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2011 Jeep Patriot Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Jeep Patriot carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering equipment and pretensioner. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Subframe and crossmember corrosion.” Jeep vehicles use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal when oil is due. Wrangler and Gladiator owners who actually use 4WD off-road should treat the schedule below as Schedule A (severe) — water crossings, sand, and rock crawling demand differential and transfer case service at half the published intervals. Grand Cherokee and Cherokee follow the standard Mopar schedule.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #17V824000 · Dec 21, 2017

Issue: 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.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #16V668000 · Sep 15, 2016

Issue: 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.

STEERING:COLUMN

Campaign #11V315000 · Aug 6, 2011

Issue: 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #13V233000 · Apr 6, 2013

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Jeep Patriot.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Subframe and crossmember corrosion

STRUCTURE

68 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2025-10

“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH attempting to reverse, there was an abnormal sound coming from near the rear wheel. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the sub frame was rusted”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616511
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10948728
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY THE FRONT FRAME BROKE AND THE CV AND FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL FELL OFF THE VEHICLE, I HAD TO WRESTLE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363211

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall after refueling

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

16 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2022-10

“JEEP STALLS AFTER REFUELING. ANYTIME YOU FULLY FILL THE TANK THIS IS AN ISSUE. WAS VERY STARTLING THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES IT HAPPENED. I NOW EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN, BUT FOR OTHER PEOPLE IT COULD BE AN EXTREME HAZARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11384394
“CAR SHUTS OFF QND STOPS WITHOUT WARNING EVERYTIME AFTER FILLING TANK WITH FUEL... VERY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11228449
“WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK FULL, THE ENGINE STALLS AND HESITATES FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS AFTER FIRST STARTING THE ENGINE BACK UP AFTER THE FILLING OF THE TANK. IT CAUSES MY ENGINE TO COMPLETELY STOP WORKING AND I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OFF AND RESTART THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11099381

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT transmission failure and overheating

POWER TRAIN

25 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2022-06

“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that there was a rattling noise coming from under the hood of the vehicle while driving. On another occasion while driving approximately 20 MPH, the speedometer went 0 MPH and failed to function as needed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11467205
“NUMERIOUS CVT TRANSMISSION FAILURE / OVERHEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, VERY UNSAFE DUE TO DECELERATION. STARTED IN AUG 2016 AND HAPPENS MONTHLY ANYTIME MORE THAN 45 MINUTES OF DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11022488
“CVT TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF GEAR, HAS TROUBLE GOING INTO GEAR. JUMPS FROM AUTOMATIC TO MANUAL ON ITS OWN. DOES NOT ALWAYS STAY IN GEAR WHEN SHUT DOWN. TRANSMISSION ULTIMATELY FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11051825

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall unrelated to refueling

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

26 NHTSA complaints · 2016-11 → 2024-06

“THE VEHICLE STOPS WITHOUT WARNING - I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT SEVERAL TIMES WHEN DRIVING - THE CAR JUST STOPS RUNNING THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND ON NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS AND AT INTERSECTIONS - IF YOU LET IT SIT FOR AWHILE IT SOMETIMES WILL RESTART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11415285
“CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR A FAULTED ON THE HIGHWAY. UNABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND SPEED DIDN'T GO ABOVE 40 MPH. ENGINE SHUT OFF DURING THE EVENT AS WELL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11076855
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11111317

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag and seat belt recall repair delay

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

29 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2025-06

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN DECEMBER OF 2016”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11021034
“I AM MAKING A COMPLIANT TO YOUR COMPANY ABOUT MY AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELT PRETENSION. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JULY 2017 AND WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT HOW AND WHERE TO GET THE RECALL ISSUE HANDLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066808
“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:”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664286

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2016-11 → 2025-03

“ON MAY 18TH 2017 MY DAUGHTER HAD A CRASH THAT RESULTED IN HER DEATH WHILE DRIVING HER 2011 JEEP PATRIOT. SHE RAN OF OF A FM ROAD, JUMPED A SMALL DRAINAGE CULVERT ON A DOWNGRADE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10992319
“I ROLLED THE JEEP AND NOT ALL THE AIR BAGS PROPERLY DEPLOYED. EVEN THE COP WAS SURPRISED. THE AIRBAG DID NOT COME OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11208730
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, A TWO INCH CONTUSION TO THE FOREHEAD,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10927295

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20 every 8,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles. EcoDiesel 3.0L: 10,000 miles. 4xe plug-in hybrid: 8,000 miles or annually.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. Wrangler with 33+ inch off-road tires: rotate every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from solid axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Wrangler and Gladiator pads wear faster than Grand Cherokee due to higher curb weight per axle.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace front differential fluid every 60,000 miles. Wrangler off-road use (water crossings, sand): inspect every 30,000 miles for water contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Rear axle fluid every 60,000 miles. Limited-slip differentials require Mopar friction modifier. Wrangler Rubicon with locking differentials: same schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for NV3500 and NV245. Wrangler Rock-Trac: 60,000 mi normal, 30,000 mi with regular off-road use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. Wrangler off-road use accelerates moisture intake — annual fluid testing recommended.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service: ZF 8HP fluid every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — never substitute.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Wrangler driven in dust or sand: inspect at every oil change and replace early.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: 16 spark plugs total, replace at 100,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: 16 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Mopar HOAT Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple) for gas engines: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolants.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Compass: behind the glove box. Wrangler/Gladiator: optional cabin filter on later models only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

51 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

20

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Jeep Patriot reflects Jeep's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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