Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2009 Jeep Patriot sits mid-pack among Patriot years: 292 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 283, with a single recall and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (49), suspension (38), and transmission (38), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
292
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 49 | 17% | — flat |
| Suspension | 38 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 38 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 35 | 12% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 32 | 11% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 24 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Other | 21 | 7% | — flat |
| Brakes | 13 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 10 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 8 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 8 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 6 | 2% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 0% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 0% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.
Consequence
THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE REAR SUSPENSION CROSMEMBER CORRODED AND SNAPPED IN HALF. THERE WAS A 10YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I APPARENTLY MISSED BY A FEW MONTHS. THIS IS SUPER DANGEROUS. IT CAUSED THE TIRE TO POP WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM IT RUBBING AND THEN I VEERED OFF THE ROAD. THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER IS ALSO IN…”
“WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR OCCASSIONALLY WOULD ACT LIKE IT WANTED TO GO, THEN SLOWLY START TO SHIFT TO MOVE. THERE WOULD BE A WHINING NOISE WHEN SLOWING DOWN, BUT NO LIGHTS CAME ON UNTIL 2 DAYS BEFORE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STOPPED MOVING WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A RURAL ROAD 2…”
“VEHICLE SUSPENSION CRADLE IS BADLY CORRODED AND HAS LARGE HOLES AND IS MISSING SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF MATERIAL. THIS WAS DISCOVERED DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE BY AN ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISES THE VEHICLE CRADLE IS CLOSE TO TOTAL FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION. A PHOTO OF THE…”
“WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR OCCASSIONALLY WOULD ACT LIKE IT WANTED TO GO, THEN SLOWLY START TO SHIFT TO MOVE. THERE WOULD BE A WHINING NOISE WHEN SLOWING DOWN, BUT NO LIGHTS CAME ON UNTIL 2 DAYS BEFORE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STOPPED MOVING WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A RURAL ROAD 2…”
“Unknown the Jeep Patriot 2009 was purchased from DND auto in Belvidere NJ 07823. Failed inspection ABS U0416 codes pop up which the brake system. ESP U1110, PAS U1120. This vehicle under has stalled and brake system failed. Alternator also is not working properly. Odometer does not work properly. ”
It is close to typical for the Patriot: 292 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (49 complaints), suspension (38 complaints), transmission (38 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Jeep Patriot. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Patriot years to avoid are 2014, 2016, 2012, 2015, 2011, 2013. The cleanest record among Patriot years belongs to 2002.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.