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Jeep Patriot jerking problems

102 of the 2,793 owner complaints about the Jeep Patriot describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 2014 model year.

owner complaints
102
worst model year
2014
typical mileage
65,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Engine · 96,121 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle violently jerked while the transmission was changing gear. Additionally, while starting the vehicle, the RPM revved to 1,500 RPM before the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the camshaft and crankshaft sensors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,121.

Filed Jan 13, 2025 · Engine · 59,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle jerked and felt as if the vehicle was going to stall. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Disbrow's Auto Repair LLC, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was a common failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that it was a known failure; however, the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Nov 1, 2024 · Engine · IN

While driving my vehicle I was about to get on a highway ramp I’m am unsure of the speed but I was turning into the lane that gets you to the ramp well my car suddenly stalled and jerked very weirdly I came to a complete stop in the middle of the road while cars were coming. There were no warning signs nor anything that could’ve warned me. I had this happen to me twice. IThe second time I was driving at unknown speed about to get on the high way and my car suddenly stopped and I was almost rear ended. When I originally got the car it was turning on and off also. I feel very unsafe in this car I have spent so much money in repairs and I think this concern is bigger than just a repair. I have not been able to drive my car. I have codes on my car to reflect the issues I am experiencing with this vehicle.

Filed Oct 2, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · NY

My jeep would suddenly jerk forward almost rear ending people at red lights without any warning. While traveling at approximately 45 mph the engine light came on my jeep. As I went to pull over the engine started bucking/jerking then the engine light flashed. I was barely able to pull over on the side of the road before the car completely stalled. I had to have towed to a dealership as it was no longer drivable. I was almost on the highway. The dealership said I had total engine failure and should buy a new car. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. I ASSOCIATE THE FAILURE WITH the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V552000 (ENGINE) That has been open since of 11/2013. But my vehicles VIN “wasn’t included”. I was driving with my four small kids in my jeep.

Filed Sep 25, 2024 · Engine · 30,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and jerked abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic convertor had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2024 · Transmission · OH

I bought my 2015 Jeep Patriot new as I was getting older & I said this is the last vehicle I will buy. I am nearing [XXX] now & today I took it about 35 miles from home & on way back it jerked so hard I didn't think I was gonna make it home. I was going 65 mph but even slowing down to 45-50 it still jerked bad! There was no lights on the dash come on. Was very scary. I have babied my car took excellent care of it & have 45,000 miles on it. I do not have money to have transmission replaced & that's what I'm reading on computer. I have so many medical bills I can't afford nothing right now. Did I miss a recall or have there been problems with these cars transmissions? Can you help me know what it could be? The car dealer wants $139 an hour to check it out & I'm worried sick. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 18, 2024 · Transmission · IL

When I pull up somewhere and apply brakes it will start jerking and act like it wants to go but if I put the Jeep in park or neutral it stops. It's like the whole jeep will lunge forward when I am sitting there with my foot on the brake and it just feels like it's going to take off or die. it can't make up its mind.

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · SC

Engine jerking really had while vehicle is in drive and idle hard while sitting still

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Electrical · SD

while driving multiple warning lights on the dashboard come on. at times the vehicle will stall and I have to wait 10-15 minutes before it will restart. at times the anti-theft system will wngage causing all interior components and dash lights to go out, i then have to pull over , disconnect the battery and pull the ignition fuse to reset the anti-theft system, after waiting approximately 15 minutes the vehicle will start and operate normally. while driving at times the vehicle will suddenly jerk very hard feeling like I hit a large speed bump, the warning lights on the dash will all come on briefly and the vehicle will resume driving normally. at times the vehicle stalls while idling. while driving with the accelerator pressed the fog lights will flash and the inerior fan will blow at a decreased speed, once the accelerator is released the fog lights glow normally and the interior fan will blow correctly until the vehicle slows below 18 mph at which time the interior fan will again decrease in functioning. this also affects the adapter and charging of my phone as it will not charge properly while plugged into the aux adapter. I believe there is some sort of electrical malfunction. I have replaced the vehicles ECM and crankshaft position sensor, and I am considering replacing the throttle position sensor and throttle pedal assembly. There are no active recalls listed for this vehicle at this time, although any one of these issues could potentially cause an accident with injuries especially on wet or icy road conditions, and given this vehicle is front wheel drive the temporary jolting from whatever is causing the vehicle issues could potentially cause a lose of control resulting in an accident. It should be noted that all of these issues began at approximately the same time period, and after reading through otgher complaints it would appear that there is some sort of significant electrical malfunction in these vehicles. Thank You for looking into this matter.

Filed Aug 17, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · KY

My 2016 Jeep Patriot 4X4 engine light is staying on. When I took it to a mechanic to have it read it stats faulty cramshaft and camshaft position sensors. My engine has stalled, loss of acceleration and power, shuddering, and jerking that is continuously happens. Jeep manufactures said its not there problem. I need help with my vehicle, not just for my safety but for the safety of my kids. Also the problem is only getting worse.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported October 9, 2008 · 712 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, dodge caliber, avenger, journey, jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Risk
This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 08V528000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Patriot jerking

Which Jeep Patriot years have jerking or lurching problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2014 (32 complaints), 2016 (27 complaints) and 2015 (15 complaints).

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