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#122 ·
I checked my Pat (built in 04/07), a Limited. It does the "flappen hood" thing at above 60mph but never worsens as I approach mach 1 [chortle]. I checked for looseness of the hood but I don't feel any like is described in these posts [shrug]. It seems like either thinner sheet metal or less braced sheet metal. Akin to a clean white bedsheet on a clothesline unfurling like a flag in the gentle breeze of a sunny summers day. The smell of lavender caressing your nose as you... but I digress.
 
#123 ·
quasimodem51 said:
I checked my Pat (built in 04/07), a Limited. It does the "flappen hood" thing at above 60mph but never worsens as I approach mach 1 [chortle]. I checked for looseness of the hood but I don't feel any like is described in these posts [shrug]. It seems like either thinner sheet metal or less braced sheet metal. Akin to a clean white bedsheet on a clothesline unfurling like a flag in the gentle breeze of a sunny summers day. The smell of lavender caressing your nose as you... but I digress.
Click to expand...
So maybe the hood just needs a few more clothespins.
 
#124 ·
BlackPat said:
The youtube video you posted shows the hood moves about a half an inch, maybe 3/4 of an inch, up and down. Flapping all over the place? I don't see any movement until the truck, coming from the opposite direction, is right next to it. What's the closing speed, 130+ miles per hour? This is the first time in your life that 18 wheelers push a lot of wind? Apparently you are so disturbed by this problem that you are now inclined to trash the car publicly rather than figure out what, if anything is wrong with it. Trade it in and get a Toyota. They are perfect and you will never ever have another problem with a car.

Good grief.
Click to expand...
Yep. It only moves a half to three quarters of an inch on one side...and the sunroof only leaks a little bit...and the front suspension only makes a little grinding / popping noise when going over tiny obstacles...and the rear door latch only stops working sometimes...the transmission is only unresponsive between 20-40 MPH...the paint is only chipping off in some places, and the customer service only sucks at most dealerships I've been to...

If I wanted to publicly trash the Patriot, I think I've got enough information to actually do it. All I did with the hood lift video was show what it was that was being talked about.

Keep in mind, that was not a worse case scenario. Worse case is a high crosswind, or while passing big trucks that throw off a wake at their front end. In those situations, the entire hood lifts up and acts as a foil...contributing to stability problems at high speeds. When the crosswind dies down, the hood slams back down on top of painted metal surfaces, ie the fenders.

Quality Control. Fit and Finish. Pride in Manufacturing. Customer Service. These should be key concepts in the auto industry.

I bought a Jeep because of the company history and the name. I figured I would be buying a quality manufactured product that would stand up to considerable abuse. What I bought was an underpowered, shoddily manufactured and/or engineered Tonka Toy. Before purchasing this thing, when I thought "Jeep", I thought of old WWII newsreel video showing Jeeps being abused to hell and back and still functioning.

After purchasing this thing....I'm wondering what else they just "left out" or "let get by". This hood thing may seem minor, but if this serves as a manufacturing standard...what other parts are misaligned or misinstalled or just simply designed poorly?

Maybe one day I'll actually sit down and attempt to trash the product. I still like the way it looks and am getting by with the underpowered engine...but with so many problems cropping up with multiple vehicles, this is obviously a company quality problem.

So far, my "Jeep" experience has not been what I expected it to be. I doubt this vehicle will survive much past it's 3 year factory warranty. I'm almost positive I will own it much less than 3 years unless something drastic happens to change my mind. This will also be my last and final Chrysler product. Ever.
 
#125 ·
1inch I can understand that you are somewhat p*ssed at the problems with your vehicle but some of the things you mention have been covered on here and some have even had solutions found to the problems (flappen hood and transmission) although that doesn't excuse the lack of quality control.

BUT

It is a very new vehicle with not even a full year on the dealer lots, so there are bound to be some problems that arise. From the 2000+ forum members I think even you would admit that there are many owners that are very satisfied with their vehicle.

I sincerely hope that the issues you are having are resolved sooner rather than later and you become one of the satisfied Jeep Patriot owners.

Good luck
 
#126 · (Edited)
Well, here is the pic I promised!! I hope this helps people out! Just adjust it up a LITTLE like a half a turn and see how that goes. There is one on both sides. It takes a 10mm socket. It helped mine out a lot!! I just noticed when I took the pics that the plastic piece under my hood that you can see in the pic that the dealer scuffed it!!! :mad: So I will be talking to the dealer about this, and the adjuster is now rusting because the socket took that paint off! ERRRR!!
 

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#127 ·
Jerk of the day here...

Sorry if I don't want to deal with problems from people who don't really want to do anything about them except complain. That goes for you too "Nearly Normal." While I don't see this particular problem as a major, I must admit that I haven't run into the issue with my Pat. We don't have 2 lane highways round here. So ok I was a jerk because I didn't empathize with his concerns. Fact is, I'd like the guy to get the problem solved to his satisfaction, but putting a video on Youtube doesn't seem likely to accomplish that. My view is that he doesn't want to solve the problem, say by reading the posts people have made trying to help out, or taking the car to a different dealer, etc.

His statement that he isn't publicly trashing the car is a bit flawed, if you read the text that appears during the video. Like I said, trade it in, and buy something else. End of problems.
 
#128 · (Edited)
Hello Fellow Patriot Enthusiats,

I don't wish to get in the middle of a spitting contest on this 'Hood Flapping' and 'Bonnet Flutter' issue, rather only wish to add what I personally observed at my local dealership earlier this evening.

After finishing a brief grocery run to my local Wal-Mart, I dropped in on my Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ford dealership which is conveniently located across the highway from aforesaid Wal-Mart. Since it was after hours, I enjoyed the luxury of being able to walk the lot without needing to worry about being tackled by a hungry, overly aggressive salesperson.

On the lot currently were eight Patriots, seven Compasses & seemingly countless 2008 Jeep Libertys. The Patriots and Compasses were a mixed bag of '07s and '08s and I took the time to check for rear hood lift on every single Patriot and Compass on the lot, plus about a half-dozen 2008 Jeep Libertys.

What I discovered with my static tests confirmed what's been reported in this thread: the windscreen end of each and every Patriot's hood could be easily raised by hand by 1/2 inch or more. Similar static tests on both the Compass and the Libertys revealed no lift whatsoever, both model's hoods being solid and tight.

What does this mean? I can't say for sure, but I believe it's an observaion that should certainly be reported to Jeep engineering with the hope of learning whether this 'lift' is intentional or an unwanted, but unavoidable artifact of the coachwork's design because of constraints imposed on the vehicle's design and/or manufacturing engineers.

From what I observed and after inspecting the bonnet's hinge design with it raised, I humbly submit that the 'hood play' is a direct result of the articulated hinge's design and completely unrelated to improper adjustment of the rear under-hood bumper stops. Ratcheting the bumper stops up may appear to solve the problem, but improper adjustment of same is not the root cause of the problem .. if indeed it is a problem at all.

I will admit that I've never seen anything like this in the 40 to 50 vehicles I've owned in my lifetime, but whether or not this measurable 'play' at the hood's rear will eventually lead to premature metal fatigue and possible failure of the hinge itself is of yet unknown .. at least to me. In the meanwhile, I believe it's right and proper to be cautiously concerned about the hood's dynamic behavior and to bring it to the attention of Jeep's engineering & management hierarchy.

Finally, I'd ask all forum paticipants to remember that what we have in common easily trumps our differences. We are a virtual family so to speak, and I trust everyone will keep that in mind before becoming overly defensive or turning on the flamethrowers.


+ PEACE +

Irish Waif ;)
 
#129 ·
Hood?

That post above was especially helpful.

I do have a question which I don't see a clear answer to here on the forum:

Does EVERY Patriot have that "hood play" mentioned above? I'd really like to get one, but this particular issue is casuing me to rethink it.

If I wander around enough dealer lots, will I find a Patriot (preferably a black Limited ;)) whose hood doesn't move like this?

Thanks.
 
#131 ·
Hello Jeep people?

Are you listeniing to what members of this Forum are saying?

Here's your chance to show some interest in customers satisfaction and product adjustment.

Don't reply...or answer and keep on sinking. You get what you deserve.

Such attitude from Jeep, from the start, of not taking advantage of this forum to correct problems brought up by desappointed new owners concerning the Patriot is a major mistake that could have a desastrous effect on future potential buyers like me.

I will keep track... and by April, I'll take my decision....I must admit my deception but still hope. Meanwhile... I'm checking other choices in compact SUVs for my Plan B
 
#132 ·
In the short period of time that I've had my Jeep, I haven't noticed a movement while on the highway. I've been in a couple of good cross-wind situations with large trucks and the hood seemed to have stayed where it was supposed to be. If it does start moving in the future, I think the best solution will be to follow the advice of those members who have had the problem repaired rather than to scream bloody murder.
 
#133 ·
No hood flopping so far, but the max speeds around here are 65 before you get attention from the police. I drifted up to 70 for a short period, but the hood seems fine and believe me, I was looking for it.
 
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#134 ·
I have recently complete and 250 mile trip in both mixed county roads and highways. I have not noticed the hood actually flapping either by hitting potholes or by crosswinds by trucks.

I did think of something, if we go back and find the crash test video that is somewhere in this forum, I do recall the hood is designed to lift upward in a crash so that the long flat hood won't fly through the windshield in a head on crash....

Could this be the difference between the Riot and the other jeeps and why some don't move and others do?
 
#135 ·
To everyone wondering if they have the problem that is being described...go to your Patriot, driver's side. Grab the window side of the hood on that side. Lift up. If it moves, that's what is being discussed.

Passenger side, not so much...but it does lift as well.

As to trading in the vehicle, BlackPat...who exactly would be biting off the 4-5 thousand dollar loss on that one? If the vehicle is traded in or sold just because I don't quite like it that much, I could see taking the loss and moving on. If it's because of inherent design or manufacturing problems, why should that come out of my pocket?

Patriot KMC: Absolutely, some breaking in / fine tuning is expected. I've had the dubious pleasure of owning some real lop of crap vehicles in my day...and I've never seen these kind of problems before.

Irish Waif: Agreed. The hinge design on this vehicle is 1960's vintage at best. Looks like it was designed to be manufactured cheaply as it's main design constraint.

I'm going to try the local Jeep dealer in town this week with a list of complaints and see how they respond. Due for another oil change anyway. This will make the 7th Jeep dealer I've tried to get some satisfaction from...the odds don't look good but I've got an open mind.




Hasty: How does the hood end up fitting with the fenders after this adjustment...since it only really needs to be applied to one side?
 
#136 ·
PAT's-riot said:
I did think of something, if we go back and find the crash test video that is somewhere in this forum, I do recall the hood is designed to lift upward in a crash so that the long flat hood won't fly through the windshield in a head on crash....

Could this be the difference between the Riot and the other jeeps and why some don't move and others do?
Click to expand...
Interesting. You seem to suggest that the rear hood play described in this thread may be intentional for crash safety reasons. Do you remember where you read this, or is this your conclusion after you viewed the crash test video?

I'm not questioning what you recall or your interpretation of the video, but if this Patriot hood hinge behavior is indeed by design, then I'm sure there's information out there documenting this engineering attribute. If this be the case then I'll research this topic in greater detail in the hope of coming up with a definitive explanation on which we can all hang our hats.


Irish Waif ;)​
 
#138 ·
patriotpierre said:
Hello Jeep people?

Are you listeniing to what members of this Forum are saying?

Here's your chance to show some interest in customers satisfaction and product adjustment.

Don't reply...or answer and keep on sinking. You get what you deserve.

Such attitude from Jeep, from the start, of not taking advantage of this forum to correct problems brought up by desappointed new owners concerning the Patriot is a major mistake that could have a desastrous effect on future potential buyers like me.

I will keep track... and by April, I'll take my decision....I must admit my deception but still hope. Meanwhile... I'm checking other choices in compact SUVs for my Plan B
Click to expand...
As the resident Jeep Representative, I just wanted to remind you that I posted the following thread on 9/17.

With regard to the Patriot "Flapping Hood" phenomenon, I would strongly recommend reporting your concerns to Jeep directly. They can tell you where and how to proceed with this issue.

You can contact the Jeep Information Center by calling 1-800-925-JEEP or by utilizing the "Contact Us" portion of the Jeep.com website. You can use the "Customer Assistance" link.

Here is a link to the appropriate page.

I hope this helps.

- Sean T.
Jeep Online Dialogue Representative
​

Hope this reminder helps. Looks like some of you have had luck with the dealers.

If you have any individual questions, feel free to email me at the link below.

- Sean T.
 
#139 · (Edited)
hasty10805 said:
There is a little more gap at the fenders but it isn't real bad! It is better than the hood flappen all over the place!!
Click to expand...
Went out and looked at the parts that need to be moved, this looks like it puts more tension on the hood at the back, and would just lift it up that 1/2" to 3/4" on one side.

Things gonna look like it's been in a front end crash...

Time to research the Lemon Law...make Chrysler buy this thing back.

Anyone else need it, here's the first thing that popped up on a search...
http://www.lemonlawamerica.com/
 
#140 ·
If we want to get this fixed we all need to complain:

Just spent 20 minutes on the phone with Jeep and they told me they were not aware of the problem. So, basically...the post that stated there weren't enough complaints about it to do anything was correct.

Everyone with this problem needs to call the Jeep number and have it documented.

Here's the number. They'll need your name/address/last 7 numbers of your VIN.

1-800-992-1997
 
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