VehicleVerdict

2008 Jeep Patriot Fwd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 145 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median Patriot Fwd year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 4 Patriot Fwd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (36), body & structure (23), and steering (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

145

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Patriot Fwd years?

Patriot Fwd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted145 complaints2007: 52 complaints2008: 145 complaints2009: 36 complaints2010: 30 complaints
Patriot Fwd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Patriot Fwd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Jeep Patriot Fwd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension3625%
Body & Structure2316%
Steering1712%
Transmission1510%
Engine139%
Electrical System86%
Tires & Wheels75%
Fuel System75%
Other64%
Lighting53%
Speed Control43%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Brakes11%
Seats11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2008 Jeep Patriot Fwd have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10E043000OtherSeptember 3, 2010 · 294 units

Defect

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Consequence

AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy

MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ON 9/23/2011, I WAS DRIVING 15-20 MPH WHEN A DODGE CHARGER STRUCK MY JEEP ON MY DRIVERSIDE DOOR CAUSING MY JEEP TO LOSE CONTROL AND ROLL COMPLETELY. MY SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING A CONCUSSION. I HAVE SOME MEMORY LOSS AND BACK AND NECK INJURIES. MY JEEP ROLLED ONTO A MEDIAN CAUSING THE ROOF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 23, 2011 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP PATRIOT FWD. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 4, 2016

“ON 9/23/2011, I WAS DRIVING 15-20 MPH WHEN A DODGE CHARGER STRUCK MY JEEP ON MY DRIVERSIDE DOOR CAUSING MY JEEP TO LOSE CONTROL AND ROLL COMPLETELY. MY SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING A CONCUSSION. I HAVE SOME MEMORY LOSS AND BACK AND NECK INJURIES. MY JEEP ROLLED ONTO A MEDIAN CAUSING THE ROOF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 23, 2011 · crash

“SUDDENLY CAR SLOWED TO 40 MILES PER HOUR IN THE MIDDLE OF FAST RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON SOUTHBOUND HIGHWAY TEN IN CHANDLER. CARS SWERVED OUT OF WAY...I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND COULD NOT GET OUT OF TRAFFIC FOR ANOTHER FIVE MILES....PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND UNTIL I DISCOVERED THE LEMON CVT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 6, 2010 · fire

“I BOUGHT MY JEEP IN SEPT OF 2010, TOOK IT FOR AN OIL CHANGE IN DEC,2010. WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM, I WAS TOLD THE PATRIOTS WERE HAVING ALOT OF ISSUES WITH THAT PART COMING OUT LOOSE STRAIGHT OUT OF THE FACTORY. IT MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN I DRIVE IT. I'VE HAD MULTIPLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 10, 2010

2008 Jeep Patriot Fwd — common questions

Is the 2008 Jeep Patriot Fwd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 145 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 4 Patriot Fwd years. It is one of the Patriot Fwd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Patriot Fwd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (36 complaints), body & structure (23 complaints), steering (17 complaints).

Does the 2008 Jeep Patriot Fwd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Jeep Patriot Fwd. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Jeep Patriot Fwd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Patriot Fwd years to avoid are 2008. The cleanest record among Patriot Fwd years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.