Which year to buy
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012CAREFULSerious complaints 1.2× usual, mostly engine and fuel system Extended coverage
323 serious complaints of 354, the most about engine (114) and fuel system (86); per car on the road, 1.2× this model's usual year. 4 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21002: desiccated air bag inflator rupture. NHTSA investigation PE12032: engine stall, fuel delivery failure.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 jeep patriot. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the crank shaft sensor connector needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Jan 2017
“The contact owns a 2012 jeep patriot. After the contact filled up the vehicle with fuel and while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled. Also, the check engine indicator illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but did not assist.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the fuel system, Dec 2018
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Front And Rear Crossmember Corrosion (X69 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves inspecting the front and rear crossmembers for perforation/rust through and if necessary, replacing the crossmember(s). (23-007-17, Mar 2017)
- Extended coverage Customers may comment on the following:The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset. (2302920, Nov 2020)
- Repair program Emissions Recall U67 - Catalytic Converter Efficiency - Dealer Notification (Revision 11) (U67, Jun 2026)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
354 owner complaints · 4 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–25 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 trims and features
Every Patriot year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl; 2.4L 4-cyl · Drive: 4WD, FWD
2012 Patriot trims
| Latitude | Limited | Sport |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Jeep reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Jeep aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 59 | Unknown or other (15) | — |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 458 | Engine (224) | — |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 315 | Engine (103) | — |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 548 | Engine (156) | — |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 120 | Air bags (33) | — |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 354 | Engine (114) | — |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 326 | Engine (66) | — |
| 2010 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 188 | Fuel/propulsion system (42) | — |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Jeep Patriot SUV 4WD | 4 | No | No | 0 | 59 |
| 2017 | Jeep Patriot SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 0 | 59 |
| 2016 | Jeep Patriot SUV 2WD | 4 | No | No | 1 | 458 |
| 2016 | Jeep Patriot SUV 4WD | 4 | No | No | 1 | 458 |
| 2015 | Jeep Patriot SUV 2WD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 315 |
| 2015 | Jeep Patriot SUV 4WD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 315 |
| 2014 | Jeep Patriot SUV 2WD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 548 |
| 2014 | Jeep Patriot SUV 4WD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 548 |
| 2013 | Jeep Patriot SUV 4WD | 4 | No | No | 1 | 120 |
| 2013 | Jeep Patriot SUV 2WD | 4 | No | No | 1 | 120 |
| 2012 | Jeep Patriot SUV 4WD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 354 |
| 2012 | Jeep Patriot SUV 2WD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 354 |
| 2011 | Jeep Patriot SUV 4WD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 326 |
| 2011 | Jeep Patriot SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 326 |
| 2010 | Jeep Patriot 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 188 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Patriot 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
21–24 |
| 2017 | Patriot FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2016 | Patriot 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
21–24 |
| 2016 | Patriot FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2015 | Patriot 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
21–24 |
| 2015 | Patriot FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2014 | Patriot 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
21–25 |
| 2014 | Patriot FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
24–25 |
| 2013 | Patriot 2WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2013 | Patriot 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off Road Package |
21–24 |
| 2012 | Patriot 2WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2012 | Patriot 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off Road Package |
21–24 |
| 2011 | Patriot 2WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2011 | Patriot 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off-road Package |
21–24 |
| 2010 | Patriot 2WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2010 | Patriot 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off Road Package |
21–25 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.