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 ↗2011 Jeep Patriot powertrain problems
severe 47 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
47
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 47 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Jeep Patriot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 47 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed Replacing OE transmission 05106789A$/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 ↗2.0L Powertrain Diagnostic And System Enhancements
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2011 Patriot describe a pattern of sudden, dangerous powertrain failures centered on the Jatco CVT transmission. The most common complaint is transmission overheating light illumination followed by loss of power while driving at highway speeds (65–75 mph). Vehicle speed drops from highway cruising to 5–40 mph in seconds, and drivers lose the ability to accelerate despite pressing the throttle. The engine may stall completely, resulting in loss of power steering and brakes—an acute collision risk. One owner was rear-ended at 55 mph when their Patriot lost power; another had to steer through three freeway lanes to the shoulder during a 70 mph failure.
Owners report high-pitched whining noise preceding power loss. Transmission control modules fail and require replacement; one owner had three replacements, each taking a week. Engine stalls occur randomly at any speed, including immediately after refueling. One owner's subframe rusted through and failed structurally, detaching the CV axle.
Dealers and Jeep customer service consistently tell owners the problem cannot be fixed. Proposed fixes—transmission fluid flush, cooler valve replacement, software updates—do not prevent recurrence. One transmission failed again within six months of a $2,500 replacement. Owners note that Jeep discontinued the CVT after 2014 model year, suggesting the company acknowledged the design failure. No recall has been issued despite dozens of complaints spanning years.
Same Jeep Patriot powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Overheating and Power Loss
The Jatco CVT transmission overheats under highway driving and extended use, causing sudden loss of acceleration, severe power reduction (down to 5–40 mph), stalling, and whining noise. Transmission overheating light illuminates but no fault codes are stored, making dealer diagnosis difficult. Problem recurs repeatedly and is not permanently fixed by fluid flushes or cooler bypass valve replacement.
When: Primarily highway speeds above 65–75 mph for extended periods (1+ hour); also occurs on hot days, uphill driving, or even city driving at lower speeds and shorter durations
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheating warning light illuminates; Sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate (vehicle slows to 5–40 mph); Loud whining or high-pitched noise from transmission; Transmission slips or bucking during acceleration; Engine stalls or does not respond to throttle input; Check engine light illuminates; Temporary recovery after resting/cooling
Codes mentioned: Transmission overheating warning (light only; no stored DTC), Check engine light (no consistent codes reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend transmission fluid flush ($500+), cooler bypass valve replacement, or transmission replacement ($2,500–$5,000). None of these repairs permanently resolve the issue. One owner reports transmission failed again within 6 months of a $2,500 replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep/Chrysler dealers advise owners to let vehicle cool and pull over; some tell owners the vehicle is not designed for long trips or highway use. One dealer stated 'this is a condition of the vehicle' and 'nothing can be done to fix the problem.' No recall as of complaint dates. Nissan (which uses the same Jatco CVT) reportedly fixes bearing and cooler issues.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
The transmission control module fails repeatedly, causing the vehicle to barely start, suddenly lose power while driving, or operate only at 5 mph in reverse or first gear. Traction control and transmission temperature lights also come on. Multiple replacements (three to four times) are required, with each replacement taking at least a week.
When: Failures occur both while stationary and while moving; timing varies
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle barely starts or suddenly loses power while driving; Vehicle can only move at approximately 5 mph in reverse or first gear; Traction control light illuminates; Transmission temperature light illuminates; Check engine light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Transmission control module fault (hardware)
Repairs/costs cited: TCM replacement required; dealer orders and installation take approximately one week. Multiple replacements observed at a certified Jeep dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler Jeep warranty and CarMax warranty complaints were rejected as invalid. No other response documented.
Sudden Engine Stall While Driving
Engine shuts down suddenly and completely without warning while at highway or city speeds. Vehicle loses all power, including power steering and power brakes, creating immediate collision risk. After waiting several minutes to an hour, engine restarts and operates normally until the next random failure. No consistent warning lights precede the stall.
When: Occurs randomly after 40–60 minutes of highway driving, during fuel-up/acceleration cycles, or unpredictably in city driving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving with no warning; Total loss of power steering and power brakes; Vehicle coasts to a stop; Check engine light may illuminate after restart; Engine restarts normally after several minutes; No warning indicators before failure
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (diagnostic codes not reported or inconsistent), Crankshaft sensor code (one instance)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had crankshaft sensor replaced ($unknown). Dealer diagnostics typically reveal no cause. Service departments unable to duplicate issue or diagnose failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered no assistance. No recalls issued. Dealers acknowledge problem but provide no solution.
Transmission Slipping and Gear Shift Assembly Failure
Transmission slips out of gear without warning or shifts unpredictably between gears. Gear shift assembly fails repeatedly even after replacement. In some cases, transmission jumps out of fourth gear into neutral or shifts between automatic and manual mode on its own.
When: Occurs during normal driving at various speeds; one case noted failure at approximately 58,000 miles with recurrence after two repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips; RPMs drop unless accelerator buried to the floor; Transmission independently shifts out of gear (e.g., fourth gear to neutral); Transmission jumps between automatic and manual mode on its own; Does not stay in gear when vehicle is shut down; Loud whining noise accompanies slipping
Codes mentioned: No specific codes documented
Repairs/costs cited: Gear shift assembly replacement attempted multiple times but failure recurs. One owner reports transmission ultimately failed and required full replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of recurring failure. No permanent fix or recall issued.
Engine Stall After Refueling
Engine stalls immediately or shortly after filling the fuel tank and pulling away from the gas station pump. Vehicle stalls upon acceleration into traffic, causing sudden loss of power steering and braking. Problem recurs multiple times with each refueling cycle.
When: Occurs within minutes of leaving gas station after full tank refuel
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls shortly after refueling and pulling away from pump; Sudden loss of power steering and power braking; Loss of all power upon acceleration; Engine restarts and runs normally after stall
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports that not topping off fuel after initial fill resolved the issue, suggesting a fuel system sensor or vent problem, but cause not confirmed by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer did not respond to inquiry about vehicle testing chip or cause.
Subframe Rust Corrosion and Structural Failure
Front driver-side subframe experiences excessive rust corrosion leading to sudden structural failure. Detachment of wheel hub and CV axle joint causes complete loss of vehicle control at low speed. Total loss of transmission fluid follows, creating secondary safety hazard.
When: Occurs at low speed; timing relative to vehicle age/mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Detachment of wheel hub and CV axle joint; Complete loss of vehicle control; Total transmission fluid leak onto road; No warning lamps or dashboard messages before failure
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes (no warning systems detected problem)
Repairs/costs cited: Subframe confirmed as failed by independent insurance agent and insurance representatives. Vehicle component available for inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Engine Overheating and Bogging During Highway Driving
Engine overheats or vehicle bogs down during sustained highway driving at speeds above 70 mph. Temperature light illuminates on dashboard. Vehicle appears to lose responsiveness when accelerator is depressed. After cooling or resting, vehicle operates normally until next extended drive.
When: Occurs after approximately 40 minutes of highway driving at 75–80 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature light illuminates on dashboard; Vehicle bogs down; engine sluggish; Vehicle does not respond to throttle input; Whining noise from engine/powertrain area; Vehicle recovers after rest period
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes documented
Repairs/costs cited: Initial incident: right front wheel bearing replaced at independent shop ($260.14). Subsequent incident: diagnostics performed but no engine/powertrain fault found; fluids were fine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Synthesized from 47 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
CVT?
The transmission frequently overheats on trips over 1 hours or where highway speed limits are higher than 70 MPH. There is a field for the date of when this happened below; however, it has happened several times. I have to pull off of the road and let it set for about 15 to 20 minutes before I can continue the trip.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2011 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 2011 Jeep Patriot?
It's a meaningful issue. 47 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 43 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 43,448 and 89,000 miles, with the median around 73,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,448; a quarter make it past 89,000. 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/2011/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.