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2012 Jeep Wrangler problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Jeep Wrangler has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 10safety recalls
- 835owner complaints
- 22crash reports
- 19fire reports
- 35%fail the UK MOT
835 complaints, against an average of 610 for the other 14 Jeep Wrangler model years.
Every Jeep Wrangler model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?
The components named most often in the 835 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Jeep Wrangler owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 835 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Jeep Wrangler?69 owners · 8.3% · Recall 19V018000
- Why does my 2012 Jeep Wrangler stall, lose power or shut off while driving?58 owners · 6.9%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Jeep Wrangler?43 owners · 5.1%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2012 Jeep Wrangler?36 owners · 4.3%
- Why does my 2012 Jeep Wrangler idle rough, misfire or hesitate?29 owners · 3.5%
Has the 2012 Jeep Wrangler been recalled?
10 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator ModuleDo not drive 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator ModuleDo not drive 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator ModuleDo not drive 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
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 line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid.
Risk: A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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, 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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 AIRBAG LAMP ILLUMINATION, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2012 Jeep Wrangler 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 DVSAPassenger airbag inflator
Risk: In the event that the airbag is activated excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to rupture and metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing injury to the vehicle occupants and / or in worst cases a fatality. The concern is caused by moisture in the air getting past faulty seals and being absorbed by the pyrotechnic biscuits in the inflator. As a result it is more likely to occur sooner in areas of high humidity and high temperature difference.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the passenger front air bag module which includes the inflator.
UK DVSAPassenger airbag inflator
Risk: Passenger air bag may deploy incorrectly if activated.
Fix: Replace the passenger air bag inflator.
UK DVSAPassenger Airbag inflator
Risk: The front passenger airbag inflator (PAB) may contain propellant that could possibly degrade over a period of time. This may cause metal fragments to pass through the air bag and into the vehicle interior at high speed which may result in injury to vehicle occupants in the event of a deployment event.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the inflator assembly.
UK DVSAAirbag circuit may be compromised
Risk: The driver' s airbag clockspring may ingest dust. This may cause the airbag warning light to illuminate. It may also affect the air bag operation in the event of a collision.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the air bag clock spring steering wheel back cover and steering column shrouds.
UK DVSAElectronic stability control may become disabled
Risk: The Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) may experience electrical interference (static) in the SCCM printed circuit board communication circuit. This unintended electrical interference (static) can cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to become disabled and the ESC warning lamp to illuminate. A loss of ESC function during certain driving conditions could cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and reprogramme the Steering Column Control Module.
UK DVSARisk of fire
Risk: The power side view mirrors may experience a loss of right and/or left heated power mirror function. This is due to corrosion caused water may travelling along the heated power mirror wiring harness and into the heated power mirror electrical connector(s). This corrosion inside the forms a resistive bridge between the power and ground electrical terminals and could cause a fire without warning.
Fix: On affected vehicles relocate the power feed electrical terminal for the heated power mirrors to a separate electrical connector and add a water shield.
EU Safety GateThe structure of the airbag could rupture if it deploys, leading to fragmentation of the airbag parts.These small parts could be projected towards the driver/occupants, potentially causing serious or even fatal injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Request to stop driving; Date of entry into force: 30/07/2025
EU Safety GateA defect in the gas generator of the passenger airbag may cause uncontrolled inflation when the airbag is activated.As a result, small metal particles can be released, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
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 GateA fault in the gas generator of the front passenger airbag may cause uncontrolled inflation when the airbag is activated and result in…A fault in the gas generator of the front passenger airbag may cause uncontrolled inflation when the airbag is activated and result in small metal particles being released, which might injure the occupants.
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 GateThe gearbox-oil cooler pipe may come into contact with the power steering return pipe.Prolonged contact between the two pipes may lead to a leak in the gearbox-oil cooler pipe. This may result in a substantial volume of oil being deposited on the road and the gears may stop working.
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
How often does the 2012 Jeep Wrangler fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Jeep Wrangler owners report?
12 of the 835 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.
Warning lights for Traction Control parking Brake and ABS are all on. Diagnosis is a Bad Brake control Modular. Dealer said it is super common and a defective part. They want $3000.00 to fix it but Mopar does not make the part anymore so they cant help me anyway unless I bring them one from a junkyard. Jeep forum says DO NOT Drive the vehicle with a bad Brake controller, and I quote the Mechanic "ABS module failure poses a clear and present danger to drivers, passengers, and others on the road”. so now what do I do? Cant get the part, the Manufacturer does not make the part, and the vehicle is…
This failed part has not for me caused an accident but it could easily cause one. A failing or failed ABS module renders the ABS braking system useless. As well as no cruise control, traction control and throwing the jeep into limb mode whenever it decides. NO warning. Thousands of jeeps are affected and jeep knows it is a major problem with no solution in sight. This can be very dangerous with this many jeeps still being driven despite the dash warning lights. But for most these are their everyday driving vehicle and can't afford for it to just sit. Also not good for a vehicle to sit…
The engine's cylinder head/valve train has failed internally, allowing combustion gases to enter the cooling system — confirmed via a chemical block test performed by a master automotive technician on November 29, 2024, which verified combustion gases present in the coolant. This is a widely documented defect on this engine and model year, related to valve seat erosion in the cylinder head. Symptoms first appeared in June 2018 as an unusual higher-pitched, stressed sound from the engine. Over time this progressed to recurring, confirmed misfires on cylinders 1, 2, 3, and 5 (diagnostic codes…
What happened? The vehicle was delivered to an authorized dealership for a federally mandated "Stop-Drive" Safety Recall (V01 - Passenger Airbag Inflator). During this service visit, the dealership attempted to charge an illegal $275.00 diagnostic fee for the airbag warning light, which is directly related to the recall system. The manufacturer’s corporate office confirmed via email that as of April 23, 2026, the recall remains "OPEN" and incomplete in federal records. However, the manufacturer also issued a contradictory statement claiming the repair was "concluded" based on dealer reports…
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a scan was completed, and diagnostic trouble codes for the Emissions, engine misfire, timing chain, and crank position sensor failures were displayed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 71,756.
My complaint is that I was sold a dangerously defective vehicle with a known, unrepaired “stop driving” airbag safety recall, was not warned about the deadly risk, and am now being told to move and tow the car in direct contradiction to official safety instructions. ### Factual background - The vehicle I purchased has a Takata‑type airbag safety recall that carries a formal “do not drive” or “stop driving” warning because the airbag can explode and kill or severely injure occupants, even in a minor crash.[1][2][3][4] - Federal safety authorities have confirmed that at least 28–29 people in the…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
I have experienced on a number of occasions, when traveling on the highway at speeds greater than 60 MPH and the vehicle his a bump in the road (expansion joint, pothole, etc), the vehicle begins to bounce uncontrollably. The steering wheel vibrates uncontrollably and it feels like the front end of the vehicle is bouncing on the highway. Its doesn't stop until you slow the vehicle down below 60 mph or so.
2012 Jeep Wrangler: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 835 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler; the most common categories were power train (282, 33.8%), steering (204, 24.4%), engine (172, 20.6%). There are 10 safety recalls. 22 complaints mention a crash, 19 mention a fire, 22 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?
Across 835 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (33.8% of complaints), steering (24.4% of complaints), engine (20.6% of complaints), electrical system (17.7% of complaints), air bags (15.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Jeep Wrangler have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler; the most recent (campaign 19V680000, 2019-09-26) concerns Seat Belts: Front: Anchorage. 3 recalls carry a "do not drive" or "park outside" warning from the manufacturer. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2012 Jeep Wrangler?
69 of the 835 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler (8.3%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. 6 related recalls exist: campaign 19V018000 (air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module). The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11692823, October 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Jeep Wrangler stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
58 of the 835 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler (6.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11645843, March 2025). 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 is the check engine light on in my 2012 Jeep Wrangler?
43 of the 835 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler (5.1%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Cam sensor failed. check engine light and traction control light appeared. replaced and same problems occurred. may be wiring or cam/rocker issues." (NHTSA complaint 11496427, December 2022). 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 are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2012 Jeep Wrangler?
36 of the 835 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler (4.3%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "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" (NHTSA complaint 11759337, August 2026). 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 Wrangler idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
29 of the 835 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler (3.5%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Check engine light came on, with a p0302 #2 cylinder misfire reading. after replacing consumable parts (spark plugs, engine coil) reset engine light, the code p0302 returned after 15-20 miles driving." (NHTSA complaint 11268279, October 2019). 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.
Check your own Wrangler
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 anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only; combines NHTSA's entries for WRANGLER and WRANGLER UNLIMITED.