2012 Jeep Liberty Electrical Problems

Which parts fail

• Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
  1

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  1720%
• 25k–50k
  2023%
• 50k–75k
  2124%
• 75k–100k
  1517%
• 100k–150k
  1214%
• 150k+
  22%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Jeep Liberty owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

I was driving on the roadway when suddenly the front driver side power switch (which controls the automatic windows, doors and mirrors), caught fire and started smoking. Unsure of what to do, I pulled over and tried to investigate. When the smoke subsided I drove to an oil change store, which had serviced my vehicle in the past, and asked for assistance from a technician on duty. While investigating, the power switch started smoldering again. The tech had no other option but to disconnect the power switch, by cutting the wires, to prevent future fire damage - as the wires and power switch had melted together. I contacted Jeep to share my concern but they declined assistance. I performed a Google search and found instances of two incidences similar to my experience. NOTE: I have a brief video but couldn't upload it - photo option was the only option provided.

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield wipers inadvertently activated. The contact turned the windshield wipers on and off to deactivate the windshield wipers. Additionally, the headlights inadvertently illuminated, and the doors locked and unlocked independently while the vehicle was unoccupied, parked, and turned off in the driveway. The vehicle occasionally hesitated while starting. The contact stated that the failure had caused the battery to drain. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V530000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the indicator lights would activate without warning and other lights would stop working. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the TIPM module replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was 103,994.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 94,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 171,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V640000 (Seats, Air Bags) and 13V282000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact attempted to schedule an appointment with a local dealer for the recall repairs however, the contact stated that the dealer was not cooperating. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The entire dashboard set of alarm lights go ON as soon as the vehicle starts. The speedometer stops working, the hand break light is on so it appears as it actually activates it and it slows the vehicle impacting drivability, the radiator fan is constantly working, the 4WD mode is activated by default also impacting drivability, impossible to see if the car is overheating, and it could very well be that the airbags would not work if needed. This all adds to a very unsafe drive.

My heater takes 45-60 mins to heat up my car, and it doesn't blow full force when it's on the highest setting. On cold days I literally have to start my car up 45 before I need to leave just to have a slight warmth inside. Once I'm moving, it barely blows any heat through the vents. The highest setting feels like it's on the lowest setting.

Electrical issue with drivers side front blinker works when headlights are off but when headlights are turned on front blinker does not work. I've seen numerous complaints about the same issue with this vehicle amongst other electrical issues

My driver's side door to my 2012 Jeep Liberty caught fire. The door started to smoke once I started the ignition. I smelled a burning smell and then I notice smoke coming out of the driver side window seal. I pulled off to the side of the road, and turned off the ignition. I notice the smoke continued to worsen even though I turned off the ignition. The smoke became small flame quickly. I crawled to the passenger side of the car to exit. I called 911 the fire dept was dispatched to put out the fire. Once they got there they removed the battery cables from the battery under the hood sprayed the whole entire Jeep inside and out. Its was scary to know something I work so hard to have and pay for caught on fire like that. I can't believe that I was driving around in something that was a fire hazard and unsafe. Thank god I survived through something so dangerous. …

Well serviced vehicle with 88,000 miles. Driving on a residential street when smoke began coming out of climate vents. Noted engine temperature gauge at normal. Stopped the car and turned off. Fire noted under the hood near the windshield. Within minutes, the car became fully engulfed and burned completely before fire department could arrive.

NHTSA investigations

Electrical complaints in other Liberty years