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
833 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 27, 2025
After replacing right front speed sensor, ABS module shows malfunction and vehicle goes into limp mode. Replacement ABS modules are unavailable from mfg.
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.
Engine, Sep 30, 2025
The vehicle exhibits a persistent valvetrain ticking noise associated with the rocker/lifter/cam components of the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The engine makes a rhythmic metallic tapping at idle and during acceleration. The noise has progressively worsened, leading to rough idle and occasional misfires. This issue is documented in multiple Stellantis technical service bulletins (e.g., TSB 09-015-24 and TSB 09-011-25) which attribute the noise to hydraulic lash adjuster and cam/rocker wear. If unaddressed, the failure can cause camshaft damage, metal debris contamination, loss of power and potential engine stall, posing a safety risk. The vehicle is available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by independent mechanics who recommend replacement of the rocker arms, lifters and camshaft to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
Engine, Aug 31, 2025
Timing chain and misfire bank 1 and bank 2 crank shaft and crank sensor issues.
Engine, Jun 6, 2025
I am reporting a persistent and safety-relevant defect in my 2012 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6L Pentastar engine. The vehicle is experiencing misfires on multiple cylinders, especially cylinders 1 and 5, triggering codes P0300, P0301, and P0305. These misfires result in loss of power, hesitation, and rough idle, creating serious safety concerns during acceleration or highway driving. Despite replacing spark plugs, ignition coils, the crankshaft position sensor, purge valve, and both oxygen sensors, the problem continues. The vehicle has just 83,000 miles and is currently at a certified third-party repair facility. Multiple mechanics believe the issue stems from known defects in the left (Bank 1) cylinder head or valve train components—an issue Chrysler previously acknowledged via TSBs and a 10yr/150k mile extended warranty on select VINs. I contacted Jeep Cares and requested goodwill support, but they refused to even discuss the issue because my Jeep is not at a dealership. This leaves owners like me with limited, expensive options despite being affected by a well-documented defect. Jeep forums and independent shops have seen widespread misfire problems on early 3.6L Pentastar engines, especially 2012-2013 models. I urge NHTSA to investigate this pattern of failure. The misfires impact driveability and safety, and the manufacturer has not offered sufficient resolution or consistent support to affected customers. I’m happy to provide additional information, documentation, or diagnostics.
Air bags, Apr 15, 2025
The Air Bag warning light is one and won't go off.
Electrical system, Mar 2, 2025
The 2012 jeep jk wrangler has serious electrical issues. The jeep randomly stalls while driving and sometimes won’t start at all. Right before it stalls, every light on the dashboard flashes and continues to flash until the car dies. Replacing the battery doesn’t fix the issue. Numerous complaints about jeep wranglers TIPM issues have been ignored by authorities. I suppose people will have to die in a crash or spends thousands fixing the TIPM or electrical issues before getting relief.
Air bags, Jan 30, 2025
Airbag light is on. Airbag sensor is out.
Engine, Jan 30, 2025, fire
Engine spontaneously caught fire. It had been parked for hours before it happened. Everything under the hood was totaled
Service brakes, Nov 26, 2024
For more than one year I have problems with the Anti-Lock Brake System Module - Mopar part #(68145835AE). Every time I place an order it get canceled because Jeep and or the supplier have the part on back order. I wonder when the NHTSA is going to intervene with this company, before an tragedy happens and someone get kill because the Jeep don't brake like is suppose to be.
Service brakes, Air, Traction control system, Engine, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the ABS, Traction Control and check engine warning lights had remained illuminated. The contact indicated that while pressing the brake pedal to stop, the brake pedal extended to the floor causing the braking distance to become extended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 55,000.
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
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2024
Horn and all other steering wheel functions don’t work. Appears to be clock 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.
Power train, Jan 10, 2024
Report from diagnostic service 1-9-2023 cylinder head - has premature failure of valve guides and cylinder head replacement is required for repair. Yes, Jeep extended the warranty but if your vehicle did not show problems they would not fix it, but they did learn and knew at the point the seriousness of the problem and put an end date on the fix. Our vehicle outlasted their warranty by 30,000 but now is undrivable. Before anything serious happens as the driver drives on longer drives we have grounded the vehicle.
Service brakes, Jan 5, 2024
While interstate driving the vehicle dash dinged, I looked down to find the ABS, Traction Control and Emergency Brake came on. I immediately pulled off the interstate for a visual inspection of the breaks and brake fluid but did not see any glaring issues. I took the vehicle to a local shop, they read the code (C2200) and advised I needed a new ABS Control Module (Mopar Part #68145835AE). The local shop advised the Module is difficult to find, but they found one and would complete the work for $2,400.00 ($1,500 of which was for the ABS Module part). I called a local Chrystler, dodge, Jeep (Lou Fusz) dealer in O'Fallon to price verify the part. I scheduled an appointment for three weeks out. They also confirmed the code and need to replace the ABS Module for $1,500.00 ($881.00 of which was for the ABS Module part); HOWEVER, Jeep-Mopar told the dealership that the part is not available until March 20 of 2024 which would leave me with two options. 1) Sell the vehicle to the dealer; however, their offer took advantage of the ABS issue and was extremely low 2) Wait and drive the faulty vehicle Driving the Jeep with a faulty ABS Module may jeopardize critical systems, resulting in poor braking performance and potentially create a very dangerous or deadly situation. A search of this issue online in Jeep Forums has shown mass number of similar issues and others experiencing the same part deadly; meaning there are an untold number of jeeps driving with a faulty ABS Module. I pled to the NHTSA to please investigate and pressure Jeep to issue a Recall to ensure safety.
Engine, Jan 4, 2024
In my 2012 Jeep I had to replace the engine and catalytic converters. The engine number 3 cylinder failed due to excessive ware causing lower compression. After the engine (long block) was replaced, one of the cylinders was miss firing. This miss firing was traced to micro cracks in the plastic/composite intake manifold (original and not part of the engine replacement). Because these micro cracks changed the fuel air ratio on specific cylinders by leaning out the cylinders near the cracks this lean mixture would cause the affected cylinders to run hot that would lead to both the excessive ware on the one cylinder and would comprise the catalytic converters. Because this change in fuel air mixture was caused by the intake manifold and Jeep does not have any inspection requirements or methods for this item and even after the Jeep Dealer did a full diagnosis using their factory specified equipment the issue with the manifold was not found. My local AMMCO shop found the cracking in the manifold that was the route cause of the problem.
Engine, Dec 28, 2023
Jeep Wrangler 3.6 liter 90k miles lifter making loud noise. Seems you had a recall about this on the 2012 and guess I missed out
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.
Steering, Nov 26, 2023
Revision 6 November 2019 Dealer Service Instructions for: Customer Satisfaction Notification V41Steering Damper 2018 - 2019 (JL) JeepWrangler vehicles front suspension steering damper on about 192,000 of the vehicles may not effectively damp oscillation of the steering system, resulting in a sustained shake or shimmy in the steering wheel. I have a 2012 Wrangler with the same issue - front-end shake/shimmy. My Mechanic said to replace the stabilizer with the next level-up heavier-duty stabilizer from Mopar. Why isn't my Jeep (JK Series) included in this recall? There aren't any of these stabilizers available at Mopar or online due to exceedingly high demand from vehicle owners. This should obviously be a recall.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 18, 2023
When the fuel vents on the top of the fuel cell get old, they are extremally brittle. Washboard roads or a pot hole can jar the fuel tank breaking the connectors that go to the emissions system and the rollover valve. If any of these plastic pieces break, there is a chance for fueling problems and effects the drivability of the vehicle. The 3 connector vent is a non-serviceable part, requiring the gas tank to be replaced. The replacement has the same plastic connectors, leaving the possibility for breakage. These connectors breaking can lead to a multitude of issues, including but not limited to fuel spills while filling, leaking fuel from hoses. I have had 2 tanks in my 2012 jku have this issue and a quick search on jeep forums will show that this is not an isolated problem.
Engine, Oct 11, 2023
6 days after an oil change, the temp gauge while driving went from cool to hot in under a mile and the engine temp light came on. There was coolant all over the underside of the car it was near catastrophic. I had to have it towed to the dealership for repairs. The faulty part was the oil filter adapter it was cracked by over tightening of the oil filter.
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V675000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.