Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Jeep Patriot owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. While the contact's vehicle was stopped and making a left turn, an approaching vehicle ran a stop sign. The other vehicle crashed head on into the driver's side of the contact's vehicle. None of the frontal air bags deployed. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The other driver's insurance company settled and paid for the body repairs. The air bags were not diagnosed or repaired. After the body repairs, the brake, check engine, and air bag indicators illuminated. Eventually, all the instrument panel gauges illuminated. The dealer (beck Chevrolet Buick GMC, 1601 reid st, palatka, fl 32177, [phone]) did not assist, but offered to sell the contact a new vehicle. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (seat belts, air bags). The failure mileage was 29,000. The VIN was unknown.
Due to the recall on the air bag module the fuse blew out causing the wiring harness to catch fire burning up the whole harness and if replaced the problem will still persist due to no part for the air bag module was driving down the road and have to pull over and call the fire department
When in idle at a traffic light, the Jeep engine shut off randomly with a beeping alarm and red flashing bolt on the dash, required me to turn the key to the off position and restart the car, this has also happened once while vehicle was in motion. Battery is new and both the battery and alternator tested good. When accelerating, braking, or steering, the cabin lights, headlights and dash/radio dim or brighten often slight flickering and some times the interior roof cab lights randomly turn on while driving even when no door is ajar and dimmer switch is turned down or completely off. Appears there is some sort of electrical short or power draw issue. The rear drum breaks continuously squeal, leak and leave rust residue corroding the rims even though I've had them maintained and changed by certified Goodyear mechanics
Car wouldn't start one month ago. It wouldn't even turn after 3 attempts. After 10 minutes it started right up and had been normal. Today, 9/15/19, my car started up fine but 2 minutes into driving at 20mph my car lost all power. I was driving through my work parking lot driving in a forward motion. Several lights lit up in my dashboard prior to losing power. I was fortunate enough to not be on the freeway. I put my car in brake and restarted it. It started right up, but now has check engine light displayed. My battery is a few months old. I've tested it and it's charged. I'm afraid to drive my car and consider it not in a drivable state. If my car were to die on the freeway that would be a very dangerous situation. Car defect that caused this is unknown. .
While on the freeway, speed 65-70 my car suddenly lost all acceleration and a winding noise accompanies the loss. Sometimes the temp gauge or electric throttle light will light up. This has happened a total of 4 times over the past 2 months. All 4 times I have been able to wait an hour, start the car drives normally. After each occasion I've taken the car to a Chrysler Jeep dealer. Either they say it's a misfire, or I need a tune up or an ignition coil. I've since had all these repairs and the issue continues. This is very unsafe. I've had my kids in the car every time, thankfully I avoided getting rear ended and now drive in the slow lane not over 65 MPH just to be prepared for my Jeep to do this again. I'm scared to drive this car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power and decelerated. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as an abnormal noise came from the front of the vehicle and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after a while. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the totally integrated power module (TIPM), and brake light switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,846.
When idle, vehicle's engine light, traction control, and electronic throttle light come on to the dash. When putting the vehicle in drive or reverse, acceleration is very low. Vehicle has a difficult time accelerating. Max speed will be at about 30 MPH. This has also happened while driving, as well. Battery was replaced and throttle body as well, via mechanic's code readings from the vehicle. Car continues to show week accelerating.
When I turn my blinkers on left or right blinker, the windshield wipers come on. Not every time, but at least once a day.catalytic converter emissions will not pas inspections. This car is not that old and have read many people complaining about the catalytic converter not passing inspection because of emissions. My car will not pass inspection and was told they were recalling Jeep patriots.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Software
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
Electrical complaints in other Patriot years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Jeep Patriot, 12% of the model year's 354 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Jeep Patriot electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-233 (software, Jun 4, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Jeep Patriot electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.