Buy Jeep Patriot Fender

Quick Summary

The fender on a Jeep Patriot-also called the wheel-arch panel, mudguard, body panel, or quarter panel-shields the SUV's wheels, engine bay, and cabin from rocks, water, and road grime. From the 2007 launch to the 2017 final model year, every Patriot used thin-gauge steel front and rear fenders that bolt to the unibody rails and bumper fascia. Key take-aways: the panel fits all trims (Sport, Latitude, Limited) for 2007-2017, rust often starts where the splash shield meets the metal, removal is a moderate DIY job (about four hours), repainting must follow EPA "6H" clean-air rules, and most U.S. states legally require intact fenders to cut tire spray. Safety tests show the Patriot's side structure-the area the fender ties into-earned "Good" ratings, yet small-overlap crashes exposed weak points.

Jeep Patriot Basics

• The Jeep Patriot was built from model-year 2007 until the final units left the factory in December 2016 and were sold as 2017s. (Wikipedia)
• It rides on the MK platform shared with the first-generation Compass.
• All Patriots use steel front and rear fenders with perimeter mounting screws hidden under the hood lip, splash guard, and front bumper cover. (Jeep Patriot)

For more background, see the Jeep Patriot history page.

Fit & Compatibility

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(*Production ended December 2016 yet sold as 2017 models.)

Why Fenders Matter

1. Stops debris-Blocks stones and water so tires don't spray other cars. (NHTSA)
2. Protects wiring-Rust holes near the liner let salt reach harness connectors, causing corrosion complaints seen in owner forums. (JustAnswer)
3. Safety cell-Side-impact crash tests by the IIHS rated the Patriot body "Good," meaning the fender area held shape and kept the passenger space intact. (IIHS HLDI)

Common Problems

• Rust at wheel-arch lip-Owners in snow-belt states report bubbling paint where plastic splash guards trap salt. (Jeep Patriot, Reddit)
• Fastener seizure-Bolts rust to speed-clip nuts; warm them with penetrating oil before removal. (Jeep Patriot)
• Crossmember corrosion-Not a fender part but often discovered during fender work; FCA bulletin X69 extends warranty to 10 years for rusted front or rear crossmembers. (NHTSA)

The Bob Is The Oil Guy discussion gives real-world rust photos and fixes.

Materials & Construction

• Front and rear panels are stamped from 0.7 mm-thick mild steel; internal hem flanges add stiffness. (Jeep Patriot)
• A black e-coat primer resists chips but can be pierced by road grit.
• Plastic inner liners (splash shields) clip to the outer fender to stop mud from packing in cavities. (Amazon)

DIY Removal Steps

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable-prevents shorting the side-marker lamp circuit.
2. Remove front bumper fascia and headlamp assembly. (Jeep Patriot)
3. Pop out plastic retainers and pull the splash shield away.
4. Undo 10 mm bolts along the hood rail and A-pillar; keep them in order.
5. Lift the fender straight up and off locating pins. Total labor: ~4 hours as noted in technician manuals. (JustAnswer)

Illustrated walkthrough videos from community forums can shorten the learning curve.

Painting & Finishing

Auto-body shops must follow the U.S. EPA "6H" rule, which limits hazardous air pollutants like isocyanates in clear-coat spray. (US EPA) Spray booths need proper filtration, and painters must keep records of training per EPA forms. (US EPA)
DIYers should wear a respirator rated for organic vapors; even small jobs release solvents linked to asthma. (US EPA)

Read EPA guidance on collision-repair air quality for full compliance tips.

Legal & Safety Rules

• Federal: While no single FMVSS lists fender specs, FMVSS 108 (lighting) requires lamps stay unobstructed, so damaged fenders can fail inspection. (eCFR)
• State example: Washington RCW 46.37.500 says vehicles must have fenders, flaps, or splash aprons wide as the tire and reaching the axle centerline. (Washington State Legislature)
• Spray-suppression: A 2000 NHTSA interpretation notes that aftermarket fenders cannot extend more than 3 inches beyond tire tread-a guide often used when fitting flares. (NHTSA)

Upgrades & Related Parts

• Fender flares-Wide plastic flares are popular for off-road looks and extra splash coverage.
• Liners in aluminum-Aftermarket aluminum liners keep mud away from the suspension and resist rust. (Advance Auto Parts)
• Mud guards-Bolt-on guards add another layer against spray and rock chips. (Jeep Patriot)

Environmental & Recycling

Steel fenders are 100 % recyclable; scrapped panels can go to metal recyclers, reducing ore mining.
Sanding and painting release volatile organic compounds (VOCs); the EPA suggests low-VOC primers and improved dust collection. (US EPA, US EPA)
Shops that cut solvent use help local air quality and meet National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). (US EPA)

Care & Maintenance

• Rinse wheel arches after driving on salted roads.
• Touch up chips right away-bare steel can rust in 24 hours.
• Inspect liner fasteners yearly; missing clips let dirt behind the panel.
• Apply cavity wax to the fender lip after repainting for extra protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What years of Jeep Patriot will this fender fit?
A: All 2007-2017 Patriots share the same outer fender stampings. (Wikipedia)

Q: Is the Patriot fender the same on left and right sides?
A: No. The driver and passenger fenders are mirror images, so order the correct side.

Q: Can I swap a Compass fender onto a Patriot?
A: No. Even though they share a platform, the Compass has a different nose shape and headlamp cut-out.

Q: Do I need special tools to remove it?
A: Basic hand tools-10 mm socket, trim-clip pliers, Torx bits, and a plastic pry tool-will do the job. (Jeep Patriot)

Q: How thick is the metal?
A: Roughly 0.7 mm, similar to other compact SUVs. (Jeep Patriot)

Q: Why does my fender rust at the bottom?
A: Road salt packs between the splash guard and steel lip, holding moisture against the paint until it bubbles. (Jeep Patriot, Reddit)

Q: Are there recalls for rusty fenders?
A: No federal fender recall exists, but FCA issued bulletin 23-007-17 for crossmember rust, which many owners learn about while fixing fenders. (NHTSA)

Q: How long does body-shop labor take?
A: A flat-rate manual lists about four labor hours for removal and re-install. (JustAnswer)

Q: Do I have to repaint the new part?
A: Yes. Replacement panels come in primer only; you or a shop must paint them to match. Remember to follow EPA 6H paint rules. (US EPA)

Q: Can I drive without a fender?
A: Most states, such as Washington, make it illegal to operate on public roads without fenders or splash guards. (Washington State Legislature)

Q: Does a new fender affect crash safety?
A: A properly installed steel panel helps keep the side structure strong. IIHS tests rated the Patriot's side protection "Good" with intact body panels. (IIHS HLDI)

Citations

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(Links embedded above point visitors to the official pages for deeper reading.)