Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Jeep Patriot powertrain problems
moderate 50 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
50
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 50 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed Replacing OE transmission 05106789A$/68042789A$ with reman transmission R8142073A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed On replacing OE transmission 05106567A$/68042567A$ with reman transmission R8142074A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report two distinct powertrain failure patterns. CVT transmission overheating is the dominant issue: the transmission automatically de-rates the vehicle to 30–45 MPH on highways without warning, forcing owners to pull over repeatedly. This happens in warm weather, on long drives, and even at high mileages (142,000 miles reported). Dealers tell owners this is "normal" behavior and point to the owner's manual, offering no repairs or warranty coverage. One owner's transmission was overfilled during service, causing 10 overheating events in 2,300 miles; proper fluid level cured it. Multiple owners report metallic debris in transmission fluid, whining noises, and complete transmission failure requiring $3,500–$4,000 replacements by 80,000 miles.
Manual transmission owners face sudden clutch system collapse: the clutch pedal goes to the floor without warning, the slave cylinder leaks hydraulic fluid into the clutch, and the vehicle becomes immobilized. One owner's clutch line slipped off on its own. Repairs cost over $1,300, and Jeep refuses warranty coverage, claiming the slave cylinder is not part of the powertrain.
Additional failures include engine stalling after refueling, relay burnout causing total electrical shutdown, ETC light failures with nationwide parts shortages, and shifter lockup. Owners emphasize these are not isolated incidents—multiple complaints reference finding "hundreds or thousands" of identical issues online. Jeep's discontinuation of the CVT in 2014 suggests internal awareness of systemic defects. Dealerships often cannot diagnose or replicate failures, leaving owners stranded.
Same Jeep Patriot powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Overheating & Limp Mode
CVT transmission overheats during highway driving or extended use, triggering a warning light and automatically limiting vehicle speed to 30–45 MPH. Owners report this occurs without warning on warm days or during long trips, creating dangerous traffic situations. The vehicle must be pulled over to cool for 20–30+ minutes before resuming normal operation. Some owners report this happens repeatedly every 10–20 miles. Dealers and Jeep acknowledge the issue as 'normal' per owner manual but offer no fix.
When: Primarily summer/warm weather (70–115°F), highway driving, extended trips (1+ hour), mountain grades, at mileages ranging 5,000–142,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheating warning light illuminates; Automatic speed reduction to 30–45 MPH without driver input; Whining noise from transmission area; Loss of power/acceleration; Vehicle must cool before resuming normal speed; No warning before failure; occurs without throttle response; Intermittent failures even in cold weather (some reports)
Codes mentioned: 0208 (transmission overheat code), Transmission temperature warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report CVT transmission is not serviceable or has 'lifetime fluid'; conflicting advice on fluid changes. One owner paid $437 for fluid change and filter replacement with recurring failures. Transmission replacements cited at $3,500–$4,000+ or complete replacement needed. One owner noted Jeep abandoned CVT in 2014 model year, suggesting design defect awareness.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships claim issue is 'normal' and explained in owner manual; Jeep representatives refuse recall or warranty coverage despite 'lifetime powertrain warranty' claims. PCM software updates offered but do not resolve issue. Jeep discontinued CVT in 2014 Patriots.
Manual Transmission Clutch System Failure (Hydraulic Leak)
Clutch pedal suddenly loses all pressure and goes to floor without warning. Owners report the clutch release bearing/slave cylinder fails, allowing hydraulic fluid to leak directly into the clutch assembly, destroying it. One owner's clutch line slipped off on its own. Failures occur with no prior symptoms after ownership as short as one month. Repair requires replacement of slave cylinder, release bearing, and clutch assembly; fluid must be bled.
When: Early in ownership (1 month reported); one failure at 47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal goes fully to floor with no resistance; Complete loss of clutch pressure; Inability to shift gears; Hydraulic fluid leak visible on ground; Clutch line disconnection; Vehicle immobilized; requires towing
Repairs/costs cited: Slave cylinder and release bearing replacement required. One owner paid $1,338.56 for clutch assembly and slave cylinder replacement at 47,000 miles. Owner also reported post-repair shifting difficulties requiring clutch pumping and engine restarts, suggesting incomplete resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refuses to honor 'lifetime powertrain warranty' on slave cylinder, claiming it is part of clutch assembly, not hydraulic system. Owner disputes this interpretation.
Engine Stalling & Loss of Power While Driving
Engine shuts down or loses power abruptly while driving, particularly after fuel fill-ups or in wet/damp conditions. One owner reported complete engine shutdown at 3,000 RPM on I-80 in Wyoming with no warning lights; another experienced stalling every 11 seconds. Some owners report bucking/surging after refueling before stalling. In wet conditions, idle drops below normal range, vehicle shudders, and near-total power loss occurs momentarily before recovery.
When: Within ~500 yards of refueling; wet/damp weather conditions; one case at highway speed (70 MPH) in normal weather; stalling progressively worsened over 8 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt engine shutdown or power loss; No warning lights preceding failure (some cases); Bucking/surging immediately post-refuel; Idle drops below normal, vehicle shudders; Near-total power loss for moment before RPM surge; Unpredictable failure pattern; Loss of steering assist when engine shuts down; Vehicle dies and must be restarted multiple times
Codes mentioned: P2107 (Throttle Actuator Control Module Processor fault)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership diagnosed software/transmission solenoid issue and performed software update; problem recurred within 300 miles. Throttle module replaced twice without resolution in another case. One owner paid $100 for diagnostic with no findings.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin exists for PCM software update and transmission solenoid flash drive update. Dealer in Brunswick, Ohio did not apply known software update during 'lifetime powertrain warranty' inspection prior to cross-country trip. Dealership in Reno, Nevada performed update but did not guarantee resolution.
Transmission Overfill (Post-Service)
Transmission overfilled by 40 mL (65 mL vs. spec of 25–35 mL) during dealership service, causing overheating 10 times on 2,300-mile drive. Transmission developed high-pitched whirring noise when hot. After fluid drained to correct level, vehicle did not overheat on return trip and whirring noise ceased.
When: Discovered after 'lifetime powertrain warranty' inspection in Cleveland, Ohio; manifested during cross-country drive to Reno, Nevada
Symptoms owners cite: Repeated transmission overheating (10 times in 2,300 miles); High-pitched whirring noise when transmission heats up; Required RPM restriction to under 2,500 to prevent overheating; Speed limited to ~65 MPH on level grades, under 50 MPH uphill
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission drained to correct level (25–35 mL at 100°F); resolved issue immediately. No further overheating after proper fluid level restored.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cleveland dealership denied responsibility for overfill; Reno dealership corrected fluid level. Jeep refused to compensate owner for $200 diagnostic fee and $122 car rental cost.
CVT Transmission Metallic Debris & Internal Failure
Transmission develops metallic particles in fluid, indicating internal wear/failure. Vehicle loses power after whining noise and comes to stop. Requires complete transmission replacement at low mileage (80,000 miles reported).
When: 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise from transmission area; Complete power loss; Vehicle stops; requires towing; Metallic particles found in transmission fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Complete CVT transmission replacement required. Owner paid $4,000 for transmission replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered by Jeep; transmission not covered. Jeep discontinued CVT in new Patriots, suggesting awareness of design defect.
Transmission Failure with Grinding Noise
Loud grinding noise from transmission while driving at various speeds. Dealer diagnoses transmission failure requiring replacement. One owner experienced transmission failure twice: first at 42,000 miles, then again at 66,000 miles (24,000 miles later after replacement).
When: First failure at 42,000 miles; second failure at 66,000 miles (approximately 24,000 miles after replacement)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding noise from transmission; Transmission failure diagnosed by dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required. Owner experienced failure of replacement transmission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer had not responded to contact's concerns regarding repeated transmission failures.
Transmission Kickback/Surging (CVT Hesitation)
Transmission exhibits strange kickback behavior, particularly during acceleration after stop or when slowing from highway. Vehicle surges or hesitates unpredictably. Occurs in wet/damp conditions and progressively worsens. Stability lights illuminate simultaneously.
When: Becoming progressively worse over years; worst in wet/damp conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Weird kickback/surge when accelerating from stop; Hesitation and power loss during deceleration; Stability control lights illuminate; Random, unpredictable behavior in intersections; Oil change light malfunction (separate issue noted); Whining noise accompanying kickback
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership advises complete transmission replacement needed. Independent garage could not replicate issue as it only occurs in wet/damp conditions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership during warranty period could not replicate issue. No remedy identified. Dealership now recommends complete transmission replacement but provides no recall or coverage assistance.
ETC/Throttle Body Failure
ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) light illuminates while driving; throttle body has failed. Dealership reports nationwide back-order of 18,000 throttle bodies with unknown availability timeline. No aftermarket parts available.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: ETC light illuminates on dashboard; Cannot reset by power cycling vehicle; Light reappears immediately after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement required but parts unavailable nationwide. Back-order of 18,000 units; no ETA on availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep CAC (Customer Assistance Center) stated they cannot do anything to help; no part availability or loaner vehicles offered.
Relay Failure & Electrical System Shutdown
A relay burns out (becomes blackened/entirely blown) causing complete vehicle power loss. All dashboard lights illuminate and dashboard beeps continuously. Vehicle cannot shift out of gear and refuses to move.
When: After refueling (similar to other post-fuel issues)
Symptoms owners cite: Relay burns out/blackens internally; Complete loss of vehicle power; All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Continuous dashboard beeping; Vehicle will not shift or respond to controls; Vehicle immobilized; requires towing
Repairs/costs cited: Relay replaced at no cost; however, mechanic stated root cause could not be found and replacement would fail again. Vehicle deemed unsafe to drive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Dealership/mechanic unable to identify underlying cause.
Starter Fire
Starter catches fire while driving less than one mile after vehicle was sitting. Occurred in 85°F or cooler weather.
When: Less than one mile of driving after parked; occurred in mild weather (85°F or less)
Symptoms owners cite: Starter fire during operation
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided; noted as safety hazard.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Rear Differential Failure
Rear differential failed and required complete replacement.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rear differential failure
Repairs/costs cited: Entire differential replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under Unlimited Powertrain Warranty (claimed in one narrative).
Gear Shifter Stuck in Park
Gear shifter becomes stuck in park position when attempting to shift to reverse. Shift indicator light shows neutral despite shifter position.
When: At 90,050 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter stuck in park position; Cannot shift to reverse; Shift indicator shows neutral when shifter stuck in park
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter and shift cable replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance. Vehicle has not been repaired per narrative.
Manual Transmission Gearshift Issues (Manual Gearbox)
Manual transmission (5-speed gearbox) jumps out of first gear randomly and reverse gear is difficult to engage. First gear disengages during acceleration (reported 3 times in one week, roughly 5 km apart). Dealership cannot diagnose issue.
When: Random occurrence; multiple instances per week noted in recent timeframe
Symptoms owners cite: First gear jumps out randomly during driving; Reverse gear difficult to engage consistently; Unpredictable disengagement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosis: No Fault Found (NFF).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable/unwilling to diagnose or repair. No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 50 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
ECM / PCM issues. Mechanic at pep boys told me there was a recall on this. But the dealership is telling me no, there is not.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 Jeep Patriot?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 Jeep Patriot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 50 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 43 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 40,000 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 106,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Jeep/Patriot.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.