Check a VIN

Jeep Patriot power steering loss problems

45 of the 2,793 owner complaints about the Jeep Patriot describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2011 model year.

owner complaints
45
worst model year
2011
typical mileage
65,285
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Steering · 109,000 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle experienced frequent power steering failures, requiring that the power steering fluid reservoir be topped off. The steering wheel was constantly firm, the system overheated, and the power steering fluid quickly drained from the reservoir. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine warning light was frequently illuminated. The contact’s spouse had a similar vehicle with the same issue. The traction control and another warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle while the vehicle was warming up. The failure mileage was 109,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2024 · Fuel system · NC

Fuel System. When I fill the gas tank completely the car will stall within a minute or two. I lose power steering, break booster. I can restart and the car will operate correctly. This has been happening for some time.

Filed Jan 14, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NC

I have a 2016 jeep patriot that I purchased with very little miles on it used. Starting about 2 weeks ago I had an incident on the highway going 60mph and it just shut off and lost all power for a few seconds and started back up on its own. When this happened my steering got hard, brakes didnt work properly and could not accelerate. Was very scary and has been doing it more frequently now. This is a serious safety hazard for myself and others around me. I saw that there is a recall s89 for this model but mine is not within the dates and this makes no sense as it is the exact same problem. I ask that you respectfully reissue this recall to include a wider range of dates. Not to mention it is a fairly expensive repair that has to be done and should be taken care of by the manufacturer.

Filed Sep 20, 2023 · Fuel system · PA

The vehicle stalls after a gas fill up. Daughter was stuck in traffic. No Power steering, brakes, etc. Started back up. very dangerous. This has happened after every fill up.

Filed Oct 24, 2022 · Body, Suspension · PA

Jeep Patriot 2011 Latitude with severe corrosion to front and rear subframe assemblies. Noted for recent emergence of clunking sound on front end when passing over dips and bumps. Made arrangement for towing of vehicle to personal mechanic to check out and also make state inspection. Noted to have severe fracture of front subframe then resting on axle and wheel assemblage parts. Rear subframe member in same condition with ability to poke holes through structural member. Conditiion resulted in failure to pass inspection. Vehicle deemed unsafe to drive. Further deterioration expected with potential for loss of steering or wheel falling off. Liability for accident or bodily harm in potential failure noted. Vehicle later towed to another mechanic with same determination. Vehicle towed to local body shop where Insurance agent denied accountability for collision or comprehensive coverage. Damage initially assessed at about $900 per part with accessory components to be added at discovery. Issue is well known to manufacturer via many complaint website postings I have since learned. Vehicle towed to another body shop which will assess and complete repair if practical. Second shop said they had repaired similar vehicle for same problem recently. Noted that subframes were manufactured in Mexico. This is inappropriate for regional application in Pennsylvania noted for harsh climate and road treatment. That vehicle was restored with Canada manufactured part of heavier gauge and quality. My vehicle is low mileage at 79000 miles, garage kept, driven locally only;engine fine. I have 2008 Town and Country Chryler and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with NO OBVIOUS signs of such wear. The corrosive factor accelerated since last inspection in Dec 2021. There were NO WARNING lights or signs upon emergence of the problem. This is serious safety issue where unexpectedly steering loss or wheel displacement could result in accident to self or others or crash.

Filed May 11, 2022 · Engine, Steering · MI

Vehicle engine stopped. Loss of steering. Yes Yes Engine light was on, hesitation on acceleration. Safety recall S89 has been done 5-3-2017 at 4,973 miles, and was told that there was a 2 year warranty on the repair?

Filed Jan 16, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · CA

While slowly accelerating from a stop, my 2016 Jeep Patriot engine stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. I lost power steering and & brakes and was luckily able to muscle the car over to the side of road out of traffic. I waited several minutes and restarted the engine which then operated normally afterward. This engine stalling has occurred repeatedly & more frequently (6+ times in last 10 days) while accelerating from a stop which is very dangerous in cross-traffiic intersections and on freeways. Additionally now, the engine rpm’s intermittently surge notably up and down +/- 2,000 rpm while driving with steady un-changing pressure on gas pedal. I have seen no engine failure indicators. I have had this vehicle serviced at two different independent repair shops that couldn’t re-create the problem & guessed it was the throttle body and then cleaned/serviced it. The problem persists more frequently, and is the exact problem listed in the S89 ChryslerJeep recall. My vin is not referenced in the recall notice-even though it is from the same Jeep manufacture period. This recall should definitely apply to my vehicle. I drive 40 freeway miles daily to work and am concerned for my safety and others. My vehicle is available for inspection if needed and I am bringing it tomorrow to a Jeep dealer in hopes of having it repaired under the recall. As the original new owner, I strongly feel that Chrysler Jeep needs to apply this recall to my vehicle and support their owner’s safety.

Filed Nov 2, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · WV

Recently, when trying to start vehicle, all electrical power shut off, open the hood and tap the fuse box, all power comes back on, repeat multiple times until vehicle starts. When driving home down the interstate at night, all power cuts off, engine stops at 70 mph no brakes, no power steering, no brake lights, no headlights and no hazard lights, almost got ran over top of by a semi that couldnt see me stranded in the highway. Finally got it restarted after shaking and tapping fuse box, made it down the road further and all dash lights popped on, dinged and lost the speedometer for a few seconds. Had close encounters like this multiple times lately. Had the battery and alternator checked, all good. Dealership said its not under recall so i would have to pay out of pocket almost 1000 dollars to "fix" it but couldnt guarantee the new fuse box would fix the problem. I like the vehicle but I dont wanna die in it when a semi cant get out of the way when it dies next time.

Filed Jul 23, 2021 · Fuel system, Steering · FL

After refueling car stalls when this happens loss of power steering brakes etc Dangerous entering busy roads from gas stations Been happening consistently, many other owners report same problem across multyears of manufacture.

Filed Mar 10, 2021 · Engine, Steering · 84,000 miles · CA

The jeep patriot 2016 latitude 4wd has been having issues "jerking" and today had a couple moments where all power and steering was gone and the accelerator pedal wouldn't pick the car back up to speed. I was driving at about 55mph on a highway and all power went out and I lost steering. It was very scary and dangerous. Please jeep fox this problem and own up to the manufacturer defect your vehicle is reported over and over to have!

Related recalls

Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connectionsReported December 23, 2015 · 60,140 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured January 1, 2015, to May 11, 2015. During assembly, the power steering hose retention clamp may have been installed at an incorrect location, resulting in the detachment of the low pressure return hose.
Risk
If the power steering fluid return hose detaches, it would leak fluid and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the return power steering hose clamp, repositioning the clamp as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R68.

Recall number 15V878000 · Recall details

Steering: columnReported June 8, 2011 · 11,096 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.
Risk
A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 11V315000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Patriot power steering loss

Which Jeep Patriot years have loss of power steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2011 (9 complaints), 2016 (9 complaints) and 2015 (7 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Jeep Patriot?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history