The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened up a safety investigation into 2011-2012 Jeep Patriot SUVs after receiving a dozen complaints of the engine stalling.
About 80 percent of the incidents were at speeds over 65 miles per hour and in all of the complaints, the vehicle wouldn't restart and two-thirds of the vehicles had to be towed to the dealership.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) cites that the complaints have been increasing within the last 6 months with one resulting in a crash and injury. ODI investigators will assess the scope and safety consequences associated with the potential defect and may, if necessary, issue a recall in the future.
If you have a vehicle safety issue, you can complain to the NHTSA on its website: www.SaferCar.gov. Also, read Consumer Reports' advice on how to file an effective vehicle safety complaint.
Source:
Investigation: 2011-2012 Jeep Patriot--Engine stall, Action PE 12-032