YearToAvoid

2011 Jeep Patriot Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2011 Jeep Patriot has a complaint index of 70, ranking 4th worst out of 11 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. NHTSA logged 326 complaints, 4 recalls, 20 crashes, and 1 death, with Engine issues the top problem area (88 complaints, 27% share).

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
70/100
#4 of 11 Patriot years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
326
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
4
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
20
reported in complaints
Fires
3
Injuries
12
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2013
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
24
22 city / 27 hwy
Injuries / deaths
12 / 1

Top 2011 Jeep Patriot problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine88 (27%)
  2. Suspension, Wheels & Tires62 (19%)
  3. Structure & Body53 (16%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain53 (16%)
  5. Airbags43 (13%)
  6. Electrical System36 (11%)
  7. Other36 (11%)
  8. Fuel System32 (10%)
  9. Seat Belts25 (8%)
  10. Steering19 (6%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speed, with the vehicle failing to respond to the accelerator.
  • Front tire blowouts leading to loss of control, in one case causing a rollover after impact with a culvert.
  • Exhaust or muffler components overheating and melting nearby bumper plastic, with one owner reporting fire before it fully ignited.
  • Side airbags failing to deploy during crashes, including rollovers and collisions with fixed objects.
  • Brake pedal sinking to the floor with reduced stopping power, resulting in a rear-end collision.
  • Anti-lock brake and traction warning lights activating before a rear wheel locked up and the vehicle swerved off the road.
2011 Jeep Patriot complaints: complaints filed per quarter152011 Q12013 Q12015 Q12017 Q12019 Q12021 Q12023 Q12025 Q3
326 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2015 Q3 (15).

2011 Jeep Patriot recalls

4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 17V824000Dec 21, 2017Other61,791 vehicles

    Equipment

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

    Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

  2. NHTSA 16V668000Sep 15, 2016Airbags1,435,625 vehicles

    Air bags

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

    Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

  3. NHTSA 13V233000Jun 4, 2013Electrical System254,396 vehicles

    Electrical system:software

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

    Risk: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

See all 4 recalls for the 2011 Jeep Patriot →

2011 Jeep Patriot fuel economy and fuel cost

City
22 MPG
Highway
27 MPG
Combined
24 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,700
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2011 compared with other Patriot years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020072008200920102011201220132014201520162017
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2009Caution50191124
2010Good40136225
2011Caution70326424
2012Caution60354424
2013Best20120124

All Jeep Patriot years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Jeep Patriot reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Patriot ranks 4th worst out of 11 model years with a complaint index of 70 and a Caution verdict. Engine problems make up the largest share of complaints at 27%.
What problems does the 2011 Jeep Patriot have?
NHTSA data shows 326 complaints, with Engine (88 complaints), Suspension, Wheels & Tires (62), and Structure & Body (53) as the top problem areas. Reported engine failures had a median mileage of 51,000.
Does the 2011 Jeep Patriot have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2011 Patriot covering airbags, electrical software, steering, and a fire extinguisher replacement. None are do-not-drive recalls.
How does the 2011 Patriot compare to other Patriot years?
The 2011 model's complaint index of 70 is worse than the 2013 (20, Best) and 2017 (10, Best) model years, but better than the 2014 (100, Avoid) and 2016 (90, Avoid) model years.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Jeep Patriot?
The EPA rates the 2011 Patriot at 24 mpg combined (22 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.