Carrier/rack problems of the 2008 Jeep Patriot

I took my Jeep Patriot to a local mechanic to put a hitch on the back for a bike rack, and he noticed that my subframe/cross member was in dire need of replacement due to rust. I took the vehicle to a Jeep dealer and was told that this is a common issue in these early gen. Patriots, and that a recall had been issued by Jeep (Chrysler action # 23-012-1) for the 2007 Patriot and compass models. The details of the recall would be that Jeep would cover the cost to repair the rotted sub frames in the 2007 Patriots manufactured prior to July 2007, and the eligibility for coverage under this recall is decided by VIN number. The dealer confirmed that my Jeep was manufactured after July 2007, but purchased in March 2008 and thus would not be covered under the same recall. Now, I am currently having issues with my Patriot's steering and deceleration, especially when driving on the highway. I experience shaking of the steering wheel and vibrations throughout the vehicle while going speeds over 50mph on the highway. When exiting the highway on a ramp, the issues are the most pronounced. I have to be diligent about braking several times to make sure the car is decelerating safely as well as the steering feeling extremely loose. I've contacted Jeep to see if the issue with the sub frame rotting would be covered in the 2008 Patriot model, since it appears to be the same issue as the 2007s had and had not been corrected. I had no luck talking to a representative with Jeep about this issue. My ticket with Jeep was closed by customer service after the e-mail rep. Directed me to purchase a warranty with Jeep or visit a dealer (which I'd already done). We are bringing the vehicle to a local mechanic to fix the sub frame this week. I'd like to be reimbursed by Jeep for the cost of repairing the subframe. Thank you for your time, bridget munster.

2008 Jeep Patriot began making clunking/cracking noises from the front end at approximately 50,000 miles. Took into local Jeep dealer and they stated the ball joints were in very poor condition and needed to be replaced via front end lower control arms. After seeing what they were going to charge, took to an alignment shop. While driving to this shop, brakes began grinding. Ball joint failure caused brakes and caliper to be misaligned on the rotor causing the rotors to be damaged. Mechanic pressed in moog ball joints they said would be superior to oem parts and that they replace ball joints on Patriot, compass and caliber often. After getting ball joints replaced, the Jeep began handling poorly in snow packed road conditions, where the front of the Jeep feels uncontrollable and would sway from side to side, all while having total control of the steering wheel. Took back to Jeep, they said it was a ball joint issue once again and that the inner tie rods were loose, but didn't think that a slightly loose tie rod would cause the Jeep to go from side to side. Purchased new tires, thinking it was aging tires. No luck and vehicle over time has become unsafe to drive on road, even on regular driving conditions. Took to GMC dealer where a well known Jeep mechanic works. Confirmed tie rods are loose and strut is leaking. . Read more...