MotorDeets

2012 Jeep Liberty: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2012 Jeep Liberty: 2 recalls, 385 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
385owner complaints
19mention a crash
18best combined mpg
2012 Jeep Liberty
Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags, Electrical Vehicle recall #13V282000 · 2013 · 442,320 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

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

The fix: 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.

Seats, Airbags Vehicle recall #17V640000 · 2017 · 363,930 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

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

The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the orc as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 14 mention a fire, 34 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags169
Electrical117
Engine44
Transmission & drivetrain34
Other / unknown31
Body & structure24
Exterior lights20
Seats16

What owners describe

The 2012 Jeep Liberty has 385 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 13 Liberty model years for complaints (well below the 683 average). Complaints peaked in 2017 (62 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 49,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (181 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.7 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive162218Regular
3.7 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive152117Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Jeep Liberty.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2012 Jeep Liberty manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2012 Jeep Liberty manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2012 Jeep Liberty manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2012 Jeep Liberty manual

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FAQ

Does the 2012 Jeep Liberty have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Jeep Liberty. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2012 Jeep Liberty problems?

Owners have filed 385 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (169), electrical (117), engine (44).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Jeep Liberty get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2012 Jeep Liberty repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Liberty years

2000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012