
With the increased off-road capability engineered into it, we might have expected the Patriots highway ride to be rougher than those of its Compass and Dodge Caliber relatives. As it turns out, the Patriot might be the most comfortable cruiser of the three. The compromise seems to have been made in the cornering department wisely, where we wouldnt expect or require much from a Jeep anyway. Where the Patriot really impressed us was out past the pavement, where our “Trail Rated” model was able to traverse bona fide boulders with unexpected ease and composure. As with all such devices, the unique behavior of the Patriots two available continuously variable transmissions can take some getting used to.
