2012 Jeep Liberty
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 10 |
| 2002 | 1808 |
| 2003 | 1349 |
| 2004 | 1100 |
| 2005 | 1118 |
| 2006 | 1369 |
| 2007 | 703 |
| 2008 | 540 |
| 2009 | 108 |
| 2010 | 195 |
| 2011 | 180 |
| 2012 | 384 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
44% of complaints: air bags — 168 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE BEING DRIVEN HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND ROLLED OVER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171208
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN MY 2012 JEEP LIBERTY WHEN ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED LEFT I FRONT OF ME TO MAKE THEIR RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. MY TRUCK DROVE OVER HI AND ON THE WAY DOWN STRUCK A PARKED CAR AND FLIPPED OVER ON TO ITS HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171124
30% of complaints: electrical system — 115 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY JEEP HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER FOR OVER 23 SERVICES FROM RECALLS, DEFECTIVE PARTS, ALTERED PARTS, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, REAR END, BRAKING AND MANY MORE ISSUES TO INCLUDE SHARP ITEMS PUSHES THRU SEATS HARMING PEOPLE
NHTSA ODI report, 20231026
ON FRI MAY 11, 2012 8;30 AM .I WAS DRIVING MY JEEP LIBERTY AND NOTICE A STRONG ODOR IN THE VEHICLE THEN I NOTICED A BURNING BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR CONTROL PANEL , AS QUICKLY AS I COULD I PULLED OFF THE ROAD INTO A PARKING LOT...
NHTSA ODI report, 20120520
11% of complaints: engine — 44 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY JEEP HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER FOR OVER 23 SERVICES FROM RECALLS, DEFECTIVE PARTS, ALTERED PARTS, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, REAR END, BRAKING AND MANY MORE ISSUES TO INCLUDE SHARP ITEMS PUSHES THRU SEATS HARMING PEOPLE
NHTSA ODI report, 20231026
9% of complaints: power train — 33 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY JEEP HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER FOR OVER 23 SERVICES FROM RECALLS, DEFECTIVE PARTS, ALTERED PARTS, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, REAR END, BRAKING AND MANY MORE ISSUES TO INCLUDE SHARP ITEMS PUSHES THRU SEATS HARMING PEOPLE
NHTSA ODI report, 20231026
5% of complaints: exterior lighting — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Jeep Liberty Door Fires
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 201
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on Novembe
Campaign 13V282000 — check if this car was fixed
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
Occupant Restraint Controller Failure
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.
Campaign 17V640000 — check if this car was fixed
Electrical overstress
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Jeep Liberty — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (168 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (115 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V282000 (air bags, electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V640000 (air bags, seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Jeep Liberty reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Jeep Liberty is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Liberty?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Jeep Liberty have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.