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2011 Jeep Patriot

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By Research the Car 6 min read

The 2011 Jeep Patriot is a compact SUV known for its affordability and off-road capabilities, especially when equipped with the Freedom Drive II four-wheel-drive system. Engine options included a 2.0L inline-4 producing 158 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4L inline-4 generating 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic (available only with the 2.4L engine in later production), and a continuously variable transmission (CVT2). Drivers appreciate the Patriot’s boxy, classic Jeep styling, its fuel efficiency (especially with the 2.0L engine), and its available off-road prowess. Common dislikes include the CVT transmission’s performance, the overall lack of refinement compared to competitors, and some reported reliability issues.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4

  • Engine Misfires
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, noticeable loss of power, check engine light illumination (often with codes indicating misfires on specific cylinders). May be caused by faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
    • Solution: Diagnose the specific cause of the misfire (scanning the computer for the error codes) and replace the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per cylinder, depending on the component needing replacement and if you DIY vs take it to a shop.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Excessive Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: The engine consumes an abnormally high amount of oil, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can lead to low oil levels, potential engine damage, and blue-tinged exhaust smoke.
    • Solution: The fix varies depending on the cause. Often, this means replacing valve stem seals. In more severe cases, piston ring replacement or even engine replacement may be required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the cause and extent of repairs
    • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Inline-4

  • Engine Misfires
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, noticeable loss of power, check engine light illumination (often with codes indicating misfires on specific cylinders). May be caused by faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
    • Solution: Diagnose the specific cause of the misfire and replace the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per cylinder, depending on the component needing replacement and if you DIY vs take it to a shop.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Excessive Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: The engine consumes an abnormally high amount of oil, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can lead to low oil levels, potential engine damage, and blue-tinged exhaust smoke.
    • Solution: The fix varies depending on the cause. Often, this means replacing valve stem seals. In more severe cases, piston ring replacement or even engine replacement may be required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the cause and extent of repairs
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Camshaft/Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, difficulty starting, rough running, and check engine light illumination (often with codes P0340, P0344, P0335, P0339).
    • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

CVT2 (Continuously Variable Transmission)

  • CVT Transmission Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, slipping, shuddering, hesitation, whining noises, and potential loss of power. The transmission may overheat and enter limp mode. Diagnostic trouble codes related to transmission input and output speed sensors, ratio errors, and temperature sensors are often present.
    • Solution: Replacement of the CVT is often the only reliable solution. Repairing a damaged CVT is sometimes possible, but often isn’t worth it
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $5000+ for replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Overheating
    • Description/Symptoms: Illuminated transmission temperature warning light, sluggish performance, and potential for transmission damage.
    • Solution: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. Replace the fluid if it is contaminated. Address any leaks. A transmission cooler may need to be installed or replaced if it is ineffective.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+, depending on the complexity of the repair.
    • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic

  • Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Noticeably hard or jerky shifts between gears, often accompanied by clunking noises.
    • Solution: Could be low transmission fluid, faulty sensors, or damaged valve body or solenoids.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1000+ depending on if its just low fluid or a replacement of parts
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Rear Coil Spring Sag/Breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sits lower than normal, uneven tire wear, clunking noises from the rear suspension, and compromised handling. Broken coil springs can be visually inspected.
    • Solution: Replace the rear coil springs. Consider replacing both springs simultaneously to ensure even suspension performance.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Worn Ball Joints/Tie Rod Ends
    • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering, clunking noises from the front suspension, and uneven tire wear. A qualified mechanic can inspect ball joints and tie rod ends for excessive play.
    • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints and/or tie rod ends. An alignment should be performed after replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent starting problems, fuel pump relay failure (leading to no-start condition), erratic behavior of various electrical components (e.g., wipers, lights, power windows).
    • Solution: Replacement of the TIPM is often required. A bypass relay can be installed for the fuel pump to circumvent the faulty relay in the TIPM as a less expensive alternative.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+ for TIPM replacement; $100 - $300 for fuel pump relay bypass.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Wiper Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Windshield wipers stop working or operate erratically.
    • Solution: Replace the wiper motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Premature rusting on the undercarriage, especially in areas with road salt exposure. Body panels are also susceptible.
    • Solution: Rust repair and prevention. This can range from treating surface rust to replacing entire body panels. Rustproofing treatments can help prevent future rust.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$2000+ depending on severity and area affected.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Headliner Sagging
    • Description/Symptoms: The fabric headliner detaches from the roof and begins to sag.
    • Solution: Re-gluing the headliner fabric or replacing the entire headliner board.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2011 Jeep Patriot presents a mixed bag of potential issues for prospective buyers. While some issues, such as rear coil spring sag and headliner issues, are relatively minor and inexpensive to address, others, like CVT transmission failure and TIPM problems, can be quite costly. Engine misfires and oil consumption are also notable concerns. The severity and cost of potential repairs depend heavily on the specific configuration and the vehicle’s maintenance history. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly recommended.

Jeep, Patriot
Jeep Patriot 2011
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