2012 Jeep Patriot
This year had 30% to 100% more 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 |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2007 | 94 |
| 2008 | 184 |
| 2009 | 191 |
| 2010 | 136 |
| 2011 | 325 |
| 2012 | 352 |
| 2013 | 120 |
| 2014 | 547 |
| 2015 | 313 |
| 2016 | 454 |
| 2017 | 59 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
32% of complaints: engine — 114 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE STALLS OUT AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING, BRAKE, AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAUSED ME TO VEER OFF THE ROAD SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130801
24% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 86 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Unknown: Something is wrong with the gas tank. When refueling, it's nearly impossible to activate the latch on the pump handle without the pump immediately stopping. To refuel, I have to gently squeeze the trigger to enable a very slow flow of fuel.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231230
17% of complaints: power train — 61 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY16% of complaints: air bags — 56 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was crossing an intersection with a green light the opposing vehicle ran the northbound red light therefore slammed into my driver rear side going at an unknown speed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260214
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, AN APPROACHING VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN. THE OTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190102
13% of complaints: electrical system — 44 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE TIPM COMPLETELY WENT OUT WHEN DRIVING WHICH FILLED THE JEEP WITH SMOKE AND STARTED TO BURN VERY DANGOURS HAD NO POWER AT ALL HAD TO HAVE TOWED STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
NHTSA ODI report, 20190321
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, AN APPROACHING VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN. THE OTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190102
SAFETY TIMELINE
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMB
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 12V142000 — check if this car was fixed
Engine stall, fuel delivery failure
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
Campaign 13V233000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tu
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19,
Campaign 13V120000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017.
Campaign 16V668000 — check if this car was fixed
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Jeep Patriot — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (114 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (86 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (61 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V142000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V233000 (air bags, electrical system, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V120000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V668000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Jeep Patriot reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Jeep Patriot is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Patriot?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Jeep Patriot have?
4 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.