In the compact SUV market, the Jeep Patriot stands as an alternative to the Compass. Like all vehicles from the brand, the SUV is built to deliver impressive performance on uneven surfaces. However, in most aspects, it proves to be substandard. The acceleration capabilities are fairly underwhelming, ride quality is jittery and lacks tranquility, and the vehicle is a gas-guzzler in the truest sense. But for family-oriented buyers, Patriot’s high-reliability quotient can be a significant selling point. Compared to its sales figures of 92,000 units, the American SUV has 487 complaints and 2 recalls listed to its name. Most of its grievances either deal with the mechanical components or the vehicle’s safety setup. The 2014 Jeep Patriot price starts at $16,195 and in its segment, the compact option competes with the likes of the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-5, and the Subaru Forester.
2014 Jeep Patriot User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Unexpected deployment of headrest: In the Jeep Patriot problems list, buyers of the SUV have reported the head restrains deploying without any collision or crash. In most cases, this happens due to a broken pin inside the head restraint. The malfunction has resulted in injuries to the occupants and though it is a common problem, no recall has yet been initiated by the brand.
- Improper functioning of airbags: Buyers of the 2014 Jeep Patriot have also reported issues with the vehicle’s airbag system. In most cases, complaints have recorded the inability of the airbags to deploy in case of a crash, which has resulted in injuries to the occupants. Though a confirmation about the underlying cause is yet to be made, the malfunctioning of the Occupant Restraint Control, addressed by NHTSA ID 16V668000, can be a possible reason. However, the parts for repair are currently not available with the dealerships, which has resulted in delayed remedy.
Interior Complaints
- Issues with the seat belts: In a handful of cases, buyers of the 2014 Patriot have reported the failure of the seatbelts to restrain the occupant in case of a crash. The seat belts fail to tighten upon impact, which can increase the risk of a crash. In one listed instance, the rear passenger seat belt tightened unexpectedly, which resulted in the occupant suffering from a choking feeling. Currently, there is a recall that deals with the issues of the seat belt, which is similar to the one listed under airbags above.
Structural Complaints
- Variegated structural concerns: The 2014 Jeep Patriot issues also deal with the compact SUV’s structural deficiencies. In more than a couple of cases, buyers have reported water entering the vehicle’s trunk when it rains. Whether or not it has resulted in molding is yet to be known, however, a suspected structural inconsistency can be attributed as a cause of the concern. In other cases, complainants have also recorded the sunroof exploding or the windshield developing cracks, without any impact or incidence.
Mechanical Complaints
- Acceleration issues and engine stalling: The 2014 Jeep Patriot throttle body problems are one of the most common complaints in the current iteration. Complaints have reported the throttle body warning light appearing randomly on the display. The SUV shakes heavily and fails to pick speed, which is followed by the traction control and check engine light illuminating on the information cluster. Where a diagnosis has been conducted, a failure of the throttle body control has been attributed as the root cause of the problem.
- Issues with the fuel pump: In several cases, users have reported their inability to fill fuel inside the vehicle’s tank. Buyers have reported that the SUV takes an excessively long time to pump gas, while sometimes it spills out despite the tank not being full to the brim. In most cases, a faulty check valve results in malfunction and warrants a replacement.
- Issues with the transmission unit: The 2014 Jeep Patriot transmission problems are typical to all CVT units. When idling or in motion, buyers have reported the vehicle shuddering excessively due to the transmission unit slipping or shifting roughly between gears. Additionally, some users have also recorded their transmission overheating, which results in a whining noise when the vehicle is driven. In most cases where a diagnosis was conducted, dealerships have suggested the replacement of the transmission unit or the flushing of its fluid.
- Squeaking brakes: On almost all surfaces, buyers of the 2014 Jeep Patriot have reported the vehicle’s brakes making a screeching noise when the pedal is depressed. In most cases, it has been recorded that the brake rotors or pads fail prematurely and require repair or replacement depending on the extent of the damage.
- Engine failure: In several cases, buyers of the 2014 Patriot have also recorded the vehicle losing its motive power and stalling abruptly. The most possible cause for the issue is either low engine oil levels or a problem with the crankshaft sensor that requires replacement.
2014 Jeep Patriot Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|
1. |
15th Sept 2016 |
16V668000 |
Improper functioning of airbags and seat belts |
Due to a short circuit in the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module, the front, and side airbags and seat belt pretensioners might not deploy in case of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the OCR module, free of cost. |
|
2. |
6th Nov 2013 |
13V552000 |
Possible engine stalling |
Loss of engine oil pressure due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings might result in the engine stalling. |
Dealers will replace the balance shaft module, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2014 Jeep Patriot?
The 2014 Jeep Patriot recalls and complaints do not seem blown out proportions considering the compact SUV’s sales figures. It promises a hassle-free ownership experience and even the safety scores seem decent per segment standards. So, from a reliability standpoint, we do urge buyers to opt for the American option. However, when taking overall performance into consideration, Patriot’s appeal falls considerably. While it is adequately comfortable and can be an impressive choice for off-road duties, its unnerving ride and handling, inferior material quality, and constricted cargo space all stand antithetical to its cause. Additionally, the availability of recently redesigned vehicles also cut through its popularity, and in its segment, we expect the 2014 Mazda CX-5to provide a better bang for the buck and more versatile performance than all of its rivals.
