2012 Jeep Patriot

Introduction

The 2012 Jeep Patriot is a compact SUV that offers a blend of off-road capability and everyday practicality. It comes with a choice of two engine options: a 2.0L four-cylinder and a 2.4L four-cylinder. The 2.0L engine is paired with a five-speed manual or six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the 2.4L engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

2.0L Four-Cylinder

• Excessive oil consumption: Oil consumption may exceed one quart per 1,000 miles due to worn piston rings.
  • Solution: Replace piston rings and oil pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recall: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket leak: A leak can develop in the intake manifold gasket, causing a loss of power and increased emissions.
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recall: None Found

2.4L Four-Cylinder

• Timing chain failure: The timing chain may stretch or break, causing engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recall: None Found
• Camshaft position sensor failure: The camshaft position sensor may malfunction, causing engine misfires and reduced power.
  • Solution: Replace camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recall: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Grinding gears: Gears may grind when shifting, especially when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: Replace synchronizers and/or shift fork.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recall: None Found

Six-Speed CVT

• Shifting problems: The transmission may hesitate or jerk when shifting gears.
  • Solution: Update transmission software and/or replace valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recall: None Found

Suspension

• Front suspension clunking: A clunking noise may be heard from the front suspension when driving over rough roads.
  • Solution: Replace lower control arms and/or ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recall: None Found
• Rear suspension sagging: The rear suspension may sag over time, causing the vehicle to lean to one side.
  • Solution: Replace rear coil springs or shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recall: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain: The battery may drain quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic drain and inspect charging system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recall: None Found
• Headlight switch failure: The headlight switch may fail, causing the headlights to turn off unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recall: None Found

Exterior

• Fog light condensation: Condensation may build up inside the fog lights, causing them to become cloudy or inoperable.
  • Solution: Replace fog lights and/or install anti-fog resistors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recall: None Found
• Rear bumper cracking: The rear bumper may crack over time, especially in cold climates.
  • Solution: Replace rear bumper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recall: None Found

Interior

• Seat fabric pilling: The seat fabric may develop pilling due to wear and tear.
  • Solution: None available; considered normal wear and tear.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A
  • Recall: None Found
• Dashboard cracking: The dashboard may crack over time, especially when exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recall: None Found
• Climate control failure: The climate control system may malfunction, causing the air conditioning or heat to fail.
  • Solution: Inspect and repair electrical system and/or replace climate control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recall: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Jeep Patriot offers a capable off-road experience, but it is not without its issues. Some of the more severe and costly problems include excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, and transmission shifting issues. Interior and exterior issues are generally less severe and costly, but they can still be annoying. Overall, the Patriot is a reliable vehicle, but it is important to be aware of potential issues before making a purchase decision.