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2017 Jeep Patriot Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2017 Jeep Patriot has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Throttle body failure with loss of acceleration.” 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.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Jeep Patriot.

Reported to NHTSA

Throttle body failure with loss of acceleration

POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2024-11

“Was driving on highway about 70 mph and check engine light, red lightning bolt symbol, and traction control lights all came on wasn't able to accelerate and vehicle wouldn't go above 30 mph”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11623836
“The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several attempts were needed before the vehicle would start. The contact stated that while accelerating, the transmission was slipping”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11552172
“I WAS DRIVING UP TO A RED LIGHT, STOPPED AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO REVVE UP ALL BY ITSELF. I PROCEEDED THROUGH THE GREEN LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE GAS THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE ,I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT, PUT IN PARK AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11112124

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT transmission jerking and overheating

POWER TRAIN

11 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2025-07

“I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A NOISE I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SERVICED IT AND THREE DAYS LATER THE NOISE CAME BACK A WHINING NOISE. ALL OF A SUDDEN IT DIDN'T WANT TO MOVE FORWARD THE WHINING INCREASED, THEN THE OVERHEATED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11218444
“DRIVING AT CITY SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION JERKS 2 TO 6 TIMES AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS, TEMPERATURE, WEATHER, TIME OF DAY. THIS ON A 2017 JEEP PATRIOT 2.4L. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE WE BOUGHT IT IN MARCH OF 2020”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11404366
“Jeep cvr transmission started bucking and hesitating when driving. Having problems shifting when accelerating. Worried it would quit while driving. Had it serviced and no codes came up for transmission. Still has hesitation when driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676959

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger seat belt sensor malfunction

SEAT BELTS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2022-10

“THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT ALARM, WILL SOUND CONTINUOUSLY WHEN SOMEONE IS SEATED IN IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11025131
“I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW FROM A JEEP DEALER IN 2017. I NOTICED LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT SENSOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE SEAT BELT SIGNAL GOES OFF RANDOMLY WHEN A PASSENGER IS RIDING WHILE WEARING THE SEAT BELT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11161848
“I HAVE TWO NON VERBAL AUTSTIC BOYS, I HEARD MY SON GASPING I PULLED OVER AND THE REAR SEAT BELT HAD RETRACTED UNDER HIS RIB CAGE, I KICKED OUT THE BOOSTER SEAT AND LIFTED HIM INTO MY LEG HIGHER TO ATTEMPT TO PULL THE BELT, HE COULD NOT BREATH,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11084293

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water leak into cabin lighting from roof or sunroof

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-04 → 2025-09

“Because they have not sealed the screws on the interior side of the roof that hold the rails on top of the Jeep it now leaks since we have attached a kayak rack to those Jeep factory placed rails”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11684283
“The sunroof leaked into the lights above the driver and passenger seats. As soon as the vehicle started to move this cause the water to dump out of the lights onto the occupants of the vehicle and the vehicle controls”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11480496
“WATER LEAKS FROM THE MAP LIGHTS WHEN IT RAINS. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING AND ALSO CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE LIGHT, SUNROOF CONTROLS AND THE CONTROL PANEL BELOW IT (RADIO AND EVERYTHING ELSE). THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405924

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Active head restraint deployment without collision

AIR BAGS, SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2026-01

“Driver headrest AHR has deployed without any accident or incident. Car is under 100,000 miles. Dealer advises there is no recall or extended warranty on this issue, however research shows other jeep vehicles manufactured at the same time with extended warranty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11708595
“Before this drivers headrest exploded on me striking my neck I was already totally disabled with known cervical issues from congenital spinal stenosis. I've had 3 disk diaections and cage pedicle screws fixation of L4 L5 S1”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11532893
“THE HEAD REST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS DEACTIVATED WITH OUT A REASON AND COULD NOT BE PLACE BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL SETTING. THIS HAPPED WHILE DRIVING IN HIGHWAY. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE SEATING AT THE SEAT THAT TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403586

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake failure preceding a crash

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2025-12

“New pads, rotor, caliper, and wheel hub installed. After driving around 200 miles, approximately 10 days later, while applying the brakes, the rear wheel locked. This caused a roll over crash”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11703520
“The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 MPH and approaching a stoplight, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and stuck on the floorboard”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11440714
“WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WOK IN A JEEP PATRIOT 2017 ON A CITY STREET THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK SUDDENLY AND THE SPEED INCREASED RAPIDLY UNCONTROLLABLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066883

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical shutdown causing stall or no-start

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2026-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START OCCASIONALLY AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217141
“Vehicle position in drive waiting for for a Walmart customer to vacate parking spot when I tried to proceed into the parking spot the car just stopped,tried to restart after putting the truck in park, when the key was turned to start, nothing...hazard lights would not come,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11512010
“THE SECURITY SYSTEM MODULE MALFUNCTIONED AND SHUT DOWN THE CAR. THE GARAGE RESET THE MUDULE BUT IT KEEPS SHUTTING DOWN. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE CAR HAS TO BE RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE - ONLY THEY CAN FIX IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11727526

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Suspension or steering control arm failure

SUSPENSION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2020-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT AFTER A STOP. ALSO, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11031414
“WHAT HAPPENED: WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND SWERVING OF THE VEHILCE WHICH I THOUGHT WAS A FLAT TIRE. I FOUND THAT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH I WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT CRASHING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289886
“DAY 3 OF DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS FOR A LONG DISTANCE VACATION TRIP, THE FRONT END STARTED MAKING NOISES; COULDN'T PINPOINT LOCATION OF NOISE. SUSPECTED WHEEL CALIPER ON FRONT DRIVERS' SIDE, OR SOMETHING IN THAT AREA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307925

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 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

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

Raw data + downloads for this 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)

37 crashes 1990–2024

How the 37 occupant deaths break down

28

driver deaths

9

passenger deaths

37

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2017 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

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

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

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.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues 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 2017 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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