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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-JEEP-PATRIOT
2012 · jeep

jeep Patriot problems

0 safety recalls. 352 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
59 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
59 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
airbags
50 reports · avg $1,100
severe
electrical
37 reports · avg $850
severe
cruise control
17 reports · avg $600
severe
fuel system
15 reports · avg $1,200
severe
body
11 reports · avg $1,500
severe
steering
11 reports · avg $700
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 Patriot · other
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL SENSOR INDICATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL WAS FULL; HOWEVER, WHEN THE FUEL NOZZLE WAS PULLED BACK, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL FUEL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE…
12/31/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292289.0
2012 Patriot · engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED WHILE DRIVING. AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.…
12/31/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164277.0
2012 Patriot · airbags
TAKATA RECALL - SAID VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST FOR 24 MONTHS, DEALER INDICATES ONGOING ISSUES FROM MANUFACTURER IN OBTAINING PARTS TO REPAIR RECALL.
12/31/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057736.0
2012 Patriot · other
Unknown: Something is wrong with the gas tank. When refueling, it's nearly impossible to activate the latch on the pump handle without the pump immediately stopping. To refuel, I have to gently squeeze the trigger to enable a very slow flow of fuel. To fill the tank, while…
12/30/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562695.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Common questions

Is the 2012 Jeep Patriot reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 352 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Jeep Patriot is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Jeep Patriot?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 59 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Jeep Patriot has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Jeep Patriot?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 352 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 10 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with jeep. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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