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
- 353
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 353 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2007 | 94 |
| 2008 | 185 |
| 2009 | 191 |
| 2010 | 136 |
| 2011 | 326 |
| 2012 | 353 |
| 2013 | 120 |
| 2014 | 548 |
| 2015 | 315 |
| 2016 | 458 |
| 2017 | 59 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
32% · 114 reportsShow 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, 2013-08-01
Fuel/propulsion system
24% · 86 reportsShow 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, 2023-12-30
Power train
18% · 63 reportsMost commonly citing clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Certified dealership service department omitted structural safety complaints from official service invoices, left vital diagnostic findings and performance metrics off paperwork tracking paths, cleared a compromised front suspension layout as safe,...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14
Also filed under Suspension
Air bags
16% · 56 reportsShow 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, 2026-02-14
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, 2019-01-02
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
12% · 44 reportsShow 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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-21
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012Complaint volume 353 complaints filed for this model year.
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2012-05-21Fuel system, gasoline12V142000 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…
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.
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2012-10-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-05-03 Engine stall, fuel delivery failure
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2013-06-21Air bags, electrical system, seat belts13V233000 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…
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.
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2013-07-19Fuel system, gasoline13V120000 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…
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…
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2017-08-15Air bags, seat belts16V668000 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.
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2019-09-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-02-25 Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
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2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Jeep Patriot — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 114 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 86 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 63 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V142000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 13V233000 · Air bags, electrical system, seat belts
- Recall 13V120000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 16V668000 · Air bags, seat belts
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.