2012 Jeep Wrangler
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 833 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Wrangler model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 22 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 22 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seat belts, front, anchorageSep 26, 2019
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V680000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedJan 15, 2019
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V018000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedJan 9, 2018
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 B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 18V021000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedMay 24, 2016
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 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V352000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 11, 2016
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemOct 8, 2014
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.
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 14V631000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connectionsJun 4, 2013
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.
A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 13V234000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 7, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V176000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentFeb 25, 2013
Quadratec, Inc. is recalling certain aftermarket accessory, driver-side, Ultimate Floor Liners part numbers 14254.0301 07, 14254.0301 08, 14254.0301Q, 14254.0302 07, 14254.0302 08, 14254.0302Q, 14254.0303 07, 14254.0303 08, 14254.0303Q, 14254.0309 07, 14254.0309 08, and 14254.0309Q sold from May 1, 2012, through February 14, 2013. The liners are for use in 2007-2013 Jeep Wranglers. The anchor point for the affected floor liners may tear during use, particularly when exposed to high temperatures. The tearing may allow the floor liner to shift forward.
If the liner shifts forward it may impede the operation of the accelerator and possibly lead to unintended acceleration, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Quadratec will notify owners and either exchange the liners or provide them with a hook guard kit to help secure the driver-side mat, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Quadratec at 1-800-463-2998 or info@quadratec.com.
Campaign 13E010000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalNov 2, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 11V528000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
128 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Apr 23, 2026
What happened? The vehicle was delivered to an authorized dealership for a federally mandated "Stop-Drive" Safety Recall (V01 - Passenger Airbag Inflator). During this service visit, the dealership attempted to charge an illegal $275.00 diagnostic fee for the airbag warning light, which is directly related to the recall system. The manufacturer’s corporate office confirmed via email that as of April 23, 2026, the recall remains "OPEN" and incomplete in federal records. However, the manufacturer also issued a contradictory statement claiming the repair was "concluded" based on dealer reports. Most critically, while in the dealer's custody for this safety repair, the vehicle was lost or released to an unauthorized party. A manufacturer-arranged "Reunite" transport service arrived on-site to return the vehicle, but the dealership could not produce it, claiming it was no longer on the lot. The dealer has failed to provide any signature, identification, or surveillance footage to prove a legal release of this "Stop-Drive" recall vehicle. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS/Airbag). The system is not available for inspection because the dealership lost the vehicle while the recall was still marked as "OPEN" and incomplete. How was safety put at risk? The vehicle is under a "Stop-Drive" advisory because the airbag inflator may explode, resulting in serious injury or death. By failing to perform the repair, attempting to charge for diagnosis, and losing the vehicle, the dealer and manufacturer have left a high-risk safety defect unaddressed and the vehicle's location unknown. Has the problem been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The manufacturer’s own database and the NHTSA/Mopar websites confirm the recall is "Incomplete/Open". Furthermore, a third-party towing company confirmed the dealership could not locate the VIN on their lot during a scheduled pickup.
Air bags, Apr 6, 2026
THIS IS 2012 Jeep Wrangler its 14 years old and for 14 years the previous owner renewed the registration put insurance on it and it passed the emission tests despite the fact that it was recalled. Now the parts were in back order and they replaced my airbags but when the tow company went to the dealership to pick up my car the dealership wouldn’t release it This is absurd how does a 14 year old car go unnoticed that long. I had to stop driving the car for months because of this recall and the battery died you know a car can’t stay parked too long I took this recall seriously unlike Stellanis who murdered 29 people by refusing to flag these vin numbers to the DMV like the jeep I had and it’s sick how your agency has enabled this behavior truly sick
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Mar 26, 2026
My complaint is that I was sold a dangerously defective vehicle with a known, unrepaired “stop driving” airbag safety recall, was not warned about the deadly risk, and am now being told to move and tow the car in direct contradiction to official safety instructions. ### Factual background - The vehicle I purchased has a Takata‑type airbag safety recall that carries a formal “do not drive” or “stop driving” warning because the airbag can explode and kill or severely injure occupants, even in a minor crash.[1][2][3][4] - Federal safety authorities have confirmed that at least 28–29 people in the United States have been killed and more than 400 injured by exploding Takata airbag inflators.[3][4][5][1] - I received the recall notice about two months ago, but I was told the repair parts were back‑ordered, which delayed fixing the deadly defect through no fault of my own.[1][3] - During this delay, the vehicle’s battery became completely dead, and I am now being told by the recall and towing company that I must make sure the car is taken out of the garage, which would require entering and moving a vehicle I have been legally and explicitly told not to drive. ### Legal and safety concerns - Official guidance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the manufacturer is that vehicles under this Takata “do not drive” recall must not be driven at all until the defective airbag is replaced, because even a minor collision can cause the inflator to explode and send metal shrapnel into the cabin.[2][4][3][1] - The instruction to move or drive the car out of the garage conflicts with this clear safety warning and effectively asks me to assume a risk that has already caused multiple deaths and serious injuries nationwide.[4][5][2][3][1] - Federal law prohibits franchised dealers from selling new vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls, and legal experts warn that selling used vehicles with undisclosed safety defects can expose sellers and dealers to
Air bags, Mar 1, 2026
Dealer repair unavailable in local zip:99901. Require identification and shipment of part to be installed by certified mechanic or system access to report satisfactory repair has been conducted.
Air bags, Feb 27, 2026
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Received Stop-Drive letter from Stellantis/FCA on Takata airbag recall—front airbags may explode in crash, sending metal shards. Letter says do not drive until fixed. Called hotline (833-585-0144) twice yesterday & today—no help. Dealer (Corwin Springfield) says call Chrysler. No tow arranged despite free towing advertised for Stop-Drive. No loaner or rental offered. Can't drive safely—PTSD makes group transport impossible. Have VA medical appointment March 2nd & lawyer meeting March 3rd. Can't afford rental for weeks (they say mid-March fix). Manufacturer failed to remedy timely—need tow to dealer + transport/loaner now.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Dec 15, 2025
THE 2012 Jeep 4 door Wrangler had the ABS Control Module internal error failure, this makes the car unsafe to drive. The dealer cannot get repair parts, the car is un-repaired since October 2025. Further, they cannot source the chips for the components, the make cannot provide a delivery date.(UNKNOWN when this will be rectified. Other years of this car have been recalled for this issue. This year has not yet. PLEASE Help us !)
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 11, 2025
I was driving through a parking lot, I made a left turn and the airbag light lit up on the dashboard.Then, a chime sounded, like a low fuel chime or door open chime. I turned off the jeep and went inside the store, I then returned to my jeep, started it back up, and drove home. Every time I’m at a low speed, and make a left turn, that same chime sound starts to chime and the airbag light flickers. A scan detected the following: B1B06(1/3)Active B1CDC(3/3)Stored B1B56(2/3)Stored I checked for a recall, but can not find anything helpful.
Air bags, Apr 15, 2025
The Air Bag warning light is one and won't go off.
Air bags, Jan 30, 2025
Airbag light is on. Airbag sensor is out.
Air bags, Jul 6, 2024
B1B02 driver airbag squib 1 circuit open. Airbag light keeps going on and off with loud beep. Googled code saying clocking spring
Air bags, May 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the air bag warning light had been illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was scanned and diagnosed with DTC code: B1B02; for a failure with the driver’s side air bag. Additionally, the clock spring test had failed internally. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after further investigation the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V176000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 169,051.
Air bags, Jan 18, 2024
The airbag indicator illuminated, and upon getting a diagnostic inspection from the dealership, the issue is the clock spring that is faulty. The shroud is another price required for replacement.
Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 7, 2023
Clockspring failed causing airbag to malfunction. Jeep dealer ordered a replacement in April 2023 and still has not received the part(even though they have one in stock the manufacturer will not allow them to use and install the stock clockspring). We have been forced to drive the vehicle without an operating clockspring which creates a major safety hazard since the airbags may not deploy on impact.
Air bags, Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was previously repaired by the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V018000 (Air Bags), and the contact was informed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 167,338.
Air bags, May 8, 2023
There has been numerous safety recalls for this Jeep on the airbag. The airbag warning light came on and now the horn does not work.
Air bags, Feb 10, 2023
I noticed that the air bag light came in about 6-12 months ago. I am very concerned because, my Jeep is in excellent shape, however, I transport my 94 yo mom around, so this really bothers me. I have seen several recalls regarding air bags in my model, so I wanted to see if this would be part of one of the recalls. I had my mechanic review and to replace would cost me about $800, which I do not have. If this is due to a failure on Jeeps part, I would like this taken care of.
Air bags, Jan 10, 2023
The air bag light has come on and off for years now and even after the recall and paying to have it fixed there is still the light on the dash. Using Jeep forums and web pages this is a very common issue with the JK wrangler apparently. I do not have the funds to have fixed Code B1C2D circuit open
Air bags, Dec 26, 2022, crash
Front-end crash resulted in airbags busting instead of inflating. Current back and neck injuries.
Air bags, Jul 15, 2022
Airbag light mostly on all the time last few days. Years ago cruise control would go out and fix was to blow horn 15 seconds and it would work (true) due to bad clock spring that jeep knows is bad. They did a recall but stopped the year before my jeep even though have the same spring and no dust cover. It's over a thousand dollars to repair, which I cannot afford. Just hoping it doesn't blow up on me while driving. Jeep dealer charges hundreds just to scan codes here.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, May 18, 2022
Becoming the new owner in 2021, I was issued a recall for the passenger airbag inflator replacement. After repairing this recall, the vehicle air bag light came on and has not turned off since. I made several attempts with dearlership to access the problem and in May 2022 the dealership diagnosed the problem stating it was the airbag clockspring. This clockspring had a recall on it in June 2016 and was replaced in September 2016. The dealership along with another AMS certified mechanics shop stated the clockspring that was replaced in 2016 is defective. This is causing multiple safety issues with the vehicle. The anti skid system activates, the anti lock braking is activated, the cruise control will not operate, along with the fact the air bags are inoperable or not operating at full capacity as they are required to.
Air bags, Oct 13, 2021, crash
Farmers Insurance reporting - customer brought in vehicle for repair after an auto accident. The airbag did not deploy in the accident, but while being worked on the airbag deployed and caused severe injury to the employee of our insured policy holder. Contractor determined the airbag deployed due to the clock spring error.
Air bags, Sep 16, 2021
I placed a box of candles on my passenger seat. I drove less than 1 mile when my airbag light came on. The box weighed less than 10lbs. The light is still and and dings every few minutes
Air bags, Jul 10, 2021
Clockspring malfunction, not working, airbag light illuminated. Similar problem with Jeep RHD Wranglers which uses the same part as the LHD Wranglers, resulting in no airbag deployment if involved in accident. Malfunctioning 2012 Jeep Wrangler LHD Clockspring.
Air bags, Apr 17, 2021
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND WILL ONLY TURN OFF WHEN NOT IN MOTION. BIG SAFETY ISSUE
Air bags, Feb 5, 2021
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND IT THROWS CODE B1B02 DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG SQUIB 2 CIRCUIT OPEN. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND NOTICED JEEP'S OF THE SAME YEAR ONLY LEFT SIDE DRIVE WERE RECALLED. LIGHT COMES ON WHILE SETTING STILL BUT GOES ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING.