Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
I have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler unlimited with 40K miles. Around 15K miles, I started experiencing issues with the driver side and front windshield heating/defrosting not working. Heating works on the passenger side, but not on the driver's side seating or windshield areas. This issue creates a comfort problem during cold days due to no heat on the driver's side but more importantly, creates a safety issue because the front windshield does not defrost properly without sufficient heat, creating unsafe driving scenarios. This issue was intermittent at first, but over the past 20K miles has become a frequent comfort and safety issue. This defect/issue/design flaw is a known problem with the current Wrangler unlimited as a number of others I know with the same vehicle experience this issue and you can find endless complaints of the issue on line. …
2012 Jeep Wrangler have had intermittent trouble for well over a year. Turn car off and headlights stay on. Finally figured out that if I turn the car back on and roll forward a little I can sometimes turn lights off. Same problem turning the headlights on. Rolling the car a few inches usually corrected the headlights. Windshield wipers will start on their own or stop during use with no warning. This began in late 2014 but the problem was so intermittant we could not duplicate it on demand until August 2015. The dealer replaced the multi function switch and wiring harness but before we even drove out of the parking lot both the lights and windshield wipers were doing the same thing. They kept it a few days and "sealed the cluster". Didn't have a problem for a few weeks and the car is now 700 miles away at school with daughter. …
At the beginning of winter I notice the defrost/heat in the Jeep was not putting out a lot of heat. It would barely defrost the windshield. With the frigid weather we have had, I just had it checked. I was told the heater core, and the radiator would need changed because they were plugged. I feel sorry for anyone that owns a Chrysler product. This still does not run right after the head was changed, no dummy light comes on, so none of the mechanics will believe me that it is not right. As you can see by the mileage it is out of warranty, the issues started right after I bought it. It is not the dealerships fault, it is the company. Do something to get the issues fixed!
The sudden failure of turn signals, windshield wipers, headlights, taillights, brake lights and all controls on the two stalks and the steering wheel. I do not know when it happened and realized it when I noticed the lack of sound and blinking dash light on using the turn signal. No fuses were blown.I do not drive in the dark much.I am having it repaired today. The service writer said it was a computer. How can Jeep tie so many essential controls together? If it had occurred at night in the rain it could have been catastrophic. Perhaps it has already happened to someone.
Since I have owned the vehicle the windshield wipers will come on every once in a while when I turn on the left blinker. I also have a problem with the tailgait. After about 3 years of ownership of the vehicle the tailgate hinge did not stop the tailgate from opening up a full 180 degrees causing the elbow joint to come completely out and my right tail light to be shattered. I was told by the dealer ship that this was common issue, but they would not return my calls/emails to get it fixed.
Windshield wipers stopped working on the highway in the middle of a thunderstorm, creating a hazardous situation. Took the vehicle into the shop, had the fuses checked, wiper motor replaced, windshield wiper switch tested, and nothing fixed the issue. The issue turns out to be a faulty TIPM (totally integrated power module), and will cost over 1200 dollars to replace. This appears to be a widespread issue with Chrysler vehicles.
Passenger side headlight failure. Repairs made to wiring, and replacement headlight installed. Lamp still only works intermittently. Affecting low light visibility. Potentially an issue with TIPM which has lead to other electrical issues, such as transmission not engaging. Has caused engine failure, and control failure in other vehicles. Happens at any time, stationary, moving, FWD, reverse, turning, etc.
Defrosters do not work due to heating system clogged with sand from the engine die casting. During time of manufacturing, Jeep did not clean out the sand from molding the engine which is now plugging the heater core. While driving down the highway, the windshield frosts over due to no heat. I have attached a class action lawsuit that demonstrates how wide spread this problem is.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the left and right turn signal switch and the windshield wipers failed to operate. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was unable to be determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.
Headlights, turn signals and windshield wipers do not work. All went out at the same time. Fuses checked and are OK. Forums list multiple complaints for this safety issue with the TIPM failure. I was driving in a light rain and could not turn in my headlights, turn signals or wipers.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, 5% of the model year's 835 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Jeep Wrangler window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 9 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 Wrangler window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.