2012 Jeep Wrangler Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 172about this part
- Share
- 21%of 836 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 172 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, 21% of the 836 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Cylinder misfire less than 20k, heat chronically did not work, brought to dealer numerous times for no heat, ticking sound coming from motor. City driven vehicle. Major engine issue at 85k dealer telling me not a systemic problem with this particular vehicle. Extended warranty will not cover engine issues. Jeep over heating, no heat, replaced radiator twice at my own expense.”
NHTSA complaint #11149723, filed 2018-11, 20,000 miles“There is a ticking noise coming from cylinder head. This is a issue that a lot of 2011-2012 Jeep wranglers have been having. It is not fair that this cost should come out of our pocket. Jeep knows about this issue from all the Jeep reviews I have seen people posting with the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11300169, filed 2020-01, 70,000 miles“My Jeep will randomly just shut off while idling in a parking lot or stopped at a ligh. If I turn the key it will start right back up. No check engine lights or codes. I have had it to a mechanic and they can't figure out what is wrong .”
NHTSA complaint #11354624, filed 2020-09, 118,000 miles“Jeep loses all power while driving. I have a 1 year old and this is very very dangerous. Ive had to stop and pull battery power terminal off multiple times to reset it. The Jeep completely dies then all lights and switches start firing. Jeep will not restart. Debating selling it and getting something other than a Jeep product. Battery is good and alternator is good. I had both checked by a mechanic. This has happened multiple times and I take great care of my Jeep as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11355714, filed 2020-09, 56,000 miles“I received a safety recall n28 / NHTSA 13v-234. Transmission oil cooler tube. Called rick hendrick Jeep in charleston, sc to schedule repair. I was told that they can only get 1 part every 14 days and there are 80 people ahead of me. Doing the math that means they will get 26 parts over 365 days, so it will be 3 years before they can fix the problem. Unacceptable.”
NHTSA complaint #10552952, filed 2013-11, 11,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10162466May 3, 2019Oil Filter Adapter If replacing Oil Filter Adapter due to oil leak, please be aware a seal kit is available for repair. If replacing due to missing Spring Loaded Check Valve, a…
- 10058037Jun 25, 2015Chrysler 2012-2015 jeep wrangler (rhd): bulletin information involves repairs and inspection of the engine harness and replacing the harness retainer tower clip.
- 10062950Oct 3, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 29 | 40% |
| 2024 | 417 | 56% |
| 2023 | 108 | 29% |
| 2022 | 93 | 23% |
| 2021 | 222 | 23% |
| 2020 | 56 | 9% |
| 2019 | 45 | 6% |
| 2018 | 99 | 5% |
| 2017 | 62 | 20% |
| 2016 | 88 | 19% |
| 2015 | 128 | 27% |
| 2014 | 322 | 49% |
| 2013 | 140 | 21% |
| 2012 | 172 | 21% |
| 2011 | 36 | 7% |
| 2010 | 38 | 6% |
| 2009 | 18 | 5% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 33 | 6% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 19 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler
282 complaintsSteering
204 complaintsElectrical system
148 complaintsAir bags
128 complaintsOther or unknown
54 complaintsBrakes
52 complaintsFuel system
45 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
41 complaintsElectronic stability control
30 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology