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KLUNK
KLUNK

2009 Jeep Patriot

The Verdict

46 Proceed with Caution

The 2009 Jeep Patriot has 273 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (114 complaints) and engine (78 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 46/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Jeep Patriot, consider the 2017 model year which has 78% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2017 has 78% fewer complaints

View the 2017 Jeep Patriot dashboard →

46

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200710551612222
2008202124614045
200911413297839
2010625445621
20111306559440
20124426819243
2013284363517
20141102017918846
201595174612629
201681196725235
2017185131211

By Category

Body
114
Engine
78
Transmission
39
Electrical
29
Brakes
13

By Severity

1
118
2
148
3
1
4
6

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 1

Engine stalls only after filling up gas, resulting in check engine light or oil light turning on. I have taken it to numerous mechanics, who have all given me different answers, with anywhere from issues with EVAP hoses and fuel tank, to the fuel pump, or purge system. Problem was never addressed or mentioned when bought from dealership in June 2025 but noticed immediately after filling up gas for the first time since purchase of the car and problem occurs continuously after filling up gas. Not sure if related either, but if gas tank is overfilled at all in the slightest, it leaks out the bottom immediately.

6mo ago
Transmission 2

I am submitting this complaint regarding the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failure in our Jeep vehicle. We have experienced intermittent transmission issues throughout our entire period of ownership. The CVT has now completely failed—the vehicle will not shift out of low gear. The RPMs surge rapidly, and although the vehicle will move at very low speeds if you ease off the accelerator, it will not reach normal driving speeds, making it unsafe and unusable for daily travel. The check engine light is on, and diagnostic codes confirm a CVT-related issue. The vehicle originally came with a lifetime powertrain warranty. We complied with the required inspection and maintenance schedule, except for the most recent inspection, which we missed due to a personal hardship. Jeep initially sent reminders for these inspections but eventually stopped, and we received no notice of the upcoming deadline. The vehicle has been regularly maintained by a trusted local repair shop. Despite this, it is now undriveable. From both our personal experience and broader consumer reports, it’s clear that these types of CVT failures are common among Jeep vehicles. Jeep has refused to honor the warranty, stating it could only be reinstated if we paid for the repairs ourselves within a specific timeframe—which has now passed. This policy places an unreasonable burden on the consumer, especially for a known and recurring mechanical issue. We believe Jeep is failing to take responsibility for a serious safety and performance defect. I respectfully ask the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and evaluate whether broader action—such as a recall—is warranted.

11mo ago
Body 1

My whole front end of my jeep when I stop feels like it's coming out from underneath me

24mo ago
Engine 2

Changed catalytic converter now my car want go over 5 mph

26mo ago
Engine 1

After refueling the vehicle at a gas station, I drive about a 1/4 of a mile and the engine will stall and die. It will immediately restart and when I step on the gas pedal the engine has no power and will stall again. I will start it a third time and then it will run ok until I need to fill-up again. I think this is a safety hazard because I stand a good chance of getting rear ended being stuck in traffic. I have read many articles about people having the same problem. Seems the fix is replacing the gas tank which costs about $1500.00. Please make the responsible party face this serious safety issue.

32mo ago
Engine 1

Faulty gas tank. Doesn’t fill and gas shoots out during the fill process.

33mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to a tire repair shop for alignment and tire rotation services; however, the contact was informed that the services could not be performed because the rear crossmember was severely corroded and fractured, which caused damages to the rear tires. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the front crossmember was corroded. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's mother. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under TSB Number: 23-007-17 REV.B, because the TSB had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000. The VIN was unavailable.

34mo ago
Body 1

Subframe front and rear are completely rusted out and unsafe to drive

37mo ago
Transmission 1

I report reveral times issuess with my gear box, but each time they said the car is fine. The problems start after the car was serviced years ago to Jeep Desources rep (3400 Sources Blvd, Dollard-des-Ormeaux QC H9B 1Z9, Canada) but the issues become worst in time. It started to not be able to drive in authomatic mode but ok in manual and they told me that forgot to tide a transmition cable and now when I am reporting the issue, I cannot drive and any mode (authomatic or manual) and base on service department, nothing is wrong with the car. what they are waiting, to have an accident or die? Since I bought the car, all the maintenace of it was not as supposed as per maintenance manual of the car – to give an example, oil change it’s come on after 3000km no matter where i drive (city or highway) and the blain me for driving the car. With all respect, every time i made compline i felt no one offer me the correct attention and the issue with the gear box for me is abouve the accepted limit.

41mo ago
Transmission 2

Vehicle's CVT transmission will overheat and cause the speed of the vehicle to slow down, unable to speed back up, and the acceleration to be extremely slow, if at all. This can cause the vehicle to decelerate rapidly, and unexpectedly on the highway (or generally any speed, for that matter) which can cause an accident at high speeds, all in which the driver had no control over how the vehicle behaved due to the transmission behaving erratically on it's own. I have researched and down that this is a common issue that Jeep/Chrysler knew of, and 1000's of Jeep Patriot owners/owners of vehicles with CVT transmissions have experienced.

44mo ago
Body 2

front and rear crossmember assembly rusted through car available. acknowledged history on this and related models of Chrysler products resulting in a additional 10 yr warrantee on these components which was not communicated to original owners and has now expired. vehicle has the potential to lose driver control and cause injury or death. no warning but rust has been visible for years but consumers not advised of extended warrantee. now cost of repair exceeds book value. Jeep disavows any responsibility for this defect in materials after the warrantee's expiration.

44mo ago
Body 2

Vehicle started making a metal rub noise. Took to mechanic. K frame front drivers side is completely broken in two. Engine could have broken thru and caused a crash. No warning lights

46mo ago
Engine 1

We bought this car in March of 22 for our daughter. She used to drive back and forth between Mankato, MN and Coralville, IA. Every time she has driven it, the overheating light has come on and the car slows down below 50 mph. We have taken it to the mechanic, who we bought it from, three times for repairs. Every time we think it is done, the same thing happens. She has also had two different mechanics look at in Mankato. On Friday, September 2, 2022, after only driving an hour, the overheat light came on the car slowed to below 50 mph. She said there was a semi behind her that almost rear-ended her when this happened. I believe there is a danger with this car. I have read a lot complaints, on different online forums, that this year and model of Jeep has a problem with its CVT-continuously variable transmission. https://repairpal.com/cvt-transmission-543 "Problem Description There have been numerous complaints of early transmission failure, even with with normal servicing. Issues start with a whining noise, overheat warnings, and an inability to accelerate. The most common solution is replacement of the transmission. Late 2014 model year Patriots changed to a non-CVT transmission. 891 people reported this problem 244 comments Jeep Patriot Vehicles With This Problem 11 model years affected 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, view all Average mileage: 94,755 (1,700–1,000,000)

47mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the vehicle front subframe was corroded. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the front subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that in July 2022, the vehicle was taken to a tire shop and the contact was informed that the rear subframe was corroded. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

48mo ago
Body 2

My rear subframe is completely rusted through. It is available for inspection. It has been confirmed by an independent service center. Warranties were issued to 2007 owners or 10 years old. 3 years ago I noticed a squeek in the trunk. Was told it was struts so I had them replaced. Now the vehicle knocks and squeaks so bad it has to sit until I can afford to replace subframe.

48mo ago
Transmission 2

The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started to decelerate. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and after restarting the vehicle, he drove to his residence. The contact took the vehicle to three different independent mechanics who failed to service the vehicle due to a recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure due to the vehicle being over 10 years old. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V528000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer has been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

49mo ago
Electrical 2

Dome light leaking water when rain or snow, leaving seats, car floor mats drenched. Had to replace radio three times and it smells like something burning

52mo ago
Transmission 2

Air conditioner drain drips directly on subframe cross brace for front cradle, erosion and road grim along with neverending dripping water even from using defrost leads to rust and cross brace breaking into and well you can use your imagination for what happens next. Drain needs extended and re routed because I know I can't be the only one with this problem.

53mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the anti-theft warning light would illuminate and the vehicle would fail to start up. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was parked and remained at the residence unrepaired. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer had been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

53mo ago
Engine 1

Car shuts off after fueling. Is a common problem with other Jeep owners found on Google. My mechanic actually found the articles. Apparently it is a Rollover valve issue. Like others have suggested, not to fill the fuel tank full unless you want to pay over $1000 for a new gas tank. I don't want to drive in fear this car is going to keep shutting off. Why hasn't this been fixed when so many others have had the same issue?

55mo ago

273 total

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