2012 Jeep Wrangler: engine knocking or ticking

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 Sep 27, 2020 · Engine · TX

The lifters (headers) have gone bad. Incredible ticking noise from the engine in drive and idle. As rpms increase the ticking is louder. The only way to fix is to replace the headers. I have read a multitude of complaints on the federal safety agency page regarding this and additional complaints all over jeep forums that this is a known issue with the 2012 engines ... Why is this not been recalled?

Filed Jan 17, 2020 · Engine · 70,000 miles · VI

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.

Filed Apr 4, 2019 · Engine · 72,000 miles · FL

Valves are knocking in engine. Lagging in speed up. Making vehicle sluggish.

Filed Feb 14, 2019 · Engine · MA

Left side of cylinder head ticking noise.

Filed Nov 6, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 20,000 miles · LA

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.

Filed Sep 20, 2018 · Engine · 86,000 miles · IN

Engine ticking

Filed Nov 29, 2017 · Engine · 52,000 miles · CA

Vehicle received a check engine light while driving on the road and had a sudden power loss. With the engine started, the vehicle has a loud ticking sound from the cylinder head. Called a local dealer and they said the manufacturer extended warranty wont cover the repair because the vehicle has a salvaged title.

Filed Aug 22, 2017 · Airbags · 51,000 miles · CO · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that the driver's air bag abruptly deployed without impact or warning while driving 30 MPH. The contact heard a ticking noise prior to the failure. The contact suffered injuries to the left arm, left ear, back, and neck, which did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified. The contact also stated that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v352000 (passenger air bag). The failure mileage was 51,000.

Filed Jul 18, 2017 · Engine · 49,000 miles · FL

The day after purchasing a 2012 jeep wrangler, on 5/4/2017, with 49000 miles, while driving approximately 45 MPH, an unusual ticking noise emitted from the engine with the illumination of the check engine warning indicator. The failure occurred until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was immediately taken to the auto dealership where vehicle was purchased for diagnosis. The technician stated that the failure was contributed to a faulty engine head and valve. The vehicle was not repaired. Problem has consistently happened for the last 2 months. Vehicle was taken to an authorized jeep dealership but they refused to give us a diagnosis or offer a warranty recall stating the recall wouldn't apply as the car is a salvaged vehicle. The engine light illuminated after this episode and has not come off ever since.

Filed Apr 5, 2016 · Engine · 140,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 55 MPH, a loud ticking nose emitted from the engine compartment. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that engine cylinder number two misfired. The contact scheduled an appointment for the vehicle to be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.