2012 Jeep Wrangler: engine failure

Filed Oct 29, 2025 · Engine · CA

The vehicle exhibits a persistent valvetrain ticking noise associated with the rocker/lifter/cam components of the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The engine makes a rhythmic metallic tapping at idle and during acceleration. The noise has progressively worsened, leading to rough idle and occasional misfires. This issue is documented in multiple Stellantis technical service bulletins (e.g., TSB 09-015-24 and TSB 09-011-25) which attribute the noise to hydraulic lash adjuster and cam/rocker wear. If unaddressed, the failure can cause camshaft damage, metal debris contamination, loss of power and potential engine stall, posing a safety risk. The vehicle is available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by independent mechanics who recommend replacement of the rocker arms, lifters and camshaft to prevent catastrophic engine failure.

Filed Sep 30, 2025 · Engine · MO

The vehicle exhibits a persistent valvetrain ticking noise associated with the rocker/lifter/cam components of the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The engine makes a rhythmic metallic tapping at idle and during acceleration. The noise has progressively worsened, leading to rough idle and occasional misfires. This issue is documented in multiple Stellantis technical service bulletins (e.g., TSB 09-015-24 and TSB 09-011-25) which attribute the noise to hydraulic lash adjuster and cam/rocker wear. If unaddressed, the failure can cause camshaft damage, metal debris contamination, loss of power and potential engine stall, posing a safety risk. The vehicle is available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by independent mechanics who recommend replacement of the rocker arms, lifters and camshaft to prevent catastrophic engine failure.

Filed Jan 4, 2024 · Engine · MD

In my 2012 Jeep I had to replace the engine and catalytic converters. The engine number 3 cylinder failed due to excessive ware causing lower compression. After the engine (long block) was replaced, one of the cylinders was miss firing. This miss firing was traced to micro cracks in the plastic/composite intake manifold (original and not part of the engine replacement). Because these micro cracks changed the fuel air ratio on specific cylinders by leaning out the cylinders near the cracks this lean mixture would cause the affected cylinders to run hot that would lead to both the excessive ware on the one cylinder and would comprise the catalytic converters. Because this change in fuel air mixture was caused by the intake manifold and Jeep does not have any inspection requirements or methods for this item and even after the Jeep Dealer did a full diagnosis using their factory specified equipment the issue with the manifold was not found. My local AMMCO shop found the cracking in the manifold that was the route cause of the problem.

Filed Feb 10, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 90,000 miles · IN

I love my jeep, but for the past year we have had a love hate relationship. Today I received a letter indicating that the power control module might need reprogramming. Interesting enough this went bad on my 2012 jeep a year ago. Shortly thereafter my engine failed. Now that I see there was an issue with the PCM needing reprogrammed it made sense why a jeep with barely 90,000 miles would have an engine that failed, especially considering that I was never rough with it, and always gave it appropriate oil changes. It took me the better part of a year to pay off the cost of the new engine, and when you've got a car this new, there really isn't a good option besides knuckling down and paying for the fix. I would love to love my jeep again. When this happened it was very cold outside, my jeep sat outside overnight. While driving to school the temp gauge pinged. I limped it back to a dealership (no jeep dealers in my hometown) and eventually found out the problem. After what I thought was an initial fix, it was determined that the engine had actually failed and I subsequently had it replaced at a jeep dealership. I can provide proof of the replacement if necessary.

Filed Jan 10, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 98,000 miles · MN

Passenger side headlight failure. Repairs made to wiring, and replacement headlight installed. Lamp still only works intermittently. Affecting low light visibility. Potentially an issue with tipm which has lead to other electrical issues, such as transmission not engaging. Has caused engine failure, and control failure in other vehicles. Happens at any time, stationary, moving, fwd, reverse, turning, etc.

Filed May 27, 2019 · Engine · 44,000 miles · NV

Disappointed in jeep I have a 2012 jeep wrangler sahara with 44,000 highway miles, during city driving, the jeep started running very rough. This was the first time, we had any problems with the vehicle. We immediately drove to chapman jeep in henderson nv. For troubleshooting, I was informed that this model year was affected by the faulty cylinder head service bulletin and was told by the service manager that the engine running rough, would be fixed by chrysler at no charge. A few days later, we got a return call from jeep saying the fault was not the cylinder head, but it was the engine itself! A piston had melted in number 6 cylinder and the engine would require replacement! As you can imagine I was very surprised to find a rough running engine with only 44000 miles, would now require an engine replacement costing me $7000.00 dollars! I requested numerous times for jeep to tell me how this could happen, but the reply was they did not know. The engine has always been serviced with the best oil and coolant, and no other cylinders were affected. I have held off writing this letter since I wanted to get our jeep returned to me before more money was removed from my wallet. I do realize things can go wrong, but something failed internally to the engine, this was out of my control, and all chrysler/jeep could do was shrug their shoulders and say pay me. You have lost a jeep customer, and I'll be sure to let my friends in the jeep clubs know of this expensive outcome.

Filed Aug 7, 2018 · Steering · 109,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn, the steering seized and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle stalled once again. The vehicle was towed to lee's summit dodge chrysler jeep ram (1051 se oldham pkwy, lee's summit, mo 64081, (816) 525-9825) where it was diagnosed that the main body wiring harness was wrapped around the steering column, which caused the vehicle to stall when the steering wheel was turned to the left. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

Filed Sep 25, 2017 · Engine, Steering · NY

2012 jeep sahara. Consumer writes in regards to tensioner arm and serpentine belt failure. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle lost its steering. The tensioner arm seized shredding the serpentine belt which lodged into the engine. The consumer requested to reimbursed for the repairs. Updated 09/25/2017

Filed Dec 27, 2015 · Electrical · 71,000 miles · AL

Had to replace engine wiring harness on my wrangler and my wife's 2012 wrangler. Both are rhd. Not covered under warranty. Shame on jeep

Filed Dec 3, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 39,000 miles · NY

Vehicle stopped getting heat from all vents on drivers side, including defroster and only luke warm heat on the passenger side. All regular maintenance had been performed on the vehicle. Dealer says radiator and heater core need to be replaced as they are filled with 'sludge'. A little research online and this seems to be an all to common issue with these jeeps and chrysler has given no answer as to the cause. While not having heat is inconvenient, not being able to defrost the windshield is a safety hazard. They are currently fighting me on paying for this as the vehicle is just out of warranty. This is an issue chrysler is fully aware of and has done nothing to fix! Further investigating has shown that ignoring this problem and not removing this sludge could eventually lead to engine failure.

Filed Aug 15, 2013 · Engine · 18,500 miles · MA

Cylinder 6 misfire - requires new engine head. Manufacturer has had parts backordered, and service centers are instructing customers to continue driving vehicle until part can be replaced. Judging by internet posts this seems to be a common defect that could potentially strand drivers or cause engine failure while in motion. Manufacturer is on 3rd version of part and has not alerted customers to the issue or provided resolution to the continued issue.

Filed Dec 27, 2012 · Suspension · 2,500 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the brakes seized with the illumination of the ABS and traction control warning indicators. The vehicle skidded as the engine slightly stalled. The contact regained control of the vehicle and resumed in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician informed the contact that the failure was contributed to the faulty front wheel hub and wheel bearings. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 2,500. The VIN was unavailable.