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2012 Jeep Patriot problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Jeep Patriot has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 354owner complaints
- 9crash reports
- 5fire reports
- 6injuries reported
354 complaints, against an average of 300 for the other 5 Jeep Patriot model years.
Every Jeep Patriot model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Jeep Patriot?
The components named most often in the 354 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Jeep Patriot owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 354 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2012 Jeep Patriot stall, lose power or shut off while driving?104 owners · 29.4% · Recall 13V120000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Jeep Patriot?21 owners · 5.9%
- Why does my 2012 Jeep Patriot overheat?20 owners · 5.6%
- Why won't my 2012 Jeep Patriot start?14 owners · 4%
- Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2012 Jeep Patriot?11 owners · 3.1% · Recall 16V668000
Has the 2012 Jeep Patriot been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Seat Belts: Pretensioner Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Air Bags: Side/Window Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.
Risk: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
Fuel System, Gasoline Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.
Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Is the 2012 Jeep Patriot recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASide airbag may not deploy
Risk: The seatbelt pre-tensioner and/or side airbag curtains may not deploy in the event of certain low speed roll over events which can lead to an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to reprogram the Occupant Restraint Control Module (ORC).
UK DVSAEngine may cut out
Risk: The engine may cut out because the pipe connecting the tanks has been incorrectly manufactured which can stop the fuel transfer from the secondary tank to the primary tank. The fuel gauge will read that there is fuel in the tank when this occurs.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel transfer pipe.
EU Safety GateIn the event of an accident, the airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners may not deploy as intended due to a defect in the control unit for…In the event of an accident, the airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners may not deploy as intended due to a defect in the control unit for vehicle occupant protection. The risk of injury to the occupants is thus increased.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a software error, the side airbag and the seat-belt tightener are not working properly and this poses a risk of injuries for the…Years estimatedDue to a software error, the side airbag and the seat-belt tightener are not working properly and this poses a risk of injuries for the passengers.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2012 Jeep Patriot owners report?
12 of the 354 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the recall repair was not completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, but no assistance was provided. No further information was available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Certified dealership service department omitted structural safety complaints from official service invoices, left vital diagnostic findings and performance metrics off paperwork tracking paths, cleared a compromised front suspension layout as safe, and actively instructed a vehicle operator to execute a driving pattern that induces sudden power loss on public roadway infrastructure. TIMELINE SUMMARY OF DEALERSHIP SERVICE (see uploaded PDF for details): March 26, 2026: Diagnostic service and fees for front right tire and new spark plugs. Left bay with immediate new serious issue. March 30…
I was crossing an intersection with a green light the opposing vehicle ran the northbound red light therefore slammed into my driver rear side going at an unknown speed. The force of the impact caused my glasses to fly off my face landing on the passenger floorboard. No airbags deployed.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that on several occasions, while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the gas pump shut off and only worked manually. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis, and it was determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced due to a faulty fuel tank rollover valve. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.
roll over valve in gas tank on a 2012 Jeep Patriot.
the rollover valve in the gas tank won't allow me to put fuel in the gas tank.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal whining sound emanating from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission, requiring that the transmission be replaced. The contact was informed that the on-board diagnostic system was not functioning as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the lights inside the vehicle were flickering and the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then stalled. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact smelled an abnormal odor, and the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the exhaust was clogged. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure…
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled again. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle was undrivable. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
I cannot put gas in my car, continuously shuts off and spits fuel back out like its full. It takes about 20 minutes to get enough gas in it to feel like I can drive a little distance without worrying I will run out since It always acts as if its full. It also seems as if it wants to stall out at times and I just give it more gas. I have had this car for a few months now and Im scared its going to stall and cause an accident. Having a difficult time with getting someone to work on it, codes will not diagnose. After reading I saw this had recalls in the past. Should this car have been recalled?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK VALVE WOULD CLOSE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REFUELED. BEAVER COUNTY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (2761 CONSTITUTION BLVD, BEAVER FALLS, PA 15010) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED A FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V142000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…
I HAVE A ACCIDENT OR CRASH CAR BEFORE( THE JEEP WAS IN MAKING LEFT TURN ,IN MOTION) I WAS IN CAMUY RURAL AREA, CITY OF PUERTO RICO AND THE AIRBAG DOESN'T CAME OUT THANK TO OUR. MIGHTY GOD IT WASN'T TOO MUCH BUT THE AIR BAG IT DOESN'T WORK. *TR
2012 Jeep Patriot: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Jeep Patriot reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 354 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Patriot; the most common categories were engine (114, 32.2%), fuel/propulsion system (86, 24.3%), power train (63, 17.8%). There are 4 safety recalls. 9 complaints mention a crash, 5 mention a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Patriot?
Across 354 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (32.2% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (24.3% of complaints), power train (17.8% of complaints), air bags (16.1% of complaints), electrical system (12.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Jeep Patriot have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Jeep Patriot; the most recent (campaign 16V668000, 2016-09-15) concerns Seat Belts: Pretensioner. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Jeep Patriot stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
104 of the 354 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Patriot (29.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 13V120000 (fuel system, gasoline). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. One owner wrote: "When filling the tank with gas and then driving the vehicle, the vehicle either stalls, bucks really bad, or hesitates when accelerating. There is a heavy smell of gas." (NHTSA complaint 11509796, March 2023). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Jeep Patriot?
21 of the 354 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Patriot (5.9%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "A few months ago my vehicle started to randomly stall and jerk. we thought nothing of it. then a few weeks ago my engine light came on and a warning that something was wrong with the fuel cap. a few days later all of that stopped coming on." (NHTSA complaint 11299186, January 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Jeep Patriot overheat?
20 of the 354 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Patriot (5.6%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "I have a 2012 jeep patriot and this keeps happening more and more frequently. just today it happened twice within 15 minutes so i pull over, put it in neutral and wait for it turn off to do the same thing 15 minutes later." (NHTSA complaint 11341282, July 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2012 Jeep Patriot start?
14 of the 354 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Patriot (4%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Bought this vehicle used from a dealership with 39,000 miles on it. have not even made 1 car payment yet and have had to get it towed out of my garage to take to the dealer because it would not start one morning." (NHTSA complaint 10862836, May 2016). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2012 Jeep Patriot?
11 of the 354 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Patriot (3.1%) describe seat belts not latching, retracting or locking. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 16V668000 (seat belts: pretensioner). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact leased a 2012 jeep patriot. the contact inquired about purchasing the vehicle from the leasing company, but was denied because it was included in nhtsa campaign number: 16v668000 (seat belts, air bags)." (NHTSA complaint 11002121, June 2017). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Patriot
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.