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2012 Jeep Patriot Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Jeep Patriot carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pretensioner and fuel system, gasoline. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank rollover valve blocks refueling.” Jeep vehicles use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal when oil is due. Wrangler and Gladiator owners who actually use 4WD off-road should treat the schedule below as Schedule A (severe) — water crossings, sand, and rock crawling demand differential and transfer case service at half the published intervals. Grand Cherokee and Cherokee follow the standard Mopar schedule.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #16V668000 · Sep 15, 2016

Issue: 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. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Campaign #13V120000 · Mar 4, 2013

Issue: 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 tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.

Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #12V142000 · Mar 4, 2012

Issue: 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 ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #13V233000 · Apr 6, 2013

Issue: 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 which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

Risk: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Jeep Patriot.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank rollover valve blocks refueling

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

43 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2026-01

“THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND MOTOR TURNED OFF. IT IS NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO FILL THE FUEL TANK WITH GASOLINE. IT MUST BE DONE EXTREMELY SLOWLY OR GASOLINE COMES BURSTING OUT EVERYWHERE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062437
“GAS PUMP KEEPS CLICKING OFF WHEN FUELING. MECHANIC TESTED EVAP SYSTEM AND STATED VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW FUEL TANK. THE JEEP HAS 62,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. THIS IS AN UNUSUAL REPAIR AND IS EXTREMELY HIGH IN COST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11175077
“the rollover valve in the gas tank won't allow me to put fuel in the gas tank”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640458

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Subframe and crossmember corrosion

STRUCTURE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2024-06

“The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle had a flat tire. The contact stated upon changing the flat tire, the contact noticed that the rear subframe where the rear axle was connected to was rusted”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595081
“RUSTED SUB-FRAME IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THAT IS COMPLETELY BROKEN. A GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR JEEP WHICH MAKES THE VEHICLE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE REAR STARTED MAKING POUND CLUNKING SOUNDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11416760
“TOOK JEEP PATRIOT TO FIRESTONE SERVICE CENTER FOR FULL INSPECTION. UPON COMPLETION OF INSPECTION WAS TOLD BY THE TECH THAT MY VEHICLE HAD SEVERE UNDERBODY RUST/ ROT AND THAT THE FRONT AND REAR CROSSMEMBERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398157

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Catalytic converter failure and recall exclusion

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2022-07

“The catalytic converter failed. It had to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11476712
“CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL IT APPEARS THAT MY 2012 JEEP PATRIOT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECENT CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL OF 2011-2016 JEEP PATRIOTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11187235
“2012 JEEP PATRIOT 4WD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL INCLUDES 2012 JEEP PATRIOT FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES; HOWEVER, MY FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE. MY JEEP SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11256525

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden engine stall or power loss while driving

ENGINE

52 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2025-12

“VEHICLE FREQUENTLY HESITATES AND/OR OCCASIONALLY STALLS AT BOTH LOW & HIGH SPEEDS. MOST OFTEN OCCURS ON INCLINES. TOOK IN FOR REPAIR MORE THAN TWICE AND STILL OCCURS. THE TECHNICIAN WITNESSED IT BUT COULD NOT PRODUCE A VEHICLE ANALYSIS CONFORMATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11039577
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11166233
“WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLS OUT. THIS HAPPENED ONCE 2 WEEKS AGO AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HOWEVER, THE LIGHT WAS OFF THE FOLLOWING MORNING. TODAY, IT HAPPENED TWICE, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT IS BACK ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10971760

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT transmission overheating and failure

POWER TRAIN

39 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2026-07

“THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAS COME ON WHEN TRAVELING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS, CAUSING AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER AND REQUIRING ME TO PULL OVER AND LET THE ENGINE COOL DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11128461
“TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED GOING 60 MILES PER HOUR ON THE INTERSTATE. I PULLED OVER AND LET THE LIGHT GO OFF PER THE USER MANUAL AND DIDN'T DRIVE IT ANYMORE. PUT IT IN THE SHOP ON MONDAY AND IT NEEDS A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION WITH ONLY 119K MILES ON IT!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11132915
“THE CVT TRANSMISSION FOR THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT DESIGNED TO DRIVE SUCH A HEAVY CAR. AS A RESULT THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING AT 35,000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11021087

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag and seat belt recall repair unavailable

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

30 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2026-02

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ONCOMING VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO HIS VEHICLE. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11192853
“A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016 THE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE LOSS OF AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER DEPLOYMENT CAPABILITY IN CERTAIN CRASH EVENTS. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE LENGTH OF TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11003141
“TAKATA RECALL - SAID VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST FOR 24 MONTHS, DEALER INDICATES ONGOING ISSUES FROM MANUFACTURER IN OBTAINING PARTS TO REPAIR RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11057736

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20 every 8,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles. EcoDiesel 3.0L: 10,000 miles. 4xe plug-in hybrid: 8,000 miles or annually.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. Wrangler with 33+ inch off-road tires: rotate every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from solid axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Wrangler and Gladiator pads wear faster than Grand Cherokee due to higher curb weight per axle.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace front differential fluid every 60,000 miles. Wrangler off-road use (water crossings, sand): inspect every 30,000 miles for water contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Rear axle fluid every 60,000 miles. Limited-slip differentials require Mopar friction modifier. Wrangler Rubicon with locking differentials: same schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for NV3500 and NV245. Wrangler Rock-Trac: 60,000 mi normal, 30,000 mi with regular off-road use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. Wrangler off-road use accelerates moisture intake — annual fluid testing recommended.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service: ZF 8HP fluid every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — never substitute.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Wrangler driven in dust or sand: inspect at every oil change and replace early.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: 16 spark plugs total, replace at 100,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: 16 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Mopar HOAT Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple) for gas engines: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolants.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Compass: behind the glove box. Wrangler/Gladiator: optional cabin filter on later models only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

29 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

5

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Jeep Patriot reflects Jeep's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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