This is a brand new 2011 Patriot FWD. Not sure about the engine volume - I asked for the smaller one than the default (to have better consumption, since acceleration/speed is totally unimportant in a congested city). I`m guessing I have 1.8, since the default is 2.0.

So far, I`ve driven 187 miles. However, that`s 2.5 full tanks.

I made I sure I bought a gasoline yesterday at roughly same spot (as previous time) - e.g. almost at an empty tank.

And here are the numbers: 135 miles since last time and a full tank.
I know, a "full tank" is a pretty rough estimate, since each pump stops at different time, but it shouldn`t vary more than, say, 1 gallon.

But still - 135 miles with 11.254 gallons ? WTF ?!?


I`ve used manual transmission all my life in many different cars (I`m from Europe), so I`m sure I`m not doing anything stupid. Especially my last car showed me the current/average consumption all the time, so I got a pretty good hang of extremely economic driving (3.7 l @ 100 km) and how gear/speed influence the consumption.

But 12MPG is just ridiculous.
A/C has been on all the time (it`s 80-90 F here), but from my previous cars, it rarely took more than 1 l per hour of driving, so it can`t contribute itself to this absurd number. The occupancy is 2 people most of the time.

All of that has been driven in City. Since there are STOP signs every block, you can guess it`s mostly Gear 1->Gear2 and full stop (only rarely Gear 3, but usually for only very short time, since it`s either red lights, congestion or STOP sign).
Driving along main roads is the same, since they`re totally congested, whether it`s 7 am or 11 pm - e.g. bumper-to-bumper driving.

But, still - 12 MPG ? COME ON !?!

I don`t believe I can actually get to 20 mpg after 3000 miles, but I guess I`ll just have to wait and see.

I`ll appreciate any ideas you guys may have.

Something is obviously wrong. I get that kind of mileage going up hill pulling a trailer into the wind.

Possible causes:

1)Car never goes off of "choke and high idle" (I know old terms but same concept)
2) Tires have only 10 pounds of air.
3) Parking brake is adjusted wrong and is rubbing constantly.
4) clutch is adjusted wrong and is slipping
5) Air intake is blocked some how
6) bought E85 by accident twice
7) Allen Funt/Peter Funt is screwing with you to get this on Candid Camera.

This should be easy to find. There is something seriously wrong.

something is obviously wrong,
even my FDII never went that low,

can euro pats reset with the 10 sec gas depress trick?

what rpms are you driving at? at idle? at say highway speed,

You should have the 2.0L, that was the smaller engine. The 2.4L is the other available engine.

I have to agree with jepstr, either something is seriously wrong with the fuel injection or someone is stealing your gas. Pick up a locking gas cap and see if it doesn't double.

I have the 4x4 with the CVT and 2.4L and I did an experiment where I tried to get the worst fuel economy I possibly could. I shifted manually at high rpms, raced to sit at red lights and floored it just about every chance I got. I don't remember the exact figure but I think I did 18 mpg on that tank.

Oh, here's the post: http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34218

Take to the stealer and have them plug it in to the computer and see what the fuel trim looks like when moving. They can also pull engine load data.

At idle my Jeep is in the mid to high 20s on load. If I turn the AC on that adds another 7 to 8 percent. Since you have the 2.0, you'll probably get 10 to 12 percent additional load. A co-worker with a Mazda Speed 3 with the 2.0l Turbo, his load jumped nearly 15% at idle when turning the AC on, mainly because of the smaller engine, lower compression pistons (since the turbo is not doing anything at idle.) but you get the idea.

If you have a realtime CANBUS scanner or a cheapo 20$ cable like I do with a laptop you can pull all this data yourself using Scantool.net (the free version for ELM327 cables)

Fuel trim would go along with what Jeepster was saying about the running rich. I think at idle my Jeep was fluctuating +/- 4% trim.

Wow, so many replies and so fast ! Thanks guys. I`ll try to address them separately:

1. Gas Stealing ? I find that hard to believe, given the neighbourhood. Granted, I might be naive, but still...
On the other hand, I had a feeling several times, when I got into car after several days, that when i parked it, there was more fuel. So, I probably can`t rule it out.
Any ideas where I can actually buy this lock ? Do I have to break anything to change it ? I guess I`d find out when i saw it how it actually looks. I`d rather not break anything on a brand-new car. Although, I don`t want to shell out (probably) couple hundred bucks to get the official retailer change it, either.

2. RPM - I guess I had higher RPMs (not in the red zone, mind you) maybe during 2-3% of whole time (and really only for a second or two before changing gear). I don`t remember the actual numbers right now, but since the engine is fresh new, I limit the RPMs as much as possible. Besides, in the City it`s almost impossible to floor it since it`s mostly bumper-to-bumper driving.

That`s actually what I thought - since majority of driving is on first/second gear that must heavily contribute to this consumption.
I remember from my previous European car that on gear one the consumption was up to 36l (at 100 km), on gear 2 about 12l/100 km and gear 3 about 5l/100 km.
So, the difference is pretty drastic.
Since Patriot is much heavier car, I expect these numbers much higher - perhaps up to 50l on gear 1, 20 on gear 2 and maybe gear 3 can get about 7l/100 km.

But since I don`t have the computer on board (as I had with my European car), I don`t know.

What do you think about it ?

3. A/C - it`s at full power for only short periods of time - like 5 mins. Most of the time it is at about 33%. I forgot that since I have the smaller engine, that it contributes more to consumption.

4. Dealer check - that`s a good idea - but how much am I looking into paying for this kind of test ?

5. Parking brake - since I`d get a flashing light with parking brake on, it`s impossible to drive with it. Nevertheless, I`d be a terrible driver if I could forget the parking brake and I never do. I routinely check it while waiting on lights.

6. Chicago City is an extremely flat area. I don`t think I`ve encountered more than 1-2 miles of "almost hilly" terrain.

5. Parking brake - since I`d get a flashing light with parking brake on, it`s impossible to drive with it. Nevertheless, I`d be a terrible driver if I could forget the parking brake and I never do. I routinely check it while waiting on lights.

Joe, I was not implying driver error. What I meant was that it might be out of adjustment from the factory. Such that even after the driver takes the brake off and the light goes out, the pads are still touching and dragging.


Most of us who routinely get very good mileage keep the RPMs under 2K most of the time while accelerating. It is some fairly grandpa like driving but it will save fuel.

4. Dealer check - that`s a good idea - but how much am I looking into paying for this kind of test ?

You said the Jeep is brand new so it should be free of charge and covered by the warranty. Take it in if you can't locate the problem.

You will probably have the 2.0 litre gas engine as I dont think the Patriot was ever offered with the 1.8. It was an option on the Caliber , but was soon dropped from the options. I had a 2.0Litre Caliber SXT with CVT Trans & I could get anything from 30---38 MPG ( Imperial ) from that engine , plus quite amazing acceleration & a good top speed . Even during the break in period you should get far better economy than you are experiencing!!

Someone is definitely stealing your gas. I purchased the gas cap lock from Chrysler, they have two types a cheap one that uses a differnent key and one that gets keyed to your ignition key that way you eliminate the need for an additional key.

1. Gas Stealing ? I find that hard to believe, given the neighbourhood. Granted, I might be naive, but still...
On the other hand, I had a feeling several times, when I got into car after several days, that when i parked it, there was more fuel. So, I probably can`t rule it out.
Any ideas where I can actually buy this lock ? Do I have to break anything to change it ? I guess I`d find out when i saw it how it actually looks. I`d rather not break anything on a brand-new car. Although, I don`t want to shell out (probably) couple hundred bucks to get the official retailer change it, either.

2. RPM - I guess I had higher RPMs (not in the red zone, mind you) maybe during 2-3% of whole time (and really only for a second or two before changing gear). I don`t remember the actual numbers right now, but since the engine is fresh new, I limit the RPMs as much as possible. Besides, in the City it`s almost impossible to floor it since it`s mostly bumper-to-bumper driving.

3. A/C - it`s at full power for only short periods of time - like 5 mins. Most of the time it is at about 33%. I forgot that since I have the smaller engine, that it contributes more to consumption.


1. : It may not happen in your neighborhood. It might be while parked at work, or the movies. Point is to eliminate that possibility. Any autoparts store will have a locking gas cap and you don't have to break anything to install it. Just remove your factory gas cap and screw the locking one on. As someone mentioned, Jeep sells a factory one but it is more expensive...I'd deal with an extra key personally.

2. : When my Patriot was brand new and not yet broken in, I averaged about 18-19 mpg, but I did not know about the "under 2000 rpm" rule of thumb. That's actually a tad slow for me, so I use under 2500 rpm. Give it a shot and see what you get. Since you are mostly city driving, you will get worse mileage, try increasing the spacing between you and other cars and crawl forward to eliminate any extra starts/stops (especially if you can get it into 2nd gear and slowly move forward just above idle).

3. : When the AC is on, it's running the compressor. Whether the fan is at 25% speed or 100% speed, it doesn't change the engine load of running the compressor. Also, any defrost position also runs the AC compressor. Despite some "fuel saving" tips I've seen, running on MAX AC does not increase consumption either, it simply sets the air vent doors from fresh air to recirculate.

I don't know about the Jeep, but my 1999 RAM 1500 that I used to have had an anti-fuel theft screen in the neck of the gas tank.

So, I did a long trip (500 miles) on the highway finally and...

... and the consumption is around 13 MPG on highway. Unless it`s a Chuck Norris, no one steals my gasoline.

The car has about ~3000 miles so far (since last May).

As for the break-in, I can`t drive under 2000 RPM in City. The engine just shuts down when I`m going from zero speed to 10-20 MPH. Which is dangerous - especially when turning left at a crossing - imagine having to spend 5 seconds to shut the engine down, start again, and move in the middle of crossing.

It simply has to get a lot of RPM to be stable.

How much will it damage the engine if I don`t go under 2500 RPM ?

And what about the consumption ? I can as well buy a Hummer H2/H3, since it has the same (or perhaps even better consumption).

I am not sure of your problem, but you need to get it checked out.

13MPG highway is just not right! I drive all city and about 21 US MPG.

I dont understand why you havent takin it to the dealer? If its a 2011 it should be under warranty so it wont cost you anything. I have a 2012 with the 2.0 2wd 5 sp man and I drive like a B.O.O.H All the time and never get under 27MPG and I make a 800 mile round trip to FL once a month and get 31 MPG

That fuel has to be leaking out, or the odometer is wrong. If you only got 13 mpg on the highway you should have been pouring black smoke out of the exhaust, fouling plugs and running like crap. I can get more than 13 mpg in my FDII locked in low in the hills, over rocks with camping gear, a morbidly obese female and a large dog.

So, I did a long trip (500 miles) on the highway finally and...

... and the consumption is around 13 MPG on highway. Unless it`s a Chuck Norris, no one steals my gasoline.

The car has about ~3000 miles so far (since last May).

As for the break-in, I can`t drive under 2000 RPM in City. The engine just shuts down when I`m going from zero speed to 10-20 MPH. Which is dangerous - especially when turning left at a crossing - imagine having to spend 5 seconds to shut the engine down, start again, and move in the middle of crossing.

It simply has to get a lot of RPM to be stable.

How much will it damage the engine if I don`t go under 2500 RPM ?

And what about the consumption ? I can as well buy a Hummer H2/H3, since it has the same (or perhaps even better consumption).

Why are you driving this vehicle still? Take it to the dealer. Something is WRONG! Cars are not supposed to stall out driving around town. It is abudantly clear there is a problem. Get it fixed asap. 2011 = warranty so why are you waiting?

Sounds like you are still getting better MPG than my Landrover :D

I guess I should reserve one Saturday for a dealer visit, then.

As you can see, I don`t drive a lot -other than that recent trip, I did about 2000 miles in city since last May (basically, I use the car just for shopping) - so there`s nothing really pushing me - and the extremely low price of gasoline in US isn`t helping that either (compared to absurd prices of gasoline in Europe).
I pay about $40 per month for all gasoline. That`s simply ridiculously low for a car that has 2.8 times worse consumption than my last car in Europe. Granted, I don`t use it for a daily commute (thought that was about 6 miles in total - back there), so that may not be the fairest comparison, but still !

Can gas even be stolen? Would not a syphon tube be blocked before it got as far as the tank?

That fuel has to be leaking out, or the odometer is wrong. If you only got 13 mpg on the highway you should have been pouring black smoke out of the exhaust, fouling plugs and running like crap. I can get more than 13 mpg in my FDII locked in low in the hills, over rocks with camping gear, a morbidly obese female and a large dog.Odometer isn`t wrong, since I got the directions printed out from google.maps and the distance matched (within 95%).

There`s definitely no black smoke or anything.


How does it work with the checks at the dealer within the guarantee period here in States ?

How much can I expect to have to pay for them to check it ?

You will pay $0 provided it is under 36,000 miles.

Maybe your using the Metric system vs the US measurement for your calculations.

I have noticed a significant increase in the fuel consumption on my 2011 FD1(14 MPG). I thought I felt the clutch slip the other day so I'm gonna make an appointment at the stealership to have it looked at.

Maybe your using the Metric system vs the US measurement for your calculations.Uhm, how is 135 miles with 11 gallons metric ?

While I can`t convert MPG into Liters / 100 km from the top of my head without the help of uncle google or a piece of paper and a pencil (though google is a bit faster), I at least remember the desired / advertised consumption value - which is almost twice as great.

So, 36k miles is the threshold ? Interesting. It`s going to take me 10 yrs to drive that much in City (assuming my driving doesn`t change) :-)

However, I`m pretty sure they have a clause of "36k / 2 yrs - whichever comes sooner" :-)

Uhm, how is 135 miles with 11 gallons metric ?

While I can`t convert MPG into Liters / 100 km from the top of my head without the help of uncle google or a piece of paper and a pencil (though google is a bit faster), I at least remember the desired / advertised consumption value - which is almost twice as great.

So, 36k miles is the threshold ? Interesting. It`s going to take me 10 yrs to drive that much in City (assuming my driving doesn`t change) :-)

However, I`m pretty sure they have a clause of "36k / 2 yrs - whichever comes sooner" :-)

You have a 3 year/36,000 bumper to bumper warranty and you have a 5 year/100,000 powertrain warranty unless you purchased additional coverage. It is whichever comes 1st however as far as the time or mileage. If you only have 5000 at 3 years the B2B warranty still expires. Run up 125,000 in 3 years and the PTW would be done.

Sounds like my problem. Grabbing rear parking brake. I've had it adjusted and adjusted. But no one seems to do it right. Check the rear hub. Is it hot?

I guess I should reserve one Saturday for a dealer visit, then.

As you can see, I don`t drive a lot -other than that recent trip, I did about 2000 miles in city since last May (basically, I use the car just for shopping) - so there`s nothing really pushing me - and the extremely low price of gasoline in US isn`t helping that either (compared to absurd prices of gasoline in Europe).
I pay about $40 per month for all gasoline. That`s simply ridiculously low for a car that has 2.8 times worse consumption than my last car in Europe. Granted, I don`t use it for a daily commute (thought that was about 6 miles in total - back there), so that may not be the fairest comparison, but still !


First off no matter if your pat is manual, automatic, 2.0, 2.4, FDI, FDII it shouldn't be getting any lower than 20mpg I've very rarely seen anyone under 20 and usually it's cause they drive too aggressively or are towing. There is definitely something wrong with your Pat and you need to bring it to them immediately appointment or no appointment you shouldn't be letting this go by without a care. All Jeeps come with a 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty it would cost you nothing to have it looked at. And if they were to ever even charge me to have my brand new pat looked at because it's guzzling gas I'd tell them to take the truck and shove it straight up their...you know where this is going. A brand new Pat with an estimated 23-28 mpg shouldn't be getting under 15mpg.

Sounds like my problem. Grabbing rear parking brake. I've had it adjusted and adjusted. But no one seems to do it right. Check the rear hub. Is it hot?

I thought your problem was you couldn't go in some snow?
At least that was the problem on the other old threads you resurrected tonight.

You intimate on the other threads that you have a FD Patriot that lacks power to push you in snow (although where you would get snow at this time of year unless you are a mile high in CO...) but you mention in those threads that your wheels spin and spin. Which is hard to do with traction control but I digress...

Now here you are saying you can't get your parking brake adjusted correctly and to check your rear hub, 4x4 Patriots have four wheel disc brakes, only the 4x2 Pats have rear drums.

So...if you seriously want or need any help or advice on your issues, maybe you'd best figure out what, exactly, your Patriot is and instead of resurrecting old, abandoned posts and doing a drive by; make your own thread and ask about your issues...there are some really knowledgeable and helpful folks on this forum.

There is no sense in bringing up a dropped thread...if the original poster doesn't care enough to come back and ask further or tell us the result or whatever, your opening it up for whatever it is you are doing isn't going to add anything either.

Well said, Metaxa. After reading this post, I went back and read some of this gentleman's older posts. This poor, unfortunate soul has had just about everything POSSIBLE break on his Jeep. The possibilities, as I see them, are:
1) He has the worst luck of any Pat owner in North America.
2) He beats the dog s**t out of his Jeep.
3) He is a troll.

Well said, Metaxa. After reading this post, I went back and read some of this gentleman's older posts. This poor, unfortunate soul has had just about everything POSSIBLE break on his Jeep. The possibilities, as I see them, are:
1) He has the worst luck of any Pat owner in North America.
2) He beats the dog s**t out of his Jeep.
3) He is a troll.

On the larger and heavily read political sites I know there are paid posters. They are paid by the opposition or by the home team to propel the flavour of the day. Money or other considerations.

It wouldn't be a very large stretch to assume when we get these recently registered, single or very low digit posters all at once; all agreeing with one another that the Patriot can't climb, can't get fuel mileage, can't keep out germs, can't change colour...whatever the outrage is about...that these guys have some sort of vested interest in spewing.

They never seem to come back and finish, they don't "become" part of the community...they just dump and go...perhaps to come back under a different name, one with only one post, to agree with the original.

They never ask for help or for another point of view...all they do is spew, give little to no information that would enhance the reader's understanding of the issue and, seemingly, move on.

I mean, have you ever known an engineer, tech or actual, who couldn't give you a paragraph about how to adjust a parking brake properly?

I stay here and read here for a bit of relaxation...but I lack both tolerance and forgiveness for posts such as these...done with malice or not, planned as a troll or just the product of lack of critical thinking...

I always told my staff, "Don't bring me problems, bring me solutions."
Those that persisted in bringing me problems were, in fact, the problem.
Those that saw or had a problem and brought me solutions ended up well rewarded and happy people.

It really is that simple.

Wow, rant over, I guess.

Metaxa, you couldn't of said that better. I feel as though I see threads of people that have no pics, little information, minimal posts and seem to bad mouth the patriot like no tomorrow. Like you explained these are probably paid trolls. Every vehicle has its issues but I noticed it as well with engineer whatever his name is that he posted on another thread claiming he couldn't get through 2 inches of mud and 5 inches of snow in May? Just a bit odd especially when you have no idea what part of the world he's from. It seems a bit strange to then see him post another complaint to a different scenario on this thread. I could also be wrong on this assumption. You never know who's on the other end.