2012 Jeep Wrangler Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 282 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, 34% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 18,250 miles. The words owners use most often: “power train steering” (48% of reports).
- 282power train complaints
- 18,250median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 22%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Power train steering: mentioned in 134 of 282 complaints (48%)
- Cooler tube: mentioned in 55 of 282 complaints (20%)
- Transmission oil: mentioned in 53 of 282 complaints (19%)
- N28 13V: mentioned in 29 of 282 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 90 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 282 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury.
Jeep Wrangler power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Wrangler | 1 | 9% | — |
| 2025 Wrangler | 12 | 17% | — |
| 2024 Wrangler | 177 | 24% | 12,500 |
| 2023 Wrangler | 51 | 14% | 21,000 |
| 2022 Wrangler | 65 | 16% | 17,000 |
| 2021 Wrangler | 146 | 15% | 15,000 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 47 | 8% | 3,750 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 79 | 11% | 37,250 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 177 | 10% | 27,294 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 50 | 16% | 19,000 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 74 | 16% | 31,000 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 51 | 11% | 33,000 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 88 | 13% | 44,000 |
| 2013 Wrangler | 230 | 35% | 23,161 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 282 | 34% | 18,250 |
| 2011 Wrangler | 40 | 8% | 35,000 |
| 2010 Wrangler | 68 | 10% | 25,250 |
| 2009 Wrangler | 34 | 9% | 41,750 |
| 2008 Wrangler | 67 | 8% | 59,500 |
| 2007 Wrangler | 46 | 8% | 64,000 |
| 2006 Wrangler | 57 | 8% | 24,000 |
| 2005 Wrangler | 41 | 6% | 58,000 |
| 2004 Wrangler | 26 | 14% | 32,500 |
| 2003 Wrangler | 22 | 22% | 17,000 |
| 2002 Wrangler | 14 | 13% | 20,000 |
| 2001 Wrangler | 23 | 14% | 90,000 |
| 2000 Wrangler | 70 | 28% | 35,400 |
| 1999 Wrangler | 20 | 9% | 52,000 |
| 1998 Wrangler | 33 | 12% | 95,000 |
| 1997 Wrangler | 53 | 13% | 73,815 |
| 1995 Wrangler | 32 | 16% | 74,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines; steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine and an automatic transmission and manufactured January 23, 2011, through February 23, 2013. The power steering line may contact and wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line resulting in a loss of transmission fluid.
Risk: A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return tube assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N28.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
My Oil pump and oil sensor keep going out every 4,000 miles. I have already had to replace it once. I donât want to have to do it again. Clearly something is causing this issue.
Report from diagnostic service 1-9-2023 cylinder head - has premature failure of valve guides and cylinder head replacement is required for repair. Yes, Jeep extended the warranty but if your vehicle did not show problems they would not fix it, but they did learn and knew at the point the…
Engine Stalls Randomly while Driving. Will crank over several times and over approx 10-15 min. of cranking(Say every 3-5min) vehicle will and will restart. No check engine lights and no warning. The loss of power can be dangerous since brake and steering assist require engine to be running. Vehicle…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2012 Jeep Wranglers have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 282 owner complaints about power train for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler (34% of the 835 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 18,250 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?
The most frequent phrase is “power train steering”, in 134 of 282 complaints, followed by “cooler tube” (55).
Other 2012 Jeep Wrangler problems
- Steering problems (204)
- Engine problems (172)
- Electrical System problems (147)
- Air Bags problems (128)
See all 2012 Jeep Wrangler problems or power train problems across all Wrangler years.