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2012 Jeep Wrangler

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Jeep Wrangler
Pictured: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited Multijet 2.1 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Body styles
2dr SUV 4WD Rubicon, 2dr SUV 4WD Sahara, 2dr SUV 4WD Sport/Sport S, Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Rubicon
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined · 17 city / 21 hwy
Length
152.8–173.2 in
Curb weight
3,878–4,522 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints469 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 0 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is a SUV - offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 153 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 95-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,132 lb (2dr SUV 4WD Rubicon).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (17 city / 21 highway), 5% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 469 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2012

  • Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 3.8L 6-cyl

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Wrangler →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr SUV 4WD Rubicon152.8 in73.6 in72.4 in95.3 in62.6 / 62.6 in4,132 lb50/50
2dr SUV 4WD Sahara152.8 in73.6 in72.4 in95.3 in62.6 / 62.6 in4,054 lb50/50
2dr SUV 4WD Sport/Sport S152.8 in73.6 in72.4 in95.3 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,878 lb50/50
Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Rubicon173.2 in74 in70.9 in116.1 in61.4 / 61.8 in4,522 lb50/50
Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Sahara173.2 in74 in70.9 in116.1 in61.4 / 61.8 in4,396 lb50/50
Unlimited 4dr SUV 4WD Sport173.2 in74 in70.9 in116.1 in61.4 / 61.8 in4,277 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Wrangler 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 18-5%$3,700494
Wrangler Unlimited 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 20 / 18-5%$3,700494
Wrangler 4WD3.6L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 18-5%$3,700494
Wrangler Unlimited 4WD3.6L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-5%$3,700494
Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Jeep Wrangler (this car)18 MPGNot rated9
2012 Chevrolet Captiva23 MPGNot rated2
2012 BYD e6122 miNot rated0
2012 Saab 9-420 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (9)

Safety advisory: 3 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage · Sep 26, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V680000 · 11,463 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.
Risk
A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VA6.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 15, 2019 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 19V018000 · 1,413,222 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2018 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 18V021000 · 328,177 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 24, 2016 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 11, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V288000 · 7,196 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Right Hand Drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to May 2, 2016. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.
Risk
Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S40.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior · Oct 8, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V631000 · 313,772 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to July 19, 2013. Corrosion in the exterior heated power mirror electrical connector may result in an electrical short.
Risk
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will move the exterior mirror power feed to a separate connector, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014. The recall began on March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P61.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit And Lines · Jun 4, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V234000 · 180,131 vehicles

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.
Air Bags · May 7, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V176000 · 5,440 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Jeep Wrangler right-hand drive vehicles manufactured February 1, 2007, through October 10, 2011. The affected vehicles have airbag clockspring assemblies that could experience broken airbag circuits.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, a broken electrical circuit in the airbag clockspring wiring assembly can lead to non-deployment of the driver-side frontal airbag and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring and add a steering wheel dust shield, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. This recall supercedes NHTSA recall 11V-528. Chrysler's recall campaign number is M31.
Air Bags › Frontal · Nov 2, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V528000 · 5,437 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 RIGHT HAND DRIVE (RHD) JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2007, THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH DRIVER'S AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLIES THAT COULD EXPERIENCE A COMPROMISED AIRBAG CIRCUIT RESULTING IN AN AIRBAG LAMP ILLUMINATION, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY.
Risk
A BROKEN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT IN THE AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING ASSEMBLY CAN LEAD TO NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Fix
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REMEDY THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. CHRYSLER WILL MAIL TO OWNERS AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION DURING MARCH 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Jeep Wrangler is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

469Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
17Involved a crash
15Involved a fire
18Injuries reported
58,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System124
Air Bags118
Engine101
Power Train47
Unknown Or Other45
Service Brakes42
Fuel/Propulsion System38
Steering35
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/12: 224/01: 424/05: 124/06: 124/07: 124/10: 124/11: 125/01: 225/03: 125/04: 125/06: 125/08: 125/09: 125/10: 425/12: 226/01: 326/02: 526/03: 226/04: 426/05: 126/07: 326/08: 226/09: 126/10: 223/1224/0624/1125/0425/0926/0126/0426/08max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Jeep Wrangler buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Electrical System — 124 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Air Bags — 118 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Engine — 101 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 58,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Wrangler years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Wrangler21–Not rated00
2026 Wrangler21181.9 inNot rated312
2025 Wrangler21181.9 inNot rated682
2024 Wrangler21181.9 inNot rated14965
2023 Wrangler25181.9 inNot rated16376
2022 Wrangler25181.9 inNot rated16412
2021 Wrangler25181.9 inNot rated17962
2020 Wrangler25160.2 inNot rated13617
2019 Wrangler24160.2 inNot rated9746
2018 Wrangler24152.8 inNot rated141,827
2017 Wrangler18152.8 inNot rated5311
2016 Wrangler18152.8 inNot rated5462

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →