Ford Explorer vs Jeep Patriot
For 2007–2017 models, the Jeep Patriot has 44.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 68.0 for the Ford Explorer. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2007–2017), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Explorer
68.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.5× the Jeep Patriot’s rate
- Complaints
- 12,319
- Sold
- 1,810,764
- Recall campaigns
- 31
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016. Fewest: 2007 and 2009. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 82,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 78,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 77,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 88,300 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 60,000 mi
Jeep Patriot
44.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
34% fewer than the Ford Explorer
- Complaints
- 3,316
- Sold
- 741,772
- Recall campaigns
- 9
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2008–2009. Fewest: 2013 and 2015–2017. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 57,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 45,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 60,000 mi
-
Tank, lines and filler
Typically around 88,000 mi
-
Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion
Typically around 102,361 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Patriot?
For 2007–2017 models, the Jeep Patriot has 44.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Explorer has 68.0, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Explorer?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Explorer is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 82,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Jeep Patriot?
The most-reported problem on the Jeep Patriot is stalling and no-start, typically around 57,000 miles.
Which Ford Explorer and Jeep Patriot years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Explorer: 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016; Jeep Patriot: 2008–2009.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.