Check a VIN

2012 Jeep Wrangler engine complaints

Page 3 of 7: complaints 41 to 70 of 179, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Jeep Wrangler engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 5, 2020 · Engine · 96,375 miles · GA

Transmission full of antifreeze. Internal transmission cooler (in radiator) failed. Caused transmission to fail.

Filed Mar 18, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 67,800 miles · CA

Beginning of feb., lost power on freeway. Went from 65 to 40 MPH and could not accelerate. Engine and traction lights came on. Exited the fwy and drove to dealer where I was turned away due to high volume. Left my jeep at the dealer the following day with this issue and to correct campaign #v51 recall. The engine light wasn't lit anymore and dealer couldn't find anything wrong with it so I picked it up. Couple of weeks later, I failed the smog check I need to register my jeep, and an engine code showed up, p0394. I took it to other places where the same code showed up and was recommended to take it back to the dealer. Going downhill, my father experienced the same while driving my jeep. Beginning of march, omw to the dealer on the fwy, I lost power again and the engine and traction lights came on. I showed the dashboard to the service advisor, explained the continued problem and the code showing up. I left my jeep there for several days because they couldn't reproduce the problem and didn't know what was causing it. The code was cleared when I picked it up. The following day, as I was making a right turn into a parking lot, the engine stalled. I used gravity to partly move back down as there was another car driving into the lot. I put it on "park" and I was able to restart the car. No engine light this time. This morning I lost power driving to the first stop on my street (stop on my side only). I had already entered the t-intersection but could not accelerate to turn left. I put it in "park" then back to "drive" and accelerated normally. There were no cars around because of the corona virus, but I would have been hit on the driver's side if a coming vehicle (who has the right-a-way), decided not to slow down.

Filed Mar 16, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 52,000 miles · WV

Began leaking small amount of oil under jeep after use. Took to have issue investigated. Mechanic found the intake gasket on rear of intake causing the issue. Estimated cost to fix $600+ this appears to be a common issue for this jeep, thus jeep has never been off road and this should not have occurred. It should be covered under drive train warrenty or a recall as this a manufacturer issue.

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 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 Dec 27, 2019 · Engine · 112,000 miles · CA

While approaching a stop-light on several occasions (but not on every occasion), the 3.6 liter pentastar engine in my 2012 jeep wrangler sport has stalled, which causes immediate & complete loss of power-steering & hydraulic brake-power. To restart the engine, I must shift into neutral or park. To put the vehicle back into drive after restarting, the vehicle's computer requires me to come to a complete stop. This is dangerous and disruptive when I'm in traffic and there is not a requirement to come to a complete stop (for instance when the red light turns green while I'm slowing). Furthermore, the engine frequently stalls at low speed in parking lots and also when the vehicle is completely stopped.

Filed Nov 27, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 91,000 miles · OK

Under hard acceleration, like passing a car on the highway, the vehicle goes into limp mode which has nearly caused me to wreck 4 to 5 times due to being unable to accelerate. Once I pull of the road and restart limp mode goes away but the engine light stays on. The dealership says that the wiring harness is the issue. The vehicle has codes popping up about torque management. I would like for this to be fixed free of charge due to the wiring harnesses being an integral part if this vehicle.

Filed Oct 14, 2019 · Engine · 85,915 miles · NY

Check engine light came on, with a p0302 #2 cylinder misfire reading. After replacing consumable parts (spark plugs, engine coil) reset engine light, the code p0302 returned after 15-20 miles driving. This issue is a well know problem with the 3.6l engine, and requires internal engine repair (lifters, rocker, and/or cylinder head replacement). An open service bulletin exists, but several jk vehicles with the similar issue cause parts backorder. If continue driving with this issue happens, more serious damage will result to the vehicle. As other complaints indicated, this situation should be classed as a recall.

Filed Sep 25, 2019 · Engine · 121,000 miles · CA

Check engine light illuminated, resulting in p0302 #2 cylinder misfire. After replacing consumable parts (spark plug, engine coil) reset engine light. Code returned after 20 miles driving. Dealer technicians indicate issue is #2 cylinder head needs replacement. Open service bulletin exists, however condition has affected enough jeep jku vehicles to result in part backorder. This presents an unsatisfactory condition as part may take weeks to months to obtain. No solution on temporary transportation available/ offered as result. Dealer indicates driving vehicle likely to worsen condition, and advises to keep until parts available. This situation should be classed as a recall and alternate transportation options available, especially in the southern california region.

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 May 17, 2019 · Engine · 119,200 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 5 MPH, there was a leak from the exhaust head. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the exhaust head on the front driver's side was whopped and caused a crack in the exhaust manifold. The contact called world jeep chrysler dodge ram at 732‑918‑1380 (located at 681 shrewsbury ave, shrewsbury, nj 07702) and was informed to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,200.

Filed Apr 25, 2019 · Engine · 55,000 miles · CA

Oil pump replaced after 50k miles. Check engine light came on, so an oil change was done. Check engine light came on again with code p06de, oil pressure sensor replaced and check engine light reappeared after 2 weeks. Code was once again p06de. Oil pump was replaced due to solenoid issues. This seems to have resolved the issue, but it's been a couple days. Either way, after reading several jeep forums, it seems this is pretty common on 2012 wranglers after 50k miles. I hope jeep decides to recall this part since I've spent over $1200, just on this issue.

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

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

Filed Feb 20, 2019 · Engine · 58,000 miles · CO · fire

The oil filter housing has a manufacture flaw, which causes engine oil to leak in the engine bay and onto the exhaust. Thousands of customers have had this same issue in their jeep wranglers. It does not matter the age or mileage of the vehicle. The malfunction has accrued in jeep wranglers with as little as 2k miles on them. The malfunction is not only a health but safety risk to drivers and their passengers. When driving the cabin fills up with smoke from burning oil and has a high potential to ignite and cause a fire. When jeep repairs this issue they use a new part number, and not the stock application. I want to point out that I'm finding this is the case with a number of chrysler fiats brands with the penastar 3.6l motor. I my have this issue now, and have had it on both of my 2012 and 2013 jeep wranglers. Again, there are thousands of reparota online with jeep owners with the 3.6l penastar motor. 2012-2014. The issue was fixed by jeep engineers in mid 2015.

Filed Feb 14, 2019 · Engine · MA

Left side of cylinder head ticking noise.

Filed Jan 8, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 75,000 miles · IN

Personal mechanic has noticed oil filter housing is leaking and has a high chance to be fire hazard without warning.

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 Oct 15, 2018 · Engine · 76,000 miles · CA

3. 6 pentastar v6 oil filter / oil cooler assembly developed a major oil leak. . . Oil could be smelled dripping on exhaust stopped driving until dealer had replacement part. Was in fear that engine oil could catch on fire, or run out of oil and destroy motor. All new chrysler 3. 6 3. 2 v6's are affected. Chrysler charged almost 600. 00 to replace part and allow safe operation of 3 year old car. Their has been a new part for 2014 models that is having more oil leak problems.

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

Engine ticking

Filed Sep 10, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 109,000 miles · NY

While driving my 2012 jeep wrangler unlimited recently, all of a sudden my check engine light comes on & shortly after my ABS & traction control lights go on as well. I've had the car checked twice & no one can seem to give me an answer on what the problem is. They've went off since but came back on a day later. It's beyond frustrating especially when I see so many people with similar problems yet no recalls? For the cost of these cars, I can't understand why there's so many with issues. Also while I'm at it I should note that my heating & defrost completely stopped working. I live in upstate ny & my mileage is currently 109k

Filed Sep 10, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 44,902 miles · IL

Driving down the road when suddenly all the lights started flashing, radio flashed and then the jeep started to loose power. Pulled over, put in park and turned it off. Exterior and interior lights were flashing. Clicking noises where coming from the tipm even with the key off. Everything was locked up once it was put in park and wouldn't unlock to tow. The only recourse was to unhook the battery and try to reset everything after waiting for about 20 seconds. I hooked the battery back and was able to drive it home. This is the second time this happened however the first time was in park and everything went haywire. Was able to restart w/o disconnecting the battery. It is getting worse. We are looking at a $1000 repair bill. We are hesitant to drive it.

Filed Aug 20, 2018 · Brakes, Electrical · 88,200 miles · AZ

Stationary vehicle starts when I open the door without having key in ignition. Stationary vehicle engine fails to shut off when I turn off ignition and remove key. Anti-lock brake system locks up brakes while vehicle is standing still and will not move under any throttle amount because the brakes remain locked up. Vehicle factory alarm turns on and off randomly when drivers door is opened. Windows roll down by themselves while vehicle is turned off. Air conditioner blower (can't say if compressor keeps running or not) randomly shuts off while driving down the road and comes back on a couple of minutes later. Cruise control will not accept speed set but then turns 5 minutes later whether you wanted it to or not. Everything points to the tipm but even with 10's of thousands of complaints fiat/chrysler still insist there is no wrangler tipm problem, and u.s. Government oversight groups refuse to do anything about it. (when did this happen date is just the latest occurrence of an ongoing serious safety issue that fiat/chrysler refuses to acknowledge..

Filed May 1, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL

Check engine illuminated in mid-2017, but no codes were present and jeep appeared to run fine. In sept 2017, while driving on I-75, the jeep shuddered and the electronic throttle control light came on, along with the anti-lock brake system light. I took it to the jeep dealership immediately, but they couldn't figure out the problem because the lights had turned off. They ended up swapping out the spark plugs and two ignition coils. The check engine light came back on a few days later. I was able to pull codes for the throttle position system 1 and 2. In oct 2017, the vehicle jumped/shuddered and stopped running. I had to coast to the shoulder and leave it sit for 10 minutes. I was able to restart the vehicle and drive it a local repair shop where they were unable to pull any codes and based off of my description of the issues, replaced the pedal assembly and cleared the codes. They said if the issue came back to replace the battery. The issue came back within 5 minutes of leaving the automotive garage, so I changed the battery in november. After that, the check engine light when away, but would come back on sporadically. The jeep was still shuddering/jumping and would then completely stop after the check engine light, the electronic throttle control, and the anti-lock brake system notification, still. I just took it to another garage (aril 2018), since the previous two had no idea what the issue was. At this point I was still pulling throttle position 1 and 2 codes. This garage replaced the entire throttle body and ran a fuel injection service. Within 15 minutes of me driving away from that garage, the check engine light came on, followed by a softer shudder of the vehicle and the electronic throttle control light. I tried to pull codes when I got home, but there were none--but the check engine light and the electronic throttle control light are still on.

Filed Apr 4, 2018 · Engine · 94,000 miles · NY

The jeep stalls intermittently. It has been in the shop several times for this problem, but it still continues. Last week my son was driving home, and after 2 hours of driving, the vehicle stalled at 70mph in the middle lane of a major highway. It is now back in the shop, again! It is not safe to drive.

Filed Mar 17, 2018 · Engine · 104,000 miles · OH

Heating issues, hear fluid running through heater core, have been through 2 water pumps, no heat when stopped but heat when moving,

Filed Jan 25, 2018 · Engine · 40,000 miles · PA

The heater on my jeep, which only has 41,000 miles on it, slowly stopped working. I took it to the dealer to have them check it out. The called later that day and said I need a new heater core which costs $1200. The next day the called back and said that I actually need a new heater core, radiator, thermostat, etc. Basically the whole heating/cooling system for the engine and the estimate is up to $2200. I looked online and found that this is not a new problem which is frustrating. It seems like it is a radiator problem that sends particles through the system and clogs the heater core. I'm hoping that there will be a recall so that I can recoup some of this $2200 that I'm about to have to pay to fix my jeep. Especially since this is a manufacturing defect apparently!

Filed Jan 18, 2018 · Engine · 86,000 miles · CT

My jeep wrangler jku has the same engine as the chrysler 200, the 3.6 pentastar. The heat doesn't work. It doesn't matter if it reaches operating temp. The fluids are at optimum level, new thermostat. Performed a radiator flush and other heat trouble shooting checked out. I have about 88,000 miles. The dealer ship did some work on a cylinder head and discounted. At first I thought it was a favor but after I looked into the fix, I found others with same fixes.

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 Nov 21, 2017 · Engine · 58,000 miles · NV

2012 jeep wrangler sahara unlimited. Chrysler group llc is betting on the fact that each and every person filling out this the federal safety agency form clicks the 'no one died & no one got hurt' button so a recall will never be issued! That is their fix! Approximately twice a month years 2016 to present, while driving on city streets or highways at any speed, jeep has lost speed quickly and has concurrently lost the ability to accelerate. It feels as if the engine is bogging down. Simultaneously the check engine light will illuminate. Have to immediately pull off the road each time. The jeep has never turned off nor stalled. The problem has always fixed itself after a few moments on the side of the road. Each and every time, the check engine light turns off by itself. I have taken the jeep in for service to my long time trusted mechanic. The mechanic could not replicate nor find a code. Because of the risk of fire that I read about plaguing these jeep models, I feel very afraid to drive my jeep anywhere let alone go off into the wilderness offroading. I have read hundreds of similar stories on sites such as this. I cannot believe nothing, not one thing has been done about it. Shame on chrysler for turning a blind eye but will take your money to diagnose the problem for days and months knowing what the exact issue is. Again, chrysler is betting on the fact everyone of us will click the federal safety agency boxes that say no one was injured and no one died. That way, no recall will ever be issued. Chrysler group llc hopes you are out of warranty, if not, they will push until you run out. Then they blame rodents chewing on wires etc...ludicrous

Filed Oct 1, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 47,000 miles · TN

When driving my jeep it has shut off on its own. Today I when from drive to reverse and was trying to park on a busy street and the vehicle just shut off on its own. I had to put the vehicle in park turn the key to the off position and then start the vehicle again before I could drive again. This is very dangerous and could possibly kill someone if this happens on the interstate. Ive read many reports on line of people having the same problem.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2012 Jeep Wrangler?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history