CarComplaints.com Notes: Poor side crash test ratings from the IIHS are really no surprise.

8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,330
Average Mileage:
53,200 miles
Total Complaints:
50 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace tipm (29 reports)
  2. not sure (10 reports)
  3. replace the TIPM (9 reports)
  4. clock spring replaced (1 reports)
  5. repair wiring harness (1 reports)
2012 Jeep Wrangler electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Jeep Wrangler Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #50

Jun 152021

Wrangler COD 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

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

I have loved my wrangler until now. At 100,000 it started doing this thing where sometimes it will crank, then shut off. To get it actually start I have to turn it off and back on. Had a mechanic look at it, and he said oh your horn is bad... Well, so is the a/c and it has not been working well. He says, well it's not the starter or alternator. Of course, the Jeep doesn't do it in his time working on it. Now it's doing it again randomly. When I go to start, it sometimes just cranks but not starts.

- Krista M., Memphis, TN, US

problem #49

May 242020

Wrangler Sport V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 76,000 miles

I've had my Jeep Wrangler Sport 2012 for about 2 years. I've driven it cross country and its been great to have however it has always been electrically quirky. Yesterday it refused to turn on, the dash went dead, the starter wouldn't work, then the dash totally illuminated with all lights turning on, then fading. It would not respond to a jump. Had to have it towed to my house.

In the past, the wipers would randomly got crazy and all the dash lights would fade out while the headlights and signals would not respond. I read on a forum how to reset my computer by disconnecting the negative charge on my battery, waiting 15 minutes then pumping the breaks which usually worked but found it strange to have to do it so often. No mechanics have been able to diagnose it.

It seems that there are thousands of cases about this being an issue with this year of Wrangler but Chrysler refuses to acknowledge it. I've had Jeeps in my family for decades.

Mid-pandemic, dealing with an expensive car repair a recall should fix and pay for is enraging.

- Cristina V., Ventura, CA, US

problem #48

Mar 092020

Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,000 miles

Started as door locks not working to no start unless you hit the tipm. Would love to just replace it but it is on nationwide back order it sounds like it's a big problem with Jeeps an told at the dealership that just be glad that it doesn't just shut off on you but it's not under recall for the Wrangler.

- Mark S., Mount Pleasant Mills, PA, US

problem #47

May 162019

Wrangler Linited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,030 miles

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

Sudden loss of power from Alternator, Radio reboot, loss of AC. Vehicle staggered for a moment then continued on battery power. Low speed with each happening = TIPM is getting hot and faulting.

- Justin B., Katy, TX, US

problem #46

Jun 302018

Wrangler Sport 6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

We have had problems with our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport since we bought it. It's been in dealer many times and they have replaced so much, but it stumps them. About a month now it is back to it again. We can wiggle the starter relay in the fuse panel and it will start. We keep telling the dealer but they don't listen. I know that there is something wrong with the fuse panel box and Chrysler needs to step up and fix this problem.

- Bert H., Nahunta, GA, US

problem #45

Sep 202018

Wrangler Unlimited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

So fed up with this Jeep...2012..so excited to purchase my 2nd Jeep. First week, air conditioner goes out spontaneously while driving. Does this every now and then but I let it go. 2018 and the piece of sh*t has gone crazy. Dash lights coming on, wipers come on when I give a right turn signal, radio cuts off, air still shutting off while driving. Last week, going to the store and the Jeep doesn't crank...dead...completely. Heard a ticking under the hood near the fuse box, pound the fuse box, the ticking stops. Jeep cranks up but no radio, nothing, dead. Another company where the fat cats keep getting rich and those of us working our asses off keep shoveling out hard earned cash for their piece of crap product. I knew something was up in 2012...just didn't seem right. It was brand new, straight off the truck. Very disappointed.

- Angela J., Fuquay Varina, NC, US

problem #44

Sep 032018

Wrangler Sport 3.6L V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 47,923 miles

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

Cannot use 2012 Jeep Wrangler because exterior lights and directionals do not work. The estimate to replace the tipm (fuse box) is over $1000.00 USD. I have been told this is a common problem and a defect, yet I am supposed to pay for the repairs. Not fair. Too much money.

- IJS I., Stoneham, MA, US

problem #43

Nov 302016

Wrangler Unlimited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,175 miles

The front winter washer does not work, but the rear works. The electronic lock does not work, but the unlock works, the high beams do not work.

- yywcomic, Burnaby, Canada

problem #42

Jul 012017

Wrangler Sahara 3.6V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

There are multiple issues/problems with the electrical components that from my research online are common enough that they should be fixed under a recall.

- Mitch A., West Long Branch, US

problem #41

May 162017

Wrangler Sahara 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,213 miles

Check engine light came on, drove to nearest auto parts store with a code reader. As I arrived the overheating alarm went off. Checked code cooling fan or circuit. Since I was towing the vehicle and we were on the road I immediately contacted a Jeep dealer first one acted uninterested when I said something about an extended warranty The second one was very responsive I could Drive the vehicle without AC and no stop and go traffic

They did not honor my warranty rental requirement. They replace the fan did not test drive as mileage in and out were identical Overheat happened again no AC and stop and go driving kept in business until July 17th. Second dealer charged me 89.95 said the first dealer didn’t properly burp the radiator and that they added a half gallon of coolant and sent me on my way. At this point I knew it wasn’t fixed but traveling and minimal driving in traffic being required. I waited until I got to Farmington NM Advantage Dodge Chrysler Jeep there was a very familiar place as I lived and worked there for 25 plus years. Called ahead explained the problem and took my Jeep in on 8/7 they kept it until the 10th replaced the TIPM problem solved

Until yesterday 11/5 Fog lights blink for turn signals, no front turn signals, sound like the new TIPM less than 90 days in service is doing it again

- bmwpig, Glendale, US

problem #40

Sep 052017

Wrangler

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

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

9/4/17 while driving home, I noticed I could not control the radio with the steering wheel controls, no big deal.

9/5/17 pulling my jeep out of the garage 5 15 am no headlights, no tail lights , no brake lights, no blinkers.

How can this possibly not be covered under a National Recall?? I have been a Jeep driver for 20 years, currently own 3, Never been more disappointed in all my days as to the product being passed off as a JEEP now. I owned a Toyota FJ for 5 years.... guessing might be time to go check out the 4 Runners. I hate that JEEP now stands for .. J.ust E.mpty E.very P.ocket

- tigredy, Broken Arrow, US

problem #39

Jul 142016

Wrangler Sport 3.6L

  • Manual transmission
  • 40,000 miles

2012 Jeep Wrangler with 40000 miles. Started overheating. Had towed to dealer. Dealer diagnosed bad fan and fan mod. $1000.

After installing fan, dealer said Tim was bad. Another $1000.

- Billy S., Aurora, CO, US

problem #38

Oct 032016

Wrangler Rubicon 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,850 miles

This all started when I had the Calibration done for the larger tires. The transmission acted like it was not going into the proper gear while driving, a week or so later the A/C unit would shut off for a few seconds and come back on. Still had the transmission problems not shifting correctly, Then the wiper motor would come on intermittently (Transmission, A/C and Wiper Motor not working Correctly).

I have gone to the dealership to see if they could identify the problem. A service tech without question he says it is the TIPM, without computer diagnostic's. I asked what the cost would be and I was told over $1400.00.

So I took the Jeep home to clean the connections on the TIPM. "Clean and reinstalled". Now the Transmission, wipers and A/C unit seem to be working, but the Left Turn Signal now flashes very rapidly.

If Chrysler knew about the problems with the TIPM why are they not replacing them with no cost to the customer. I have talked with new owners and previous owners of Jeeps. They have said when the problems started the sold them with out question.

- Charles D., Huntsville, US

problem #37

Dec 152016

Wrangler JK 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

A few months ago, our fob would only unlock the driver side door. After getting in, all other doors need to be unlocked manually (the door button doesn't do anything). I finally brought it into my mechanic and he diagnosed it as the TIPM and said it would be about $1100 to fix. In addition to this, I apparently need a brake fluid flush, new lug nut bolt (since one rusted and fell of), and new rear brakes. I'm baffled as to why a vehicle with only 43,000 miles on it would have these issues. The next time someone asks me if I like my Jeep, I don't think I can tell them yes - especially after hearing other peoples TIPM issues...

- Dan M., Libertyville, US

problem #36

Mar 012017

Wrangler Sport 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,448 miles

Starter runs on after engine is running when it's cold .

- Jim C., Windsor Junction, Canada

problem #35

Jan 012015

Wrangler Sport 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,603 miles

No wipers, no fog lights, no radio, no abs, no traction control, no cruise control.

- Mark O., Halifax, NS, Canada

problem #34

Feb 012017

Wrangler Rubicon 3.6L V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 83,614 miles

The washer fluid stopped spraying, and the power door locks are not working for now. Middle of winter I'd rather hook a Supersoaker up to it and lock the doors manually than pay $1100 rro a sh*tty part.

- Brenden G., Port Elgin, ON, Canada

problem #33

Jan 182017

Wrangler Unlimited 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,684 miles

This jeep has been great until we found out that they have TIPM problems. Almost completely wrecked out ride. Not to mention the stress of the death wobbles and never knowing what it's going to drive like today. It's costing us over $3000 to fix it! I really wish Jeep would do something for this make and model to help us out!

- penguingrad07, Fairbanks, AK, US

problem #32

Jun 102016

Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

Jeep went haywire. Went into limp mode. Away bar wouldn't disconnect or reconnect if disconnected. Loss of power. Intermittent air conditioner failure. Stalling while idle. Stalling while driving. Dealing with the dealer was a complete joke. They had the jeep for 3 weeks and didn't do anything until I showed up ranting and screaming to finish. Wondering if they even replaced the tipm they charged me for.

- Sara S., Yucaipa, CA, US

problem #31

Sep 092016

Wrangler X 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

The TIPM is an on going issue with Jeep and Chrysler vehicles. Most of the jeep vehicles in 2012 were recalled due to the TIPM issues but not the wrangler. I got in my jeep and everything was fine until I turned the key. ALL the lights on my dash stated flashing but would not do anything else. This happed after 4 years and 35K miles. I have open a case with Jeep customer care and now awaiting a case worker to call me. I dont expect them to do much of anything because I am out of the basic warranty. However if enough people call about this issue maybe they will finally acknowledge the issue is also with the Wrangler .

- Jason R., Smyrna, TN, US

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