Problems · NHTSA complaints
2012 Jeep Patriot problems
Owners filed 354 complaints about the 2012 Jeep Patriot with NHTSA between Dec 2011 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is engine (114).
Complaints
354
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine114
- Fuel/propulsion system86
- Power train63
- Air bags57
- Electrical system44
- Seat belts37
- Vehicle speed control29
- Fuel system, gasoline15
- Structure14
- Suspension12
- Electronic stability control (esc)12
- Steering11
- Service brakes7
- Exterior lighting6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
30
33
22
24
22
61
36
51
25
16
11
9
2
7
4
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 33 |
| 2014 | 22 |
| 2015 | 24 |
| 2016 | 22 |
| 2017 | 61 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 51 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
114 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the lights inside the vehicle were flickering and the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then stalled. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact smelled an abnormal odor, and the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the exhaust was clogged. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact became aware of a coolant leak. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound and shuddered. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”
Fuel/propulsion system
86 reports1 crash
“When fueling the jeep the nozzle keeps popping off. I had a diagnostics test And was told that there is something in the gas tank that blocks it in case of a rollover. Is this a recall?”
Power train
63 reports1 fire
“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, 2026: Follow up on new issue. No alerts. Given clearance. Zero charge invoice. May 19, 2026: Follow up AGAIN on same issue. Scheduled eventually after multiple tries to reach Supervisor. RPM alert reading. Technician gave negligent advice causing further damage to my vehicle and putting me in danger. The technician noted an unprecedented 3,000 to 4,000 RPM calculation anomaly on his computer screen yet dismissed the hazard by blaming my driving habits as "too gentle." He instructed me to find a ramp or an open stretch of road to "rev up" the acceleration and seek out cleaner…”
Air bags
57 reports6 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“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.”
Electrical system
44 reports1 crash2 fires
“The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled again. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle was undrivable. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.”
Seat belts
37 reports2 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“I HAVE A ACCIDENT OR CRASH CAR BEFORE( THE JEEP WAS IN MAKING LEFT TURN ,IN MOTION) I WAS IN CAMUY RURAL AREA, CITY OF PUERTO RICO AND THE AIRBAG DOESN'T CAME OUT THANK TO OUR. MIGHTY GOD IT WASN'T TOO MUCH BUT THE AIR BAG IT DOESN'T WORK. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.