KnownCarProblems2012 Jeep Wrangler Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 835 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, most often about the transmission (34% of complaints, typically around 18,500 miles). It is 4th of 27 Wrangler model years by number of complaints and has 9 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory3 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2012 Jeep Wrangler problems
Transmission
282 complaints · 34%Half of these problems showed up before 18,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, clutch assembly, driveline.
The shifter includes a feature called autostick that allows you to manually shift the gears. The autostick is too sensitive, and if bumped will down shift to first gear causing a sudden reduction in speed. I was driving down the road at roughly 50 MPH when a person in the passenger seat gently nudged the gear selector…
Recall was made on the vehicle indicating the oil cooler tube may come in contact with the power steering fluid return tube. Said they will replace the power steering return tube. Dealership indicates that only 1 part is being released every 7 days and it will take months to get the part in. Called chrysler who was of…
Steering
204 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 32,000 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact mentioned that he noticed that transmission fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The contact mentioned that he received a notice for NHTSA campaign number: 13v234000 (power train , steering) and was awaiting for the parts to become available. The vehicle was taken to…
Received 1st safety recall notice, n28/NHTSA 13v-234, from chrysler group 09/10/2013. I immediately called the local dealership (bay dodge, panama city beach, fl) and was told to call back at a later date because the parts to repair the issue were not in stock and they were waiting for the inventory. 2nd safety recall…
Engine
178 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 39,500 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
I responded to a safety recall ( n29/NHTSA/ 13v-234 for a defective transmission oil cooler tube) received in sept. 2013. I called the dealer and was told the part was not in stock, but would be ordered for me. Several weeks later I called again, still no part. The parts man informed me that the part was "being…
Check engine had been coming on and going off for a few weeks finally has stayed on steady for over a week now. Called my dealer service department yesterday and told them about the problem. They told me to reset the computer to see if it would stay cleared. Reset before leaving work got about two miles down the road…
Electrical
147 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 47,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, instrument cluster/panel.
While driving straight on my residential street my engine stalled and I lost all power to the vehicle. I had no power for lights, flashers, turn signals, interior lights, etc. Basically, the vehicle was totally dead. I was close enough to push the Jeep to my residence and checked the battery and I had full voltage. I…
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. While driving 2 MPH, the engine warning indicator illuminated, the vehicle backfired, and then stalled. The dealer stated that the tipm module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The…
Air bags
128 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 63,000 miles.
One morning the controls, horn, & I'm assuming, airbag stopped working (no lights or functionality). Just noticed the first time going out for the day. The removable hard top panels where off, and some dew was present in the air earlier that morning.... But it's a Jeep. The horn honked from the steering wheel once and…
I took my vehicle to my dealer, and I was told the clock spring needed to be replaced. It cost me nearly $500 to do this. Eleven months later, it failed and needed to be replaced again. I have receipts from the dealership for both of these situations. I use this vehicle to deliver mail for the US postal service.…
Other or unspecified
53 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 46,500 miles.
I Jeep purchased the Jeep nov. 2, 2015. I just started driving the Jeep. I was coming home from work it a pothole and the Jeep started shaking violently like my fronted was going to come apart and didn't stop until I slowed down.
When driving my Jeep it has shut off on its own. Today I when from drive to reverse and was trying to park on a busy street and the vehicle just shut off on its own. I had to put the vehicle in park turn the key to the off position and then start the vehicle again before I could drive again. This is very dangerous and…
Brakes
51 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 67,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock.
Emergency brake will not hold even after adjustment. I've installed new rear brake rotors and new emergency brake shoes. Adjusted the adjuster correctly and still the emergency brake will not hold. Design flaw in the emergency brake handle prevents it from engaging correctly. Weak spring not direct cable attachment.…
After a 30 mile trip, I discovered that the left front brake of my Jeep Wrangler was overheated, confirmed by a distinct burning smell, an extremely hot left front wheel, and a pulling sensation when brakes were applied. The next day, I took the vehicle to an authorized Jeep dealer for diagnosis and repair. I was told…
Fuel system
45 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 48,000 miles.
I recently bought this vehicle as a used car. The fuel overflow valve does not work causing gas to spill out onto the car and ground every time I fill up the car. This is obviously an environmental and fire hazard. The Jeep internet forums are full of postings of the same issue with several Wrangler models and years…
We use this Jeep only for highway travel. It has 48,000 miles. On our way to church, yes unbelievably we had a strong smell of 'gasoline' once we arrived back home there was a steady stream of gasoline running down the bell housing of the transmission to the ground, this was in an area about underneath the front seats…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 Jeep Wrangler recalls
Seat belts: anchorage
Risk: A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Fca US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed november 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began march 26, 2020. Owners may contact fca customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Fca's number for this recall is va6.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2011-2018 jeep wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began february 4, 2019. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is v01.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2010 dodge ram 3500, ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 dodge dakota, 2010-2014 dodge challenger, 2010-2015 dodge challenger, chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 jeep wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began february 28, 2018. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is u03.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2009-2013 jeep wrangler, chrysler 300, dodge challenger and dodge charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 dodge dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands or "zone a." additionally, chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 ram 4500 cab chassis, ram 5500 cab chassis, ram 3500 cab chassis, jeep wrangler, chrysler 300, dodge dakota, dodge challenger, and dodge charger vehicles ever registered in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia or "zone
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the chrysler, dodge, jeep and ram owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on march 27, 2017. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is s43. Note: this recall supersedes recall 14v-7700.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 ram 2500 trucks produced at the st. Louis north assembly plant. With this change, chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 ram 1500, 2005-2009 ram 2500, 2006-2009 ram 3500, 2007-2010 ram 3500 cab chassis, 2008-2010 ram 4500 and 5500 cab chassis, 2004-2009 dodge durango, 2007-2009 chrysler aspen, 2007-2012 jeep wrangler, 2008-2012 dodge challenger, 2005-2008 dodge magnum, 2005-2012 chrysler 300, 2006-2012 dodge charger, 2005-2011 dodge dakota, and 2006-2009 mitsubishi raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in al, ca, fl, ga, hi, la, ms, sc, tx, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above, chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 ram 1500, 2005-2009 ram 2500, 2006-2009 r
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on august 11, 2016. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is s40.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 right hand drive jeep wrangler vehicles manufactured february 16, 2010, to may 2, 2016. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.
Visibility and wipers: exterior
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will move the exterior mirror power feed to a separate connector, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on december 8, 2014. The recall began on march 3, 2015. Owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is p61.
Full defect summary
Chrysler group llc (chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 jeep wrangler vehicles manufactured february 16, 2010, to july 19, 2013. Corrosion in the exterior heated power mirror electrical connector may result in an electrical short.
Transmission: cooling unit and lines
Risk: A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on september 23, 2013. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is n28.
Full defect summary
Chrysler group llc (chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 jeep wrangler vehicles equipped with a 3.6l engine and an automatic transmission and manufactured january 23, 2011, through february 23, 2013. The power steering line may contact and wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid.
Air bags
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, a broken electrical circuit in the airbag clockspring wiring assembly can lead to non-deployment of the driver-side frontal airbag and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring and add a steering wheel dust shield, free of charge. The recall began on june 10, 2013. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. This recall supercedes NHTSA recall 11v-528. Chrysler's recall campaign number is m31.
Full defect summary
Chrysler group llc (chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 jeep wrangler right-hand drive vehicles manufactured february 1, 2007, through october 10, 2011. The affected vehicles have airbag clockspring assemblies that could experience broken airbag circuits.
Air bags: frontal
Risk: A broken electrical circuit in the airbag clockspring wiring assembly can lead to non-deployment of the driver frontal airbag and will not be able to properly protect the driver in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injuries.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and remedy the vehicles as necessary free of charge. Chrysler will mail to owners an interim notification during march 2012. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 right hand drive (rhd) jeep wrangler vehicles manufactured from february 1, 2007, through october 10, 2011. Some vehicles may be equipped with driver's airbag clockspring assemblies that could experience a compromised airbag circuit resulting in an airbag lamp illumination, which indicates that the airbag may not deploy.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Seat belt buckle bracket failure
Summary
On july 17, 2019, NHTSA's office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation (pe) 19-008 after receiving three vehicle owner questionnaire (voq) reports alleging the driver's side seat belt buckle separated from the seat frame, rendering the seat belt non-functional. The voqs involved model year (my) 2015 and 2016 jeep wrangler (jk platform) that were configured for right-hand drive (rhd) use. On august 8, 2019, odi issued an information request (ir) letter to fca.the scope of the ir included all jk wrangler produced for sale in the u.s. (both left- and right-hand drive), and amongst other things, requested any reports or allegations of driver's seat belt bracket failures on
Electrical overstress
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.â during the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (acu) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) electronic control unit (ecu) manufactured by zf-trw. â the ecu receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with m
Air bag clockspring wiring failure
Summary
On may 10, 2016, fiat chrysler america (fca) submitted a part 573 defect information report announcing NHTSA recall 16v290 involving 394,258 model year (my) 2007-2010 jeep wrangler vehicles.under the recall fca will replace the clockspring and install a steering wheel back cover and steering wheel column shroud.this recall also includes approx. 4,524 my2007-2010 right hand drive (rhd) jeep wrangler vehicles commonly used for rural postal delivery services.in addition 7,180 my 2011-2016 right hand drive jeep wrangler vehicles were also recalled under 16v288, the same remedy repair will be used.upon review of the 1,942 my 2007-2010 jeep wrangler consumer complaints, 17,195 warranty reports and
Air bag clockspring wiring failure
Summary
In it's response to odi's pe15-025 information request letter, fca identified 1,703 consumer complaints, field reports and legal claims responsive to the subject defect condition on the subject wrangler vehicles.six of these reports alleged an air bag non-deployment in a crash in which either the air bag warning light was allegedly on or came on afterward the crash, one of which also alleged injuries as a result of the non-deployment.fca also provided data on other make, model and model year vehicles using the same clockspring.additionally fca provided 16,955 warranty claims related to the replacement of the air bag clockspring wiring assembly.it should be noted that fca initiated an extende
Totally integrated power module failure
Summary
In a letter dated august 21, 2014, the center for auto safety (cas) petitioned the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the totally integrated power module (tipm) installed in chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that tipm defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On september 25, 2014, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened dp14-004 to evaluate the petition for a grant or deny decision. Odi analyzed complaint data provided by cas as
Questions about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (282 complaints, typically around 18,500 miles); steering (204 complaints, typically around 32,000 miles); engine (178 complaints, typically around 39,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2012 Jeep Wrangler have?
- 9 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 26, 2019 (seat belts). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2012 a bad year for the Jeep Wrangler?
- It is 4th of 27 Wrangler model years by number of complaints, with 835 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.