2012 Jeep Patriot recalls and problems

The 2012 Jeep Patriot has 4 safety recalls and 354 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
354
Crashes / fires
9 / 5
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Jeep Patriot vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Jeep Patriot recalls

Recall 16V-668: Seat Belts, Air Bags

Reported Sep 15, 2016 · 1,435,625 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Recall 13V-233: Electrical System, Seat Belts, Air Bags

Reported Jun 4, 2013 · 254,396 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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 13V-120: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Apr 3, 2013 · 20,799 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

Recall 12V-142: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Apr 3, 2012 · 1,689 vehicles affected · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Problem: 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.

2012 Jeep Patriot problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine114
Fuel/Propulsion System86
Power Train63
Air Bags57
Electrical System44
Seat Belts37
Unknown or Other30
Vehicle Speed Control29
Fuel System, Gasoline15
Structure14
Suspension12
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)12

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 9
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 2
  • Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Jeep Patriot complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Aug 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the recall repair was not completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, but no assistance was provided. No further information was available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Power Train · reported Jul 14, 2026
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, and actively instructed a vehicle operator to execute a driving pattern that induces sudden power loss on public roadway infrastructure. TIMELINE SUMMARY OF DEALERSHIP SERVICE (see uploaded PDF for details): March 26, 2026: Diagnostic service and fees for front right tire and new spark plugs. Left bay with immediate new serious issue. March 30…
Air Bags · reported Feb 14, 2026
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. The force of the impact caused my glasses to fly off my face landing on the passenger floorboard. No airbags deployed.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 101,000 miles · reported Jan 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that on several occasions, while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the gas pump shut off and only worked manually. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis, and it was determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced due to a faulty fuel tank rollover valve. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.
Tires · reported Jun 3, 2025
215/55/r18 Well, JD bar ride in South Charleston, West Virginia off a lot in a car without an inspection sticker too bad front tires bad brakes, bad rotors, bad harness, bad ignition had to be replaced.

Other Jeep Patriot years

Compare all Jeep Patriot years · All Jeep models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Jeep Patriot have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Jeep Patriot: 16V-668 (seat belts, air bags), 13V-233 (electrical system, seat belts, air bags), 13V-120 (fuel system, gasoline), 12V-142 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Jeep Patriot?

Owners report engine problems most often (114 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (86). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,000 miles.

Are Jeep recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Jeep dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.