CarModelProblems.com

2012 Jeep Patriot Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.6× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
353Complaints
4Recalls
9Crashes
5Fires
6Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (32.3% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Engine complaints here are 2.6× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine114 · 32.3%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System86 · 24.4%RecalledRecall 13V120000 · Recall 12V142000
Power Train62 · 17.6%No official action
Air Bags56 · 15.9%RecalledRecall 13V233000
Electrical System44 · 12.5%No official action
Seat Belts36 · 10.2%RecalledRecall 16V668000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE114 · 32.3%
POWER TRAIN62 · 17.6%
AIR BAGS56 · 15.9%
SEAT BELTS36 · 10.2%
Unspecified / other30 · 8.5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL28 · 7.9%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE14 · 4%
SUSPENSION12 · 3.4%

Percentages are the share of the 353 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 4 campaigns

Seat Belts:pretensioner

NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 2016 · reported 09/15/2016

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline

NHTSA campaign 13V120000 · 2013 · reported 04/03/2013

If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

NHTSA campaign 12V142000 · 2012 · reported 04/03/2012

IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window

NHTSA campaign 13V233000 · 2013 · reported 06/04/2013

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“ENGINE STALLED AT 45 MILES/HOUR AT THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS OVER A 3 DAY TIME FRAME. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTE THE ENGINE COULD BE STARTED UP…”NHTSA complaint 10837790 — filed 02/23/2016 · ENGINE
“I WAS DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 50MPH AROUND A CURVE IN THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON…”NHTSA complaint 10807903 — filed 12/02/2015 · ENGINE
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTROL…”NHTSA complaint 10759564 — filed 08/26/2015 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

412012603620144133201610350201878392020212220221222024842026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Patriot?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 114 of 353 NHTSA complaints (32.3%), followed by fuel/propulsion system (86), power train (62), air bags (56). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Jeep Patriot have?

353 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 9 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 6 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Jeep Patriot have any recalls?

Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V668000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Jeep Patriot's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.