Is the 2012 Jeep PATRIOT reliable?

The 2012 Jeep PATRIOT has 550 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Jeep PATRIOT?

Top problems: ENGINE (119 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (102 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (62 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Jeep PATRIOT?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW. Contact any Jeep dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Jeep PATRIOT?

The 2012 Jeep PATRIOT gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Jeep PATRIOT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Jeep PATRIOT is approximately $1,617/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Jeep PATRIOT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Jeep PATRIOT has 550 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 499. The most common issue is engine problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: 5/21 1st, 5/22 2nd, loss of complete power while driving on highway. while driving a wedding gift of a new 2012 jeep patriot on their honeymoon cross country to their new home in ca, the new wedding gift car died at 65 mph on ohio highway. fixed in ohio (newleyweds left from ri), they proceeded j. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 13 crash reports 9 injuries

550

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

119 complaints

22%

• 5/21 1ST, 5/22 2ND, LOSS OF COMPLETE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WHILE DRIVING A WEDDING GIFT OF A NEW 2012 JEEP PATRIOT ON THEIR HONEYMOON CROSS COUNTRY TO THEIR NEW HOME IN CA, THE NEW WEDDING GIFT CAR DIED AT 65 MPH ON OHIO HIGHWAY. FIXED IN OHIO (NEWLEYWEDS LEFT FROM RI), THEY PROCEEDED J
• I-15 OUTSIDE ST. GEORGE, UTAH. OUTSIDE TEMP 110. 4:30 P.M. DRIVING SINCE 11 A.M. DRIVEN 275 MILES ON A FULL TANK OF MID GRADE GAS WITH OVER 1/4 TANK LEFT. ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. TRIED AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE NEXT TWO HOURS. ENGINE WOULD CRANK BUT NOT FIRE. TOWED INTO STEPHEN WA
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE ENGINE STARTED ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. THE IDENTICAL

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“5/21 1ST, 5/22 2ND, LOSS OF COMPLETE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WHILE DRIVING A WEDDING GIFT OF A NEW 2012 JEEP PATRIOT ON THEIR HONEYMOON CROSS COUNTRY TO THEIR NEW HOME IN CA, THE NEW WEDDING GIFT CAR DIED AT 65 MPH ON OHIO HIGHWAY. FIXED IN OHIO (NEWLEYWEDS LEFT FROM RI), THEY PROCEEDED J”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Jeep PATRIOT

Based on 401 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 50K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

142

30-60K

60-100K

122

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 41K mi · 106 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 51K mi · 39 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 50K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

In line with typicalmedian 71K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 46K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 49K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER15/09/2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Jeep PATRIOT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Jeep PATRIOT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,617

Full coverage / month

$135

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-3%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1617

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Jeep PATRIOT Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

24K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

20K mi

4WD Wrangler/Gladiator have shorter transfer case + differential intervals if off-roaded frequently.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Jeep New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Jeep. If you're buying a used 2012 PATRIOT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Jeep dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 550 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 5/21 1ST, 5/22 2ND, LOSS OF COMPLETE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WHILE DRIVING A WEDDING GIFT OF A NEW 2012 JEEP PATRIOT ON THEIR HONEYMOON CROSS COUNTRY TO THEIR NEW HOME IN CA, THE NEW WEDDING GIFT CAR DIED AT 65 MPH ON OHIO HIGHWAY. FIXED IN OHIO (NEWLEYWEDS LEFT FROM RI), THEY PROCEEDED J
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: DRIVING FROM LAS VEGAS TO PHOENIX, FILLED UP RIGHT BEFORE GETTING ON THE ROAD. WENT APPROXIMATELY 210 MILES AND RAN OUT OF GAS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWING 1/4 FULL. I WAS ON A TWO LANE ROAD GOING APPROXIMATELY 65-70MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND IT JUST STOPPED. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: CAR ISN'T GETTING ANY FUEL. WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE IT SOUNDED LIKE I WAS GOING TO FLOOD IT OUT. IT WOULD ONLY GO 5-10MPH. VERY BAD HESITATION AND SHAKING AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE TWO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 13V120000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 13V233000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , SEAT BELTS) BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Jeep dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)