Earlier this week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a Defect Investigation on Jeep Patriot utility vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years.
The agency notes that there have been twelve formal complaints alleging incidents of engine stalling in 2011-2012 Jeep Patriot models
What makes this case so unusual—and perhaps a more serious safety concern—is that in ten of these incidents, the stalling occurred at speeds of 65 mph or higher. And in one instance, that stalling is alleged to have caused an accident and resulting injury.
In each of the reported incidents, all reported in the past six months, on 2011 and 2012 Patriot models, the vehicle could not be immediately restarted, and in two thirds of the cases, the vehicle ended up having to be towed to the dealership.
The issue could affect about 112,000 vehicles in all, and since it's safety-related, when the cause is pinpointed it would then warrant a recall effort.
For more information about this boxy small crossover—the lowest-priced 4x4 in the U.S. market according to Jeep—see our full review pages on the 2013 Patriot.
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