Three problems related to carrier/rack have been reported for the 2009 Jeep Patriot. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The k frame (front cross member) rusted and failed resulting in both a frames and ball joints to also fail. The rack and pinion sterring controls are shifting on the k frame as well. Jeep offers no recalls or extended warranty for this common problem. Loss of steering control presents a hazzard due to substandard metal premature failure. First note of failure was while the vehicle was in motion at about 30 mph while turning right.
When you fill the car up with gas. . . It stalls. . . No power, no brakes, no steering. . . The dealer fixed numerous things on car and it keeps happening. . . It also appears hundreds of others have the same issue. . . Read more...
When driving my 2009 Jeep Patriot at approx. 25 mph, I heard a 'pop' sound from near the front driver side wheel. I visually inspected and it appeared part of my frame had cracked. I took it to a shop, and they told me that the entire subframe/crossmember/kframe had rusted through, entirely, as well as the control arms. I took it to a Jeep dealer, and they confirmed. After contacting chyrsler and submitting a case, the dealer send digital images of the affected parts to Chrysler. Chrysler said there was nothing they could do since it was more likely than not corrosion from road salt. Both the mechanic and the dealer told me the Jeep was unsafe to drive. There was a recall of more than 130,000 2006 and 2007 Jeep liberty's for this same issue (undercarriage corrosion due to salt). How can a company reasonably think it is acceptable for a 6 year old vehicle with approximately 85,000 miles to rust through an integral part of the body/structure? I have a family, and had this piece snapped while on the highway at a high rate of speed, I could have killed them and others. I had the vehicle fixed, but will be pursuing further action.