Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Becoming the new owner in 2021, I was issued a recall for the passenger airbag inflator replacement. After repairing this recall, the vehicle air bag light came on and has not turned off since. I made several attempts with dearlership to access the problem and in May 2022 the dealership diagnosed the problem stating it was the airbag clockspring. This clockspring had a recall on it in June 2016 and was replaced in September 2016. The dealership along with another AMS certified mechanics shop stated the clockspring that was replaced in 2016 is defective. This is causing multiple safety issues with the vehicle. The anti skid system activates, the anti lock braking is activated, the cruise control will not operate, along with the fact the air bags are inoperable or not operating at full capacity as they are required to.
The dash displayed multiple warning ICONS and I carried the Jeep to a mechanic. They discovered that the ABS Module, which is the anti braking system, had a fault error and needed to be replaced. After multiple attempts have found out that this particular ABS Module, OEM Part number (68145835AE) is no longer available by Jeep Chrysler and has not been available for the past few years. This means the Jeep is not safe to drive if the roads are wet or icy due to the possibility of loosing the brakes from skidding/loss of control of the vehicle.
In 2020 I bought this Jeep, within the first 3 months I had to replace the TIPM, at $950.00, now 5 years later the same problem, the TIPM is having issues again. Causing the engine to overheat. Jeep is telling me this happens, not at $950 every 5 years, I was told there was a recall initially when they were new. There has to be some sort of recourse, you just can't sell faulty parts and say it just happens! Thank you [redacted]
The 2012 jeep jk wrangler has serious electrical issues. The jeep randomly stalls while driving and sometimes won't start at all. Right before it stalls, every light on the dashboard flashes and continues to flash until the car dies. Replacing the battery doesn't fix the issue. Numerous complaints about jeep wranglers TIPM issues have been ignored by authorities. I suppose people will have to die in a crash or spends thousands fixing the TIPM or electrical issues before getting relief.
The vehicle will die while driving it, it is a automatic so you loose power steering power brakes and the engine is completely shut off you have to safely pull over and not get hit to put vehicle in park sometimes it starts in park, sometime it just turns over and you have to wait 10 to 15 minutes for vehicle to start. Dealer keeps telling me there is no issue with the vehicle, and they cannot replicate issue. I fear for me and my family's life every day in my jeep wrangler.
THE 2012 Jeep 4 door Wrangler had the ABS Control Module internal error failure, this makes the car unsafe to drive. The dealer cannot get repair parts, the car is un-repaired since October 2025. Further, they cannot source the chips for the components, the make cannot provide a delivery date.(UNKNOWN when this will be rectified. Other years of this car have been recalled for this issue. This year has not yet. PLEASE Help us !)
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. 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.
Clockspring failed causing airbag to malfunction. Jeep dealer ordered a replacement in April 2023 and still has not received the part(even though they have one in stock the manufacturer will not allow them to use and install the stock clockspring). We have been forced to drive the vehicle without an operating clockspring which creates a major safety hazard since the airbags may not deploy on impact.
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.
Related recalls
Electrical system
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to July 19, 2013. Corrosion in the exterior heated power mirror electrical connector may result in an electrical short.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will move the exterior mirror power feed to a separate connector, free of charge. Chrysler issued an interim notification to owners on December 8, 2014.
NHTSA investigations
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year.
Electrical complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 147 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, 18% of the model year's 835 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Jeep Wrangler electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-631 (electrical system, Oct 8, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Jeep Wrangler electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 4 injuries 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.