Jeep Patriot Problems

Remove the T20 bolt in the door grab/pull enclosure (not the handle), then use trim removal levers to pop the centre section of the door panel off. Undo the two 10mm bolts on the underside of the door skin, and the T20 bolt behind the door handle cover. Pry the speaker grille off and unbolt the speaker, with two bolts and two long T20 bolts to remove the speaker, then remove the two 10mm bolts at the front of the door card holding the door panel to the door skin. Pop the mirror cover off, then remove two 10mm bolts from the centre section of the door panel. Remove the three Allen key bolts holding the window regulator to the door and the door panel can be removed by lifting up, and then disconnecting the door handle from behind the door panel.

You can have your car serviced by the companies you are considering without affecting your warranty, so that's an issue. It comes down to the level of confidence you have in those independent service people to do a good job. I would suggest you use the dealer for the servicing until the warranty expires and then look for another mechanic after that. Using the dealer can make it easier if you have a problem with your car late on and want to make a warranty claim.

Sell it. The Jeep Patriot has next to no aftermarket high-performance upgrade options, so your best bet is to trade up to a Cherokee SRT8 with the monstrous 6.4-litre Hemi V8. If that doesn't sound fast enough, grab yourself one of the new, ballistic 707hp Jeep Trackhawk Cherokees and forget about the Patriot.

It’s not good that the gearbox bearings need replacing on such a new car, but Jeep appears to be handling it in a positive and helpful way. Despite your misgivings, I would recommend you go through with the exercise, and hopefully they will come good with their offer of a goodwill gesture.

4x2 Jeep Patriots are rear-wheel drive, but 4x4 models are more complicated. Base model Jeep Patriots run in Front Wheel Drive mostly, only sending up to 30% of power to the rear wheels when wheel slip at the front is detected, which means they're technically AWD not 4x4. The optional CVT-only Freedom Drive II drive system allows an electronically lockable set-up and is a proper 4x4 set-up.

All extended warranties tie you to the dealership for service, so unfortunately the service department is within its rights to charge you. But I've been in touch with the new head of Fiat Chrysler Australia and he says he will do everything he can to help. Jeep is trying to improve its customer service.