The Lemon Index2008 Jeep Patriot.
The 2008 Jeep Patriot is worse than average by owner complaints: 84 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 153, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about suspension, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 21 to 25 mpg combined. The best Jeep Patriot year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 447 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Jeep Patriot year. 2008 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 43K to 107K miles on the car (382 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- suspension complaints mostly came at 37K–77K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 73K–125K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 32K–121K miles
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Jeep told dealers about
Jeep sent dealers 54 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Water Leaks At The Front And/Or Rear Roof Area This bulletin involves inspecting the front…
- Front And Rear Crossmember Corrosion (X69 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves…
- This bulletin involves inspecting the front and rear crossmembers for perforation/rust through…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Second time in a year where the front end has needed to be replaced. Spoke with other owners 2008 Model year and similar complaints via website jeeppatriot.com.
2008 Jeep Patriot owner · NHTSA complaint 10336558
More owner reports
Failed tie rod ends and balljoints causing premature tire wear and loose steering.
NHTSA complaint 10427814
Water leaking into my front dome light and all over my stereo and dash.
NHTSA complaint 10284740
Quick answers
Is the 2008 Jeep Patriot reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 153; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Jeep Patriot year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2008 Jeep Patriot problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (49%), body structure (23%) and steering (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2008 Jeep Patriot have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Jeep Patriot get?
21 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2008 Jeep Patriot problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 43,400 and 107,200 miles. The middle report was at 74,200 miles, from 382 complaints.
Does the 2008 Jeep Patriot have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2008 Jeep Patriot cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2008 Jeep Patriot have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Jeep Patriot year is better than the 2008?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2013 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works