Home · 2012 Jeep Wrangler 4-door 4xe · Complaints

What 828 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler 4-door 4xe

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (828)Crash / fire / injury (47)Transmission & drivetrain (282)Steering (204)Engine (172)Electrical system (147)Airbags (128)Fuel system (45)Brakes (44)Visibility & wipers (41)Body & structure (30)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (30)

Newest first · 828 complaints · page 4 of 34

May 2, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

While driving making a left-hand turn, crossing an intersection the vehicle stalled. Lossing all power, no power stirring or breaks. When trying to re-start vehicle will not re-start.

NHTSA ODI 11463046

May 2, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

While crossing an intersection the vehicle stalled for no reason. No Codes were posted. Crank No Start, waited 10 min, and the vehicle started. Drove to the dealer to resolve. Dealer has no known reason for stalling while driving

NHTSA ODI 11463048

May 2, 2022Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

Random Stalling while driving, making a left-hand turn. While entering an intersection, the vehicle stalled losing all power. Was able to coast to a safe spot. Waited 15 min, the vehicle started. No check engine light.

NHTSA ODI 11463049

Feb 9, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Oil filter housing is cracked and leaking oil. Potential fire hazard, pooling of oil on engine block. Seems to be a widespread problem.

NHTSA ODI 11451187

Dec 10, 2021Steering

Driving vehicle at low speeds (30-40mph), front end of Jeep shakes uncontrollably. Vehicle must be stopped in order for shaking to stop. This shaking is becoming worse and dangerous. Two independent tire shops have reviewed the concerns and are unable to determine source of shaking. This is becoming a daily occurrence.

NHTSA ODI 11443364

Oct 13, 2021AirbagsCrash1 injury

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.

NHTSA ODI 11436680

Oct 2, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The power steering line has rubbed a hole in the transmission line causing a loss of flammable transmission fluid onto the hot exhaust and underside of vehicle and the transmission isn't shifting properly. Transmission fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust setting the jeep on fire while driving. The dealer refused to work on my jeep because of some modifications that do not affect the Transmission lines or power steering lines in any way to cause this issue. No warning lights came on, I had noticed the lines rubbing about a month and a half prior which is when the dealer said there's nothing they can do they didn't even look at it.

NHTSA ODI 11435226

Sep 21, 2021Steering

Driving down the road and entire Jeep started shaking. Stopped the vehicle immediately and had it towed home.

NHTSA ODI 11433855

Sep 16, 2021Airbags

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

NHTSA ODI 11433164

Sep 3, 2021Speed control

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator became stuck and the vehicle accelerated inadvertently with the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to accelerate while depressing the brake pedal. The contact had not taken the vehicle to be serviced or diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on her vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000

NHTSA ODI 11431660

Jul 10, 2021Airbags

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.

NHTSA ODI 11424248

Jun 11, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the engine would misfire while driving at various speeds. Due to the failure, the vehicle would independently go into limp mode with the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to several unknown dealers and the engine misfire was acknowledged however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11420576

Apr 29, 2021

I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH 34,000 MILES ON IT AND WHEN I DROVE IT HOME OVER 500 MILES AWAY I NOTICED THE HEATER STARTED BLOWING COOL AIR ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE PASSENGER SIDE WORKED FINE. AS DAYS WENT BY IT GOT WORSE AND THE DRIVER SIDE NOW COMPLETELY DOESN'T WORK. BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES. I GOOGLED THIS AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE SAYING THE SAME THING. MOST PEOPLE POINTING TO THE HEATER CORE AND THAT SOMETHING BLOCKS ONE OF THE OUTLETS. MY LOCAL CHRYSLER/JEEP DEALERSHIP WANTED TO CHARGE ME FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. APPARENTLY OTHER PEOPLE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH EVEN LESS MILES ON THEIR JEEPS AND ALSO LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER BUYING THE JEEP. IT'S VERY FRUSTRATING KNOWING I HAVE A VERY LIGHTLY USED VEHICLE WITH MINIMAL MILEAGE WITH THIS KIND OF PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY WHILE IDLING.

NHTSA ODI 11414519

Apr 17, 2021Airbags

AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND WILL ONLY TURN OFF WHEN NOT IN MOTION. BIG SAFETY ISSUE

NHTSA ODI 11408594

Apr 12, 2021SteeringWheelsBrakes

ABS LIGHT, ANTI-SKID LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COME ON. TOUCHED THE BRAKE SLIGHTLY AND JEEP WENT INTO A SKID. MY STEERING WHEEL WANTS TO LOCK UP, MY BRAKES ARE TRYING TO BRAKE. SEEMS LIKE A FAULTY ABS WHEEL SENSOR AND EVEEYONE IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM

NHTSA ODI 11407691

Apr 6, 2021SteeringBrakesEngine

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2012 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED (VIN: [XXX]). WITHIN 1 MONTH OF TAKING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CAR BEGAN TO STALL INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. SPECIFICALLY, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND THE POWER STEERING AND BREAKS DEACTIVATE. TO STATE THE OBVIOUS, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION, PARTICULARLY AS OUR FAMILY HAS THREE CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF SIX. TO DATE, LARRY MILLER JEEP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE AS NO ERROR CODES APPEAR. LOOKING ONLINE, THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN DEFECT WITH JEEPS OF MY MODEL YEAR (HTTPS://WWW.WRANGLERFORUM.COM/THREADS/ELECTRICAL-PROBLEM-SHUTS-OFF-WHILE-DRIVING.190041/) SO I AM SURPRISED THAT JEEP HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM GIVEN THE DIRE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES. I HAVE ESCALATED THIS MATTER TO YOUR CUSTOMER CARE GROUP, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE FCA HAS SITUATIONAL AWARENESS OF THIS SITUATION AS WELL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI 11406714

Mar 31, 2021Engine

OIL COOLER CRACKED AND LEAKING ANTIFREEZE ALL OVER ENGINE AND UNDER FRAME. ANTIFREEZE IN THE OIL. ONLY 69K MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A REALLY BIG PROBLEM WITH THESE OIL COOLERS ON JEEPS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. COST TO REPLACE IS VERY EXPENSIVE!!

NHTSA ODI 11405719

Mar 15, 2021Speed controlBrakes

ON MY WAY TO WORK ON CITY STREET, SLIGHT CURVE IN ROAD, IT WAS RAINING. CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 50MPH. I HEARD THE CHIME AND GLANCED AT THE DASHBOARD. CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS OUT, ABS LIGHT, ANTI-SKID LIGHT AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT WERE ON. TOUCHED THE BRAKE SLIGHTLY AND JEEP WENT INTO A SKID. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS NEXT TO ME. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY AND WAS TOLD THE ABS MODULE HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 38000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI 11403137

Feb 27, 2021Engine

OIL COOLER BROKE AND STARTED LEAKING AFTER THE COLD TEMPERATURE IN OKLAHOMA ON 2/14/21

NHTSA ODI 11398186

Feb 10, 2021SteeringTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

MY JEEP IS NOW STALLING MID DRIVE WHEN I TURN MY WHEEL. 3 TIMES IT'S HAPPENED WHILE TURNING FROM A STOP LIGHT AND ONCOMING TRAFFIC HAD TO STOP AND GO AROUND ME. I'VE HAD 2 MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND NEITHER OF THEM CAN FIND AN ISSUE. RPMS GO TO ZERO AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP. THE ONLY WAY TO RESET IT IS TO PUT IT IN PARK, TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON. OUTSIDE OF THOSE 3 TIMES IT'S HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND TURNING ONTO A STREET OR INTO A PARKING LOT - THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON TO WHAT WILL TRIGGER IT. I'VE READ QUITE A FEW FORUMS WHERE THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO IMMEDIATELY!! I WENT FROM FEELING CAREFREE IN MY JEEP TO KEEPING BOTH OF MY HANDS ON THE WHEEL WHILE MAKING ANY TURN AND BEING CONSTANTLY TENSE. PLEASE PLEASE ANNOUNCE A RECALL AND FIX THIS!

NHTSA ODI 11395666

Feb 7, 2021Engine

THE OIL COOLER FAILING, LEAKING. I HAVE JUST DISCOVERED THAT MY OIL COOLER IS LEAKING FROM A PUDDLE ON THE GROUND AND MY LOWER ENGINE FULL OF OIL. I GOT NO WARNING LIGHT. IF THERE HAD NOT BEEN A NOTICABLE PUDDLE I WOULD HAVE NEVER NOTICED IT. IF NOT MY MOTOR WOULD HAVE LOCKED UP AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I CHECKED MY OIL LEVEL AND NO OIL IS ON THE DIPSTICK. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY BIG PROBLEM IN THE JEEP COMMUNITY. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED. IF IT WAS A HERE AND THERE INCIDENT, IT WOULD B DIFFERENT. BUT IT'S A VERY BIG PROBLEM. IN THE PHOTO LOOK TO THE LEFT OF THE OIL FILTER HOUSING. IT'S A PUDDLE OF OIL. THE PRICE OF OIL IS NOT CHEAP. NEITHER IS THE TIME CONSUMING AND COST OF THE REPAIR. PLEASE ADD THIS TO THE RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11395100

Feb 5, 2021Airbags

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.

NHTSA ODI 11394824

Feb 1, 2021Electrical system

MY JEEP WRANGLER 2012 JKU WILL SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE RUNNING. I HAVE A 18 MONTH OLD THAT RIDES IN THE BACKSEAT AND THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE TIMES THAT I HAVE FELT VERY UNSAFE FOR HIS LIFE AND MINE. I HAVE REPLACED 2 BATTERIES AS I THOUGHT THAT WAS THE ISSUE. NOW I AM SURE IT IS THE TIPM IS FAULTY. MY JEEP HAS UNDER 60K MILES ON IT. CHRYSLER/FIAT NEEDS TO PUT A RECALL ON THESE AS THEY ARE JUNK AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MADE SO BAD AS THEY ARE THE BRAIN OF THE SUV. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY ON CITY STREET, TURNING, AND HIGHWAY RAMPS.

NHTSA ODI 11391056

Jan 11, 2021Electrical systemAirbags

2012 JEEP WRANGLER JK CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY IS FAULTY, CIRCUIT IS OPEN CAUSING AIR BAG LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND POSSIBLE ISSUES DEPLOYING AIR BAG IN EVENT OF A CRASH. SAME ISSUE AS PREVIOUS MY JKS. AIR BAG LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED, SOMETIMES STAYING ON OR TURNING BACK OFF. ALSO SEEMS TO BE HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY DURING COOL WEATHER (LESS THAN 60 DEGREES F).

NHTSA ODI 11387521

Dec 31, 2020Electrical systemEngine

CAR COMPLETELY DIES WHEN SITTING IDLE. I BELIEVE THE CONTROL MODULE IS FAULTY AND I HAVE HEARD MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER DODGE/CHRYSLER/JEEP CUSTOMERS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. MY 15 MONTH OLD SON WAS IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND IT SCARED THE HECK OUT OF ME TO BE SITTING AT A MAJOR STOPLIGHT AND THE CAR COMPLETELY DIE. I WAS SCARED FOR MY SAFETY AND SCARED FOR MY SON'S SAFETY. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS IS NOT AN OPEN RECALL RIGHT NOW. WHEN THE JEEP DIES ALL OF THE RELAYS START ENGAGING AND THE DASH LIGHTS BLINK ON AND OFF. I HAVE HAD MY BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, AND STARTED CHECKED BY A LICENSED MECHANIC. I DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES EITHER. PLEASE CREATE A RECALL FOR THIS SO MY FAMILY WILL BE SAFE WHEN I DRIVE THEM AROUND.

NHTSA ODI 11385741

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Working with the data? Download all 828 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Jeep Wrangler 4-door 4xe verdict →