Jeep Patriot Transmission Problems – Comprehensive Guide

Jeep Patriot is among those jeep models that are not only affordable but also known for their brand prestige. All other things aside, one thing that is the most annoying and is consistently associated with this vehicle is the transmission problems. The transmission problems in the Jeep Patriot are so extensive and popular that they now have been associated with this vehicle.

Are you going to purchase the Jeep Patriot next time? Well! You have to be aware of these problems beforehand. You have to focus on what are the most common Jeep Patriot problems and how you can fix them.

Jeep Patriot Transmission Problems

Jeep Patriot Transmission Problems

This article tells you everything about the transmission problems of the Jeep Patriot and how you can solve them on your own. Make sure to read the article thoroughly and attentively so that you can manage transmission problems easily and efficiently.

The common Jeep Patriot transmission problems include:

Jeep Patriot Transmission Problems

  • Overheating – Failure Mileage: 30,000 – 116,900 Miles
  • Loss of acceleration power – Failure mileage: 15, 000 – 130,000 Miles
  • Transmission noise – Failure Mileage: 24,000 – 160,000 Miles
  • Stalling – Failure Mileage: 12,000 – 150,000 Miles
  • Shuddering – Failure Mileage: 42,000 – 96,000 Miles
  • Gear slippage – Failure Mileage: 58,000 – 123,000 Miles
  • Grinding sounds – Failure Mileage: 152,000 Miles

None of these problems are difficult to manage. Following are the details of each with a solution so you can deal with the complications easily.

1. Overheating

Transmission overheating is a problem that occurs generally on long routes. When you drive your jeep at 65 to 75 mph speed, the most common problem that occurs at that speed is the whining noises. This ultimately increases the heat in the transmission which results in the reduction of the speed. This speed reduction enhances the RPM value.

Now you can perform the initial troubleshooting steps. This is made possible with the use of an OBDII scanner like the Innova 5100 Pro CarScan Code Reader. This code reader can read the failure codes. One thing that you should keep in mind is that realizing that overeating is the problem in your Jeep Patriot transmission is somehow difficult to manage. This is because the temperature gauge never always indicates overheating.

So make sure to have a scanner with you to check the failure quotes and take your car to the mechanic, in case the scanner detects the problems and failures. One thing that I want to clear up here is the misconception that tells us about the Arizona weather. And this is the most common reason for overheating in this Jeep Patriot vehicle.

No, it’s not like that! It is a misconception. Anyone who has the 2008 model of Jeep Patriot is at the edge of developing overheating complications regardless of whether he is in Arizona or not. Check out, why Jeep Patriots are so cheap.

2. Loss Of Acceleration Power

If you have a 2011 model of Jeep Patriot you must have heard about the problem of loss of acceleration power in this vehicle. This is because 17 consumers of this vehicle who have a 2011 model complained about the loss of acceleration power and asked for help. This is the second most prevalent issue in the car. For those owners who use the Jeep daily, this loss of acceleration power not only is a problem for them but also a great safety risk.

Loss Of Acceleration Power

The transmission control module is something that plays an important role in the loss of acceleration power. When a transmission control module of the jeep is not working properly and is defective, it not only results in making it difficult for the jeep to start but also at times causes the loss of power during driving. This also happens even at low speed. And sometimes even in the stationery jeeps.

The complaints stated that there is a loss of acceleration power not only in the jeeps while they are running at high speeds but also in the jeeps when they are running at low speeds and sometimes in the jeep, not at all moving.

Moreover, this loss of acceleration power problem is not a limited problem. It took almost a week to add a replacement transmission control module to the jeep. This is something that annoys drivers and users most of the time.

The most common symptom that helps you identify the problem of loss of acceleration power in your Jeep Patriot transmission is the presence of loud popping noise. The symptoms also include the stopping of the jeep in the middle of busy traffic, even when you are taking it out of the parking lot.

In addition to all of these, the problem of loss of acceleration power generally occurs when the jeep has covered a distance of 65 to 75 mph within the time limit of 45 minutes.

3. Transmission Noise

Noise! Yes, noise is the third most prevalent Jeep Patriot transmission problem that was reported in almost all the models between 2008 to 2017 production. The sounds can be roaring, whistling, whining, and gurgling. The site received 29 complaints about the transmission noise in the Jeep Patriot. You cannot specify the one cause of transmission noise problems because there are so many of them.

But pinpointing the one is somehow difficult and time taking. To ease the checking of the actual cause and determining the reason for the noise problem, read the further details here. When you drive the car in a reverse direction and it is making noise it tells about the clogging in the transmission fluid line. This problem demands quick attention and an immediate solution.

The second situation is the presence of unnecessary, annoying, and constant noises of whining explicitly when the jeep is in gear. It tells you that there is some problem with the torque converter of the vehicle. This problem also demands quick attention from some professional workers or mechanics. Keep that in mind and look for where the sound is coming from.

Also, focus on the time when the sound is coming. Whether it is coming when you are driving in the reverse direction or the sound is coming when the jeep is in the gears. When you notice the unnecessary and uncommon sounds coming from the jeep, you should send your jeep to some professional worker or mechanic as soon as possible. Because these problems demand immediate actions and solutions.

4. Stalling

Stalling is another problem that most of the time is noticed in the Jeep Patriot transmission. Most of the owners complain that their vehicle starts to stall as soon as they refuel it. This tells us that there is some problem with the fuel system or the sensors of the vehicle.

Well, the stalling after the refueling is associated with problems in the fuel system or sensors. What about stalling after the application of brakes?

Stalling

The stalling after the application of brakes is also reported by many users. Furthermore, most users explain that stalling after the application of brakes was most commonly occurring specifically in the rainy season. And also triggers the illumination in the check engine light. The actual cause of the issue is still unidentified. Well, none of the manufacturers or professional dealers has given us the solution to this problem.

Although the stalling issues and loss of acceleration power are somehow similar to each other but should never be confused. The loss of acceleration power gives you some safety even when you are driving the car.

On the other hand, stalling is a bigger risk for the safety of the driver, explicitly, when he is in a traffic jam or is crossing some tough roads. This is because stalling can cause the Jeep Patriot to stop just anywhere regardless of whether you are in the middle of the traffic or are just taking out your car from the parking lot.

5. Shuddering

The shaking in the vehicle and shuddering is the sixth most reported complaint that normally occurs in the jeep when it is running at the speed of 20 mph. It is generally accompanied by a high RPM value and sometimes also produces a helicopter-like sound from the back of the jeep. This problem can occur alone or can also trigger stalling and overheating issues. The shaking of the jeep is on its own and we cannot specify the triggers for it.

On the other hand, lagging and shuddering most commonly occur when the jeep is on the road for a long period or it is stopped and is just in the phase of initial acceleration. But what can you do if your jeep is producing unnecessary shaking and shuddering sounds? You can give it a few minutes of rest. Yes! Leave it as it is. Do not accelerate or move it. Your vehicle will go back to its original state just like there was no problem ever.

Well, the complication of this problem is how often it occurs. The reason why this problem is torturing is how often it happens. Since you have done nothing to solve it, there are high chances of recurrence in the car again and again and sometimes regularly.

Most of the local mechanics and car dealers sort this issue by replacing the stability control sensors, lower control, and the throttle body. Some professionals also advise the installation of the exhaust spring bolt gate. But still, there is no permanent solution to this patriot transmission problem.

6. Grinding

The problem of grinding sounds from the Jeep Patriot is most commonly noticed during the acceleration, idling, and when you are applying the brakes. This noise is taken as a normal noise until it is not extreme.

On the other hand, when it is experienced for a longer time, it becomes annoying. In case the noise is prolonged, you have to take it seriously and go with some solution.

Grinding

This is because the prolonged and constant noise results in failure of the planetary gear system in the vehicle and sometimes the grinding damage throughout the transmission system.

Most of the drivers also complain that the grinding sound becomes more prominent and frequent explicitly in cold weather conditions. On the other hand, some drivers explain it as a rhythmic rotating sound such as the noise that comes out from the Anti-lock Brake System.

When it comes to the causes of these noises there are some specific components. Since the causes are not complicated, this problem is most of the time overlooked. I am going to enlist 8 things that you should observe in case you are having the grinding sounds from your jeep patriot.

You have to look for:

  • Transmission fluid level
  • Differential fluid level
  • Power steering fluid level
  • Bearings
  • Steering pump
  • Fishered or damaged gear
  • Defective synchronizer
  • Transmission fluid contaminants

When you inspect all eight of these areas, you can narrow down the cause of the problem easily and quickly. Any of these areas could be the problem source for the noise and can help you resolve the issue, as soon as possible.

One thing that I would like to clarify is that in case the grinding noises are limited, for example, if they only happen when you are starting the car or sometimes they only happen when you are hitting the brakes, the main thing that you should pay attention to is the inspection of the accelerator and brakes.

This will help you in solving the problem more easily. There are chances that there is some blockage in the brakes or some issues with acceleration that ultimately are affecting the efficiency of the jeep, in the end causing annoying grinding sounds.

7. Transmission Gears

The transmission gear is the last patriot transmission problem that is versatile in its actions. It acts up in multiple ways. You may have to face shuddering when shifting the gear, getting stuck in reverse gear, jumping out of the car, having trouble when going into the gear firsthand, and most of the time automatic shifting from manual to automatic or some other gear to the neutral position. These issues with the gears are most commonly reported in the Jeep Patriot model.

Transmission Gears

Similarly, there are chances that you may notice the slipping of the web belt specifically when you are driving your jeep on slippery surfaces. This slipping of the v belt is most commonly noticed around 60% of the time too without any warnings. Moreover, regardless of what model you have of the Jeep Patriot with you, this transmission problem has been in the Jeep since its 2007 model.

The manufacturers when received complaints about the transmission gear problems sorted them out and said there was some problem with the CVT. They were replaced altogether in the year 2014 which resulted in few complaints about gear problems in Jeep Patriot after the year 2014. In case you notice a decrease in the fuel mileage or transmission slipping signs what you have to do is to look for transmission fluid and how efficiently it is working.

But you have to look for it to check whether the transmission bands need adjustment or the solenoids are demanding the replacement in the engine or not. I will recommend you involve a professional mechanic to check about the actual cause and sort out the problem as soon as possible.

Moreover I, with my experience as a car dealer, can suggest that you spend money on changing the transmission fluid and purchasing a patriot CVT transmission rebuild kit firsthand to help you with this problem. This kit helps you test and check the Jeep Patriot transmission gear problems. As soon as you get to know what the actual problem is, you can solve it according to the need.

FAQs about Jeep Patriot Problems

What is the biggest problem with the Jeep Patriot?

Regardless of how reliable and common users are there is this biggest problem with Jeep Patriot that exists in most models of this vehicle. And this problem is the premature failure of CVT. If you notice any symptoms such as acceleration issues and annoying noises and overheating warnings you have to take your car to a professional mechanic or the car dealer so that he can sort out the problem and solve it as quickly as possible.

How to know if your jeep transmission is bad?

The most common and most occurring sign of bad transmission is your vehicle changing the gears on its own without any manual action. Moreover, if the shifting is delayed or the shifting is rough, it also indicates the poor Jeep Patriot transmission. In addition to problems with shifting and gears of the jeep, if you notice that the transmission fluid is leaking, you should understand that your jeep’s transmission is bad.

What is better? To solve the problem in your Jeep Patriot transmission on your own or to take your car to a professional mechanic?

I will recommend you take your car to a professional mechanic and let him sort out the actual cause of the problem. He will tell you the exact way of solving the problem but what I will suggest to you is to leave your car at the mechanic shop so he can take action and solve the problems in a better and more professional way. This is because dealing with jeep Patriot is not easy. You should not take risks when you have no practical knowledge of dealing with jeeps.

Final Thoughts about Jeep Patriot Transmission

Although, solving all of these issues is somehow difficult but yes with some tips and tricks that are mentioned above, you can avoid them in the premature time that ultimately stops them from occurring or at least can lower their occurrence time.

This above-mentioned article tells you the solution to the problems that are most commonly occurring in the Jeep Patriot transmission. You can go with the solutions and can take some steps that are mentioned above. I assure you that these steps and the guidelines written above can help you deal with the problems and manage them easily and effectively.