Model year guide

2012 Jeep Patriot

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Jeep Patriot is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 225 on record.

2012 Jeep Patriot — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Jeep Patriot at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints353
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$10,774

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Jeep Patriot recalls 4

Seat Belts:pretensioner NHTSA Campaign #16V668000 · 15/09/2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbe…

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #13V120000 · 03/04/2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's re…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #12V142000 · 03/04/2012

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.

Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Air Bags:side/window NHTSA Campaign #13V233000 · 04/06/2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Jeep Patriot common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 353 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2012 Jeep Patriot MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,607

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Jeep Patriot worth?

Low
$7,450
Typical price
$10,774
High
$13,700

From 225 comparable 2012 Jeep Patriot listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Jeep Patriot costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,035
Depreciation (5 yrs)$5,500
Total$18,535
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($10,774) with the same model 5 model-years older ($5,272), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Jeep Patriot trims & engines on record

Trims
Sport · Latitude · Limited
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl

2012 Jeep Patriot vehicles on record

Other Jeep Patriot model years

2012 Jeep Patriot — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Jeep Patriot have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 Jeep Patriot. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Patriot?

Based on 353 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system, power train, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Jeep Patriot get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Jeep Patriot at about 24 mpg combined (22 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2012 Jeep Patriot worth?

Comparable 2012 Jeep Patriot listings run roughly $7,450–$13,700, typically around $10,774 (from 225 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.