Reliable Auto DB

2012 Jeep Wrangler reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler has 833 complaints with NHTSA after 15 years, or 122 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Wrangler years here — over the median of the other years, which is 77. NHTSA has 10 recalls on file, including Anchorage, Inflator, and Electrical system.

2012 Jeep Wrangler
Photo by Koenigseggvibes, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

833

Per year

122

Recalls

10

Years on the road

15

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (282 of 833), then Steering (204) and Engine (172). Those filings include 22 that report a crash, 19 that report a fire, 19 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.

Next to 2013

The 2013 Wrangler has 650 complaints, 96 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Jeep Wrangler. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (10)

Recall seat belts, front, anchorage 2019-09-26 · NHTSA campaign 19V680000
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.
Remedy 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.
Recall air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator 2019-01-15 · NHTSA campaign 19V018000
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.
Remedy 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.
Recall air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator 2018-01-09 · NHTSA campaign 18V021000
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 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator 2016-05-24 · NHTSA campaign 16V352000
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 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator 2016-05-11 · NHTSA campaign 16V288000
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.
Remedy 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.
Recall Electrical system 2014-10-08 · NHTSA campaign 14V631000
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.
Remedy 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.
Recall steering, hydraulic power assist, hoses and connections 2013-06-04 · NHTSA campaign 13V234000
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.
Remedy 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.
Recall Air bags 2013-05-07 · NHTSA campaign 13V176000
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.
Remedy 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.
Recall Equipment 2013-02-25 · NHTSA campaign 13E010000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall air bags, frontal 2011-11-02 · NHTSA campaign 11V528000
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.
Remedy 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.

Complaints by component (833 total)

Powertrain
282
Steering
204
Engine
172
Electrical system
147
Air bags
128
Service brakes
45
Fuel and propulsion system
42
Electronic stability control (ESC)
30
Structure
30
Visibility and wipers
30
Speed control
25
Exterior lighting
21
Suspension
20
Visibility
11
Seat belts
10
Engine and engine cooling
7
Hydraulic brakes
5
Wheels
4
Forward collision avoidance
3
Fuel system, gasoline
3
Seats
3
Tires
3
Latches, locks, and linkages
2
Adaptive and mobility equipment
1
Air brakes
1
Traction control
1
Show 18 more Show less
Crash-flagged

22

Fire-flagged

19

Injury reports

19

Death reports

1

Complaints filed per year

52011472012912013223201488201578201661201739201860201937202020202123202218202392024132025212026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode. The ABS, BRAKE, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The…"
    Hydraulic brakes · filed 2026-09-03
  • "ABS Control module, went out while driving on the interstate , causing vehicle to go into limp mode , and almost causing multiple vehicle accidents, loss traction Control, emergency brake light, and abs warning light on"
    Service brakes · filed 2026-08-25
  • "The abs module on many of these vehicles has a known fault. You can’t find replacement parts, even the Jeep dealership can’t get them. Many ppl are driving around with faulty modules, on a waiting list for parts. I’m…"
    Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance · filed 2026-08-19
  • "The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The ABS, cruise control, and traction control features were…"
    Hydraulic brakes · filed 2026-07-28
  • "For the past two years I have experience intermittent problems with my Jeep ABS system, I ordered the replacement module part # 68145835AE from an authorized dealership on April 2025, and paid $697.39 after more than a…"
    Service brakes · filed 2026-07-22

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2012 Jeep Wrangler SUV 4WD Not rated Not rated Not rated 3 stars
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited SUV 4WD Not rated Not rated Not rated 3 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Wrangler four-wheel drive 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 5-speed Four-wheel drive 17 21 18 MPG $3600
Wrangler four-wheel drive 3.6L, 6-cyl Manual 6-speed Four-wheel drive 17 21 18 MPG $3600
Wrangler Unlimited four-wheel drive 3.6L, 6-cyl Manual 6-speed Four-wheel drive 16 21 18 MPG $3600
Wrangler Unlimited four-wheel drive 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic 5-speed Four-wheel drive 16 20 18 MPG $3600

Specs and fitment

JK generation, 2012–2017
Body styles SUV
Oil 5W-20 (3.6L Pentastar); 5W-30 (3.8L V6) , 6 qt capacity
Tire size 225/75R16 to 255/75R17 (trim dependent)
Towing capacity 3,500 lbs

Known issues for this generation

Safety recall 19V-018 (Chrysler V01) covers certain 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles among other FCA models: upon frontal air-bag deployment, excessive internal pressure may cause the passenger frontal inflator to explode, and metal fragments can strike occupants. Chrysler advises owners not to drive until the repair is complete; dealers replace the passenger frontal air-bag inflator free of charge. The campaign's published population also includes certain Ram, Dakota, Challenger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles under the same number.

Compare

Next year 2013 Jeep Wrangler See every Jeep Wrangler model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Jeep Wrangler reliable?

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler has 833 complaints with NHTSA after 15 years, or 122 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Wrangler years here — over the median of the other years, which is 77. NHTSA has 10 recalls on file, including Anchorage, Inflator, and Electrical system.

What are common problems with a 2012 Jeep Wrangler?

The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (282 of 833), then Steering (204) and Engine (172). Those filings include 22 that report a crash, 19 that report a fire, 19 that report an injury, and 1 that reports a death.

Is the 2012 Jeep Wrangler more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2013 Wrangler has 650 complaints, 96 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.

Has the 2012 Jeep Wrangler been recalled?

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler has 10 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?

Owners have filed 833 complaints about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2012 Jeep Wrangler get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is 18 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Wrangler take?

5W-20 (3.6L Pentastar); 5W-30 (3.8L V6)

What does NHTSA recall 19V-018 cover on the Jeep Wrangler?

Safety recall 19V-018 (Chrysler V01) covers certain 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles among other FCA models: upon frontal air-bag deployment, excessive internal pressure may cause the passenger frontal inflator to explode, and metal fragments can strike occupants.

What generation is the 2013 Jeep Wrangler?

JK generation (2012-2017).