2012 Jeep Wrangler Problems And Complaints

2012 Jeep Wrangler User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints

• Engine problems- Though the 2012 Jeep Wrangler was designed to be a robust platform since inception, the powertrain on this SUV has been anything but that. Random stall (TIPM failure), oil leak (primarily from oil cooler), and coolant leak are some of the major concerns reported by several owners. Apart from that rocker arm and lifter assembly failure o also something to watch out for on the 2012 Wrangler’s engine with excessive ticking noise, misfire, and power loss coming in as some early indications for a thorough check-up. Issues have been reportedly noticed on vehicles with mileages as low as 20,000 miles and jeep’s warranty policies, as stated are far from being straightforward.

• Transmission Problems- You think manual transmissions are reliable? Well, Jeep is here to make you think otherwise with their 6-speed unit on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. As complained, the internal locking mechanism on the shifter is prone to excessive wear and this causes the shifter to constantly pop out of gear while on the move, especially in lower gears. The OEM shifter assembly is prone to this issue and even the replacement unit exhibits the same complaint after a while. That’s not all, people who equipped the Wrangler with the 5-speed automatic unit also complain about several problems like shifting delays, excessive jerk, and grinding notices, while cases of entire transmission replacements are not that rare.

 Electric System complaints

• TIPM problems- The totally integrated power module (TIPM) on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is known to fail. Loss of multiple power functionalities like wipers, headlights, radio, and even the window control are some indications of the module failing. Some owners have reported intermittent stalling of the engine with an engine warning light. This issue, rather than being an engine failure, can be pointed at TIPM for cutting the electrical signal to the fuel lift pump which causes the engine to starve and stall.

• Heater core problems- clogging of the heater core has been a widespread issue on the JK generation of heat wrangler. Loss or reduced heating effect from the A/C unit is one of the primary indications of this defect. Flushing the heater core through the coolant inlet/outlet lines is the known remedy for this issue. If this does not resolve the problems, you might be in line for a heater core replacement at an estimated cost of $900 to 1,200.

Structural Complaints

• Steering problems- Excessive front-end wobble is a staple issue for Jeep Wrangler owners. Every single person has gone through this during this SUV’s ownership and as stated, this issue, once happens is impossible to completely rectify. Though owners have tried using every trick in the book, slight steering vibrations, especially at highway speeds are inevitable. Replacement of steering components as per dealer advice in expectance of a favorable outcome instead of tracing the actual issue has been tagged as a waste of money.

Safety Complaints

• Airbags Issues- Airbag issues are pretty common on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. Though initial malfunctions were reported to be traced to manufacturing defects with the steering clockspring, later the airbag module itself was reported to have inherent defects and was a part of a wider Takata recall. Owners of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler are highly advised to get the vehicle rectified under the recalls to prevent injury as NHTSA has counts of airbag deployment failure reported that have ended in minor or severe occupant injuries.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	26th September 2019	19V680000	The seatbelt buckle may separate from the seatbelt frame	The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began on March 26, 2020.
2	15th January 2019	19V018000	The passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode.	Upon deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 4, 2019.
3	9th January 2018	18V021000	The passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode.	Upon deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2018.
4	24th May 2016	16V352000	The passenger airbag inflator may rupture	Upon deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.	Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017.
5	11th May 2016	16V288000	Clockspring assembly may become contaminated	The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the airbag circuit to fail, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016.
6	8th October 2014	14V631000	Potential for fire in the heated exterior mirror	Corrosion in the exterior heated power mirror electrical connector may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.	The dealers will move the exterior mirror power feed to a separate connector, free of charge. The recall began on March 3, 2015
7	4th June 2013	13V243000	Possible transmission fluid leak	The power steering line may contact and wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid, which may cause a loss of its proper function and increase the risk of a crash.	The dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2013.
8	7th May 2013	13V176000	The airbag clockspring assembly may fail	The affected vehicles have airbag clockspring assemblies that could experience broken airbag circuits, which might lead to its non-deployment in the event of a crash and increase the risk of injury.	The dealers will replace the clockspring and add a steering wheel dust shield, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2013.
9	25th February 2013	13E010000	Floor liner tearing may lead to pedal entrapment	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 and impede the operation of the foot pedals, increasing the risk of a crash.	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.
10	2nd November 2011	11V524888	The airbag clockspring assembly	The affected vehicles have airbag clockspring assemblies that could experience broken airbag circuits, which might lead to its non-deployment in the event of a crash and increase the risk of injury.	Chrysler will notify owners and remedy the vehicles as necessary free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed in March 2012.

Should you buy a used 2012 Jeep Wrangler?

Given the absence of a direct competitor and the popularity of this model, the Jeep Wrangler is the only true shot we got in this class. Knowing that issues exist and considering the fact that this compact SUV is a one-trick pony, it pretty much ranks low in its segment and makes it hard for us to generally recommend. But for a hard-core off-road enthusiast out there, there is no better vehicle to be bought as its stands and there is nothing left to do but do other than looking past all the shortcomings. Brand new buyers would find themselves on the safer side, but used buyers must watch out for the powertrain issues and possibly fix them before critical damages occur.