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: power train
282 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jun 3, 2012
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TIPTRONIC SHIFT - IS MUCH TOO SENSITIVE, DOWN SHIFTING. THE TRANSMISSION IS AN AUTOMATIC WITH A MANUAL -TIPTRONIC- CAPABILITY. THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT LINKAGE. MY DEALER HAS ORDER AND REPLACED THE ORIGINAL UNIT, BUT THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE. THE PULL DISTANCE OF THE LEVER TO DOWN SHIFT IS LESS THAN 1/16TH INCH. CONVERSELY, THE PUSH DISTANCE OF THE LEVER TO UP SHIFT IS APPROXIMATELY 3/4 INCH. *TR
Power train, Mar 15, 2012
MY 2012 WRANGLER SPORT (6SP) HAS A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. IT MAKES A HORRIBLE RATTLE AT HIGH RPMS IN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR, THE GEARS WHINE AND 1ST IS REALLY HARD TO ENGAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SLOWLY ROLLING. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO DOUBLE CLUTCH IT JUST TO GET 1ST GEAR TO WORK WHEN ROLLING. REVERSE GRINDS. THE GEAR SHIFTER SHAKES EXCESSIVELY WHEN VEHICLE IS IN 4TH AND 5TH GEAR. SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND IS NOTCHY AS IS 5TH TO 6TH AND WHEN PUTTING IT INTO REVERSE. THE CLUTCH OFTEN HAS A CRUNCHY FEEL WHEN I PRESS THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. *TR
Power train, Feb 23, 2012
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS DOWNSHIFTED-WENT FROM DRIVE TO 2ND .OR 3RD GEAR RANGE. VEHICLE HAS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND BEGAN DRIVING. SLOWED DOWN AT STOP SIGN AND BEGAN TO PULL OUT VEHICLE WENT FROM "D" RANGE TO 2ND ON INDICATOR. VEHICLE HAS SELECT SHIFT + AND -. EACH TIME I THOUGHT I HAD TOUCHED SELECTOR. *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2012
THE TRANSMISSION BECAME DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE 1ST GEAR. SHIFTING INTO ALL OTHERS WAS VERY NOTCHY. FINALLY, IN TRAFFIC, IT BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO ENGAGE 1ST GEAR AT ALL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE STARTED IN 2ND GEAR. THE VEHICLE HAD LIMPED IN TO THE DEALER. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE 1ST GEAR SYNCHRO HAD CRACKED AND FAILED. THIS CAN CREATE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN BUSY TRAFFIC. THIS TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPORTED BY VARIOUS USER FORUMS AS FAULTY AND PRONE TO FAILURE, INCLUDING POPPING OUT OF GEAR AND DIFFICULT SHIFTING. POPPING OUT OF GEAR IN A BUSY INTERSECTION COULD BE DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ENGAGE ANOTHER GEAR. THE DEALER IS REPAIRING THE BROKEN SYNCHRO. *KB
Power train, Nov 9, 2011
AUTO SHIFTER JUST BARELY GETS BUMPED AND VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS. *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2011
THIS VEHICLE HAS AUTO STICK SHIFTING WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. FOR UPSHIFTS MOVEMENT ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT, HITTING THE END OF TRAVEL IS REQUIRED THE MAKE A SHIFT UP IN GEAR SELECTION. ON DOWN SHIFTS, JUST TOUCHING THE SHIFT HANDLE AND BARELY APPLYING PRESSURE ACTIVATES A DOWNSHIFT. NO MOVEMENT OF THE SHIFT HANDLE IS REQUIRED. THIS WAY TO SENSITIVE. *TT
Power train, Sep 14, 2011
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH 'ELECTRONIC RANGE SELECT' ALLOWS A DOWNSHIFT WITH A MOVE OF THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE LEFT WHEN IN 'D' DRIVE. A MOVE TO THE RIGHT UP-SHIFTS. ACCIDENTAL DOWNSHIFTS OCCUR FREQUENTLY BECAUSE OF 'HAIR-TRIGGER' NATURE OF SHIFT LEVER CONTROLS. THE SLIGHTEST, BARELY PERCEPTIBLE MOVEMENT LEFT CAUSES A DOWNSHIFT, OFTEN UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED. UP-SHIFTING REQUIRES A DEFINITE MOVEMENT TO THE RIGHT. DISCUSSION OF THIS ISSUE WITH 2012 AUTOMATIC WRANGLERS DRIVERS ON JEEP INTERNET FORUMS SUGGESTS A NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCE AND HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS, WHILE A NUMBER OF DRIVERS STATE THEIR SHIFTER REQUIRES A DEFINITE MOVE LEFT TO DOWNSHIFT. I EXPERIENCE FREQUENT, ACCIDENTAL DOWNSHIFTS ON EVERY TRIP DUE TO THIS DEFECT. CURRENT MILEAGE ON THIS VEHICLE IS 1100 MILES. SUDDEN DECELERATION DUE TO ACCIDENTAL DOWNSHIFTS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF TRACTION ON UNPAVED, GRAVEL, ICY OR SNOWY ROADS, CONFUSION, DISORIENTING, AND OVER-REVVING THE ENGINE. *KB