Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Jeep Patriot powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Jeep Patriot have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 69,025 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Patriot | 42 |
| 2010 Patriot | 21 |
| 2011 Patriot | 47 |
| 2012 Patriot | 59 |
| 2013 Patriot (this page) | 19 |
| 2014 Patriot | 68 |
| 2015 Patriot | 44 |
| 2016 Patriot | 69 |
| 2017 Patriot | 14 |
When does it fail?
Of the 19 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Jeep Patriot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 ↗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 ↗Flash: Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the following DTCs have been set: P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. U0140 - Lost Communication With Body Control Module (TIPM). P219A - Air-Fuel Ratio Cylinder Imbalance Bank 1.The following software enhancements are also available: Engine is hard to start at temperatures -29°C (-20°F) for vehicles utilizing E15 fuel only. Cruise control enhancements.In addition, customers may report that the vehicle has f
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Patriot's CVT transmission overheats during normal highway driving, triggering repeated loss of power and creating genuine safety hazards. Owners report the transmission overheat warning light and high-pitched whining, followed by limp mode and deceleration to 30 mph or complete stall. This repeats multiple times per long trip—sometimes four times in two hours—even in mild weather and without towing. The problem starts as early as 25,000 miles and forces owners to pull over repeatedly on busy interstates, a scenario that has resulted in police assistance when vehicles died in traffic.
Dealers frequently cannot duplicate the issue or retrieve diagnostic codes, leaving vehicles unrepaaired despite warranty coverage. One owner's valve replacement didn't fix it; another required full transaxle replacement after a bearing locked up and cracked the case. Owners cite forum posts showing the same pattern across Patriot owners, and note Jeep discontinued the CVT after just two model years.
A separate recurring complaint: the CVT fluid filler tube breaks at its bracket mounting point, with the broken segment left loose in the engine bay—a potential projectile hazard. This fracture occurs at the identical location across vehicles and goes undetected during routine service.
Additional powertrain issues include erratic shifting at low speeds and takeoff (some persisting after transmission replacement), premature input shaft bearing failure with ticking noise, and suspension control arm bolts shearing through crossmembers.
Same Jeep Patriot powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
CVT transmission overheating and loss of power
Transmission overheats during highway driving at sustained speeds, triggering overheat warning light and forcing vehicle into limp mode. Owners report high-pitched whining noise preceding overheat condition. Vehicle decelerates suddenly and loses power, creating serious highway safety hazard. Problem recurs repeatedly on long trips and happens in both hot and mild weather.
When: Occurs after 20-30 minutes of highway driving at 65-75 mph; reported failures from 25,000 to 107,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheat warning light illuminates; High-pitched whining noise from transmission; Vehicle enters limp mode, power loss and reduced acceleration; Vehicle slows to 30 mph or stalls completely; Multiple occurrences per trip on highway routes
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership replaced valves without resolving issue. Another owner required full transaxle replacement after bearing failure and case cracking. Most owners report dealers cannot duplicate problem or find diagnostic codes, leaving vehicle unrepaaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep stated problem should only occur when towing or in exceedingly hot temperatures; however owners report it happens regardless of towing or ambient temperature. Jeep discontinued CVT in 2014 after only 2 years of use. Owners note manual addresses overheat scenarios, suggesting known issue. No recall issued.
CVT fluid filler tube fracture at bracket
Plastic or metal CVT fluid filler tube breaks at the mounting bracket, with segment detaching. Piece found loose in engine bay, posing projectile hazard. Owner states this is documented issue across Chrysler family vehicles affecting multiple owners at same fracture point.
When: Found during unrelated maintenance (battery replacement, throttle body work); unknown duration of damage at time of discovery
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid filler tube section broken off at bracket mounting point; Broken tube piece found loose in engine bay; No warning light or alert of condition
Repairs/costs cited: Tube replaced. Owner notes service personnel failed to detect broken tube during two previous service visits despite it being present.
CVT shifting and engagement problems
Transmission exhibits skip or hesitation during shifting, most pronounced at takeoff from stop and uphill driving. Erratic shifting reported at low speeds. Issues persist even after full transmission replacement.
When: Occurs within first 10,000 miles of ownership at low speeds (0-45 mph) and during acceleration; one case at 14,102 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission skip or hesitation during shifting; Erratic shifting at various speeds; Most common at takeoff from stop and uphill; Occurs at speeds 0-45 mph and during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: One owner required full transmission replacement before 10,000 miles; shifting problems recurred even after replacement. No specific repair parts cited for shifting issues.
Transmission bearing failure and internal damage
Input shaft bearing in manual transmission fails prematurely, producing ticking sound. Bearing failure caused transaxle lock-up, cracking case and causing total fluid loss. Dealership confirmed bearing failure as cause. Internal transmission components (3rd/4th gear fork, other internal parts) also damaged or worn.
When: Bearing ticking detected at unknown mileage; one case required transaxle replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking sound from under hood; 4th gear jumping out of engagement while driving; Transaxle locked up, preventing movement; Transmission case cracked from external pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Manual transmission bearings replaced. One case required full transaxle replacement. Another case involved replacement of 3rd/4th gear fork and two additional transmission internal components.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership contacted corporate after bearing failure and lock-up; transaxle replaced under investigation. Dealership refused to provide owner with photographs citing corporate investigation, raising owner concerns about cover-up.
Rear control arm bolt failure
Right rear control arm bolt sheared through crossmember, causing complete arm separation. After repair, front suspension began exhibiting same noise that preceded rear failure, suggesting systemic suspension defect.
When: Occurred during low-speed parking lot maneuver (5 mph left turn)
Symptoms owners cite: Right rear control arm bolt sheared through crossmember; Control arm completely separated from crossmember at low speed; Front suspension now making same pre-failure noise as rear did
Repairs/costs cited: Right rear control arm replaced at Christian Brothers. Front suspension repair pending.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes 2012 and earlier Patriot models documented with same issue; 2013 model owner concerned vehicle also defective.
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Recently my right rear control arm bolt sheered through the crossmember. I had it replaced at christian brothers and now the front is making the same noises the rear was making prior to being fixed. I saw that there had been an issue with 2012 models and earlier. I'm worried that my vehicle may also be defective. It's a 2013 that was bought in 2012. When the bolt sheered through the…
Jeep dealership said that the bearing went out in the transaxle which caused it to lock up. It locked up so hard that the case was cracked from the outside and all the fluid ran out of it. The dealership contacted corporate to see what they wanted to do. 3 days later, they replaced the transaxle. When I wanted to get copies of the pictures the dealership took, they said "no" and they belong…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Jeep Patriot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 19 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 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 25,000 and 89,527 miles, with the median around 69,025. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 89,527. 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/2013/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.