2012 Jeep Wrangler: engine overheating

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Engine · TN

While driving my 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power due to a cylinder failure on the left/driver-side cylinder head (cylinder #2). This defect causes the engine to experience persistent cylinder misfires, resulting in severe engine stumbling, hesitation, and a dangerous drop in acceleration capabilities. This creates an immediate safety hazard when attempting to merge onto high-speed highways, pull out into active traffic, or navigate intersections, as the vehicle cannot accelerate predictably to match traffic speeds. Furthermore, the persistent misfire causes unburned fuel to dump into the exhaust system, creating a secondary risk of catalytic converter overheating, damage to the exhaust system, and a potential engine bay fire hazard. This vehicle has only 86,000 original miles. This specific 3.6L Pentastar engine generation is subject to a widely documented manufacturing defect involving premature valve seat and head failure, which manifests as an unpredictable and sudden loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Electrical · CA

In 2020 I bought this Jeep, within the first 3 months I had to replace the TIPM, at $950.00, now 5 years later the same problem, the TIPM is having issues again. Causing the engine to overheat. Jeep is telling me this happens, not at $950 every 5 years, I was told there was a recall initially when they were new. There has to be some sort of recourse, you just can’t sell faulty parts and say it just happens! Thank you [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 2, 2019 · Electrical · 32,000 miles · NJ

The motor was overheating the radiator fan did not turn on. Tipm was defect.

Filed Jan 3, 2017 · Brakes · 68,966 miles · MI

After a 30 mile trip, I discovered that the left front brake of my jeep wrangler was overheated, confirmed by a distinct burning smell, an extremely hot left front wheel, and a pulling sensation when brakes were applied. The next day, I took the vehicle to an authorized jeep dealer for diagnosis and repair. I was told that both front brake calipers were "bad", and needed replacing. The vehicle has only 69,000 miles on the odometer. My 2012 dodge journey had the exact same problem with the rear brake caliper.

Filed May 16, 2016 · Electrical · 52,000 miles · TX · fire

I just left work and had traveled less than a mile when my engine shut off. I was only traveling 20mph and coasted into the first open driveway I could find. I opened the hood to a lot of smoke and a small fire from my wiring harness. My 2012 jeep wrangler sport is completely stock and always maintained through my local jeep dealership. The official word from jeep was that my starter shorted out which caused my wiring harness to overheat and catch fire.

Filed Feb 10, 2012 · Engine · 380 miles · PR

My 2012 wrangler with only 200 miles start to overheating when use more power to run uphill a road. I go to the dealer to verify and said to me that its normal. I said to theme that change me this wrangler because was new and not change it with another. Also now at 987 miles the engine make a noise like a lifters. My question is , when the wrangler won more miles the problems are more? I read on internet that some people have the same problems. Chrysler need to verify all pentastar engines.