2008 Jeep Patriot
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 173.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,109 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2008 SUV - (18.9 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Jeep Patriot is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,109 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 28 highway), 32% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 252 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Patriot — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Patriot →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited | 173.6 in | 69.3 in | 64.6 in | 103.9 in | 59.4 / 59.1 in | 3,109 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +32% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 24 | +27% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +38% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Patriot 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | +22% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 24 / 22 | +26% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Patriot 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 22 / 21 | +21% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Jeep Patriot under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Jeep Patriot (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2008 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Ford Escape | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Jeep Patriot.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Jeep Patriot is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Jeep Patriot buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 84 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Structure › Body — 50 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Engine — 47 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Jeep Patriot. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Patriot years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 59 |
| 2016 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 459 |
| 2015 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 315 |
| 2014 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 513 |
| 2013 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 105 |
| 2012 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 268 |
| 2011 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 254 |
| 2010 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 140 |
| 2009 Patriot | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 185 |
| 2007 Patriot | 24 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 133 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →