2012 Jeep PATRIOT: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
354 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
55,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2012 model year. Data snapshot: . 257 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 114 of 354 complaints (32.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 90 | 25.4% |
| Transmission and shifting | 56 | 15.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 47 | 13.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 23 | 6.5% |
| Braking behavior | 19 | 5.4% |
| Steering behavior | 19 | 5.4% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 114 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 86 |
| Power Train | 62 |
| Air Bags | 57 |
| Electrical System | 44 |
| Seat Belts | 37 |
| Unknown Or Other | 30 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 28 |
Engine: 114; Fuel/Propulsion System: 86; Power Train: 62; Air Bags: 57; Electrical System: 44; Seat Belts: 37; Unknown Or Other: 30; Vehicle Speed Control: 28
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 76 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 44 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 46 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 52 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 36 |
| 150,000 and above | 3 |
Under 25,000: 76; 25,000 to 49,999: 44; 50,000 to 74,999: 46; 75,000 to 99,999: 52; 100,000 to 149,999: 36; 150,000 and above: 3
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (76). 97 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 33 |
| 2014 | 22 |
| 2015 | 24 |
| 2016 | 22 |
| 2017 | 61 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 51 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 4 |
2011: 1; 2012: 30; 2013: 33; 2014: 22; 2015: 24; 2016: 22; 2017: 61; 2018: 36; 2019: 51; 2020: 25; 2021: 16; 2022: 11; 2023: 9; 2024: 2; 2025: 7; 2026: 4
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 90 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 56 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 47 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10440302 · 2011-12-18 (December 18, 2011)
I CALLED KOON JEEP SALES REP, TO INFORM HIM OF THE LEAK THROUGH THE DOME LIGHT, WANTED KNOW IF I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT! MY JEEP CORPORATE CASE #[XXX], I INFORMED MY JEEP CUSTOMER CARE THAT I WANT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, HE SAID I DIDN'T MEET THE REQUIREMENT, REFERED ME TO BBB AND ATTORNEY STATE GENERAL. THE SUGGESTED PROCESS THROUGH ATTORNEY STATE GENERAL IS TO WRITE A CERTIFIED LETTER WITH SIGNATURE REQUIRED. I CALLED CORPORATE ASKING FOR MAILING ADDRESS, IT COULD NOT BE PROVIDED DUE TO THE DEPARTMENT HANDLING MY CASE WAS CLOSE AND TO CALL BA…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10440302 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10453199 · 2012-03-27 (March 27, 2012)
METALLIC CLUNK HEARD WHEN PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT OT DRIVEWAY (MAKING A Y TURN). METALLIC CLUNK HEARD WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A Y TURN. DEALER CHECKED BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. KEPT THE CAR OVERNIGHT BUT STILL COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WAS TOLD TO COME BACK WHEN PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 50 miles reported. Look up ODI 10453199 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10459383 · 2012-05-23 (May 23, 2012)
5/21 1ST, 5/22 2ND, LOSS OF COMPLETE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WHILE DRIVING A WEDDING GIFT OF A NEW 2012 JEEP PATRIOT ON THEIR HONEYMOON CROSS COUNTRY TO THEIR NEW HOME IN CA, THE NEW WEDDING GIFT CAR DIED AT 65 MPH ON OHIO HIGHWAY. FIXED IN OHIO (NEWLEYWEDS LEFT FROM RI), THEY PROCEEDED JOURNEY TO CA. IN ILLINOIS, HIGHWAY DRIVE AGAIN SAME SCENARIO, CAR DIED. *TT
Owner-reported narrative. 5,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10459383 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10462338 · 2012-06-19 (June 19, 2012)
DRIVING FROM LAS VEGAS TO PHOENIX, FILLED UP RIGHT BEFORE GETTING ON THE ROAD. WENT APPROXIMATELY 210 MILES AND RAN OUT OF GAS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWING 1/4 FULL. I WAS ON A TWO LANE ROAD GOING APPROXIMATELY 65-70MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND IT JUST STOPPED. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE THERE WERE MANY CARS GOING THE SAME SPEED BEHIND ME AND WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE TOP OF THE HILL. LUCKILY NO ONE RAN INTO ME COMING OVER THAT HILL, UNLUCKILY I WAS 25 MILES FROM THE CLOSEST TOWN WITH NO CELL RECEPTION…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10462338 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10464135 · 2012-07-03 (July 3, 2012)
I-15 OUTSIDE ST. GEORGE, UTAH. OUTSIDE TEMP 110. 4:30 P.M. DRIVING SINCE 11 A.M. DRIVEN 275 MILES ON A FULL TANK OF MID GRADE GAS WITH OVER 1/4 TANK LEFT. ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. TRIED AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE NEXT TWO HOURS. ENGINE WOULD CRANK BUT NOT FIRE. TOWED INTO STEPHEN WADE JEEP DEALERSHIP AND LEFT OVERNIGHT. VEHICLE STARTED THE NEXT MORNING. REPAIR SHOP COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. HAVE DRIVEN 600 MORE MILES SINCE THEN WITH NO PROBLEM. THERE WAS NO CRASH BECAUSE WE WERE FORTUNATE TO GET OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT AL…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10464135 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10464449 · 2012-07-06 (July 6, 2012)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE ENGINE STARTED ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO BE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,300. UPDATED 8/6/12 *CN
Owner-reported narrative. 5,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10464449 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10464745 · 2012-07-09 (July 9, 2012)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,475.
Owner-reported narrative. 4,475 miles reported. Look up ODI 10464745 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10466357 · 2012-07-18 (July 18, 2012)
TRAVELING AT 65 MPH ON STATE HIGHWAY IN WYOMING ABOUT AN HOUR OUT OF CASPER WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE 80S AND SKY WAS PARTLY OVERCAST. THERE WAS NO CELL PHONE COVERAGE, BUT A HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER STOPPED AND ASSISTED. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THE ENGINE DID RESTART AND WE WERE ABLE TO TRAVEL ON WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN A MONTH THAT THE ENGINE HAS SHUT DOWN WITHOUT ANY ASCERTAINABLE REASON. THIS TIME THE TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND WE WERE ABLE TO COAST OFF THE TRAVELED PORTION OF …
Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10466357 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
12V142000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
Reported: 2012-04-03 (April 3, 2012)
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.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗13V120000 · Fuel System, Gasoline
Reported: 2013-04-03 (April 3, 2013)
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.
Consequence: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
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, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.
NHTSA campaign record ↗13V233000 · Electrical System:Software | Seat Belts | Air Bags:Side/Window
Reported: 2013-06-04 (June 4, 2013)
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V668000 · Seat Belts:Pretensioner | Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive | Air Bags
Reported: 2016-09-15 (September 15, 2016)
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.
Consequence: 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.
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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
NHTSA campaign record ↗