YearToAvoid

2014 Jeep Patriot Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

100/100

#1 most-complained of 8 Patriot years

The 2014 Jeep Patriot ranks worst of 8 model years, with 548 complaints and a complaint index of 100, the highest of any year. Engine issues (34% of complaints) and airbag non-deployment (27%) drive its Avoid verdict.

Complaints
548
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
31 / 7
Injuries / deaths
40 / 2
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
24
21.5 city / 28 hwy

Top 2014 Jeep Patriot problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine189 (34%)
  2. Airbags149 (27%)
  3. Seat Belts104 (19%)
  4. Electrical System90 (16%)
  5. Brakes73 (13%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain70 (13%)
  7. Other65 (12%)
  8. Structure & Body47 (9%)
  9. Fuel System42 (8%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires14 (3%)

What owners report

  • Some owners report the engine backfiring violently with smoke and flames from under the hood while driving.
  • Owners describe airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed crashes around 35 to 45 mph, resulting in injuries.
  • Several owners report an electrical burning smell followed by smoke or fire coming from under the hood, sometimes while parked.
  • One owner reported the key could be removed from the ignition while the vehicle was still in drive, causing it to roll and crash.
  • Owners describe seeing sparks near the tail end of the vehicle followed by smoke filling the interior.
2014 Jeep Patriot complaints: complaints filed per quarter882013 Q22015 Q12016 Q42018 Q32020 Q22022 Q12023 Q42025 Q3
863 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2017 Q2 (88).

2014 Jeep Patriot recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. NHTSA 13V552000Nov 6, 2013Engine521 vehicles

    Engine

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.

    Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.

2014 Jeep Patriot fuel economy and fuel cost

City
21.5 MPG
Highway
28 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.

2014 compared with other Patriot years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020102011201220132014201520162017
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012Good43354424
2013Best14120124
2014Avoid100548224
2015Caution71315124
2016Avoid86458124

All Jeep Patriot years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Jeep Patriot a bad year?
Among the 8 model years with data, 2014 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 548 complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Patriot years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2014 Jeep Patriot?
Engine problems are the top complaint area, making up 34% of complaints (189 total), with a median failure mileage of 59,879 miles, followed by airbag issues at 27%.
Does the 2014 Jeep Patriot have any recalls?
NHTSA lists two recalls: one from 2016 covering an airbag Occupant Restraint Control issue, and one from 2013 covering an engine balance shaft module problem in vehicles with 2.4L engines. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
How does 2014 compare to other Jeep Patriot years?
2014 has the highest complaint index (100) of all 8 years tracked, worse than 2016 (86, Avoid) and far worse than 2013 (14, Best) and 2017 (0, Best).
What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Jeep Patriot?
EPA rates it at 24 mpg combined (21.5 city / 28 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.