JEEP WRANGLER · model year

2012 JEEP WRANGLER

1269 NHTSA complaints, 35 crash reports, and 10 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012JEEPWRANGLER carries 1269 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 35 crashes, 28 fires, 46 injuries, and 6 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 WRANGLER is power train with 278 filings, followed by steering (203) and engine (169). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 10 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2012 WRANGLER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1269
Complaints
35
Crashes
28
Fires
46
Injuries
6
Deaths

Total Complaints

1269 filings

Crashes Reported

35 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN278
STEERING203
ENGINE169
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM145
AIR BAGS123
UNKNOWN OR OTHER51
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM42
SERVICE BRAKES40
VISIBILITY/WIPER30
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)30
STRUCTURE:BODY29
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL24
EXTERIOR LIGHTING20
SUSPENSION20
SEAT BELTS10

Recalls (10)

19V68000026/09/2019

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

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.

13E01000025/02/2013

EQUIPMENT

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,

16V35200024/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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, 2

19V01800015/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 t

16V28800011/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

18V02100009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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,

14V63100008/10/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

13V17600007/05/2013

AIR BAGS

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.

13V23400004/06/2013

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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 l

11V52800002/11/2011

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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

Recent Complaints

20260217SERVICE BRAKES

ABS system faile, There is no replacement part to correct the fault, and there is no replacement date, code C2200

20260215SERVICE BRAKES

The dash displayed multiple warning ICONS and I carried the Jeep to a mechanic. They discovered that the ABS Module, which is the anti braking system, had a fault error and needed to be replaced. After multiple attempts have found out that this particular ABS Module, OEM Part number (68145835AE) is no longer available by Jeep Chrysler and has not been available for the past few years. This means the Jeep is not safe to drive if the roads are wet or icy due to the possibility of loosing the brakes from skidding/loss of control of the vehicle.

20260215ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The dash displayed multiple warning ICONS and I carried the Jeep to a mechanic. They discovered that the ABS Module, which is the anti braking system, had a fault error and needed to be replaced. After multiple attempts have found out that this particular ABS Module, OEM Part number (68145835AE) is no longer available by Jeep Chrysler and has not been available for the past few years. This means the Jeep is not safe to drive if the roads are wet or icy due to the possibility of loosing the brakes from skidding/loss of control of the vehicle.

20260202SERVICE BRAKES

ABS brake module (Part # 68145835AE) is a known defect on Jeep Wranglers 2012-2014. This part becomes defective, eliminating the ABS braking feature, also causing other transmission related problems. The real problem is Mopar support. Currently, NATIONALLY, this part is, and has been on back order (over 300 backorders) with no expectations of being available. I have been waiting for this part for over 6 months (no ABS) and problems with the vehicle have been escalating. This is a known problem, discussed on JEEP Forum.com, Mopar parts suppliers and among dealerships

20260130SERVICE BRAKES

ABS has gone out and there are no new repair parts available from Jeep

20260130FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

ABS has gone out and there are no new repair parts available from Jeep

20260115SERVICE BRAKES

ABS module malfunction. This has been an ongoing problem for Jeep Wranglers of this year, previous and later. Jeep recalled other models for ABS module malfunctions. Being a retired auto worker am aware that same components are used on other models to defer manufacturing costs. Vehicle lot numbers do NOT isolate the problem. Bulk purchase of components should be checked per manufacturing date. I have taken my vehicle to dealer for diagnosis and they say the ABS module is bad, BUT part is on back order with no real time date ( could be 2 weeks or 6 months)for delivery. Jeep dealer wants me to pickup vehicle until part arrives. Driving vehicle under this condition could cause brakes to seize, not work at all, fire and/or a possibility of an accident! Jeep knows and has know this is a problem but never a recall on this model. Researching other Jeep owners and Jeep forums it is documented of this problem and the expense that an owner has to incur to get it resolved! Jeep has made no effo

20260108POWER TRAIN

My Oil pump and oil sensor keep going out every 4,000 miles. I have already had to replace it once. I don’t want to have to do it again. Clearly something is causing this issue.

20251222FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Having a hard time putting gas, I have to do it slowly so it can go in, the worst is when I put fuel a bit more fast it will throw gas out even if it ain't even close to half the tank.

20251215SERVICE BRAKES

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 !)

20251215ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 !)

20251215AIR BAGS

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 !)

20251029ENGINE

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.

20251027VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

After replacing right front speed sensor, ABS module shows malfunction and vehicle goes into limp mode. Replacement ABS modules are unavailable from mfg.

20251027SERVICE BRAKES

After replacing right front speed sensor, ABS module shows malfunction and vehicle goes into limp mode. Replacement ABS modules are unavailable from mfg.

20251027ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In 2020 I bought this Jeep, within the first 3 months I had to replace the TIPM, at $950.00, now 5 years later the same problem, the TIPM is having issues again. Causing the engine to overheat. Jeep is telling me this happens, not at $950 every 5 years, I was told there was a recall initially when they were new. There has to be some sort of recourse, you just can’t sell faulty parts and say it just happens! Thank you [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20251011AIR BAGS

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.

20251011SEAT BELTS

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.

20250930ENGINE

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.

20250831ENGINE

Timing chain and misfire bank 1 and bank 2 crank shaft and crank sensor issues.

Compare 2012JEEPWRANGLER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 JEEP WRANGLER have?
The 2012 JEEP WRANGLER has 1269 NHTSA complaints, 35 crashes, 28 fires, 46 injuries, and 6 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 JEEP WRANGLER?
The 2012 JEEP WRANGLER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 JEEP WRANGLER?
Yes, the 2012 JEEP WRANGLER has 10 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 JEEP WRANGLER?
The most-complained component for the 2012 JEEP WRANGLER is POWER TRAIN with 278 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and ENGINE.
Is the 2012 JEEP WRANGLER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 JEEP WRANGLER has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.