2016 Jeep Patriot Reliability ReportKeepScore 62/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2016 Jeep Patriot
- Scores 3 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2015 Jeep Patriot earns a 65.
- The system most likely to surface first: continuously variable transmission (cvt) (critical severity).
- Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the engine and engine cooling:engine.
2016 Jeep Patriot: Buy or Avoid?
The 2016 Jeep Patriot is a vehicle you should approach with extreme caution. Its notorious CVT transmission and numerous electrical issues make it a gamble for long-term ownership, despite its attractive price point. Be prepared for potentially significant repair costs if you choose to proceed, especially if considering a model with the automatic or CVT transmission.
The 2016 Jeep Patriot is a high-risk proposition, primarily due to the widespread and costly failures of its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While its initial affordability is tempting, the potential for expensive, recurring repairs makes it a financial gamble. Only consider a manual transmission model, an…
Best Model Years
2010-2011 (manual transmission only)
Years to Avoid
All model years equipped with the CVT (2007-2017)
Biggest Strengths
- Affordable purchase price
- Decent ground clearance and available AWD for light duty
- Simple, no-frills interior controls
2016 Jeep Patriot — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2016 Jeep Patriot, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
Prone to overheating, shuddering, and complete failure. Internal components wear prematurely, leading to expensive replacements or rebuilds. This is the Patriot's Achilles' heel.
Issues range from Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures affecting fuel pumps and wipers, to failing wheel speed sensors, oxygen sensors, and various dashboard warning lights.
Premature wear of control arm bushings, sway bar links, and strut mounts is common, especially in areas with poor road conditions. This leads to noise and compromised handling.
2016 Jeep Patriot Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2016 Jeep Patriot most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Basic Service Zone
At this mileage, focus on routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and cabin/engine air filters. It's too early for significant mechanical failures, but listen for any abnormal noises from the suspension.
CVT Vigilance Zone
This is a critical point for CVT-equipped models; inspect the transmission fluid carefully for signs of degradation. Suspension components like control arm bushings and struts may also start showing wear. Electrical glitches might begin…
Elevated Risk Zone
The risk of CVT failure significantly increases here. Engine oil consumption, if present, will likely be more noticeable. Various sensors, particularly O2 sensors, may require replacement. Budget for significant preventative or reactive…
High Risk - End of Life Zone (for CVT)
Beyond 120,000 miles, a CVT-equipped Patriot is on borrowed time. Major powertrain and electrical components are prone to failure. This mileage is typically only safely achieved by well-maintained manual transmission models, or those tha…
2016 Jeep Patriot Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2016 Jeep Patriot on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-700
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,800 annually (likely due to electrical or suspension work)
How Long Does the 2016 Jeep Patriot Last?
If considering a Patriot, aim for a manual transmission model with under 60,000 miles. For CVT-equipped versions, consider anything over 80,000 miles as a significant liability, and anything over 120,000 miles as a vehicle near the end of its reliable lifespan.
What 2016 Jeep Patriot Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Low initial purchase price and decent used market value
- Simple, easy-to-use controls and interior layout
- Adequate ground clearance and available Freedom Drive II AWD for light trails
- Compact size makes it easy to maneuver and park in urban settings
Common Frustrations
- Extremely noisy and unrefined CVT transmission
- Cheap, hard plastic interior materials that scratch easily and rattle
- Poor acceleration and sluggish performance, especially with the CVT
- Frequent electrical glitches and sensor failures can be frustrating
Who Should Buy the 2016 Jeep Patriot?
Best For
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking a cheap, used AWD vehicle for occasional light off-road use
- Individuals who prioritize low purchase price over long-term reliability and refinement
- Mechanically inclined owners willing to perform DIY repairs on non-CVT issues
Not Ideal For
- Anyone seeking a reliable, low-maintenance daily driver
- Long-term owners planning to keep the vehicle beyond 100,000 miles (especially with a CVT)
How the 2016 Jeep Patriot Compares to Rivals
The Patriot consistently lags behind nearly all its Japanese and Korean compact SUV rivals in terms of long-term reliability and refinement. It represents a budget entry that sacrifices durability and quality for a low purchase price and a 'Jeep' badge.
More Reliable Than
- No direct competitors in terms of reliability (it generally ranks near the bottom).
Comparable To
- Early model Dodge Caliber (shares platform and powertrain woes)
Safety Recalls on the 2016 Jeep Patriot
1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
What breaks on the 2016 Jeep Patriot?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Jeep Patriot — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Jeep Patriot. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2016s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2016 Jeep Patriot
Parts and accessories matched to your 2016 Jeep Patriot
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Frequently Asked Questions
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