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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2012 Jeep Wrangler Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
41about this part
Share
5%of 836 total for the year
Median mileage
38,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, 5% of the 836 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Headlights, turn signals and windshield wipers do not work. All went out at the same time. Fuses checked and are ok. Forums list multiple complaints for this safety issue with the tipm failure. I was driving in a light rain and could not turn in my headlights, turn signals or wipers.”

NHTSA complaint #11187266, filed 2019-03, 56,000 miles

“Purchased my Jeep Wrangler in may of 2012. Since purchase there has been numerous instances of the wipers turning on when in the off position. Wipers make a single pass and stop. This problem occurs at all speeds. It also occurs at times when the turn signal is activated. I brought in for service and Jeep will not acknowledge problem unless they can duplicate during the service visit.”

NHTSA complaint #10500649, filed 2013-02, 7,300 miles

“Driving my vehicle it started raining I went to use my wipers they do not work. My ESC light keeps coming on and off. My mechanic said it's the tipm. Please advise if Jeep with help me with this costly problem”

NHTSA complaint #11281267, filed 2019-11, 116,000 miles

“Since I have owned the vehicle the windshield wipers will come on every once in a while when I turn on the left blinker. I also have a problem with the tailgait. After about 3 years of ownership of the vehicle the tailgate hinge did not stop the tailgate from opening up a full 180 degrees causing the elbow joint to come completely out and my right tail light to be shattered. I was told by the dealer ship that this was common issue, but they would not return my calls/emails to get it fixed.”

NHTSA complaint #11045197, filed 2017-11, 45,000 miles

“My son purchased (leased) his first new vehicle (Jeep Wrangler) in mid-2012. It developed a problem with the windshield wipers as they will not turn on. This concerned me as this could be a safety issue if he were to drive the Jeep in snow or rain. Initially, the dealer's service department mis-diagnosed the problem and we were told the wiper motor needed replaced. Once that was replaced, we are now told the tipm module is bad and the part is on national backorder. …”

NHTSA complaint #10564702, filed 2014-02, 22,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202618%
202545%
202461%
202392%
202272%
2021202%
2020335%
2019304%
2018432%
201793%
201661%
201531%
2014132%
2013396%
2012415%
2011143%
2010132%
200982%
2008243%
2007153%
200671%
200551%
200495%
200322%
200233%
2001138%
200062%
1999136%
1998166%
1997215%
199594%
199464%
199366%
199223%
199111%
199034%
198946%
198836%
198738%

Other parts of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler

Transmission and drivetrain
282 complaints
Steering
204 complaints
Engine
172 complaints
Electrical system
148 complaints
Air bags
128 complaints
Other or unknown
54 complaints
Brakes
52 complaints
Fuel system
45 complaints
Electronic stability control
30 complaints
Body and structure
30 complaints
Vehicle speed control
26 complaints
Exterior 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