CarComplaints.com Notes: On August 16th, 2012 Jeep stopped production of the the Jeep Liberty, marking the end of a troublesome journey for the SUV.

All in all, the 2012 Liberty actually excels off-road, but since 99% of drivers never take this thing off pavement, that becomes somewhat of a moot point. The Liberty suffers from the worst fuel economy in its class (16/22 MPG) and offers an uncomfortable ride with suspect braking ability.

6.9

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$520
Average Mileage:
53,150 miles
Total Complaints:
19 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (10 reports)
  2. needs new module (6 reports)
  3. replaced orc module (2 reports)
  4. need clockspring (1 reports)
2012 Jeep Liberty seat belts / air bags problems

seat belts / air bags problem

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2012 Jeep Liberty Owner Comments

problem #19

Jan 112020

Liberty Sport 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,850 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I've owned many vehicles but this 2012 Jeep Liberty is the first one that I'm experiencing with Airbag light "ON". It's very annoying and unsafe. I had it checked out and the dealer wanted to replaced the ORC module out of my expense. I'm short on budget at the moment and would need to wait out until I have the funds to fix. I'm hoping there will be a recall on this issue soon.

- Thinh T., Glendale, AZ, US

problem #18

Nov 082018

Liberty Limited 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Warning started and I expect will be repaired under recall T56.

Update from Jan 27, 2019:

I coordinated with the official Chrysler workshop in Buenos Aires and the recall was made N38 and T56. Successful repair.

- Jorge B., Veronica, Argentina

problem #17

Nov 012016

Liberty

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Airbag light continuously on. Taking it to dealer to see if the recall will fix it.

- njmm, Clifton, US

problem #16

Jun 272017

Liberty 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,700 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

airbag light on

Bought this 2012 Jeep Liberty in June of 2016 and has had nothing but problems since the first few weeks. Since buying it, there have only been a total of 2 weeks that everything has been how it should. It has been hit 3 times(two which were hit and runs), windshield cracked, air conditioning has gone out, radio lights are not lit up all the time, power windows are faulty, and now the air bag light has gone on. I am done with this jeep. Bought it for my fiancé after how much I love my 2007 Jeep Compass and completely regret it. I had become faithful to Jeep but this has been bad enough that I will not buy another one.

- Sam H., Menomonee Falls, WI, US

problem #15

Jul 222016

Liberty Limited Arctic V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

After reviewing the complaints on the Liberty I found that the occupant restraint control module seems like a problem that Jeep is having. This is a SAFETY ISSUE and I feel as if this should be covered and for not the buyer to be responsible for.

- Elizabeth D., Tiverton, RI, US

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problem #14

Sep 012016

Liberty Latitude V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

As so many others with a 2012 Jeep Liberty, my airbag warning light came on. Took it in for the head restraint recall and was told it would not fix the warning light problem. It would probably need a new module. After doing some extensive research it would appear that this is a ridiculously common problem that was covered in a recall on the 2011 model. This seems pretty sketchy to me. Chrysler needs to fix the issue and stop trying to brush it under the rug.

- Brenda N., Roanoke, TX, US

problem #13

Oct 012015

Liberty

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I also went for the recall of the head rest ??? That I never knew about. The air bag light was on and I asked them if that was what the recall was for ? oh NO... Replaced ORC module $ 260.70 Labor $ 375.00. Not happy .. this is the 2nd Jeep Liberty I purchased because I liked the 1st one so much. I will never buy a Jeep product again.

- Robin B., Glen Burnie, MD, US

problem #12

Oct 302015

Liberty JET V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles

Airbag light came on in our 2012 Jeep Liberty about the same time a recall (N38) was issued. Great I thought, hopefully this will fix this annoying light. Went to the dealership on 11/5/2015, they said a part had to be ordered and they would call when it came in. December, after the holidays, I called the dealership asking if the part came in.. they said no and they would call. January I called the dealership and got the same answer.. no and they would call.

March I called and did not get a person but got the voicemail of the service manager and I left a detailed message... I did not get a call back. I contacted FCA recall center via emails and was told to call the dealership again to set up an appointment. So I did, took my vehicle in this morning and just got a call from the dealership that the recall was just for a flash of the ocr module and it would not fix the airbag light. To fix the airbag light it would cost about $400.

We are retired and on a fixed income and $400 was not an option at this time. We have owned this vehicle since brand new, it has less than 40,000 miles on it. And from everything I am reading about complaints on this vehicle it is a common problem. FCA has recalled and replaced the ocr module on some of their other vehicles just not this one. I hope nothing happens until we can afford to have this problem fixed or until FCA bucks up and fixes their defective product.

- Patrice A., DEARBORN, MI, US

problem #11

Apr 112015

Liberty Limited 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,000 miles

I got this 2012 Jeep Liberty 4x4 limited brand new and after two and half years of owning the car the airbag light came on. The mileage was about 39000. I have taken the car to the dealership they said nothing can be done because the warranty is up. This car has never been in accident. I don't know why they can't just fix the problem when it's obvious it's a problem with the car, not something I did. No car should have issues with airbags specially when it's not an older car.

- jdo, Imperial Beach, CA, US

problem #10

Feb 272015

Liberty Sport 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

In February of 2015 after having routine maintenance to my vehicle completed my Air Bag light comes on, power door locks stopped working, and the rear wiper quit working. At first the dealership said that the TIPM module had failed. After looking at it a second time they realized the OCR and the TIPM had actually failed.

We find out that there is a recall which is supposed to cover the airbag but we had no luck with it. After pulling up the recall the Service Manager tells me I have the same problem as the 2011 KK models but since I have a 2012 KK model the recall only covers re-flashing the TIPM. After arguing it out with the Jeep Recall center for 2 days I am finally told by a manager that "since the Government (NHTSA) did not require them to replace the module they wouldn't. Regardless of whether the problem was the same as the 2011 model". I had the TIPM replaced first and all the other systems were still alive except for the OCR. Then had the OCR replaced and all the issues with the truck are now gone after spending a grand total of $1,400.

After doing a bit of research into this problem I am convinced that the defective OCR is the Root Cause of Failure with the TIPM and have seen this problem in multiple complaints. I am completely shocked at this type of attitude towards consumers and their reluctance to repair systems they know are poorly engineered. I work for an electronics OEM and we would never take this stance with a consumer when we know its our fault. Chrysler has lost an entire family of loyal customers which have religiously bought their products for over 25 years.

- dbro1977, Locust Grove, VA, US

problem #9

Nov 212014

Liberty Limitted

  • Manual transmission
  • 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At around 40k miles the airbag light came on and stayed on in my 2012 Jeep Liberty. When I took it to get inspected it failed inspection due to the light and I was told I would have to go to the jeep dealer to get it fixed. The jeep dealer told me it was a problem with the ORC Module and it would cost $650 to replace. Chrysler recalled the ORC Module on the 2011 model JS vehicles, 2011 and 2012 model KA vehicles, 2011 model KK (Liberty) vehicles, but it has not yet been recalled on the 2012 KK model vehicles. Based on the number of complaints I am sure that it will eventually be recalled on the 2012 Liberty, but until then we are forced to pay the $650 repair cost since the car will not pass inspection without it.

Chrysler installed a faulty part into their new vehicles that would cause the vehicle to fail inspection and forcing you to repair something that only they have the ability to diagnose and repair.

- Cory H., Leesburg, VA, US

problem #8

Aug 102015

Liberty Jet Edition Limited 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,520 miles

This is a problem and Chrysler knows it. They get you to come in for the recall then tell you it will cost 400 dollars to repair. What is causing the light to stay on? This Jeep has less than 40,000 miles on it. It is a faulty part and they should be held liable for the repairs and stop ripping people off that paid top dollar for this junk.

- elc4e, Hiram, US

problem #7

Nov 152014

Liberty

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

Shortly after Chrysler/Jeep dealership flashed update for active head restraints, the air bag light lit up. Was advised that airbag clock spring needs replaced. Will cost in excess of $400. Had same problem on 99 Grand Caravan and 08 Wrangler which both eventually had safety recalls for the problem.

- William R., Stout, OH, US

problem #6

Feb 012015

Liberty Sport 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,700 miles

I purchased my 2012 Jeep Liberty (Certified) in October 2014 - and it has less than 16K miles on it. I put my pocket book and a vegetable platter in the passenger seat and the airbag light came on and has stayed on since then. I am not sure if the light is on because of the passenger side airbag or drivers side. Either way - it is a certified vehicle and low miles... why on earth is the light on. Has there been a recall for this? I don't have the time or patience to deal with issues - especially on such a new purchase.

- katerinak, Miller Place, NY, US

problem #5

Aug 172014

Liberty Latitude 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles

What the f@*!, seriously another Jeep problem. I payed so much money for this Jeep and now I have to think about getting a small import. The dealer says it can only be fixed on a week day and I, like most people, have to work during these times for it to be fixed. I read a lot of info online of people having same problems and its costs over 350 bucks, that Chrysler does not pay for it at all. That money comes out of your pocket. Not a recall yet.

You should make a complaint at 1 888 327 4236. Have your vin number with you when you call. Maybe another recall is due with this company. Just fix my problem free of charge. It's time the news gets out.

I no longer recommend Jeep to anyone.

- Stanley L., Coram, NY, US

problem #4

Nov 012014

Liberty 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,500 miles

WHY AT UNDER 20000 MILES IS AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON ALREADY? WILL IT BLOW UP IN MY FACE WHILE DRIVING OR JUST NOT WORK AT ALL IF I WERE TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT? PRETTY SCARY! JUST HAPPENED THIS EVENING. CAME ON THEN WENT OFF FOR FEW MINUTES AND BACK ON AGAIN.

- boonedoe, TAYLOR, MI, US

problem #3

Jun 242014

Liberty

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,800 miles

Should be considered a major issue and investigated. Do authorities need to wait for fatalities to occur as a result of "gross negligence"? That is what it boils down to when a company does not take the necessary steps to fix the issue when first identified. Instead they try hide behind lawyers and politics to avoid paying a cent and keeping as many pennies as they can.

Do a search online and you will find so many issues being reported about this problem on the Jeep Liberty 2012. Drove my BMW to 120K miles and never an issue with the seats, airbags etc.Chrysler needs to step up and fix these problems.

I had 2 accidents, the air bag did not deploy. First accident result in serious injury to my Hand, arm shoulder. Hand literally went into the steering wheel (center horn area) as steering wheel was shaking back and forth from direct impact to tire pushing me to left lane on the freeway.

- oocampo, Costa Mesa, CA, US

problem #2

Sep 182013

Liberty JET V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

So my 2012 Jeep Liberty Jet has been okay despite a few issues such as the fabulous UConnect Nav module taking a dumper and the replacement was no better so that had to be changed. Hey, stuff happens right?... Overall it has been a nice vehicle with a giant Sky Slider sunroof, which helps me get over the sh*tty gas mileage, right?

Here's what sucks... I take the vehicle to the dealer for servicing. I take great care of the vehicle and is it too much to ask Jeep to take care of me when the POS airbag module takes a dumper at 52k miles? You would think with a safety item like the airbag, Jeep would stand behind it and fix it for me since the car is less than 24 months old and mileage has nothing to do with why the sensor should crap out.... The whole conversation was ridiculous. They basically said... "Dude you are F'd... Hope you don't crash and your kids don't die because the airbags won't blow up..." They didn't even offer me a straw to manually inflate them if I crash"....

The whole experience could have gone an entirely different direction. Really Jeep? It's worth losing a customer for life over a $3hundie dollar part that is a safety item that should never break in the first place? It's not just me they will lose... They will lose all my friends, family, etc when I tell them Jeep would not stand behind their product when a safety item failed.

What does that tell consumers....? I know what it tells them... It shouts.. "BUY Hyundai, or Honda, or buy a Specialized bike, but whatever you do.... DON'T BUY A JEEP!

- Andy V., Poway, CA, US

problem #1

Oct 222013

Liberty LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,845 miles

Airbag light came on without warning and stays on while driving.

- Thomas A., Rocklin, CA, US

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