general problems of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler - part 1

Timing chain and misfire bank 1 and bank 2 crank shaft and crank sensor issues.

The vehicle exhibits a persistent valvetrain ticking noise associated with the rocker/lifter/cam components of the 3. 6l pentastar v6. The engine makes a rhythmic metallic tapping at idle and during acceleration. The noise has progressively worsened, leading to rough idle and occasional misfires. This issue is documented in multiple stellantis technical service bulletins (e. G. , TSB 09-015-24 and TSB 09-011-25) which attribute the noise to hydraulic lash adjuster and cam/rocker wear. If unaddressed, the failure can cause camshaft damage, metal debris contamination, loss of power and potential engine stall, posing a safety risk. The vehicle is available for inspection. The problem has been confirmed by independent mechanics who recommend replacement of the rocker arms, lifters and camshaft to prevent catastrophic engine failure.

I am reporting a persistent and safety-relevant defect in my 2012 Jeep Wrangler with the 3. 6l pentastar engine. The vehicle is experiencing misfires on multiple cylinders, especially cylinders 1 and 5, triggering codes p0300, p0301, and p0305. These misfires result in loss of power, hesitation, and rough idle, creating serious safety concerns during acceleration or highway driving. Despite replacing spark plugs, ignition coils, the crankshaft position sensor, purge valve, and both oxygen sensors, the problem continues. The vehicle has just 83,000 miles and is currently at a certified third-party repair facility. Multiple mechanics believe the issue stems from known defects in the left (bank 1) cylinder head or valve train components—an issue Chrysler previously acknowledged via tsbs and a 10yr/150k mile extended warranty on select vins. I contacted Jeep cares and requested goodwill support, but they refused to even discuss the issue because my Jeep is not at a dealership. This leaves owners like me with limited, expensive options despite being affected by a well-documented defect. Jeep forums and independent shops have seen widespread misfire problems on early 3. 6l pentastar engines, especially 2012-2013 models. I urge NHTSA to investigate this pattern of failure. The misfires impact driveability and safety, and the manufacturer has not offered sufficient resolution or consistent support to affected customers. I’m happy to provide additional information, documentation, or diagnostics.

Engine spontaneously caught fire. It had been parked for hours before it happened. Everything under the hood was totaled.

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the abs, traction control and check engine warning lights had remained illuminated. The contact indicated that while pressing the brake pedal to stop, the brake pedal extended to the floor causing the braking distance to become extended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the abs module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 55,000.

6 days after an oil change, the temp gauge while driving went from cool to hot in under a mile and the engine temp light came on. There was coolant all over the underside of the car it was near catastrophic. I had to have it towed to the dealership for repairs. The faulty part was the oil filter adapter it was cracked by over tightening of the oil filter.

Jeep Wrangler 3. 6 liter 90k miles lifter making loud noise. Seems you had a recall about this on the 2012 and guess I missed out.

In my 2012 Jeep I had to replace the engine and catalytic converters. The engine number 3 cylinder failed due to excessive ware causing lower compression. After the engine (long block) was replaced, one of the cylinders was miss firing. This miss firing was traced to micro cracks in the plastic/composite intake manifold (original and not part of the engine replacement). Because these micro cracks changed the fuel air ratio on specific cylinders by leaning out the cylinders near the cracks this lean mixture would cause the affected cylinders to run hot that would lead to both the excessive ware on the one cylinder and would comprise the catalytic converters. Because this change in fuel air mixture was caused by the intake manifold and Jeep does not have any inspection requirements or methods for this item and even after the Jeep dealer did a full diagnosis using their factory specified equipment the issue with the manifold was not found. My local ammco shop found the cracking in the manifold that was the route cause of the problem.

Engine stalls randomly while driving. Will crank over several times and over approx 10-15 min. Of cranking(say every 3-5min) vehicle will and will restart. No check engine lights and no warning. The loss of power can be dangerous since brake and steering assist require engine to be running. Vehicle will be fine for several days local commute and problem will recur without warning, usually on longer commute. Vehicle is unsafe and unpredictable.

While driving the car randomly stalls. I lose power steering and braking. The car will not restart. This issue has been recorded by the dealer. The vehicle was last inspected on July 5th. I have been issued a Jeep care case manager, case # 82963828. There are no warnings, while driving makes a left-hand turn the car just stalls!.

While driving making a turn, shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and vehicle stalls losing all power. I had a crank no-start scenario! the vehicle has been to the dealer multiple times and the issue can not be duplicated. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times and there are no known issues. No-fault codes are thrown. I was able to cost to a safe location, and wait. After 3-5 min the vehicle restarted.

While driving making a turn, shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and vehicle stalls losing all power. The vehicle has been to the deal multiple times and the issue can not be duplicated. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times and there are no known issues. No-fault codes are thrown. I stalled in the middle of a busy intersection, with my children in the car. I had to push the vehicle to safety!.

While driving making a turn, shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and vehicle stalls losing all power. I had a crank no-start scenario! the vehicle has been to the deal multiple times and the issue can not be duplicated. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times and there are no known issues. No-fault codes are thrown. I was able to cost to a safe location, and wait. After 3-5 min the vehicle restarted.

Starting out at a stop sign. Engaging the clutch to start moving, while shifting into 2nd gear while turning the vehicle stalls. Losing all power steer and brakes. I try to re-start the car I get a crank no-start scenario. Wait 3-5 min, retry starting the vehicle starts.

Starting out at a stop light, engaging the clutch to start moving, I depressed the clutch to shift into second gear while making a turn, the vehicle stalls, losing all power.

While driving the car stalled. Loss of power steering and braking. I was able to coast to a safe location. I tried to restart, but crank- no start.

While driving making a left-hand turn, crossing an intersection the vehicle stalled. Lossing all power, no power stirring or breaks. When trying to re-start vehicle will not re-start.

While crossing an intersection the vehicle stalled for no reason. No codes were posted. Crank no start, waited 10 min, and the vehicle started. Drove to the dealer to resolve. Dealer has no known reason for stalling while driving.

Random stalling while driving, making a left-hand turn. While entering an intersection, the vehicle stalled losing all power. Was able to coast to a safe spot. Waited 15 min, the vehicle started. No check engine light.

Oil filter housing is cracked and leaking oil. Potential fire hazard, pooling of oil on engine block. Seems to be a widespread problem.

I was driving on the highway and the engine caught fire. I’ve been looking for an engine to rebuild and all of them had previously been on fire. I believe the engine is defective for the Jeeps that year, make and model.

Car completely dies when sitting idle. I believe the control module is faulty and I have heard many complaints from other Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep customers about this same issue. My 15 month old son was in the car when this happened and it scared the heck out of me to be sitting at a major stoplight and the car completely die. I was scared for my safety and scared for my son's safety. I do not understand how this is not an open recall right now. When the Jeep dies all of the relays start engaging and the dash lights blink on and off. I have had my battery, alternator, and started checked by a licensed mechanic. I do not have any other electrical issues either. Please create a recall for this so my family will be safe when I drive them around.

While driving engine looses power and vibrates excessively, engine light flashes during this process, after about 30 seconds light goes out and engine resumes normal operation. It has done this multiple times sometimes on startup sometimes stopped at a light and other while driving.

Jeep loses all power while driving. I have a 1 year old and this is very very dangerous. Ive had to stop and pull battery power terminal off multiple times to reset it. The Jeep completely dies then all lights and switches start firing. Jeep will not restart. Debating selling it and getting something other than a Jeep product. Battery is good and alternator is good. I had both checked by a mechanic. This has happened multiple times and I take great care of my Jeep as well.

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the engine would misfire while driving at various speeds. Due to the failure, the vehicle would independently go into limp mode with the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to several unknown dealers and the engine misfire was acknowledged however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.

Valves are knocking in engine. Lagging in speed up. Making vehicle sluggish.

Engine ticking.

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated when starting the vehicle she smells a burning smell from around the car. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph and at any speed she can still smell the burning odor. The contact stated that the "check engine" light was illuminated. The contact noted that the temperature gage had moved to the "hot" side and rang a chime. The contact had driven the vehicle to her residence and then towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the radiator had to be replaced. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who determined that coolant was leaking into the cylinder head. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Disappointed in Jeep I have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler sahara with 44,000 highway miles, during city driving, the Jeep started running very rough. This was the first time, we had any problems with the vehicle. We immediately drove to chapman Jeep in henderson nv. For troubleshooting, I was informed that this model year was affected by the faulty cylinder head service bulletin and was told by the service manager that the engine running rough, would be fixed by Chrysler at no charge. A few days later, we got a return call from Jeep saying the fault was not the cylinder head, but it was the engine itself! a piston had melted in number 6 cylinder and the engine would require replacement! as you can imagine I was very surprised to find a rough running engine with only 44000 miles, would now require an engine replacement costing me $7000. 00 dollars! I requested numerous times for Jeep to tell me how this could happen, but the reply was they did not know. The engine has always been serviced with the best oil and coolant, and no other cylinders were affected. I have held off writing this letter since I wanted to get our Jeep returned to me before more money was removed from my wallet. I do realize things can go wrong, but something failed internally to the engine, this was out of my control, and all Chrysler/Jeep could do was shrug their shoulders and say pay me. You have lost a Jeep customer, and I'll be sure to let my friends in the Jeep clubs know of this expensive outcome.

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the vehicle decelerated to 25-30 mph independently. The contact stated that the engine was cycled off and back on and the vehicle performed as intended. The contact however stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to hanlees Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram located at 4318 chiles road, davis CA, 95618, tel: 888-349-9763 to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the cylinder head bolts were torqued incorrectly which caused a low oil pressure. The vehicle in turn went into limp mode to try to compensate for the low oil pressure. The contact stated that the failure caused the engine to be destroyed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however; the contact was not offered assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. While driving approximately 60 mph, a strong burning electric odor was perceived without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (waterfront Jeep in morgan town, wv) where it was diagnosed the that there was no indication of coil failure or an engine misfire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure recurred, but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 66,386.

I've spent $1500 attempting to fix the wobbling in my steering wheel, and the problem still exists. I've also spent $700 on a poorly designed rear oil seal. That is a known problem with Jeeps.

The vehicle power abruptly drops while driving losing anywhere from 100 to 500 rpms. If the vehicle is stopped at a signal or traveling at lower speeds the power drop will shut down the vehicle. The problem is random and very unsafe.

While being towed by our RV on a city street, a fire started under the hood of the Jeep. The transfer case was in neutral. The manual transmission was in neutral. The ignition switch was turned 1 notch to accessory to unlock the steering. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. No police report was filed because the fire was not caused by an accident. Because of the severity of the fire damage, no cause of the fire was determined.

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. While operating the vehicle, the check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle suddenly decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, kendall Jeep in miami, florida, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to an electrical malfunction. The vehicle was repaired by a local independent mechanic, but the failure shortly recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.