Jeep Patriot research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Patriot is one of the most traditional-looking small Jeeps of its era and an inexpensive way into a 4x4. The 2011 refresh fixed much of the cheap-feeling interior. The biggest used-car difference is the transmission: 2011-2013 automatics use a CVT, while most 2014-2017 automatics use a conventional 6-speed. Freedom Drive II models add low range for genuine trail use. Expect modest power and basic features.
Model years covered: 2011–2017. Discontinued after the 2017 model year; no current-year data applies.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Simple boxy design
- Compact exterior size
- Useful square cargo area
- Available 4x4
- Freedom drive ii trail capability
- Low used purchase price
- Traditional jeep styling
Things to know before you buy
- 2011 is the interior refresh year
- 2014 is the key transmission change
- CVT on 2011 2013 automatics and freedom drive ii
- Modest acceleration and mpg
- Suspension and underbody wear with age
- 2017 is the final US model year
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 1 (2007–2017)
The Patriot (MK74) was built from 2007 on the platform shared with the first-generation Compass and Dodge Caliber, using 158-hp 2.0L and 172-hp 2.4L 'World Engine' fours. The 2011 refresh brought a much better interior and revised styling. A 5-speed manual was offered throughout; automatics were CVTs through 2013, then mostly a conventional 6-speed from 2014. Freedom Drive II, with a low-range CVT, made it trail-rated. Production ended in late 2016.
Buyer takeaway: For everyday use, pick a 2014-2017 with the 6-speed automatic or any year with the manual; for trails, a Freedom Drive II. Inspect CVT models carefully and check suspension and rust.
Jeep Patriot by model year
2017 Jeep Patriot
The 2017 Patriot is the final model year, offered with the 158-hp 2.0L or 172-hp 2.4L, a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, and Freedom Drive I or II 4x4. Production ended in late 2016 as the redesigned 2017 Compass took its place. Parts and service remain available through Jeep dealers.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 158 hp 141 lb ft FWD only; 2.4 liter I4 172 hp 165 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 6 speed automatic; CVT with low range freedom drive ii
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Freedom drive i 4x4; Freedom drive ii 4x4 off road package
- Body style: 5 door compact SUV
What changed:
- Final US model year
- Production ended in late 2016
- Succeeded by the redesigned compass and renegade
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine transmission and 4x4 system by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; CVT operation if freedom drive ii; Suspension bushings struts and wheel bearings; Underbody and rust in salt states; 4x4 system operation if equipped; Maintenance history.
2016 Jeep Patriot
The 2016 Patriot continues with the 158-hp 2.0L or 172-hp 2.4L, a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, and the low-range CVT on Freedom Drive II. A 75th Anniversary edition marked Jeep's birthday. It is a dated but simple budget SUV; compare it with a first-generation Compass, which is mechanically similar.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 158 hp 141 lb ft FWD only; 2.4 liter I4 172 hp 165 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 6 speed automatic; CVT with low range freedom drive ii
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Freedom drive i 4x4; Freedom drive ii 4x4 off road package
- Body style: 5 door compact SUV
What changed:
- 75th anniversary special edition
- Trim and package shuffles
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine transmission and 4x4 system by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; CVT operation if freedom drive ii; Suspension bushings struts and wheel bearings; Underbody and rust in salt states; 4x4 system operation if equipped; Maintenance history.
2015 Jeep Patriot
The 2015 Patriot carries over the 2014 setup: 158-hp 2.0L or 172-hp 2.4L engines, a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, and a low-range CVT on Freedom Drive II models. It remains one of the least expensive ways into a 4x4 Jeep, with basic features and modest performance.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 158 hp 141 lb ft FWD only; 2.4 liter I4 172 hp 165 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 6 speed automatic; CVT with low range freedom drive ii
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Freedom drive i 4x4; Freedom drive ii 4x4 off road package
- Body style: 5 door compact SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2014
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine transmission and 4x4 system by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; CVT operation if freedom drive ii; Suspension bushings struts and wheel bearings; Underbody and rust in salt states; 4x4 system operation if equipped; Maintenance history.
2014 Jeep Patriot
For 2014 a conventional 6-speed automatic replaced the CVT on most Patriots, giving a more natural driving feel; it is the key reason to prefer 2014-2017. Engines stay the 158-hp 2.0L and 172-hp 2.4L. Freedom Drive II off-road models keep a CVT with a low-range mode, so confirm the transmission by VIN.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 158 hp 141 lb ft FWD only; 2.4 liter I4 172 hp 165 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 6 speed automatic; CVT with low range freedom drive ii
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Freedom drive i 4x4; Freedom drive ii 4x4 off road package
- Body style: 5 door compact SUV
What changed:
- Conventional 6 speed automatic replaces CVT on most models
- Freedom drive ii keeps its low range CVT
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine transmission and 4x4 system by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; CVT operation if freedom drive ii; Suspension bushings struts and wheel bearings; Underbody and rust in salt states; 4x4 system operation if equipped; Maintenance history.
2013 Jeep Patriot
The 2013 Patriot is mechanically unchanged: 158-hp 2.0L or 172-hp 2.4L engines with a 5-speed manual or CVT. It is the last year the CVT was the standard automatic, so shoppers who want a conventional automatic should look at 2014-2017 models. A manual-transmission 2013 avoids the CVT altogether.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 158 hp 141 lb ft FWD only; 2.4 liter I4 172 hp 165 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable; CVT with low range freedom drive ii
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Freedom drive i 4x4; Freedom drive ii 4x4 off road package
- Body style: 5 door compact SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover
- Last year the CVT was the main automatic
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine transmission and 4x4 system by VIN; CVT operation whine and hesitation if equipped; CVT fluid service records; Suspension bushings struts and wheel bearings; Underbody and rust in salt states; 4x4 system operation if equipped; Maintenance history.
2012 Jeep Patriot
The 2012 Patriot carries over the 2011 refresh: a 158-hp 2.0L or 172-hp 2.4L four with a 5-speed manual or CVT, and front-drive, Freedom Drive I 4x4 or the trail-rated Freedom Drive II. It is a simple, boxy, inexpensive small SUV; the CVT is the main item to test on automatic models.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 158 hp 141 lb ft FWD only; 2.4 liter I4 172 hp 165 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable; CVT with low range freedom drive ii
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Freedom drive i 4x4; Freedom drive ii 4x4 off road package
- Body style: 5 door compact SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2011
- Trim and package shuffles
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine transmission and 4x4 system by VIN; CVT operation whine and hesitation if equipped; CVT fluid service records; Suspension bushings struts and wheel bearings; Underbody and rust in salt states; 4x4 system operation if equipped; Maintenance history.
2011 Jeep Patriot
The 2011 Patriot received a substantially upgraded interior, revised styling details and retuned suspension, addressing the cheap-feeling cabin of earlier years. Engines are a 158-hp 2.0L four (front-drive only) or a 172-hp 2.4L four, with a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic. Freedom Drive II models add a low-range CVT, skid plates and extra ground clearance for real trail use.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 158 hp 141 lb ft FWD only; 2.4 liter I4 172 hp 165 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable; CVT with low range freedom drive ii
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; Freedom drive i 4x4; Freedom drive ii 4x4 off road package
- Body style: 5 door compact SUV
What changed:
- Redesigned interior with better materials
- Revised front styling and suspension tuning
- Quieter cabin
- Freedom drive ii package continues
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine transmission and 4x4 system by VIN; CVT operation whine and hesitation if equipped; CVT fluid service records; Suspension bushings struts and wheel bearings; Underbody and rust in salt states; 4x4 system operation if equipped; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- CVT Operation and Overheating (2011–2017)
2011-2013 automatic Patriots, and Freedom Drive II models through 2017, use a CVT. Owners report whine, hesitation, and reduced power when the CVT gets hot, such as when towing or climbing long grades. A healthy unit is smooth; fluid-service history helps.
What to do: Test a CVT Patriot carefully, including a hill climb, and ask for fluid-service records. - 2014 Switch from CVT to 6-Speed Automatic (2014–2017)
Beginning with 2014, most automatic Patriots use a conventional 6-speed automatic instead of the CVT. Freedom Drive II models keep a CVT with a low-range mode. Listings sometimes mix these up.
What to do: Confirm which transmission a specific Patriot has before buying. - Freedom Drive I and II 4x4 System Check (2011–2017)
Freedom Drive I is a full-time light-duty 4x4 for slippery roads; Freedom Drive II adds a low-range CVT mode, skid plates and more ground clearance. Check that the 4x4 lock works and inspect the rear drive unit and underbody, especially on trail-used Freedom Drive II models.
What to do: Test the 4x4 system and inspect the underbody on 4x4 Patriots. - Suspension and Wheel Bearing Wear (2011–2017)
With age and mileage, Patriots commonly need struts, control-arm bushings, sway-bar links and wheel bearings. These are routine wear items, not defects, but they affect ride and cost.
What to do: Budget for suspension refresh items on a higher-mileage Patriot. - Underbody Corrosion in Salt-Belt States (2011–2017)
Older Patriots driven where roads are salted should be checked for rust on the subframes, brake and fuel lines, exhaust and suspension mounting points.
What to do: Have the underbody inspected on a lift before buying in a salt-belt state. - Engine Oil Level and Maintenance Check (2011–2017)
The 2.0L and 2.4L 'World Engine' fours are simple port-injected engines. As they age, check for oil leaks, oil consumption and timing-chain noise, and favor cars with regular oil changes.
What to do: Check the oil level and look for leaks or cold-start noise.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, build date, engine, transmission, drivetrain, equipment and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Jeep Compass
- Jeep Renegade
- Jeep Cherokee
- Subaru Forester
- Subaru XV Crosstrek
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4
- Ford Escape
- Kia Sportage
- Nissan Rogue
Questions this guide answers
- Does this Patriot have a CVT or a 6-speed automatic?
- What is the difference between Freedom Drive I and II?
- Which Patriot engine is this, 2.0L or 2.4L?
- What changed for the 2011 and 2014 Patriot?
- Is the Patriot good off-road?
- How is the Patriot related to the Compass?
- What should I inspect on a used Patriot?
- When was the Patriot discontinued?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What similar SUVs should I consider?