2008 Jeep Patriot 4x4: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jan 1, 2015 · Suspension, Transmission · 55,000 miles · SD

2008 jeep patriot began making clunking/cracking noises from the front end at approximately 50,000 miles. Took into local jeep dealer and they stated the ball joints were in very poor condition and needed to be replaced via front end lower control arms. After seeing what they were going to charge, took to an alignment shop. While driving to this shop, brakes began grinding. Ball joint failure caused brakes and caliper to be misaligned on the rotor causing the rotors to be damaged. Mechanic pressed in moog ball joints they said would be superior to oem parts and that they replace ball joints on patriot, compass and caliber often. After getting ball joints replaced, the jeep began handling poorly in snow packed road conditions, where the front of the jeep feels uncontrollable and would sway from side to side, all while having total control of the steering wheel. Took back to jeep, they said it was a ball joint issue once again and that the inner tie rods were loose, but didn't think that a slightly loose tie rod would cause the jeep to go from side to side. Purchased new tires, thinking it was aging tires. No luck and vehicle over time has become unsafe to drive on road, even on regular driving conditions. Took to gmc dealer where a well known jeep mechanic works. Confirmed tie rods are loose and strut is leaking. I understand wear and tear on vehicles, but after researching jeep patriot reviews/problems, I came across an even more alarming trends in the front suspension and other http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97871 http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34529 http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41396 http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15863 http://www.edmunds.com/jeep/patriot/2008/SUV/consumer-reviews/ http://www.cars.com/jeep/patriot/2008/consumer-reviews/

Filed May 4, 2013 · Suspension · IN

I had been hearing grinding noises from the front of my jeep; still under 3/yr warranty- I brought it in to the dealership. At first they did not hear or see any concerns and stated the noise was my tires. Of course it was suggested to get my tires replaced especially my front right due to the uneven wear. So I did, sound continued to become more consistent- I took it back to the dealer and they found my control arms, and ball joints to be bad. Same problem is occurring again- took it back to dealer- they did not see/hear any problems and now I have a clunking noise louder than the grinding noise. I'm concerned this is a safety problem and I do not have the money to take to dealership again- not to mention I feel I've already paid for this problem once to be fixed.

Filed Feb 22, 2012 · Transmission · 42,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep patriot 4x4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, she noticed a loud grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised her that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the transmission. Approximately 20,000 miles later the transmission experienced the same failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they advised her that the transmission had failed a second time. The manufacturer was contacted and had not yet responded to the contact's concerns. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000 and the current mileages were approximately 66,000.

Filed Jul 21, 2011 · Electrical · 27,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep patriot 4x4. The contact stated that the alternator failed and a grinding noise could be heard coming from the alternators bearings whenever the engine was started. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure after performing a diagnostic test. The grinding noise continued to worsen. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that they would reimburse half of the repair costs. No further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 27,000 and the current mileage was 66,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2011 · Suspension · 7,000 miles · NY

Driving home from the show room with less than 5 miles heard a clunk and grinding sound from front end. Brought it back to dealer and found both front rotors warped, clunking continued. @ around 7,000 miles clunking increased from front end of vehicle. Brought it to jeep dealer, found nothing. Noise continued to get worse. Brought it back to jeep and again found nothing. Clunking became nerve racking, @ 65,000 miles brought it to my personal mechanic and found that both control arms, bushings, and struts need to be replaced. And of course the manufactures warranty has expired!