From Rick Thornton, Director of Customer Service from Chrysler regarding my request to assist in in stalling some additional sound proofing to copenste for the loud engine noise.
"As we discussed, there are a lot of factors that go into to the decision on how noise is isolated from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. As an example, one challenge engineers face as they attempt maximize fuel economy is ways to reduce the weight of the vehicle. They do this while at the same time offering the customer convenience items like heated seats, remote start, keyless entry, power windows, etc. Add in the mandated safety items like air bags, ABS, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, tire pressure monitoring, etc. and do it all at a MSRP under $24,000 and you get a sense of the challenge they face. Unfortunately what results is decisions get made to compromise in certain areas. That said, it doesn’t mean it can’t be done. As our leadership has changed, decisions on where to compromise are being ‘rethought’ and I am confident our future product will address some of these ‘perceived quality’ issues. In the interior quietness example the 2011 Grand Cherokee at all trim levels, is considerably quieter than its predecessor. Unfortunately, we won’t see significant improvement on the platform the Patriot is based on until 2013 MY when a whole new vehicle is launched. This is because we have to be pragmatic as to where we apply our limited resources and it is far more cost effective to design the improvements into the new vehicle then it is to engineer them into an existing platform. As far has helping with an “aftermarket” solution for your current vehicle I am sorry but we can’t. I am sure you understand the issues we could face if we started participating in solutions that didn’t pass through our engineering due diligence."
In other words, we knew it was a piece of junk but you purchased it as is and you are stuck with it.
Anyone wanting to buy a Jeep Patriot, test drive it cold and take it into a neighborhood with 20-30 mph speed limits. Wear your neck brace.
"As we discussed, there are a lot of factors that go into to the decision on how noise is isolated from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. As an example, one challenge engineers face as they attempt maximize fuel economy is ways to reduce the weight of the vehicle. They do this while at the same time offering the customer convenience items like heated seats, remote start, keyless entry, power windows, etc. Add in the mandated safety items like air bags, ABS, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, tire pressure monitoring, etc. and do it all at a MSRP under $24,000 and you get a sense of the challenge they face. Unfortunately what results is decisions get made to compromise in certain areas. That said, it doesn’t mean it can’t be done. As our leadership has changed, decisions on where to compromise are being ‘rethought’ and I am confident our future product will address some of these ‘perceived quality’ issues. In the interior quietness example the 2011 Grand Cherokee at all trim levels, is considerably quieter than its predecessor. Unfortunately, we won’t see significant improvement on the platform the Patriot is based on until 2013 MY when a whole new vehicle is launched. This is because we have to be pragmatic as to where we apply our limited resources and it is far more cost effective to design the improvements into the new vehicle then it is to engineer them into an existing platform. As far has helping with an “aftermarket” solution for your current vehicle I am sorry but we can’t. I am sure you understand the issues we could face if we started participating in solutions that didn’t pass through our engineering due diligence."
In other words, we knew it was a piece of junk but you purchased it as is and you are stuck with it.
Anyone wanting to buy a Jeep Patriot, test drive it cold and take it into a neighborhood with 20-30 mph speed limits. Wear your neck brace.
