2013 Jeep Patriot recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
What could happen: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 PATRIOT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jeep dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V668000 (manufacturer code S61).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2013 Jeep Patriot owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Airbags (33), Engine (27), Seat belts (23), Transmission / drivetrain (19), Unknown Or Other (13).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/29/2025 · Unknown Or Other
When driving down the road the car just shuts off and it’s dangerous especially in busy areas it happens 6 times a day.
09/18/2025 · Unknown Or Other
Passenger headrest deployed open even though there was no collision
07/21/2025 · Seats
The passenger headrest AHR has deployed a couple years ago while parked. I tried working with the dealer for the past year to get it fixed under a recall. The dealer said it was covered for a limited time but no longer is covered. I do not understand why that is. It seems this should be covered under a recall and is a safety issue.
11/22/2024 · Airbags
Drivers side headrest deployed while I was driving.
10/19/2024 · Unknown Or Other
Drivers side head restraint deployed while driving without any viable cause or reason
08/09/2024 · Airbags
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact scheduled an appointment and was informed that…
09/26/2023 · Suspension
The rear sub frame suddenly broke (rusted out) There was a known recall for 2008-2012 Jeep Patriot's, but not 2013 [XXX] I have Photos, but the form wouldn't let me upload them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
09/11/2023 · Transmission / drivetrain
Transmission overheat warning , Engine loses power and slows to around 30MPH Poses risk to myself and others on highway because can not accelerate to get out of traffic Has not been confirmed by dealer Has been inspected by mechanic The hot transmission warning light comes on.This has been going on several years