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Last Jeep I'll ever buy; Subframe/Chassis severe rust

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jimjam89

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
(08 patriot) Recently posted on the forum regarding what I thought would be a minor/moderate alignment/suspension issue. After some closer investigation and the opinion of a trusted mechanic I've learned the rear subframe/chassis was essentially disintegrated (and the front isn't in good shape). A massive repair that I can't justify and missed the extended warranty recall. In my opinion there should be regulations that insure the frame of a vehicle for much longer than the likely lifespan of an engine/transmission. Now here I am with a vehicle that is in good working order (minus the frame of course) that will likely be sold for parts.

At this point the only solution I arrive at is to not buy Jeep and recommend others not to as well.
 
#2 ·
From what I've seen the frame repair runs around $1200. Not cheap, but it shouldn't be the end of your Patriot unless you want it to be.
 
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#3 · (Edited)
jimjam89 said:
At this point the only solution I arrive at is to not buy Jeep and recommend others not to as well.
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It's a shame you missed the extended warranty recall. Is there any chance they will work with you??

To your recommendation to avoid Jeep due to corrosion, add:

Toyota: What to know about rust and corrosion recalls on Toyota trucks and SUVs

GM: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10154649-9999.pdf

Ford: Ford recalls nearly 435,000 vehicles for rusting frame parts, faulty seats

Honda: what the Honda CR-V corrosion recall means to owners - MoneySense

Subaru : Subaru recalls 400,000 cars, rust issues - The Weekly Driver

Nissan: Nissan recalls 196,000 SUVs over rust risks | Torque News
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Ignatz said:
From what I've seen the frame repair runs around $1200. Not cheap, but it shouldn't be the end of your Patriot unless you want it to be.
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$1200? I mean the part isn't that expensive, but I would assume a mechanic will need to strip and cut many nuts/bolts and parts, which will be replaced not reinstalled. So the labor and cumulative parts to go with it will cost considerably more than 1200. It's not within my budget to spend, especially when it was not something I was anticipating. I've not contacted jeep directly, only the local dodge/jeep garage dealership, but am very pessimistic that there is any incentive for them to do anything at this point.

The Patriot was a decent vehicle, without many headaches other than this one major structural problem.
 
#5 ·
I think the $1200 is all in, out the door.

In a previous post you said you bought your 2008 in 2014 (6 years used) and you've used it now for 6 years with few problems other than the rust issues.

If the replacement cost for both the front and rear cross-members was $2500, then the question is whether or not you can find another used vehicle in better condition for $2500 or less, keeping in mind Treegrowers post above and the fact that you live where severe rust is not uncommon.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Sandstone said:
I think the $1200 is all in, out the door.

In a previous post you said you bought your 2008 in 2014 (6 years used) and you've used it now for 6 years with few problems other than the rust issues.

If the replacement cost for both the front and rear cross-members was $2500, then the question is whether or not you can find another used vehicle in better condition for $2500 or less, keeping in mind Treegrowers post above and the fact that you live where severe rust is not uncommon.
Click to expand...
The fact that Jeep issued an extended warranty recall admits sub par manufacturing. It's too bad I wasn't aware of it, that's on me. Most vehicles even in the salt belt don't succumb to rust at that rate. I'm sure that if I were to get a mechanic to do this job, first they would look at me like an idiot, and they'd charge minimum 3000 to 4000 dollars, rear and front.

over the years, the reverse actuator went, 1500, the clutch went (approx 2k can't remember) and a slew of suspension which were probably symptoms of the chassis giving out was 3000 plus.
So I wouldn't say no problems. Exhaust was very good though...never any problems.

I don't expect anything, and I wouldn't from most companies as it wouldn't serve them at all to offer any form of compensation to someone with a 10year+ old vehicle. I'm just venting frustration.
Nevertheless, I won't be buying a jeep.
 
#7 ·
Sheese, you've got a lot of new parts on that thing!

The rust may not be because of road salt. Other threads on here suggest that the a/c was drained onto the frame. I've had two Patriots total 410,000 miles with no rust. They've spent their entire lives in northern New England.
 
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#8 ·
I check for rust in the fall then when winter subsides, which could be????? Anyhow fluid film and attention have kept rust at bay. This fall I noted slight surface rust on my 15 Pat on the rear cross member. Attacked it with acid, wire brush, cleaning, undercoating, and when some layers of that dried, more fluid film. Helped with my OCD and the knowledge that the Jeep is ready for winter battleđź‘Ť
 
#9 ·
Sorry to say, but Chrysler products do seem to be more prone to rust than many others. I'm sure there are exceptions, but I've owned a few completely different Chrysler products (Grand Caravan, Town & Country, etc) and they start rusting out pretty quickly. I am in KY and don't get severe winters...my '12 Patriot is showing rust coming through the rear fender, the underside of the rear end is beginning to crumble. I am amazed I was able to re-use the backing plate for the rear hubs I just recently replaced (bad wheel bearings) 'cause the plate was litterally crumbling in my hands. However...the front end seems solid. There's no significant rust underneath from the rear doors forward...which is weird. Anyway...out of the cars I've owned, Chryslers are the worse, but I had a Pontiac Montana once that was just as bad...and a Toyota that saw no rust after 300,000 miles and 25 years....
 
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