Emissions Recall U67 - Catalytic Converter Efficiency - Dealer Notification (Revision 11)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Jeep Patriot engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Jeep Patriot have filed 59 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 29,636 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
59
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Patriot | 35 |
| 2009 Patriot | 26 |
| 2010 Patriot | 11 |
| 2011 Patriot | 41 |
| 2012 Patriot (this page) | 59 |
| 2013 Patriot | 16 |
| 2014 Patriot | 67 |
| 2015 Patriot | 41 |
| 2016 Patriot | 126 |
When does it fail?
Of the 59 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Jeep Patriot, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 59 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 11 model years of Jeep Patriot in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some of the above-involved vehicles may exceed NOx (Oxides of Nitrogen) emission level standards due to loss of catalytic converter efficiency
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the 2012 Patriot engine stalling suddenly while driving at highway speeds (60–80 mph) with no warning—often at very low mileage (1,800–13,000 miles), though it occurs across the lifespan. The vehicle loses all power, steering wheel locks up, and braking assist vanishes, creating immediate hazard in traffic. Most owners describe no warning lights beforehand; some see a check engine light appear after the stall. The stall is intermittent and unpredictable—some happen 2–6 times daily, others days apart.
After stalling, many vehicles refuse to restart. Dealers scan for codes and find nothing, or the vehicle starts immediately when the mechanic tests it, leaving the owner without diagnosis or repair. One owner had crankshaft sensors replaced twice with stalls recurring. Another had fuel pump module, level unit, and related fuel parts replaced on the third breakdown with unclear results. Owners report loss of acceleration response in traffic, fuel pump refusing to add fuel (spitting it back out), rough idling with RPM surges to 4,000, and exhaust manifold cracking. The 2.4L engine appears prone to this pattern. Dealers consistently cite lack of diagnostic codes as reason to refuse repair, leaving owners with an unsafe, unfixed vehicle.
Same Jeep Patriot engine reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden engine stall while driving
Engine loses power and stalls without warning, often at highway speeds (60–80 mph). Most occur with no warning lights or with a check engine light appearing after the stall. Drivers lose power steering and braking assist, creating immediate safety hazards in traffic.
When: Varies widely: some at very low mileage (1,800–9,000 miles), others at 30k–100k+ miles. Most common in first 2–3 years of ownership. Some triggered by hot weather (110°F noted) or sustained highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving at various speeds (25–80 mph); Engine shuts off abruptly with no warning; Steering wheel locks up when engine dies (power steering lost); Check engine light may illuminate after stall or stay off; Red lightning bolt (electronic throttle control) indicator reported in some cases; Vehicle may restart immediately, after 5–40 minutes, or not for hours; Electrical systems remain functional (lights, radio, windows); Stalls recur intermittently—some happen 2–6 times per day, others days apart
Codes mentioned: P0335 (crankshaft position sensor), P0339 (crankshaft position sensor intermittent), P2015 (intake manifold runner control), No codes detected in many cases despite failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced crankshaft sensors multiple times without resolving stalls. One owner reported fuel pump module, fuel pump level unit, auxiliary unit, fuel transfer tube, and fuel module seal replaced on third breakdown—inconclusive results. Intake manifold flow valve replaced with recurrence. Many vehicles left unrepairable due to inability to replicate failure at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers blamed bad fuel or driver error. No recalls mentioned. Manufacturer stated no action without codes present. One PCM flash occurred (68070204AG for evaporative purge flow error).
Failure to restart after stall
After engine stalls, the vehicle refuses to restart or cranks but does not fire. Restart may occur after waiting minutes to hours or the next day. This leaves drivers stranded on roadways.
When: Occurs during same incidents as sudden stalls; timing of restart varies unpredictably.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks over but will not fire; Starter motor engages but engine does not turn over; No sound from engine when turning key; Takes 5–40+ minutes for restart to occur; Sometimes restarts next day after overnight sitting; Electronics remain powered (lights, wipers, radio work)
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic scanning at dealers yields no codes in majority of cases. Some vehicles started immediately for mechanics at dealership despite owner reports of failure to restart.
Loss of engine power and acceleration response
Engine fails to respond to throttle input; vehicle loses acceleration ability. Check engine light illuminates during incidents.
When: Occurs during normal driving on city streets and highways.
Symptoms owners cite: No response when pressing accelerator pedal; Cannot accelerate while pulling out of parking lot or into traffic; Check engine light comes on during loss of acceleration; Problem resolved by turning engine off and back on; Recurs on busy streets—dangerous situation for driver
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service was unable to replicate issue during multiple week-long hold periods. No diagnosis provided.
Difficult fueling and fuel pump issues
Fuel pump and sender unit malfunction causing improper fuel flow, gauge errors, and filling difficulties. Vehicle acts as if tank is full when not.
When: Ongoing problem occurring during multiple fill-up attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump shuts off mid-fill; fuel backs up out of fuel door; Takes 20+ minutes to add fuel due to repeated shutoffs; Fuel gauge reading errors or inaccuracies; Vehicle stalls at low fuel levels despite gauge showing adequate fuel; Vehicle requires fuel level above half-tank to operate reliably
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic codes will not identify the problem. No repairs documented.
Idling and stumbling at low speeds
Engine idles roughly, hesitates, or stumbles during low-speed operation. RPM surges abnormally.
When: Occurs during idle and low-speed driving (under 5 mph).
Symptoms owners cite: Very bad idling characteristics; RPM jumps to nearly 4,000 before vehicle moves; Engine stumbling and hesitation when accelerating from stop; Vehicle jerks backward or re-engages unpredictably
Codes mentioned: P2015 (intake manifold runner control valve)
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold flow valve replaced; one week later, same code returned. Valve replaced again three days later, code recurred nearly one week after second replacement.
Exhaust manifold cracking
Exhaust manifold develops multiple cracks, including around weld seams. Leads to catalyst failure and performance loss.
When: Occurs at unspecified mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple cracks visible on exhaust manifold; Cracks occur around weld areas; Catalyst eventually fails; Loss of engine power; Engine surging during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement required due to permanent catalyst failure.
Synthesized from 59 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they would call the contact back. The failure mileage was…
Engine stopped suddenly at 75 MPH - near-miss rear-end collision with overtaking traffic. Conditions: after 3 1/2 hrs highway driving, same tank of gas, gentle left-hand curve, just after sunset, air temperature 39 degrees, albuquerque, nm. Engine would not restart. Returned 2 hrs later with tow truck, engine caught, started, stuttered, stalled multiple times. Towed to dealer. Engine started…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep patriot. After the contact filled up the vehicle with fuel and while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled. Also, the check engine indicator illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but did not assist. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Intake manifold flow valve was replaced and so was the manifold. One month later my vehicle threw an engine light for code p2015 for the same issue. I then replace the valve again three days after thinking it was a faulty part and almost a week last same code with the engine light. It give very bad idling and with jump the rpm to almost 4k before the vehicle even moves. Needless to say pulling…
Had engine trouble with your 2012 Jeep Patriot?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 Jeep Patriot?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 59 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 55 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 8,400 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 29,636. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,400; a quarter make it past 78,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Jeep/Patriot.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.