One problem related to transmission fluid leaking has been reported for the 2011 Jeep Patriot. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving up a long highway hill on a very hot day, the transmission started making a high pitched whining sound. I pulled over to the shoulder to see if I could see anything leaking etc. After finding nothing obvious I reentered traffic and it was fine until we hit the next hill, and the whining started again. On the downside of the hill the sound went away. Once I got to my destination I looked online and saw complaints of transmission fluid overheating causing the same issue. The ride home was at night and after I dropped off my passengers and there were no problems. Since that time I've noticed occasional "bucking" when driving on flat smooth highway. I made an appointment at my local dealer to check this out. I explained both the bucking and the whining, but they didn't seem too concerned. They updated the software and sent me on my way. I'm very concerned that there is a design or manufacturing problem with this transmission and Jeep is not admitting to it. There are many indications online and on this site. . . I am very concerned about driving this vehicle, especially on warm days.