2009 Jeep Patriot

The 2014 Patriot equipped with the Jatco CVT (marketed as CVT2) suffers from premature transmission failure characterized by shuddering, whining, loss of power, and overheating. The CVT overheats during highway driving or light towing, triggering a temperature warning light and limp mode. Complete failure typically occurs between 70,000 and 120,000 miles.

Replace the CVT fluid with CVTF+4 at 60,000-mile intervals as preventive maintenance. Install an auxiliary transmission cooler to reduce operating temperatures. When the CVT fails, replacement with a new or remanufactured unit is necessary as rebuilds are often unreliable. TSB 21-004-14 covers CVT fluid level inspection and fluid replacement procedures.

The 2014 Patriot is widely reported to produce insufficient cabin heat in cold weather, with the engine temperature gauge barely reaching normal operating range. The issue is caused by the 2.4L engine's relatively low heat output, a thermostat that opens at too low a temperature, and an undersized heater core. This is a chronic design limitation rather than a single-point failure.

Replace the thermostat with the updated higher-temperature Mopar unit (part number revised in TSB 07-008-14). Flush the heater core to remove any blockages reducing coolant flow. Verify the coolant system is properly bled of air pockets, as trapped air drastically reduces heater performance. Some owners install an aftermarket grille block or radiator shroud for winter driving.

The Patriot experiences random stalling at idle, intermittent check engine lights, and electrical glitches including dimming dash lights and radio resets. The throttle position sensor and idle air control systems are common failure points. The alternator output is marginal for the electrical load, and battery drain from modules failing to sleep mode is also reported.

Clean the throttle body and replace the throttle position sensor if codes P0121 or P0122 are stored. Update the PCM software per TSB 18-011-14. Check the alternator output under load and replace if below specification. Perform a parasitic draw test to identify any modules not entering sleep mode properly.

The front strut assemblies, upper strut mounts, and lower control arm bushings wear prematurely on the Patriot, causing clunking, poor ride quality, and alignment drift. The strut mount bearings fail and produce a popping or grinding noise during slow-speed turns. These components frequently need replacement between 50,000 and 80,000 miles.

Replace the front struts with complete quick-strut assemblies that include new mounts and bearings. Replace the lower control arm bushings or complete control arms if the bushings are deteriorated. Perform a four-wheel alignment after suspension work. TSB 02-009-14 covers front suspension noise diagnosis procedures.

The rear drum brakes on 2WD Patriot models are prone to adjuster seizure, causing the brakes to not self-adjust as the shoes wear. This results in excessive brake pedal travel, poor braking performance, and the parking brake becoming ineffective. The drum hardware corrodes and binds, particularly in salt-belt regions.

Remove the rear drums and clean all brake hardware including the self-adjuster mechanism. Replace the adjuster assemblies, return springs, and hold-down hardware with a complete hardware kit. If the drum braking surface is scored, replace the drums. Apply anti-seize compound to the adjuster threads and the backing plate contact points.

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.

THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.