Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Jeep Patriot powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Jeep Patriot have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 36,000 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
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Patriot | 19 |
| 2014 Patriot | 68 |
| 2015 Patriot | 44 |
| 2016 Patriot | 69 |
| 2017 Patriot (this page) | 14 |
When does it fail?
Of the 14 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Jeep Patriot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 11 model years of Jeep Patriot we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (14).
Powertrain accounts for 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 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 ↗Service 4wd Light On, Message AWD System Service Required
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Jeep Patriot powertrain complaints center on three main problem areas: throttle body stalling, transmission overheating, and transmission mechanical failure.
Throttle body issues appear earliest and most persistently. Owners describe sudden loss of acceleration, check engine and traction control lights illuminating together, and the vehicle stuck at 20–30 MPH or not moving forward at all. One owner's vehicle went from 25 MPH to 2 MPH instantly on a highway with children aboard. Dealerships have cleaned or replaced the throttle body multiple times, but problems recur within days or weeks. One owner reports five to six throttle body replacements under warranty.
Transmission overheating happens during sustained highway driving, especially above 70–75 MPH or in heat. The transmission warning light comes on, the vehicle loses power suddenly, and speed drops to 30–40 MPH. A 240-mile trip produced four such incidents in succession; another owner had ten on a single drive. Dealers add fluid and gels but cannot replicate the issue or fix it permanently.
Transmission mechanical failure—jerking shifts, slipping, grinding noises (indicating bearing damage), clutch failure on manual models, and complete CVT failure—appear at various mileages from 24,000 to 120,000 miles. One owner paid $2,300 for bearing replacement; the dealer confirmed it's a known problem but did nothing to prevent recurrence.
Same Jeep Patriot powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle body stalling and loss of power
Engine stalls, vehicle loses ability to accelerate, and remains stuck at low speeds (often 20-30 MPH max). ABS, traction control, and check engine lights illuminate. Symptoms recur intermittently despite dealer service.
When: Varies; reported at 43K miles, 5K miles after oil changes, 79K miles. One complaint recurring at highway speeds (55-75 MPH) unpredictably.
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to accelerate beyond 20-30 MPH; Engine stalls without warning; Vehicle jerks/jolts during acceleration; Check engine, ABS, and traction control lights on simultaneously; RPM remains stuck at 2000
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership cleaned throttle body; one owner states throttle body replaced 5-6 times. One certified mechanic diagnosed air intake failure requiring throttle body replacement. All repairs were temporary or recurring.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep recommended throttle body cleaning. Warranty denied in one case due to incomplete maintenance records.
Transmission jerking and harsh shifting
Automatic transmission jerks during gear shifts, especially on hills or highways. Vehicle shifts at unexpected RPMs (around 3000) and feels unstable during acceleration and deceleration.
When: At 43K miles; ongoing since purchase in March 2020 on another vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jerks 2-6 times at different speeds and conditions; Engine revs to 3000 RPM before shifting back to overdrive; Harsh shifting on slight inclines; Transmission whines on hills and highways
Transmission overheating and limp mode at highway speeds
Transmission warning light illuminates during sustained highway driving, vehicle loses power suddenly, and engine enters limp mode (speed limited to 30-40 MPH). Multiple occurrences on single road trips.
When: At 24K and 36K miles; triggered during 240-mile and longer highway trips, especially in heat or above 70-75 MPH.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission warning light illuminates; Whining noise from transmission; Sudden deceleration and power loss; Vehicle speed drops to 30-40 MPH and will not exceed it; Overheating warning light on; Loss of acceleration even with pedal pressed fully
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers added transmission fluid and foaming gel for powertrain. No fix achieved; problem could not be replicated by dealers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware of overheating failure at one dealership (Young Blood Chrysler Dodge Jeep) and did not assist.
Transmission slipping and startup difficulty
Automatic transmission slips during acceleration. Vehicle requires multiple engine restart attempts before starting. Loss of motive power and unwarned stalling occurs at various speeds.
When: Around 79K miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple restart attempts needed to start; Transmission slips while accelerating; Loss of motive power and stalling without warning; Vehicle service warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Certified mechanic diagnosed throttle body failure due to air intake failure and recommended replacement. Failure recurred and became persistent.
Transmission bearing/input shaft failure
Growling and humming noise from engine area, indicating bearing or input shaft failure inside transmission. Dealer confirmed this is a known common problem.
When: At 53,641 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Growling humming noise from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Cost $2300 to replace two bearing input shafts. Dealer performed repair and confirmed it is a known common problem.
Clutch failure on manual transmission
Manual transmission clutch failed, preventing engagement of gears. Occurred on low-mileage vehicle used only for commuting.
When: At approximately 46K miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch would not go into gear; Vehicle had to be towed
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic noted premature failure was unexpected at this mileage.
CVT transmission failure
CVT (continuously variable transmission) failed completely, requiring full transmission replacement.
When: At 120K miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete CVT transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Costly transmission replacement required.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Was driving on highway about 70 mph and check engine light, red lightning bolt symbol, and traction control lights all came on wasn't able to accelerate and vehicle wouldn't go above 30 mph. It's been in and out of dealerships since May and is still not fixed with no explanation why it's doing it . I have 1000 miles until my warranty is up . Could anyone take a look at this !
While driving 75 MPH, the transmission starts making a whining noise, and the transmission warning indicator illuminates, the vehicle decelerates and loses power. We coast the vehicle over to the road shoulder, wait awhile and the warning light goes off. This happened four times in succession on our last trip of 240 miles. It has happened at the very least 10 times on the same trip to west…
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, several attempts were needed before the vehicle would start. The contact stated that while accelerating, the transmission was slipping. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. There was a warning light indicating that the vehicle…
It's a standard transmission and the clutch just went out. It has low miles on it and is used to get to work and back, around 10 miles or less one way. Mechanic didn't understand why it would go out so quickly on a vehicle with such little mileage on it. It's around 46,000 miles. It was being driven when the clutch just wouldn't go into gear anymore and had to be towed.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Jeep Patriot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 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 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 34,000 and 79,000 miles, with the median around 36,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,000; a quarter make it past 79,000. 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/2017/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.