Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Jeep Liberty owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and merging onto the interstate, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The RPM revved up but the vehicle did not respond. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the passenger's side front tire was wobbling. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that three tires needed to be replaced due to tread belt damage and that the heater core and transmission were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased to be repaired. The thermostat was replaced, the brake lines were bled however, the tires were not replaced. The contact stated that she was not provided a copy of the repair order. …
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while making a right turn on a main road at 25 MPH, the front lower control arms snapped. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over onto the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.
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.
Driving freeway speed, engine lost power, electronic throttle control light flashed, then engine light; pulled onto shoulder, raised hood, observed fire at valve cover/wiring harness. Mechanic's subsequent inspection revealed valve/rocker arm failure resulted in punctured valve cover that released oil onto hot engine resulting in fire. Rocker arm failures are common on mopar 3.7 engine - google the term and many hits will appear. This is unacceptable for an engine with 82,000 miles that was serviced regularly according to manufacturer recommendations. New engine now required.
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Jeep Liberty. While driving 60 MPH, the contact was alerted by another motorist to evacuate the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed that vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was deemed destroyed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,400.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated and there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle ignited into flames. The fire department extinguished the fire and a police and a fire report were filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.
I have a pending file: 11151151; engine fire. I took a quick survey of complaints on the NHTSA site and found 23 other Jeep Liberty records from 2006-2012 describing valve failures and engine fires, which indicates a design flaw and need for investigation. Nhsta should also look at model years 2002-2005, Dodge nitro, and other vehicles that used the mopar 3.7 engine. The rate of failure and fire points to a design flaw that must be rectified
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. While the vehicle was idling at a traffic signal, the engine overheated and smoke appeared under the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump and thermostat were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 50,474.
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.
Jeep died while driving on the dash it said no fuse then my battery died also my alternator I still haven't been able to fix it because I don't know where to look we took it to a mechanic and he replaced the alternator 5 times and still has issues
Engine complaints in other Liberty years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Jeep Liberty?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Jeep Liberty, 13% of the model year's 385 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Jeep Liberty engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 Jeep Liberty, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Jeep Liberty engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.