YearToAvoid

2011 Jeep Patriot Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 19 steering complaints for the 2011 Jeep Patriot, 6% of its 326 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 40,000. A related recall, 11V315000, covers a steering column pivot issue. Two crashes were reported, no fires or injuries.

Steering complaints
19
6% of 326
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
40,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Some owners describe the vehicle drifting or pulling to one side even after dealer alignment adjustments.
  • Several report the steering wheel seizing or locking up briefly at low speeds, sometimes requiring the vehicle to be shut off and restarted.
  • Owners describe a 'death wobble' where the steering becomes hard to control after hitting a bump, especially on highway trips.
  • Some report the steering wheel needing to be held at an angle to keep the vehicle going straight, a problem that returned after repeated shop visits.
  • Others describe sloppy steering with moaning noises traced to worn lower control arm bushings.
  • A few owners lost power steering assist during separate stalling incidents involving the throttle body or engine cutting out.

When 2011 Jeep Patriot steering complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 21, 2011, latest Mar 9, 2023.

2011 Jeep Patriot steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Apr 2011Jul 2013Nov 2015Aug 2018Oct 2020May 2022
19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2011 to Mar 2023; peak Jun 2021 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2011 Jeep Patriot

  1. NHTSA 11V315000Jun 8, 2011Steering11,096 vehicles

    Steering:column

    Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.

    Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Steering complaints by Patriot model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201014 (10%)
  2. 201119 (6%)
  3. 201211 (3%)
  4. 20133 (3%)
  5. 201412 (2%)
  6. 201530 (10%)
  7. 201624 (5%)
  8. 20174 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2011 Jeep Patriot have?
NHTSA lists 19 steering complaints for the 2011 Jeep Patriot, which makes up 6% of the 326 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2011 Jeep Patriot?
Yes. Recall 11V315000, reported June 8, 2011, covers the steering column pivot and involves inspecting for rivet presence and alignment, repaired free of charge by dealers.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2011 Jeep Patriot is 40,000 miles.
Did the steering problems cause any crashes?
NHTSA data shows 2 crashes linked to steering complaints on the 2011 Jeep Patriot, with no fires or injuries reported.
How does the 2011 Patriot compare to other years for steering complaints?
The 2011 Patriot's steering complaints made up 6% of its total complaints, lower than the 2010 model's 10% share and the 2015 model's 10% share, but higher than 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016.

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.