2012 Jeep Liberty

Above average

Owners filed 385 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Jeep Liberty years to avoid. Which Jeep Liberty years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,000 milesMedian miles at failure

311 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 30,000–40,000 miles.

Most common 2012 Jeep Liberty problems

162 of the 385 complaints (42%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags161
13119
Electrical System68
154
Engine26
050
Power Train · transmission25
201
Unknown or Other21
001
Structure › Body · body and frame15
214
Seats9
003
Service Brakes · brakes8
011
Visibility/Wiper · wipers7
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine6
000

2012 Jeep Liberty airbags problems

42% of all complaints

162 of the 385 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • shows an airbag warning light70% · 114
  • sets off warning lights on the dash51% · 83
  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash6% · 10

Share of the 162 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
45,133 mi
median of 130 reports
Peak year of filing
2017
38 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
13 · 1 · 19
in these complaints
Recalls on the airbags
“My airbag light is on in my dashboard and doesnt go away. I also got my vehicle serviced because my check engine light was on and one code that came back was because of my headrest .”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 8, 2021
“Had a accident and airbag light would not come off also the electric system would not come on horn would not work and other things. Rotor had to to be replace, off the suspention ? Light on. Was hit on drivers side, hit and run my insurance was used. Had to send to dealer two times and get towed 2 times. Had”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 5, 2020

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2012: 16 complaints, 4 about the airbags'122013: 23 complaints, 11 about the airbags2014: 50 complaints, 31 about the airbags'142015: 56 complaints, 30 about the airbags2016: 45 complaints, 23 about the airbags'162017: 62 complaints, 38 about the airbags2018: 43 complaints, 14 about the airbags'182019: 37 complaints, 3 about the airbags2020: 21 complaints, 2 about the airbags'202021: 8 complaints, 3 about the airbags2022: 6 complaints, 0 about the airbags'222023: 7 complaints, 1 about the airbags2024: 5 complaints, 1 about the airbags'242025: 5 complaints, 1 about the airbags2026: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags'26Recall 13V282000 (airbags)Recall 17V640000 (seats)NHTSA investigation EA21002NHTSA investigation PE19014NHTSA investigation EA19001NHTSA investigation PE17003NHTSA investigation DP14004NHTSA investigation PE13034
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2012 Liberty peaked in 2017, with 62 filed that year. Owners had filed 7 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 13V282000 in July 2013; 155 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint17V640000
Filed Oct 10, 2017363,930 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.

Risk. If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.

Air Bags13V282000
Filed Jul 2, 2013442,320 vehiclesChrysler Group LLC

Defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 6 name the 2012 Liberty.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …

Active Head Rest Inadvertent DeploymentPreliminary evaluation PE19014Closed
Opened Sep 9, 2019Closed Feb 25, 2026seats

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments …

Electrical overstressEngineering analysis EA19001Closed
Opened Apr 19, 2019Closed Sep 19, 2024Led to recall 20V024airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors …

Occupant Restraint Controller FailurePreliminary evaluation PE17003Closed
Opened Jun 1, 2017Closed Dec 25, 2017Led to recall 17V640000airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate VOQ complaints alleging a failure of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module in model year (MY) 2012 Jeep Liberty.The purpose of the investigation was to understand Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints stating that the air bag warning light remained illuminated while the vehicle was in operation.In many cases the warning light issue was reportedly corrected by a replacement of the ORC module. In 2013 FCA issued NHTSA safety recall 13V282 to address ORC module failures caused by an electrical …

Totally Integrated Power Module FailureDefect petition DP14004Closed
Opened Sep 25, 2014Closed Jul 24, 2015electrical system

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. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 …

Jeep Liberty Door FiresPreliminary evaluation PE13034Closed
Opened Oct 21, 2013Closed Mar 9, 2014electrical system

The driver's side power master window switch (PMWS) evaluted during this investigation controls the power windows for all four doors, the power mirrors and door locks.The PMWS is located on the driver's side door panel.Chrysler advised that the PMWS was used on multiple vehicle platforms including model year (MY) 2011 Dodge Nitro, MY 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty and MY 2011 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan for a total of approximately 425,000 vehicles.At the opening of the investigation, ODI identified two reports of fire near the vicinity of the PMWS on MY 2012 Jeep Liberty …

Technical service bulletins

110 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2012 Liberty. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 34electrical system 22body and frame 16seats 9engine 8suspension 3transmission 3fuel system 3
23-028-20 REV. AWarranty extensionDec 5, 2020seats

Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X85 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacinga front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed. Customers may comment on the following: The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset.

23-028-20Warranty extensionNov 11, 2020seats

Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X85 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed. Customers may comment on the following:The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset.

23-028-20Warranty extensionNov 11, 2020seats

Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X85 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed. Customers may comment on the following:The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset.

2302820Warranty extensionNov 11, 2020seats

Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X85 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed. Customers may comment on the following:The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2012 Jeep Liberty SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★25.6%
2012 Jeep Liberty SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★22.8%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 24, 2026126,000 milesMA

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 10, 2025RI

Skyroof suddenly stopped working and will not close. No dealers will fix as thry say parts aren't longer available..my car is now worthless and is a safety issue while driving with the roof partially opened.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 9, 2025MI

My daughter was hit by a semi truck on US-23 today. The trailer fishtailed hit the back end of Jeep. I hit the guard rail. All four corners of the Jeep were hit. The air bags did not deploy. The front driver tire fell off. The back window and passenger side trunk window blew out.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 15, 202529,000 milesNY

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.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed May 14, 2025171,000 milesIL

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.

Seats
Filed Jan 31, 202586,000 milesNY

The contact's sister owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that upon opening the door of the vehicle, the contact's sister became aware that the driver's side headrest had been deployed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V640000 (Seats, Air Bags). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Power Train
Filed Oct 22, 2024OH

The vehicle gears slipped into neutral but back to drive without assistance on my part. Once at a stop sign when I resumed driving. Once turning a corner. Once getting ready to back up. / I took it to have the transmission fluid level checked and it checked out ok. There have been no transmission recalls reported on the 2012 Jeep Liberty. The pan and filter had had a leak and was replaced a couple of weeks before this slippage happened

Suspension
Filed Sep 30, 202495,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact became aware of an abnormal wobbling coming from the front end of the vehicle. Additionally, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local tire shop where the four tires were replaced and an alignment was performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that several days later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter seized, and the vehicle turned off unintendedly. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, parked, and inspected the vehicle. The contact called a local mechanic who drove to the scene to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the VCM software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2024NY

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

Suspension › Rear
Filed May 15, 2024140,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was a loud banging sound coming from the suspension on the driver’s side rear of the vehicle. The contact became aware that the rear end of the vehicle was loose and was falling apart onto the roadway. The contact pulled to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 5, 2024NY

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.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 30, 2023OR

While my vehicle was sitting in our driveway, the AHR for the drivers seat activated. while at the time I had not received a notice " that im aware of" this could have been a very bad ending for this hitting my head while driving. although the recall showing is for the AHR not working, this one did it all by it self. NOT safe.

Electrical System1 injured
Filed Oct 26, 2023CA

MY JEEP HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER FOR OVER 23 SERVICES FROM RECALLS, DEFECTIVE PARTS, ALTERED PARTS, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, REAR END, BRAKING AND MANY MORE ISSUES TO INCLUDE SHARP ITEMS PUSHES THRU SEATS HARMING PEOPLE

Electrical System
Filed Aug 16, 2023AZ

Air conditioner, horn and various dash lights not working properly or at all

Electrical System
Filed Jul 26, 2023NH

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.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 25, 2023OR

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.

Power Train
Filed May 11, 2023IN

Transmission burnt out after only 128,000 miles. Got code 0869 and took to two auto shop and both saw d transmission needed replaced.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Mar 31, 2023140,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, during a rain shower, the sunroof opened inadvertently allowing water to enter the passenger cabin. The contact attempted to close the sunroof; however, he could hear that the motor was making a whirring sound, but the sunroof failed to close. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the sunroof was not on track and that the parts to perform the repair were unavailable. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 23, 2022NJ

Horn stopped working. Tested actual horn another way and it operates properly but when driving it does not work Someone mentioned it could be the clock spring. Is this covered under warranty or other reports of this malfunctioning for a recall?

Steering
Filed Nov 9, 2022109,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lurched to the right out of the lane. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle back into the lane. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the failure had become constant and had stopped driving the vehicle. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinon, power steering kit, and brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred after retrieving the vehicle from the dealer. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 15, 2022OR

Transmission failure due to not being replaced when scheduled for maintenance

Engine
Filed Mar 4, 2022134,000 milesIN

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 stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle manufacturer was notified of the failure. The tire manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 8, 2022120,000 milesTX

.The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle delayed getting up to speed while making abnormally loud sounds. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond and stalled while making a turn. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road but could not restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Then, the vehicle was towed to an independent transmission specialist, where it was diagnosed that the transmission torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 3, 2022TX

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 System
Filed Nov 9, 2021103,994 milesNM

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.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 7, 2021NY

We were involved in an accident on the NY State Thruway 87. The airbags did not deploy and the seatbelts did not engage. If the airbags had deployed my husband would not have been injured as seriously as he was.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 26, 2021TX

Fuel was spilling out underneath vehicle every time I filled up. The issue was that the plastic housing where the fuel filler tube connects to the gas tank hardened and deteriorated to a point where it begins to leak. That plastic appears not to be ethanol resistant. Indications a leak will or is occurring: P0456 code or fuel dripping down under vehicle or smell of fuel.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 18, 2021TX

Gasoline is leaking out when filling up. This is a know issue with previous year models. The problem is so serious that Jeep is have a problem manufacturing the part to fix it. There should be a recall.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 8, 2021GA

MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON IN MY DASHBOARD AND DOESNT GO AWAY. I ALSO GOT MY VEHICLE SERVICED BECAUSE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND ONE CODE THAT CAME BACK WAS BECAUSE OF MY HEADREST .

Electrical System1 injured
Filed Feb 14, 202156,899 milesCA

MY ENGINE AND THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL STOP WHILE DRIVING, EVERY SYSTEM STOPPED WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MANY ISSUES FROM DEFECTIVE DRIVERS SEATS, OIL LEAKS, WINDOWS NOT WORKING, SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONS, RECALLS, HEAD REST ISSUES, LEAKS FROM WHO KNOW WHERE THE DEALER HAD IT TIME AND TIME AGAIN MISDIAGNOSED IT SEVERAL TIMES, IT WAS IN THE JEEP DEALER AND DID NOT EVEN MAKE IT OUT OF THE PARKING LOT WENT IT STOPPED AGAIN. ALL WARNING LIGHTS WENT ON WARING FOR SEVERAL PROBLEMS IT IS NOW STUCK IN MY HOME. THIS JEEP IS AS FCA KNOWS A LEMON THESE PROBLEMS GO BACK YEARS EVEN WHEN I BOUGHT IT , IT HAS NEVER EVER WORKED OR OPERATED PROPERLY OR SAFELY. NEEDS TO BE ALL RECALLED AND REFUND ALL MY MONIES

Electrical System
Filed Feb 12, 202179,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE OPENING DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, THE HORN ACTIVATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE TIPM TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.

Air BagsFire
Filed Jan 8, 2021130,000 milesIL

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

Structure › BodyCrash3 injured
Filed Dec 3, 202076,000 milesSC

I WAS HIT ON MY PASSENGER FRONT, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CROSS INTO A PARKING LOT, SO HARD UNTIL MY TIRE ROD BENT AT A 90* ANGLE. MY PASSENGER AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO BLIND SPOT WARNING. EVEN AFTER THE IMPACT, THERE WAS NO ALARM OR NOTIFICATION OF THE DAMAGE, AS THE FIREMEN WERE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE MY CAR OUT OF THE ROAD.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 27, 2020134,000 milesKS

WE HAD ISSUES WITH CAR NOT STARTING ALL WINTER, BUT COULD BE JUMPED. WE BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY & IT WORKED WELL FOR A WHILE. THEN WIPERS STARTED TURNING ON RANDOMLY & OVER HEAD LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON. THEN THE CAR WOULDN'T START AGAIN, TURN THE KEY OVER & IT STARTED. THEN IT DIED AGAIN & EVERY THING WORKED BIT IT WOULDN'T STARTED, SO WE JUMPED IT. I BARELY GOT HOME BECAUSE IT WOULD BARELY DRIVE. IT HAS BEEN PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY SINCE WITH A RED LIGHT ON CONTROL PANEL ON. FUSE BOX LOOKS FINE. IT ONLY CLICKS WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED & THE DASH GOES CRAZY.

Engine
Filed Sep 15, 202038,625 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER PARKED SAFETY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WATER PUMP, DRIVE BELT TENSIONER AND MULTIPLE UNKNOWN NUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REMAINED INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER NEMER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM LOCATED AT 728 QUAKER RD, QUEENSBURY, NY 12804, (518) 932-0616 AND MADE THE DEALER AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,625.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 8, 202088,000 milesNY

TRAVELING LAST NIGHT AND THE LIGHTS WENT UP, DOWN THEN OUT FOR ALMOST 20 SECONDS AND DOING 40 MPH IS SCARY. THE LIGHTS FINALLY CAME ON BUT THEN THEY DIM UP AND DOWN. BEFORE THIS LAST WEEK THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. I NEVER KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND THE WORST THING IS TAKING IT OUT AT NIGHT AND HAVING THE LIGHTS GO OUT. THIS WEEK WAS THE FORTH TIME THAT HAS HAPPENED THANK GOD IT HAPPENED ON A LIGHTED ROAD BUT I STILL HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS. ALL TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED I'VE BEEN ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS AND TRAVELING AT NIGHT

Power Train
Filed Aug 7, 202087,000 milesRI

I EXPERIENCED RAPID UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN STARTING UP SLOWLY FROM A COMPLETE STOP, RESULTIMG IN THE VEHICLE LEAPING A CURB AND STRIKING A STOP SIGN, SCRAPING THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 6, 202090,000 milesNY

AS AS I WAS DRIVING DOING AROUND 50 MY SKYSLIDER ROOD OPENED UP JUST LIKE THAT AND I HAVE MANY LEAKS COMING IN CAUSIN MY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TO MALFUNCTION AT TIMES AND I ALSO HAVE MY SENSOR THAT STAYS ON STATING LOW AIR PARE TIRE WAITED 6 MONTHS FOR A PART FROM THE DEALER AND NOW I'M SCARED TO EVEN OPEN IT UP AND STILL HAVE THE LOTS OF LEAKS ON ANY RAINY DAY THIS IS RIDICULOUS BEC THAT WAS THE SELLING POINT AS TO WHY I GOT THIS VEHICLE AND NOW I'M TO SCARED TO USE IT BEC I'VE HEARD FROM OTHERS THAT IT COMES LOSE AND FLIES OFF CAUSING ACCIDENTS PLS PLS SOMEONE DO SOMETHING BOUT THIS BEC IT'S NOT RIGHT AND THERE IS NO HELP FOR JEEP THANKS

Electrical System
Filed Jul 16, 202050 milesNY

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON AND IN MOTION THE TIRE PRESSURE COMES ON AND BLINKS AND STAYS SOLID WHENEVER A CAR CHARGER IS IN THE CHARGING PORT. THE SENSOR LET'S THE DRIVER THINK IT NEEDS AIR IN THE TIRES WHEN IT DOESN'T.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 3, 202088,000 milesNY

THE VEHICLES DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT WHILE MOVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE WIPERS WILL INTERMITTENTLY GO ON AND OFF . THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH AND RADIO WILL DIM WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR SHIFTS MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE MOVING.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 18, 202041,000 milesNY

SKY SLIDER ROOF BROKEN, WILL NOT OPEN NOR CLOSE. I HAVE TO PUT A TARP OVER MY JEEP TO KEEP THE RAIN OUT. CANNOT BE REPAIRED DUE TO NO PARTS AVAILABLE. THE POSSIBILITY FOR THIS ROOF TO FLY OFF WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS IS REAL. CHRYSLER/JEEP NEEDS TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 11, 202082,164 milesIN

MY SKY SLIDER WHILE CLOSED, STARTED OPENING ON IT'S OWN GOING DOWN THE ROAD. AFTER STOPPING TO INSPECT, THE SKY SLIDER WILL NOT SEAL/CLOSE ALL THE WAY. AFTER TAKING IT TO A JEEP DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THE SKY SLIDER NEEDS REPLACED BUT MOPAR DOES NOT PRODUCE THE PARTS ANY LONGER. NOW WHENEVER I NEED TO LEAVE, I HAVE TO BE SURE THE SKY SLIDER IS ALL THE WAY DOWN BEFORE DRIVING. EVEN THEN IT LIFTS AND OPENS ON ITS OWN. I CONTACTED JEEP AND THEY DO NOT HAVE A RECALL OR ANY AFFORDABLE SOLUTION TO THIS KNOWN DEFECT. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 11, 2020112,000 milesKS

THE SKY SLIDER ON MY JEEP IS BROKEN CAUSE LEAKING WHEN IT RAINS. CALLED MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS AND COMPANIES THAT SAY THEY DON'T HAVE ANY REPLACEMENT PARTS OR PIECES TO FIX THE ISSUE. THERE IS A SOCIAL MEDIA GROUP THAT SHOWS MANY OTHER JEEP LIBERTY'S THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND DUE TO THE TOP BEING BROKEN, TOPS HAVE FLOWN OFF WHILE ON HIGHWAY CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE-MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. I'M GOING TO CONTINUE TO CALL AROUND AND SEE IF I CAN FIND A RESOLUTION BUT I'M PRAYING MY TOP STAYS ON UNTIL THEN. IN THE PHOTOS, YOU CAN SEE WHERE I HAD TO CLAMP THE TOP SHIFT WHICH HAS SLOWED THE LEAKING FOR NOW. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 10, 2020123,380 milesNY

HEAT SHIELD/BLANKET BETWEEN EXHAUST AND BODY .ALMOST STARTED ON FIRE. I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING LIKE PAPER/PLASTIC. I CRAWLED UNDER JEEP TO SEE WHAT IT WAS. I SAW SMOKE AND RED EMBERS IN THAT PADDING. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 3, 202015 milesGA

WHEN DRIVING THROUGH TOWN THE DASH LIGHTS UP COMPLETELY WITH ALL THE WARNINGS COMING ON AND THE WIPERS TURN ON AND WON'T TURN OFF. THE WARNINGS INCLUDE THE BRAKES AND AIRBAGS. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN A FEW DAYS. WE HAD IT DIAGNOSED AND THEY SAID IT'S THE TIPM MODULE. THIS JEEP DOESN'T EVEN HAVE 100K MILES YET AND THERE ARE TONS OF REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE. *TR

Service BrakesFire
Filed Mar 16, 2020109,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PURCHASING AND DRIVING FROM THE DEALER BI AUTO SALES (1431 CHURCH ST, BOHEMIA, NY 11716) AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE REOCCURRED AS THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES. THE CONTACT STATE THAT FAILURE WAS DO TO THE BRAKE CALIPERS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SHE WAS ALERTED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THE BRAKE CALIPERS HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILS TO START. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Mar 5, 2020TX

HAD A ACCIDENT AND AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD NOT COME OFF ALSO THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM WOULD NOT COME ON HORN WOULD NOT WORK AND OTHER THINGS. ROTOR HAD TO TO BE REPLACE, OFF THE SUSPENTION ? LIGHT ON. WAS HIT ON DRIVERS SIDE, HIT AND RUN MY INSURANCE WAS USED. HAD TO SEND TO DEALER TWO TIMES AND GET TOWED 2 TIMES. HAD

Power Train
Filed Mar 3, 2020130,000 milesMI

ON 3 /2/2019 WENT TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY PUT IN REVERSE DIDN'T MOVE I ASSUMED IT WAS THE LINKAGE. SO I HAD TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP NEAR MY HOUSE. GOT A CALL TODAY SAYING THE LINKAGE CABEL WAS ROUTED THE WRONG WAY IN SUCH AWAY THAT HE CANT EXPLAIN WHY THAT WOULD BE. I'VE NEVER HAD MAJOR WORK DONE TO BESIDE YOUR NORMAL OIL CHANGES.

Engine
Filed Feb 18, 202050,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP LIBERTY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 12, 202059,624 milesOH

MY WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS SIDE STARTED TO ACT UP AND THE NEXT DAY ALL CONTROLS TO EVERY WINDOW QUIT WORKING AND NOW ITS VERY COLD OUT SIDE. PLUS THE HEAT FOR THE FLOOR QUIT WORKING ALSO.

Complaints 1-50 of 385, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2012 — this page3852140Above average
2011181320Routine
2010197240Routine
2009108120Routine
2008541540Above average
20077037120Above average
20061,37210191Fatalities reported
20051,1188275Fatalities reported
20041,10113392Fatalities reported
20031,35213113Fatalities reported
20021,80814214Fatalities reported
200110001Fatalities reported
20006000Routine

Compare every Liberty year →

2012 Jeep Liberty: questions buyers ask

Is the 2012 Jeep Liberty a good car?

It is not among the Liberty years to avoid. Owners filed 385 complaints, against about 703 for a typical Liberty year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (42%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 3 stars overall.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Jeep Liberty?

The airbags: 162 of the 385 complaints (42%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (70%), sets off warning lights on the dash (51%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (6%). The typical report comes at 45,133 miles.

How many recalls does the 2012 Jeep Liberty have?

2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 10, 2017. The largest, 13V282000, covered 442,320 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2012 Jeep Liberty problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 50,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 45,133 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2012 Jeep Liberty?

Yes, 6 times. The latest, EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture"), was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2012 Jeep Liberty?

The manufacturer filed 110 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (22), the body and frame (16) and the seats (9). They include a warranty extension, 23-028-20 REV. A, filed Dec 5, 2020. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 10, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.